Box Score CLARKSDALE – Northwest had its best offensive output of the season and held Coahoma to just 37 yards in the second half as they picked up their first win of the season, 38-23, on Thursday night. 

Northwest improved to 37-2 all-time against the Tigers and 37-7 in division play in its last 44 games.

Brad LaPlante also picked up his first career win with the Rangers as they went to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the north. Coahoma fell to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in the north.

"It was a great team victory and I'm very proud of our staff," LaPlante said. "But we still had to battle some adversity with a few injuries. We had a great defensive second half, a strong running game and great performance by Damian Baker and our entire offense."  

Coahoma took the opening drive of the game 82 yards on 13 plays over 6:07 and quickly took a 7-0 lead when Quaintavous Peterson connected with Kshun Evans for a 26-yard touchdown on 4th-and-8. 

It took exactly 28 seconds for the Rangers to respond, as Marcel Newson took the ensuing kickoff 91 yards for a score, the 11th-longest return in single-game history. 

Northwest made it 14-7 on its next possession after forcing a three-and-out, driving 65 yards on just two plays, aided by three Tiger penalties. Baker capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, his first of three on the night. Josh Hamilton opened the drive with a 35-yard reception to put the Rangers in scoring position.

Coahoma tied it at 14-14 on its second drive of the second quarter, as Peterson connected with Evans for a second time from 22 yards out.

Again, it took just one play for Northwest to respond, with Baker racing 83 yards for a touchdown to put the Rangers back on top 21-14. The 83-yard run is the 7th-longest in single-game history. 

After Coahoma pulled it within 21-17 on Cody Spears' 35-yard field goal, Northwest put together its best drive of the night to take a 28-17 lead at the half. The drive was 10 plays, 90 yards over 3:07.

Baker's 70-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the third gave Northwest a 35-17 lead and a little breathing room before Coahoma scored midway through the quarter to make it 35-23 Rangers after three.

Boone Frederick connected on a 32-yard field goal to start the fourth and cap the scoring. 

Northwest outgained Coahoma 395-263 on the night, paced by Baker's 16 carries for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Karsten Miller was 16-for-23 for 185 yards and a TD and connected with seven different receivers on the night. D'Montrise Swinney led the way with five grabs for 69 yards and a score.

Defensively, Terrell White and Joshua Barry had eight tackles apiece, while Joseph Phillips added seven. Barry also added 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a half a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. 

Northwest will try and build on the momentum next Thursday night, welcoming Northeast (1-2, 1-0) to Senatobia for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. The game is tabbed as an Armed Forces Appreciation Game. 

Watch live at www.njcaatv.com/nwccrangers with Graham Doty and John Darnell on the call.