Box Score SENATOBIA – The top-ranked East Mississippi Lions scored 25 first quarter points and never looked back in a 49-0 shutout win over Northwest Thursday night at Bobby Franklin Field.

East Mississippi improved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in the north with its 20th consecutive win. Northwest fell to 3-5 overall and 3-2 in the north but can clinch a playoff spot with a win at Coahoma next week.

Northwest forced EMCC to punt on its opening possession, but William Lloyd stepped in front of Kyle Morgan's pass on the Rangers' first play from scrimmage to give the Lions an early 6-0 lead.

The Lions scored on their next five drives and the lead was 35-0 at half. 

The Rangers' only scoring threat came with just over 4 minutes left in the half, driving down to the EMCC 5-yard line but coming up short on a 4th-and-2 attempt to turn it over on downs.

Northwest's opening drive of the second half was another positive one, taking it to the 23-yard line of EMCC before an interception thrown by Morgan at the 9-yard line. 

EMCC capitalized on the turnover and quickly went 59 yards on 7 plays, capped by Chad Kelly's 4-yard touchdown run, to make it 42-0 after three quarters.

DJ Law scored the game's final points on a 1-yard touchdown run to make the final 49-0.

EMCC outgained Northwest 447-142 to post its fourth consecutive shutout of the season.

Kelly finished 24-of-45 for 236 yards and three scores, including a rushing touchdown. The Lions ran for 199 yards, led by Kelly and Law with 60 yards apiece and a touchdown.

Justin Crawford, the state's leading rusher, had 18 carries for 79 yards to put him at 1,037 on the season in just seven games. He also had a highlight-reel, 24-yard reception in the second quarter.

Defensively, Malik Hawkins (12), Terry Caldwell (11) and Fred Garth Jr. (10) all had double digit tackles.

Northwest will close out the regular season at Coahoma on Thursday, Oct. 23. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.