POPLARVILLE – Northwest raced out to a 27-0 lead in the second quarter, highlighted by Turner Rotenberry's 31-yard interception return for a touchdown and Chris Stamps' 58-yard blocked field goal return for a score, and never looked back en route to a 34-21 road victory over Pearl River Thursday night at Dobie Holden Stadium.

Northwest (1-0), who had its season-opener against Hinds declared a no-contest a week ago, won their fourth straight over PRCC, who fell to 1-1 after an upset over Northeast last week.

After the first two Ranger scores came by way of the defense and special teams, the offense responded with back-to-back scoring drives in the second quarter to make it a four touchdown lead. 

Jack Abraham hit Jerrick Orr for a 12-yard touchdown to cap a six-play, 84-yard drive, and Quarderman Sloan scurried in from eight yards out to cap a 56 second scoring drive thanks to great starting field position.

PRCC was able to get on the scoreboard with minutes left in the first half, stringing together an eight-play, 90-yard drive, capped off by a 52-yard touchdown toss in stride from Justin Agner to Tyler Polk.

The Wildcats cut the deficit in half, 27-14, with 3:46 left in the third quarter, as Caleb Batie found paydirt from 12 yards out.

A quick answer from the Rangers in just 2:19 put the game out of reach. Kevin Perkins scored his first collegiate touchdown from 15 yards out to cap a six-play, 70-yard drive and stretch the lead to 34-14.

Agner's 48-yard touchdown strike to Malcom Staten with 7:22 left to play provided the final score of the night.

Northwest outgained PRCC 408-375 but was just 3-of-7 in the red zone.

Abraham finished 16-for-25 for 211 yards, a touchdown and an interception in his collegiate debut, completing 13 of his final 17 attempts and connecting with seven different receivers. Orr had a team-high 67 yards receiving and a score, followed by Pro Wells (3-45), Cole Rotenberry (3-35) and JaVonta Payton (3-28).

Perkins led four Ranger running backs with 15 carries for 71 yards and a score, while Monta Thomas had 60 yards, Sloan had 31 and a touchdown and Billy Kimble added 31 in the fourth quarter. 

Agner was 16-of-35 for 240 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. His favorite target was Polk who had a game-high 101 yards and a score.

Defensively, Northwest finished with eight tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two interceptions. Joshua Norwood and Keith Brown Jr. led the way with eight and seven tackles, respectively. Tariqious Tisdale had two of the Rangers' three sacks.

Northwest will travel to Itawamba (0-2) on Thursday, Sept. 14 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Rangers lead the all-time series 38-25-1 and have won eight of the last nine meetings.