Former Pearl River Central standout Seth Hayden is closing in on a milestone for Pearl River Community College.

As the Wildcats leave today to travel to Mt. Pleasant, Texas for the National juco Championship game against Blinn College on Saturday, Hayden leads the Wildcats’ ground game with 874 yards on 155 carries and is 126 yards shy of becoming Pearl River’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 1993.

Hayden has scored 16 touchdowns (14 rush, two receiving) and a two-point conversion for a MACJC-best 98 points.

“Seth comes to play 100 percent every time we take the field,” PRCC head coach Tim Hatten said. “He got banged up a bit earlier in the season, but he’s got a set of fresh legs under him now and has been looking great in practice. Seth’s going to be fine come Saturday.”

Hayden tries to keep opposing defenses honest with his rushing prowess and keeps defenders from keying on the potent Wildcat passing attack.

Hayden had his sixth 100-yard game of the year against Northwest in the state semifinals with 105 yards on 22 carries. His rushing total is the ninth-highest total in PRCC history.  “Seth’s another one that comes to play every week,” Hatten added. “He’s got a chance of becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher since I’ve been here and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he achieves that.”

If Hayden is able to crack the magical 1,000 yard rushing plateau, he will add his name to the list of potent Pearl River County runners this season.

Hayden would be the fourth back in the county to eclipse the 1,000 yard barrier, joining Picayune’s Albert Richard, Poplarville’s Ike Bowden and Pearl River Central’s Ram Miller in the elite class.

Richard actually ran for over 2,000 yards for the Maroon Tide, while Bowden rushed for over 1,300 for the Hornets as each led their respective teams to the Class 4A state playoffs.

Miller, a transfer for Chalmette, La., High, wasted no time in making his mark locally as well, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the Blue Devils in his only season with the team.

Hayden looks to join the class Saturday.