ELLISVILLE – It was about everything one would expect when Jones County Junior College meets Pearl River Community College, especially on the eve of Halloween.

In a game that featured 95 passes, a 107-yard play and twists and turns all afternoon, the Wildcats finally prevailed 24-21 in double overtime when Travis Bradley booted a 39-yard field goal. The kick ended the 3 hour, 40 minute contest, which left fans of both schools on the edge of their seats in the 80th annual ‘Catfight.’

The loss concludes a disappointing, 2-7 season for the Bobcats. JCJC ends up 0-6 in South Division.

The victory was bittersweet for the Wildcats. They end the season at 6-3 overall, 5-1 in the division, but missed out on the playoffs because of the tiebreakers.

Co-Lin will be the top seed out of the South Division and will host East Mississippi on Nov. 6 in the opening round of the playoffs. Gulf Coast, by virtue of its 63-24 victory over Hinds Saturday, will be the No. 2 seed and travel to unbeaten Northwest.

The Bobcats had a chance to win at the end of regulation when defensive end Ryan Robinson hit Pearl River quarterback Melvin German as he threw the ball. Defensive back Leslie Agee came up with a diving interception at his own 34-yard line with 1:48 left. JCJC moved quickly downfield and got to the Wildcat 13. Dylan Sobiesk then attempted a 30-yard field on the final play of regulation, but it was off to the left.

In the first overtime, the JCJC defense held Pearl River on downs.

The Bobcats then got the ball and moved to a first down at the Pearl River 6-yard line. On second and goal at the 3, however, running back Justin Gaines was hit and fumbled the ball into the end zone where Alton Bailey recovered for the Wildcats.

JCJC then took possession to start the second overtime and moved to the PRCC 8. On fourth down, Sobiesk attempted a 25-yard field goal, but it was blocked.

The Wildcats then took over and gained just 3 yards on three plays.

But Bradley answered the call, booting the game-winning field goal.

The game started mildly and neither team was able to score in the opening quarter.

Pearl River had a great chance to break on top after they blocked a Bobcat punt and returned it all the way to the JCJC 1-yard line. But the Bobcat defense held the Wildcats to zero yards on the next four plays and took possession.

The Bobcats were finally able to break the ice early in the second quarter when they drove 54 yards in seven plays. Quarterback Tromarcus Toney found Kylan Pollard on a 10-yard scoring strike over the middle. Sobiesk’s extra point made it 7-0 with 10:33 left in the first half.

JCJC threatened to add to the lead when Toney found Pollard for a 66-yard pass on their next possession. But Pollard fumbled at the PRCC 8-yard line and Otha Foster recovered for the Wildcats. PRCC then moved out to near midfield, but Bobcat linebacker Jerrell Gandy would intercept a pass at his own 38 and return it to the Wildcat 49 to end the drive.

But two possessions later, the Wildcats would score.

They drove 73 yards in four plays with German connecting with Seth Roberts for a 32-yard scoring strike. Bradley’s extra point made it 7-7 with 3:59 left in the first half.

Then came a huge play right at the end of the half.

The Bobcats lined up to attempt a 56-yard field with 2.7 seconds showing on the clock. Sobiesk’s effort came up short, but PRCC’s Steve McNair Jr. caught the ball seven yards deep in the end zone and elected to run it out.

It proved to be a good decision because he would carry it all the way to the other end zone, 107 yards for a touchdown. Bradley’s kick gave Pearl River a 14-7 halftime lead before the stunned home crowd.

But the Bobcats would use a big return to get right back in the game in the third quarter.

PRCC was driving, but cornerback Antonio Parker would step in front of a Wildcat receiver, pick off a German pass and race 85 yards for a touchdown. However, Sobiesk’s extra point attempt was no good and Pearl River led 14-13 with 8:36 left in the third quarter. But the Bobcats would eventually take the lead. After Bradley missed a 48-yard field goal, JCJC took over and drove 69 yards in just four plays.  A 59-yard pass from Toney to Deuce Coon was the big play of the drive.

Saturday’s contest epitomized the tough luck season for JCJC. They had numerous opportunities to win, but could not come up with the big play. Their seven losses were by a combined 33 points and their largest margin of defeat was 24-14 to East Central.

Pearl River now leads the series 41-37-2.