Northwest Mississippi Community College Men's Football

Benjy Parker, the 2017 MACJC North Division Coach of the Year and 2024 and 2025 MACCC Coach of the Year, is entering his 21st season as a junior college football coach and his 11th as the head coach of the Rangers. In 28 seasons overall as a collegiate coach, Parker has been a part of four national championships with three different programs in Jones County, Butler (Kan.) and Northwest, and coached in 13 bowl games, along with guiding the Rangers to appearances in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs in four of the last five seasons. Since being promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach on Feb. 17, 2016, Parker has guided Northwest to five straight MACJC/MACCC title games (seven total), two bowl game appearances, a 85-23 overall record and a 52-8 mark in conference play.  Parker’s .787 winning percentage currently ranks as the best all-time for a Northwest head coach, slightly above the .772 career win percentage from all-time winningest coach Bobby Ray Franklin (1981-2004). Additionally, Parker holds an .867 winning percentage in conference play. Northwest picked up a pair of convincing wins in 2025 but a loss on the road at East Mississippi put them in a tough position in the North Division. Parker helped to guide the team to eight straight MACCC wins and a second consecutive MACCC and Region 23 title. the season would end in a tough loss to Hutchinson Community College in the NJCAA Division I Playoffs and a 10-2 record for a second straight season. The Rangers sent one of their biggest signing clases in program history to the next level, sending 32 athletes on to four-year programs, one more than the previous best in 2022 when 31 Rangers moved on to four year schools.  After falling in the 2024 season-opener, Parker and the Rangers went on an impressive 10-game winning streak, securing the MACCC North Division title and the MACCC championship. Northwest finished the campaign with a 10-2 overall record, falling in a back-and-forth battle to Iowa Western in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Numerous members of the 2024 team signed to play with four-year programs, including several to the NCAA Division I ranks. Some of the most notable signees included Jakheem Shumpert (Mississippi State), Keshawn Davila (Arkansas), Tyeland Coleman (Florida State) and LaParka Langston (UCF) Northwest finished 7-3 overall in 2023 and made the conference playoffs for the 10th straight season, the longest postseason streak in program history. Additionally, the Rangers also finished No. 13 in the final NJCAA rankings. Three Northwest players finished with NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American accolades: Dylan Spencer (offensive lineman). Charles Thomas (defensive back) and D.J. Burgess (defensive lineman). In 2022, Northwest finished No. 3 in the final NJCAA rankings, capping off an undefeated regular season that ended with a 10-2 overall record. The Rangers fell to East Mississippi in the MACCC Championship game and then fell to Iowa Western in the NJCAA semifinals. Despite falling short of capturing the program's fifth national title, six members of Parker's 2022 squad earned NJCAA All-American recognition, the most in a single season since 1992. Quarterback Ren Hefley earned First Team All-American nods, while offensive lineman Jay Mickle, defensive lineman Jykeveous Hibbler and defensive back Byron "Tank" Pearson earned second team honors. Additionally, receiver D.T. Sheffield and tight end Kevin Diaz were named to Honorable Mention status. Equally as impressive was the amount of Rangers named to All-MACCC and All-Region 23 accolades. A total of 19 players earned all-conference recognition, with 11 of those also earning All-Region 23 honors. Parker also helped send 29 members of the 2022 squad to the four-year level, the most in a single season. Since the 2016 season, 148 Rangers have signed or walked on at four-year schools, with 121 of those joining the Division I level at FBS or FCS programs. Some of the most notable members of the 2022 team to sign to the next level included Hibbler (N.C. State), Sheffield (Washington State), defensive back Stephen Hall (Washington State), Hefley (Middle Tennessee State), linebacker Sam Brumfield (Middle Tennessee State), Diaz (Arkansas State), Pearson (Ohio) and defensive lineman Omar Pew (Utah State). Parker guided the Rangers through highs and lows in 2021, as Northwest went from a No. 2 national ranking to tumbling out of the polls altogether after a 3-2 start to the season. However, the Rangers rebounded nicely and ended the season with four consecutive victories, including two over nationally-ranked opponents. The 4-0 span in October helped push Northwest back into the NJCAA rankings and a second-place regular season finish in the MACCC North Division. Parker's squad carried that success over into the MACCC Playoffs, upsetting a top five Jones College squad on the road, successfully avenging one of the Rangers' earlier two losses. Northwest followed up with a 56-21 rout of Hinds in the MACCC Championship game, earning its second consecutive conference title and a No. 3 national ranking. With its top three ranking, Northwest was selected as one of four participants in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Playoffs, ending the season with a 9-3 overall record after a tough loss to No. 2-ranked New Mexico Military Institute. Despite a challenging and shortened 2020 season (which included several schedule alterations, due to COVID-19), Parker guided Northwest to a 6-0 record, the MACCC North Division title and a 40-13 victory at Mississippi Gulf Coast on December 5, 2020, helping the Rangers cement the MACCC and National Community College Football championships. Earlier in the 2020 season, Parker became the Rangers' second all-time winningest coach after a 26-9 win at Mississippi Delta on November 7. His record of 39-11 overall stands only behind Hall of Fame coach Bobby Franklin's 201-win total. Parker guided Northwest to an 8-3 overall record and the MACJC North Division championship in 2019. The Rangers finished as the MACJC runner-up after falling by three points to top-ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast in the conference title contest. Northwest boasted the MACJC’s No. 1 scoring defense and second-ranked total defense during the 2017 season under Parker and the Rangers are three years removed from breaking a 24-year-old school record with 117 tackles-for-loss and 46 sacks, 7th most in single season school history. Northwest tied the 1992 national championship team with four shutouts during the 2017 season, one shy of a school record, and held seven of its 11 opponents to three touchdowns or less. Parker has coached 60 all-conference players in his first three seasons, 20 NJCAA All-Region 23 players and 10 NJCAA All-Americans. Since taking over as head coach, 92 of his players have signed with four-year programs via Northwest, including an impressive 67 to Division I programs. Prior to Northwest, the Bruce native spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Troy University, one with the defensive secondary and seven coaching linebackers. Parker is well-known in the Mississippi Junior College ranks and proved to be beneficial in recruiting that area for the Trojans. Troy won five consecutive Sun Belt Championships and posted five consecutive 8-win seasons from 2006-10. The Trojans also played in four bowl games in his eight seasons, including winning the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl twice, 41-17 over Rice in 2006 and 48-21 over Ohio in 2010. Prior to his stint at Troy, Parker served as the defensive coordinator at Northeast Mississippi Community College for two seasons (2004-05). At Northeast, Parker helped turn the Tigers into a national powerhouse, and in his final season, the Tigers were ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation and finished with a 7-2 overall record. They played in the Pilgrim’s Pride Bowl against Trinity Valley, the only bowl appearance in program history.  Prior to his two successful seasons at Northeast, Parker spent four seasons as linebackers coach at Butler County Community College in El Dorado, Kan. He coached four NJCAA All-Americans at Butler and helped the Grizzlies to the 2003 NJCAA National Championship.  Parker’s other coaching experience includes spending a summer as a graduate assistant at Louisiana-Monroe in 2000 and two seasons at Jones County Junior College (1998-99) where he helped the Bobcats to a perfect 12-0 record during the 1998 season and NJCAA National Championship. Parker played at Itawamba Community College (1993-94), later earned his bachelor’s in exercise science from Ole Miss (1998) and finished his master’s degree in education at William Carey University (2000). Parker is married to the former Emily Moore of Calhoun County and the couple has one daughter, Mary Hastings (17). THE PARKER FILE YEAR SCHOOL POSITION W-L POSTSEASON 1998 Jones Defensive Line 12-0 NJCAA National Champions 1999 Jones Defensive Line 3-7 2000 Butler CC (KS) Linebackers 10-2 Empire Bowl 2001 Butler CC (KS) Linebackers 10-2 Golden Isles Bowl 2002 Butler CC (KS) Linebackers 10-2 Dixie Rotary Bowl 2003 Butler CC (KS) Linebackers 12-0 NJCAA National Champions 2004 Northeast MS Defensive Cord. 7-3 2005 Northeast MS Defensive Cord. 7-2 Pilgrim's Pride Bowl 2006 Troy Linebackers 8-5 New Orleans Bowl 2007 Troy Linebackers 8-4 2008 Troy Linebackers 8-5 New Orleans Bowl 2009 Troy Linebackers 9-4 GMAC Bowl 2010 Troy Linebackers 8-5 New Orleans Bowl 2011 Troy Linebackers 3-9 2012 Troy Linebackers 5-7 2013 Troy Secondary 6-6 2014 Northwest Defensive Cord. 4-6 MACJC Semifinals 2015 Northwest Defensive Cord. 11-1 MACCC/NJCAA National Champions HEAD COACH 2016 Northwest Head Coach/DC 9-3 Heart of Texas Bowl 2017 Northwest Head Coach/DC 8-3 Graphic Edge Bowl 2018 Northwest Head Coach/DC 8-2 MACJC Semifinals 2019 Northwest Head Coach/DC 8-3 MACJC Runner-Up 2020 Northwest Head Coach 6-0 MACCC/National Champions 2021 Northwest Head Coach 9-3 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs 2022 Northwest Head Coach 10-2 MACCC Runner-up/NJCAA Playoffs 2023 Northwest Head Coach 7-3 MACCC Semifinals 2024 Northwest Head Coach 10-2 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs 2025 Northwest Head Coach 10-2 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs 2026 Northwest Head Coach --- TOTALS

Paige Anders enters his seventh season as the Rangers' defensive coordinator in 2026. This past year, the Rangers’ defense took another step up, finishing fifth nationally in scoring defense, only allowing 15.4 per game, and were second in the nation in run defense, only allowing 56.3 yards per game, helping them finish seventh in the nation in total defense. Their 35 total sacks were also top ten in the nation, as was their 10 fumble recoveries. In 2024, Anders’ defense held the Rangers’ opponents to just 19.9 points per game and his defensive unit ranked in the NJCAA Top 10 in multiple categories, including leading the nation in defensive touchdowns (6). Northwest also picked off 17 passes, the second-highest total among all NJCAA opponents. In 2023, Anders’ defense ranked 19th in the NJCAA for fewest points allowed (22.6 points per game), but was one of only 15 teams to hold opponents to an average of less than 300 yards per game (14th; 290.0).  In 2022, Anders' defensive unit ranked 15th in the NJCAA for fewest points allowed, holding opponents to 20.4 points per game. The Rangers also racked up 34 sacks last season, ranking 10th in the nation, and 17 interceptions, good for fifth nationally. Much like his first season on the Northwest coaching staff, Anders commanded another stout defense in 2021, helping Northwest to its second consecutive MACCC championship and to the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. The Rangers' defense ranked top five in the nation and No. 1 in the MACCC for fewest yards allowed, limiting opponents to an average of 243.7 yards per game. Only 87.2 of those yards came on the ground and the Rangers averaged 59.2 tackles a game. Additionally, Northwest collected 10 interceptions in 2021, the most in the conference and tied for seventh in the nation. The Rangers' 24 sacks and six fumble recoveries were also among the top 20 nationally. In his first season in Senatobia, Anders' defense ranked in the top five nationally, averaging 13.8 points per game and a conference-low 243.7 yards allowed per game. His defense raised eyebrows during the final three games of the season, as the Rangers outscored their opponents 125-32 and held a nationally ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast offense to just 13 points in the MACCC and National Community College Football championship game. For the last four seasons, Anders' defense has been chock full of talent, including NJCAA All-American Jykeveous Hibbler (NC State), Stephen Hall (Washington State), Byron "Tank" Pearson (Ohio), Dimonyai Lacey (Temple) and Rod Daniels (Liberty). Prior to his time at Northwest, Anders spent two seasons in the same position at Northeast Mississippi Community College. While at Northeast, he coached one of the toughest defensive units in the MACJC, a group that included NJCAA All-American and MACJC Defensive Player of the Year Sam Williams (Ole Miss). In 2019, Anders' pass defense at Northeast ranked No. 1 in the nation (126 yds. per game). Before joining Northeast, Anders spent a year at Arkansas Tech University and three at Ouachita Baptist. In his lone season at ATU in 2014, he performed the duties of safeties coach and recruiting coordinator, helping the Wonder Boys become the third ranked defense in the GAC. Shai Kobayashi blossomed during his senior season under Anders' tutelage. He became a NCAA Division II All-American after compiling 80 tackles, 10 passes defended and one fumble recovery for Arkansas Tech. During his tenure with Ouachita Baptist, Anders served as defensive coordinator and helped guide the Tigers to their third Great American Conference (GAC) championship. Ouachita Baptist combined a high-powered offense with a stingy defense to outscore its opponents by an average of 44-27 over a five-game winning streak to close the regular season. The Tigers qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs for just the second time in program history by virtue of its GAC title. Anders' men did their job in the opening round by holding Ferris State (Mich.) University well below their average of 34.1 points per game, but Ouachita State was eliminated with a tough 24-19 road loss. Anders had six student-athletes receive All-GAC recognition during his final season with the Tigers. Most notably were linemen Jon Rachal and Ernest Reed plus linebackers Luke Holt and Elijah Jones, who were each second team selections. Ouachita Baptist finished in the top 20 nationally in turnover margin at plus-one and placed third in the GAC in scoring defense at 26.2 points per game under the watch of Anders in 2017. The Tigers went a combined 14-8 during Anders' initial two seasons in Arkadelphia, Ark. Anders instructed nine all-conference standouts during that time, including two-time honoree Kendrick Henderson at linebacker. Prior to his stint at ATU, Anders worked as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech for the 2011 spring semester. Anders got his start in the coaching business at Valdosta State (Ga.) University in 2003. His primary responsibilities over a four-year stint included assisting with the secondary and linebackers as well as film breakdown for the entire defense. It was during his stay with the Blazers that Anders captured his inaugural national title. Valdosta State secured the NCAA Division II championship in 2004 with a 36-31 triumph over Pittsburg State (Kan.) University.   Anders and the Blazers made three NCAA Division II playoff appearances. Among his pupils at Valdosta State was Maurice Leggett, who played a pair of seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Anders is well versed with football inside the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) after previously working at two separate schools in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC). His first taste of the two-year level was at Butler (Kan.) Community College from 2007-10. He helped the Grizzlies claim back-to-back NJCAA national championships while teaching their defensive backs. Butler downed Snow (Utah) College 56-27 to clinch the title during Anders' opening campaign with the team. One year later, the Grizzlies finished off the repeat with a thrilling 37-30 double overtime victory over Snow in their second straight Top of the Mountain Bowl. Anders won his third KJCCC crown with Butler in 2010 and had the opportunity to earn a third national title. But the Grizzlies fell to Navarro (Texas) College by a narrow 13-12 margin in the Citizen's Bank Bowl to come just short of that goal. Butler led the KJCCC in total defense and scoring defense during each of Anders' four seasons while racking up an incredible 42-5 record in that span. The Grizzlies also topped the league in interceptions in all but one year with Anders on their staff. His most recent job in the NJCAA ranks was as the defensive coordinator at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. The Red Ravens allowed only 139.1 rushing yards per contest and were a solid 6-3 in home games during his stretch with the program from 2012-13. Anders developed Martrell Spaight, who was named a first-team All-American by the NJCAA and was the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Year. Spaight later signed with the University of Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Coffeyville lost to Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College in the KJCCC semifinals to the end the 2012 campaign with a 6-4 record. The 2013 edition of the Red Ravens improved upon their numbers defensively, but narrowly missed qualifying for the postseason. Overall, Anders has won six league championships and reached the playoffs nine times during his prominent career. Eight of his pupils have garnered NJCAA All-American status while 17 have inked with NCAA Division I institutions in conferences such as the SEC, BIG 10 and Big 12. Anders earned his Bachelor's degree in general studies from Valdosta State in 2006. He and his wife Erin have three sons, Beau (15), Jake (10) and Will (7). THE ANDERS FILE: YEAR SCHOOL POSITION W-L POSTSEASON 2003 Valdosta State Secondary/LB 10-3 NCAA Division II Playoffs 2004 Valdosta State Secondary/LB 13-1 NCAA Division II National Championship 2005 Valdosta State Secondary/LB 9-3 NCAA Division II Playoffs 2006 Valdosta State Secondary/LB 8-2 2007 Butler CC (KS) Defensive Backs 12-0 NJCAA National Champions 2008 Butler CC (KS) Defensive Backs 11-1 NJCAA National Champions 2009 Butler CC (KS) Defensive Backs 8-3 KJCCC Runner-Up 2010 Butler CC (KS) Defensive Backs 11-1 KJCCC Champions 2012 Coffeyville CC (KS) Defensive Cord. 6-4 2013 Coffeyville CC (KS) Defensive Cord. 4-5 2014 Arkansas Tech. Safeties 3-8 2015 Ouachita Baptist Defensive Cord. 7-4 2016 Ouachita Baptist Defensive Cord. 7-4 2017 Ouachita Baptist Defensive Cord. 9-3 NCAA Division II Playoffs 2018 Northeast MS Defensive Cord. 1-8 2019 Northeast MS Defensive Cord. 3-6 2020 Northwest  Defensive Cord. 6-0 MACCC/National Champions 2021 Northwest Defensive Cord. 9-3 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs 2022 Northwest Defensive Cord. 10-2 MACCC Runner-Up/NJCAA Playoffs 2023 Northwest Defensive Cord. 7-3 MACCC Semifinals 2024 Northwest Defensive Cord. 10-2 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs 2025 Northwest Defensive Cord. 10-2 MACCC Champions/NJCAA Playoffs 2026 Northwest Defensive Cord. --- TOTALS 174-68

Cordell Upshaw enters his second season as the defensive line coach for Northwest in 2026. In his first full season, Upshaw led a defensive line that was one of the tops in the nation in yards allowed, only giving up 56 per game to opponents. The Rangers saw Jaylen Thomas take home All-American honors becoming the fifth straight year a NWCC defensive lineman made the list. The Rangers finished 10-2 and won their second consecutive MACCC Championship. Upshaw joins Northwest after a one-year stint at Northeast Mississippi Community College in the same role. His coaching experience dates back to 2009, with stops at various NCAA Division II and Division III programs. In his lone season at Northeast last fall, Upshaw helped the Tigers' defense rank 12th in the nation for scoring with three touchdowns. NEMCC also finished with eight fumble recoveries, ranking within the NJCAA's Top 20. Prior to his stint with the Tigers, Upshaw also served as the defensive line coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2023. While there, he helped the Bulldogs break a nine-year drought without a defensive all-conference selection, as defensive lineman R.J. Powell received All-Great American Conference honors. Powell placed fourth among all defenders with 15.5 tackles-for-loss, while also totaling 78 tackles and seven sacks. Upshaw also briefly served on the staff of Calvin University during the spring of 2023 before arriving at SWOSU. Prior to arriving at Calvin, he spent a five-year stint at the University of North Alabama (2018-22), helping the Lions' program transition from NCAA Division II to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. While at UNA, Upshaw coached 2021 All-Big South Conference defensive lineman Wallace Cowins, Jr., who totaled 49 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a pass breakup. One year later, Micah Bland and Kam'ron Green received preseason recognition from Phil Steele's College Football Preview. Bland finished the 2022 season with the most tackles among the Lions' linemen (54), while Green registered a team-high four sacks. In Upshaw's first season at North Alabama, the Lions compiled a 7-3 overall record, holding their opponents to just 24.3 points per game, including 17 points or less in three of their final four contests. Prior to his arrival with the Lions, Upshaw concluded the third of three separate stints at Southern Arkansas University, his alma mater. He began his coaching career with the Muleriders as a graduate assistant in 2009, and he later served as SAU from 2012-14 and again during the 2017 season, both times as the program's defensive line coach. In 2017, Upshaw coached a Southern Arkansas defense that led the conference in sacks and tackles for loss, while coaching four All-Great American Conference selections and the league's Defensive Player of the Year. That season, the Muleriders posted a 7-4 record and the team's defense finished with 91 TFLs, 33.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hurries. His second stint at SAU (2012-14) coincided with the Muleriders' return to prominence, as the program won 19 games during that three-year span. including three straight Battle of the Timberlands rivalry wins against the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). In 2012, Southern Arkansas went 8-3 and accepted an invitation to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl against McMurry University. That same season, the Muleriders secured a pair of road shutouts against East Central University (Okla.) and Texas College, while only allowing 91.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked sixth best in the nation and No. 1 in the GAC. Upshaw coached a pair of All-GAC performers in Brandon Rashad and Tahare Ray, who led a defensive line that racked up 47 TFLs and 17.5 sacks. SAU rose to as high as No. 10 in the NCAA's Super Region Three rankings. Between his second and third stints at Southern Arkansas, Upshaw coached at William Jewell College in Missouri from 2015-16. During his stint with the Cardinals, he coached Second Team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection Aaron Neier, who accumulated 6.5 sacks during Upshaw's initial season. Prior to the start of his second stint at SAU, Upshaw served as the defensive line coach for one season at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. Before stepping into coaching as a graduate assistant with the Muleriders, Upshaw was a four-year letterwinner as a linebacker and defensive end at Southern Arkansas (2004-08). During his senior year, the program was ranked 18th nationally in rushing defense, with only 96.8 yards allowed per contest. Upshaw received his B.S. in Human Performance in 2009 and his M.S. in Kinesiology in 2011, both from SAU. He is a native of Leesville, La, where he was a three-year letterman linebacker at Leesville High School. He earned several honors while playing for the Wampus Cats, including Defensive Player of the Year for West Central Louisiana, as well as MVP, All-State and All-District accolades.

Former SEC and NFL veteran Charles Jones enters his fifth season as the Rangers' defensive backs coach in 2024. Last season, two of Jones' defensive backs (Keshawn Davila and Charles Thomas) combined for five of the Rangers' nine interceptions. Thomas and Fredd Adams also combined for 12 pass breakups (six apiece). Thomas signed with ULM following the 2023 season. Jones' defensive backs were part of a nationally-ranked defense in 2022, finishing fifth in the nation with 17 interceptions and 10th nationally with 34 total sacks. Jones first two seasons with the Rangers were highly successful as well, as the Rangers captured two MACCC titles and the 2020 National Community College Football championship. His defensive backs made up a Top 5 nationally-ranked defense and No. 1 in the MACCC for fewest yards allowed, limiting opponents to an average of 243.7 yards per game. Only 87.2 of those yards came on the ground and the Rangers averaged 59.2 tackles a game. Specifically, his defensive backs were responsible for 39 pass breakups and 10 interceptions in 2021. Byron "Tank" Pearson led the way with nine breakups, while Delta State signee Jarvis Townsend collected five interceptions, including two in a victory against Jones College in the MACCC Semifinals. Pearson's nine PBU were third in the MACCC and tied for 12th in the nation, while Townsend's five picks were tied for first in the conference and fourth nationally. Jones arrived at Northwest following a two-year stint as the cornerbacks coach at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision level with Murray State University. Jones coached Nigel Walton, who led the Racers with a team-high 10 pass breakups last season. Walton, along with T.J. Warren, each garnered Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week accolades last season. Prior to his stint with Murray State, Jones spent four seasons in the MACJC with East Central Community College, serving as the Warriors’ full-time safeties coach. Additionally, he also spent the 2013 season with ECCC as a graduate assistant.       During his full-time stint with the Warriors, Jones was part of a staff under Ken Karcher that turned East Central from a 3-6 record in 2014 to an 8-3 overall mark in 2015, earning an MACJC playoff bid and a victory over Kilgore (Texas) in the Heart of Texas Bowl. Jones and the Warriors earned a second consecutive trip to the MACJC Playoffs as the South Division champions, but East Central fell 21-14 in the first round to Northwest.       He began his coaching career at the high school level at Bessemer City and Jackson-Olin high schools in the Birmingham metro area. In his final season with the Bessemer City Tigers, Jones helped turn the team around from a 2-8 record in 2011 to a 5-4 winning record in 2012.       Jones’ first coaching gig came as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State in 2008 under former coach Sylvester Croom.       Jones is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing. While at Alabama, he spent four seasons at safety with the Crimson Tide, becoming a starter during his final two seasons in Tuscaloosa.       In his junior season in 2002, Jones finished as one of the top tacklers on the Alabama defense, earning 85 total tackles and three interceptions. As a senior in 2003, he was selected as the team’s co-captain and earned 91 tackles with four interceptions, garnering All-SEC honors as a result.       He spent one season in the NFL with the New York Giants in 2004, which was followed by a two-year stint with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League.       Jones is a native of Waynesboro, Ga. He and his wife, Monica, have been married for four years. The couple also have a stepson, T.J. (31).

Jim Jones enters his 15th season as the offensive line coach at Northwest as part of a second stint with the Rangers. A native of Chicago, Jones has helped develop 49 offensive linemen who have moved on to the four-year level after Northwest, including 42 to NCAA Division I programs. Some of his most notable signees have included Jakheem Shumpert (Mississippi State), First Team NJCAA All-American LaParka Langston (UCF), Second Team JCGridiron.com All-American Vance Van Every (Ohio), 2019 MACJC Offensive Line MVP and First Team NJCAA All-American center Ashton Gist (Charlotte), two-time NJCAA All-American and current NFL guard Damien Lewis (LSU), Donald Hawkins (Texas), Terry Johnson (Louisiana), and Terrance Malone (Arkansas/East Texas A&M). Northwest has ranked in the Top 25 in the NJCAA in rushing in all but two of Jones’ 13 seasons and has rushed for 2,000 yards in eight of the last 11 seasons. Quarderman Sloan and Tywun Walters, both Division I signees, became the first running back duo to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season in 2016. The Rangers offense was a machine for Coach Jones, helping them to over 4,600 yards of total offense and 123 rushing first downs, which was third in the nation. They were also 9-15 on fourth down which was 23rd in the country.  In 2024, Jones’ offensive front paved the way for 2,115 rushing yards, led by 1,210 yards from MACCC North Division Offensive Player of the Year and First Team NJCAA All-American D’mariun Perteet. The receiving corps also hauled in 2,000-plus yards, led by K.D. Gibson (Charlotte), and the Rangers finished 10-2 with an MACCC title and the program’s third trip to the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs in the last four years. As expected, a huge reason for the success of Northwest in 2024 came from a robust offensive line, led by Langston, Shumpert and veteran center Stratton Smith (Austin Peay). In 2023, the Northwest offensive line paved the way for 1,629 rushing yards, led by 631 yards from Perteet, who ranked in the top 20 in the NJCAA for rushing yards. Three linemen received All-MACCC honors following the season: Melvin Collins, Jr., Dylan Spencer and Cameron Pascal. In 2022, the Rangers rushed for 2,096 total yards, ranking fourth in the nation and first in the MACCC. Jamarien Bracey and Cayden Betts both rushed for 600+ yards apiece, while Xavier Davis and Cam Young chipped in 288 and 260 yards of their own, respectively. However, the robust rushing attack was largely due to a powerful offensive front, led by ULM signee and NJCAA Second Team All-American Jay Mickle. Including Mickle, four of Jones' offensive linemen signed with FBS programs: Matt Williams (ULM), Jamarr Davis (Buffalo) and Jalen Nettles (UAB). Additionally, Jakobe McLaurin and David Duvall also signed Division I, joining the rosters of Eastern Kentucky and McNeese State, respectively. In 2021, the Rangers bounced back for 2,531 rushing yards in 12 games, led by 1,286 yards from Williams. Northwest also passed for over 3,000 yards, thanks to the efforts of Samford signee Michael Hiers. Three of Jones' linemen were named All-MACCC (Vance Van Every, Austin Wilson and Davion Carter) and several found homes at the Division I level for the upcoming season, including Carter (Memphis), Van Every (Ohio) and Ethan Bumgarner (Southern Miss). The Rangers' streak of 2,000 rushing yards was snapped due to a COVID-shortened 2020 season, but Northwest still rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in six games, finishing with 937 net yards. Veteran running back and all-conference selection Jaquerrious Williams led the way with 463 rushing yards and five touchdowns, followed by 266 yards and a pair of scores from Jamie Shaw, Jr. Jones' offensive line was outstanding in 2017, allowing just nine sacks in 832 plays from scrimmage and paving the way for the NJCAA's fifth ranked total offense (485.5 ypg) and 11th-best scoring offense (37.3 ppg). The Rangers rolled up over 500 yards of offense five times and dropped 66 and 61 points on rival East Mississippi. The Rangers boasted the MACJC’s leading rusher in 2014 and 2015 in NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year Justin Crawford, a free agent signee of the Atlanta Falcons. Kevin Perkins ranked fifth in the conference in rushing two seasons ago with 884 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jones spent the 2013 season as the offensive line coach at Pearl River Community College before returning to Northwest. In his first stint with the Ranger football program from 2010-12, Jones’ offensive line helped pave the way for the nation’s third-ranked offense in 2012 (434.1 ypg), fifth-ranked offense (485.4 ypg) in 2011 and 10th-ranked offense (413.6 ypg) in 2010.  The Rangers averaged 198.5 yards on the ground in those three years, rushed for 200 or more in 15 games and eclipsed 500 yards of total offense 11 times. Northwest exploded for a season-high 439 yards rushing in a 66-41 win over Holmes in 2011, the third-most rushing yards in single-game school history. Backed by a pair of First Team All-MACJC selections and NJCAA First Team All-American Donald Hawkins, the offensive line allowed just four sacks in 2011 in 648 plays from the line of scrimmage and 11 in 709 plays during the 2012 season behind Second Team All-American Austin Douglas.  Jones came to Northwest in 2010 from Lake Forest College where he served as offensive line/tight ends coach, run-game coordinator and athletic recruiter.  Prior to Lake Forest, Jones spent two seasons as a graduate assistant with the offensive line at the University of Virginia where the Cavaliers were 14-11 during his two seasons and appeared in the Gator Bowl following the 2007 season. After giving up 33 sacks in 2007 (2.54 sacks/game), the Cavaliers improved significantly by giving up just 16 during the 2008 season (1.33 sacks/game). Jones played his college ball at Notre Dame from 1996-2000, playing in 24 career games (21 starts) and being recruited by legendary head coach Lou Holtz. He started at left guard his final two seasons for head coach Bob Davie after playing just three games combined over his first three seasons. He played a key role in helping the Fighting Irish rank 14th nationally in rushing and 17th in passing efficiency during the 2000 season.  Jones was an All-Independent selection by Collegefootballnews.com at seasons’ end and was selected to play in the Rotary Gridiron Classic All-Star game in Orlando. Jones received his degree in sociology in 2000. He went on to play in the National Football League for six seasons, spending time with the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins and world champion Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2001-06 seasons. He was twice named the Steelers' Player of the Game during the 2004 season. Jones was also a three-year letterman on the offensive and defensive lines at Richards High School. He was a First Team All-State pick on both offense and defense by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Champaign News-Gazette and named to the Super 25 All-Area Team. He was later inducted into the Richards High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Scott Oakley enters his 25th season at Northwest and his 23rd as a full-time assistant leading the Rangers’ wide receiver unit. A familiar face around the city of Senatobia, Oakley is the longest tenured coach on staff. Oakley has helped guide Northwest to the postseason in 18 of his 24 seasons, including four bowl games and four appearances in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Additionally, Oakley has been a part of six conference championships and two national title teams (2015, 2020). Since returning to the sidelines for his second full-time stint in 2008, Oakley has had 56 receivers and tight ends move on to the four-year level. He has also coached seven NJCAA All-Americans in Keon Hutchings (2025),  D.T. Sheffield (2021-22), Kevin Diaz (2022), Lance Ray (2011), Arena Football League veteran Michael Lindsey (2009) and two-time selection, John Harris (2002-03). From 2020-22, Oakley helped mold Sheffield into one of the best receivers in Northwest history. After being granted a rare third year of eligibility due to COVID-19, the Corinth native ignored snub after snub from four-year programs and racked up record-breaking numbers from 2020-22. Sheffield, a member of the North Texas football roster, left Northwest as the Rangers' new record holder in career receptions (135) and career receiving touchdowns (26), while while finishing second in receiving yards behind Eric Smith (2,316; 1991-92). Sheffield was just as dangerous on special teams, totaling 226 punt return yards on 20 attempts in 2022, earning both MACCC North Division Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year accolades. Oakley has had a hand in producing numerous Division I players, including the aforementioned Sheffield, Kevin Diaz (Arkansas State), Jacoby Jones (Ohio), Braden Smith (Louisville/Cincinnati), Monterio Hunt (Rutgers), 2018's top JUCO prospect JaVonta Payton (Mississippi State/Tennessee), Pro Wells (TCU), Jamarius Mabry (Jackson State), Derrell Lovelady (Southern Mississippi), Marcus Henry (Middle Tennessee State), Lance Ray (East Carolina), Myles White (Louisiana Tech) and Jamal Mosley (Ole Miss).  As a unit, the Rangers’ receiving corps has gone over 2,000 yards in 13 of the last 16 seasons. Last year, Northwest hauled in 162 catches for 2,173 total yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking in the top 20 nationally of all three categories. Leading the charge was Jarnorris Hopson's 35 receptions for 443 yards and four touchdowns, followed by 26 catches from Kyler Hutton, who finished with 422 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Although the aforementioned 2,000-yard streak was snapped due to a COVID-shortened 2020 season, the Rangers still totaled 99 catches for 1,426 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a freshman, Sheffield led the way with 20 catches for 358 yards and five touchdowns, followed by a pair of 200-yard receivers in E. Jai Mason and Keyon Fordham. Northwest rebounded during the 2021 season, tallying up 3,109 en route to the 2021 MACCC title and an appearance in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs. Led by Sheffield's 1,000-yard effort, Oakley's unit also benefited from nearly 600 yards from E. Jai Mason and 366 yards from Jacoby Jones. In all, the Rangers' receiving corps ranked fourth in the nation and topped the conference in yards, while ranking 13th nationally with 21 touchdowns. In 2019, Northwest totaled 178 receptions for 2,343 yards and 20 touchdowns. Two seasons ago, Northwest totaled 186 receptions for 2,398 yards, led by Smith's 45 receptions for 537 yards and 16 touchdowns. Oakley’s first stint with the Northwest football program came as an assistant from the 2002-05 seasons under Bobby Franklin, serving as the running backs and wide receivers coach. He was also a student assistant for the Rangers during the 1998-99 seasons while earning his degree. Northwest was 20-4 with two north division championships, a conference championship and Mineral Water Bowl appearance.  Oakley then transferred to Ole Miss where he was a manager for three years during the David Cutcliffe era and head equipment manager during the 2001 season. While at Ole Miss, Oakley earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and was part of the Rebel football program that earned bowl berths in 1999 and 2001. Away from the gridiron, Oakley also spent eight seasons as an assistant coach for the Ranger softball program. During his eight years, the Rangers compiled an overall record of 253-118-1, including a 125-49 mark against division opponents. Northwest also captured two division titles during his stay, while boasting four seasons of 30 or more wins. A native of Senatobia, Oakley graduated from Senatobia High School in 1997 and lettered two years in football and three seasons in baseball. He was a member of the Warrior football team that claimed back-to-back district championships. Oakley’s family has been a part of Ranger sports for many years. His grandfather, the late W.C. “Bill” Oakley, is a member of the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame while his cousins, Drew and Brooks, each lettered in baseball. His twin brother, Shane, enters his 12th season as an assistant on the men’s basketball staff at Northwest. Oakley and his wife, Kalon, celebrated their eleventh wedding anniversary on May 14, 2024. The couple has two children, Betsy Ann (8) and Jon Kenning (6).

Stan Hill is entering his 11th season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Northwest. Since beginning his role as the Rangers’ offensive coordinator prior to the start of the 2016 season, Hill’s offense has produced 101 four-year signees, including 84 to the FBS/FCS Division I level. Additionally, 13 quarterbacks have signed or walked on to four-year institutions, with 11 of those making Division I rosters. Northwest saw Hill’s offense take them to another ten win season, getting back-to-back seasons with double digit wins for the first time since he joined the staff. The team finished 10th in the nation in total touchdowns and were second in made field goals with 14, helping to produce an offense which scored 31.3 points per game.  The team was also top ten in passing yards on the season with 2589 and were 10th in rushing yards with 2030 in a balanced attack that was paced by an offensive line which saw every starting member move on to a four-year program.  In 2025, Hill’s offense powered Northwest to its second 10-win campaign in the past three years, a run that included an MACCC Championship and the program’s third appearance in the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs since the postseason format was implemented in 2021.  Six members of the Rangers’ 2024 offense garnered All-MACCC North Division accolades, including tailback D’mariun Perteet, who was chosen as the MACCC Offensive Player of the Year and First Team NJCAA All-American accolades.  The Courtland native and Coastal Carolina signee racked up eight 100-yard rushing games and finished the season with 1,360 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 257 attempts, the program’s new single-season record. Led by Perteet, seven members of the Northwest offense signed with Division I programs, including quarterback Zach Wilcke (Charlotte), receiver K.D. Gibson (Charlotte), tight end Joshua Humes (Coastal Carolina) and offensive line trio Jakheem Shumpert (Mississippi State), LaParka Langston (UCF) and Stratton Smith (Austin Peay). In 2023 the Rangers finished 7-3 overall with Indiana State signee Keegan Patterson under center. Hill's quarterback started all 10 games for Northwest, passing for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns, completing roughly 50 percent of his passes.  During a 10-2 season in 2022, Hill's offense averaged 33.8 points per game with 4,712 yards of total offense. both ranking seventh in the nation and second in the MACCC. Through the air, Northwest ranked eighth in total passing yards (2,617), while quarterback and First Team NJCAA All-American Ren Hefley finished second in the nation with over 2,400 passing yards. The Rangers averaged 218.1 passing yards per game (10th) and compiled 25 passing touchdowns, tying for fifth nationally. On the ground, the Rangers rushed for 2,095 yards on the season, which ranked fifth among NJCAA Division I programs. Northwest also scored 25 rushing touchdowns, good for seventh nationally, and averaged 174.6 yards per game, ranking 11th in the nation. Seven of Hill's offensive skill players signed with four-year programs, highlighted by Hefley (Middle Tennessee State), receiver D.T. Sheffield (Washington State), tight end Kevin Diaz (Arkansas State), receivers Jaycob Horn (Eastern Kentucky) and E. Jai Mason (Samford), Dekyren Johnson (Delta State) and running back Cayden Betts (Mississippi Valley State). Hefley also became the latest quarterback disciple of Hill to move on to the four-year level, joining the likes of Jack Abraham (Southern Miss/Mississippi State/Missouri), Michael Hiers (Samford), Jacob Free (Troy), Jack Walker (Southern Miss), Clay Holgorsen (Northwestern State), Robert Wilcke (Harding University) and Jack Strouse (Missouri Southern State). In 2021, Hill's offense ranked first in the MACCC with 5,402 total yards, good for fourth in the nation. The Rangers also ranked fifth nationally in scoring (434 points), fourth in total passing yards (3,109) and second in total rushing yards (2,293). Northwest was also in the top five in several other categories, including first downs (277) and passing completions (224), while also ranking seventh for both third and fourth down conversions. Despite a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, Hill's offense helped Northwest to a 6-0 record, the MACCC Championship and the National Community College Football Championship, while posting 394.5 yards per game and 33.5 points per game. As part of the Rangers' offense over the 2020-21 seasons, Hill helped develop Murray State transfer Michael Hiers into one of the most coveted JUCO quarterback recruits in the country. The Birmingham native and Samford signee finished his Northwest career with 4,519 passing yards, good for fifth all-time in the program record books. He also concluded the 2021 season with 3,093 passing yards, joining Will Hall (3,982; 2000), Russell Evans (3,293; 1992) and Gardner Minshew II (3,288; 2015) as only one of four Ranger quarterbacks to toss for 3,000 yards in a single season. Other notable standouts on Hill's offense include receiver Jacoby Jones (Ohio), Tyson Keys (Alcorn State) and standout running back Jaquerrious Williams (2019-21). Hill helped the Northwest offense to nearly 400 yards per game and 33.1 points per game in 2019, his third season in the top 20 nationally for both total offense and scoring offense. The Rangers captured its third MACJC North Division championship in the last five years and advance to the conference title game for fourth time in five seasons, finishing with an 8-3 overall record. Hill's offense also boasted a 2,000-yard passer for the third straight season, as Jack Walker passed for 2,279 yards and 20 touchdowns, joining Jacob Free (2018; 2,036 yds) and Jack Abraham (2017; 2949 yds).  The Rangers ranked fifth in the NJCAA in total offense five seasons ago, up from 22nd in Hill’s first year. Northwest had the MACJC’s second-ranked total offense (485.5 ypg) and fourth-best scoring offense (37.3 ppg), including 66 and 61-point games vs rival East Mississippi. Northwest boasted two 1,000-yard rushers in his first season in Quarderman Sloan and Tywun Walters, a program-first, giving the Rangers an MACJC-best streak of three straight seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher. The Rangers rushed a school-record 515 times for 2,081 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2016. Hill has coached 27 all-conference selections in his four seasons at Northwest, including quarterback Jacob Free (Troy), offensive linemen Lavante Epson, Jr. (FAU), Damien Lewis (LSU), a two-time NJCAA All-American and J.R. Burns (Murray State) and running backs Tywun Walters (South Alabama) and Kevin Perkins (Southern Miss).  Hill arrived at Oxford High School in 2008 and his offense was one of the premier in the state in the last five seasons in numerous categories. The Chargers advanced to the playoffs in six of his eight seasons, including three consecutive 5A state title games, and posted double digit wins in each of the past four seasons. Hill grew up in a very athletic family, the son of legendary Oxford High School coach Johnny Hill and the youngest of four brothers who were also all-star athletes.  Hill played collegiately at Marshall University from 2001-04, quarterbacking the Thundering Herd to a combined 36-14 record, 2002 MAC Championship and two GMAC bowl victories over East Carolina and Louisville. Hill threw for 4,711 career yards (10th in school history) and 38 touchdowns (8th, school history) and also rushed for six career touchdowns, including a last-second 1-yard run in place of an injured Byron Leftwich to beat Ben Roethlisberger and Miami (Ohio) on Nov. 13, 2002. As a junior, Hill’s 165.9 quarterback rating was the second-highest in the nation while his 69.6 completion percentage ranked fourth nationally. Entering his senior season, he was one of 22 candidates for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List. After graduation from Marshall, Hill tried out for several NFL teams before going on to play in the Arena Football League (AFL) with Memphis, Oklahoma City and New Orleans. He signed with the Memphis Xplorers AFL2 franchise, then was traded to Bossier City where he suffered a season-ending injury after only three games. Hill was then named the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz’s starting quarterback, beating out three others for the job, and went on to be named conference MVP.  Hampered by injuries, Hill eventually had to hang up playing the game he loved and decided to turn his attention to coaching.  Hill is married to the former Lauren Scott, an all-conference women’s soccer player at Marshall, and the couple have three boys Wade (17), Tate (15) and Reed (12). THE HILL FILE   YEAR SCHOOL POSITION W-L POSTSEASON 2008 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 6-4 2009 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 6-6 5A Playoffs 2010 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 9-4 5A Playoffs 2011 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 5-6 2012 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 11-2 5A Playoffs 2013 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 14-1 5A Championship Game 2014 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 13-2 5A Championship Game 2015 OXFORD HS Offensive Cord. 12-3 5A Championship Game COLLEGE 2016 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 9-3 Heart of Texas Bowl 2017 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 8-3 Graphic Edge Bowl 2018 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 8-2 MACJC Semifinals 2019 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 8-3 MACJC Runner-up 2020 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 6-0 MACCC Champions/National Champions 2021 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 9-3 MACCC Championship/NJCAA Playoffs 2022 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 10-2 MACCC Runner-up/NJCAA Playoffs 2023 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 7-3 MACCC Semifinal 2024 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 10-2 MACCC Championship/NJCAA Playoffs 2025 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. 10-2 MACCC Championship/NJCAA Playoffs 2026 NORTHWEST Offensive Cord. ---

Thomas Dylan Rakestraw begins his first year as the Northwest Mississippi Community College football team's academic advisor in the fall of 2026.  Rakestraw is a 2021 graduate of Delta State University and holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education. The Senatobia native most recently taught both 4th and 5th grades at Olive Branch Intermediate School since January 2022. Rakestraw worked as an intern in the Sports Information offices for both Northwest and Delta State and worked as a private tutor for grades ranging from 2nd to 8th while he was in college. He also spent time as an intern at Hayes Cooper Elementary and at the Ingomar Attendance Center from August 2020 to December 2021.