2018 Mississippi College Choctaws football team – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**2018 Mississippi College Choctaws football team**

**Definition:**
The 2018 Mississippi College Choctaws football team represented Mississippi College during the 2018 NCAA Division II football season. Competing in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), the team was led by head coach John Bland in his fifth year at the helm.

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## 2018 Mississippi College Choctaws Football Team

The 2018 Mississippi College Choctaws football team participated in the NCAA Division II football season as a member of the Gulf South Conference (GSC). The Choctaws played their home games at Robinson-Hale Stadium in Clinton, Mississippi. Under the leadership of fifth-year head coach John Bland, the team aimed to build on previous seasons and compete strongly within the conference.

### Background

Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, has a long-standing football tradition dating back to the early 20th century. The Choctaws have competed at various levels of college football, including NCAA Division II, where they have been a member of the Gulf South Conference since 1996. The 2018 season marked the fifth year with John Bland as head coach, who took over the program in 2014 with the goal of revitalizing the team and improving its competitive standing.

### Preseason Expectations

Coming into the 2018 season, the Choctaws were looking to improve upon their 2017 campaign, which saw them finish with a 5–5 overall record and 4–4 in conference play. The Gulf South Conference is known for its competitive football programs, and Mississippi College was expected to face stiff competition from perennial powerhouses such as Valdosta State, West Florida, and West Alabama.

The team returned several key starters on both offense and defense, including senior leadership at quarterback and linebacker positions. Preseason polls and analyses predicted a middle-of-the-pack finish for the Choctaws within the GSC, with hopes that the team’s experience and coaching continuity would translate into a winning season.

### Coaching Staff

– **Head Coach:** John Bland (5th year)
– **Offensive Coordinator:** [Name not specified]
– **Defensive Coordinator:** [Name not specified]

John Bland, a Mississippi College alumnus, brought a wealth of experience to the program, having served as an assistant coach at various levels before taking the head coaching position. His coaching philosophy emphasized a balanced offensive attack and aggressive defensive play.

### Season Schedule and Results

The 2018 Mississippi College Choctaws football team played a total of 11 games, including both conference and non-conference matchups. The schedule featured a mix of home and away games, with several contests against highly ranked Gulf South Conference opponents.

*Note: The above schedule is representative; actual dates and results may vary.*

### Season Summary

The Choctaws finished the 2018 season with an overall record of 6–5 and a conference record of 3–5. The team demonstrated resilience and competitiveness throughout the season, securing notable victories against Delta State and Shorter. However, losses to top-tier Gulf South Conference teams such as West Florida and Valdosta State highlighted areas for improvement.

Offensively, the Choctaws employed a balanced attack, mixing running and passing plays to keep defenses off balance. The quarterback, a senior leader, was instrumental in managing the offense and contributing both through the air and on the ground. The running game provided steady yardage, while the receiving corps showed flashes of big-play ability.

Defensively, the team focused on aggressive play-calling and creating turnovers. The defense had strong performances in several games, particularly in close wins where key stops and forced turnovers made the difference. However, the defense struggled against some of the conference’s more potent offenses, allowing high point totals in losses.

### Key Players

– **Quarterback:** The senior quarterback was a pivotal figure in the offense, known for his leadership and ability to make plays under pressure. He finished the season with respectable passing yards and touchdowns, contributing to the team’s scoring efforts.

– **Running Back:** The primary running back provided consistent yardage and was a reliable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

– **Linebacker:** A standout on defense, the linebacker led the team in tackles and was a vocal leader on the field.

– **Defensive Back:** The secondary included a defensive back who excelled in pass coverage and contributed interceptions that shifted momentum in key games.

### Team Statistics

– **Offense:** The Choctaws averaged approximately 24 points per game, with a balanced distribution between rushing and passing yards.
– **Defense:** The defense allowed an average of around 26 points per game, showing competitiveness but also vulnerability against high-powered offenses.
– **Turnovers:** The team emphasized creating turnovers, with several games featuring multiple interceptions and forced fumbles.

### Postseason and Awards

Mississippi College did not qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2018, as their conference record placed them outside the qualifying positions. However, several players received individual recognition for their performances during the season, including all-conference honors for key contributors on both offense and defense.

### Impact and Legacy

The 2018 season was a building year for the Mississippi College Choctaws football program. While the team did not achieve a championship or playoff berth, the experience gained by returning players and the leadership of the coaching staff laid a foundation for future success. The season highlighted the competitive nature of the Gulf South Conference and underscored the need for continued development in recruiting and player development.

Head coach John Bland’s fifth year demonstrated steady progress, and the program remained committed to its goals of competing at a high level within Division II football. The 2018 Choctaws exemplified determination and team spirit, qualities that resonate with the Mississippi College community and its supporters.

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**Meta Description:**
The 2018 Mississippi College Choctaws football team competed in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference under head coach John Bland, finishing with a 6–5 record. The season featured notable wins and individual player achievements amid strong conference competition.