CLEVELAND, Miss. – Delta State University football gave its fans plenty to cheer about on Saturday night for the 40^th annual Pig Pickin', rolling to a 41-9 victory over North Greenville behind a dominant offensive effort and a stingy defense. The win moves the Statesmen to 2-0 on the season and also cements Todd Cooley's name in the football record book, becoming Delta State football's winningest coach with 77 career victories.

From the start, quarterback Cole Kirk set the tone for the Statesmen. The senior accounted for five total touchdowns, throwing three and running for two more, as Delta State built a commanding lead and never looked back.

Delta State struck first midway through the opening quarter when Kirk capped a six-play, 75-yard drive with a five-yard scoring toss to Davion Alston. After North Greenville managed a safety on the next possession, Kirk answered with another quick drive, finishing with a four-yard strike to Curtis Rearden that made it 14-2 after one quarter.

The Statesmen stretched the lead in the second quarter when Kirk showed off his legs, breaking free for a 42-yard touchdown run. Later in the half, he punched in another score from one yard out to give Delta State a 27-2 halftime advantage.

North Greenville found its only touchdown early in the third quarter, but the Statesmen wasted no time responding. Kirk connected with Marlon Palmer on a 21-yard touchdown pass to restore momentum, then Palmer added a two-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the finishing touches on the rout.

Delta State's offense finished with 487 total yards, balancing 261 through the air and 226 on the ground. Kirk led the charge with 258 yards passing, connecting with 10 different receivers.

The Statesmen defense was equally impressive, holding North Greenville to just 75 rushing yards on 42 attempts (1.8 yards per carry) and limiting the Trailblazers to a single red-zone conversion. Alex Larry paced the unit with nine tackles, including 2.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, while Josh Phillips and Jacquez Tucker chipped in six tackles apiece.

With the win, Delta State improves to 2-0 and continues to build early-season momentum. The Statesmen return to action next week, hitting the road to take on UNC Pembroke on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Pembroke, N. C. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.