Injuries and a poor showing by the Hinds Community College offensive line one week ago has led head coach Gene Murphy to start a pair of Warren County freshman tonight against Northeast.

Stephen Montgomery (6-foot-3, 276 pounds) and Eddie London (5-10, 250) will get their first junior college starts when the fourth-ranked Eagles (2-0) play host to perennial doormat Northeast (1-1), which opened with a surprising win over Jones.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Joe Renfroe Stadium in Raymond.

Montgomery and London, both former Warren Central standouts, will be called on to boost a running game that was virtually nonexistent in a 28-7 win over Holmes on Sept. 7. Former Vicksburg High standout Thomas McKnight and Tyrone Hagans were held under 100 yards combined.

“We’ve seen their potential,” Murphy said of the freshman linemen. “Now they have to step up and play. We have our work cut out for us.”

Hinds’ stifling defense has allowed just one touchdown which came after a turnover in its first two games. Despite the recent efforts, Murphy warned against a letdown.

“They are much improved,” Murphy said. “They play hard and get after it.”

In the last four seasons, the Booneville-based Tigers have gone just 4-36 and are fresh off a loss to Gulf Coast.

After Northeast, the Eagles play a road game at Pearl River before beginning South Division play against Gulf Coast on Sept. 28.