FULTON – Friday's men's soccer season-opener had a little bit of everything at Itawamba. An own goal, two penalty kicks and a 61-yard strike from goalkeeper Peyton Wilbanks highlighted a 3-2 Bobcat victory.

Jones (1-0) got revenge from last season's loss to the Indians (0-1) and opened its title defense with a big road victory.

Scoreless into the 33rd minute, Itawamba took a 1-0 lead on an own goal when a cross into the box was accidentally kicked in by a Bobcat defender.

Less than 30 seconds later, Isaiah Wilson tied the match at 1-1 when ICC's keeper was out of the box and he beat one man for the goal.

Seconds before the first half ended, Jones would get a rare goalkeeper goal from Wilbanks to lead 2-1 at the break. Wilbanks sailed a free kick from midfield over the head and between the arms of the keeper.

Alternating penalty kicks provided the final two scores of the match in the 81st and 82nd minutes.

A hand ball in the box by a Bobcat defender allowed Cameron West to convert a PK to tie for Itawamba, but not even a minute later, Adam Lynch put the Cats on top for good with a PK of his own.

Jones owned a 19-14 shot advantage and 6-2 edge on corners. The teams were whistled for a combined 28 fouls. 

Wilbanks had four saves in 55 minutes, giving way to Garrett Wise to play the final 35 minutes between the posts.

The Bobcats will host Hinds on Tuesday, April 6 in their home-opener on JCJC.TV.