RAYMOND — Thanks to an opportunistic defense and a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Deon Anthony, Hinds Community College is headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

The Eagles rolled past Pearl River College 59-32 Saturday after forcing six turnovers. Hinds (7-1, 5-0) will now go for MACJC South Division championship next Saturday at Gulf Coast in Perkinston.

Hinds coach Gene Murphy was elated to see his three-year rebuilding project pay off with an impressive win in the home finale at Renfroe Stadium. It was the first time Hinds had beaten Pearl River in eight years.

“I was real pleased to get a big win against a quality team like Pearl River,” Murphy said. “We had a lot of big plays. We made some history today by getting back to the playoffs, but now, we have got to finish.”

Anthony, a sophomore quarterback from New Iberia, La., connected on 14-of-18 passes for 402 yards and four touchdown passes. He also added an 11-yard TD run with 4:06 left that stopped a Pearl River rally that had closed a 45-18 score down to 45-32 with 11:37 left.

Former Vicksburg High cornerback Malcolm Butler closed out the Wildcats when he intercepted a Melvin German pass and returned it 35 yards for his first collegiate touchdown with a minute left.

Butler’s pick was his second of the game and fourth for the Eagles’ secondary. They also recovered two fumbles, including one at the goal line in the second quarter.

“I could have had three (interceptions), because I dropped that one that got deflected and they got it and ran it in,” Butler said. “Still, it feels good to be going to the playoffs for the first time since high school in 2009.”

German, the nation’s No. 2 passer, had a big game but could not overcome four picks. He completed 41-of-58 passes for 414 yards and four touchdowns. The last two came with three minutes of each other in the fourth quarter as PRC drew to 13.

Hinds missed a 32-yard field goal with 7:40 left and the Wildcats responded by reaching midfield with six minutes left. But on fourth down and less than a yard, Larry Thompson was stuffed for a loss. Hinds answered with a 50-yard march in four plays, capped by Anthony’s run.

Hinds built a 28-3 lead in the first half as Anthony hit Quantavius Leslie on TD passes of 45 and 70 yards along with a 36-yard TD to Zachary Witchett. Quadaries Mireles had the other first half score, scooping up an offensive fumble and taking it 42 yards for the score.