Sunday, September 16, 2007

ALABAMA STATE 12, ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 10: Mitchell throws for 2 TDs to lead Hornets


Montgomery Advertiser

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- Trailing 10-6 with less than one minute remaining and Alabama State facing a 4th and 10 on Arkansas-Pine Bluff's 10 yard line, it looked like the Hornets would be suffering the first defeat of the Reggie Barlow era.

However, quarterback Chris Mitchell darted out of the pocket and floated a pass into the arms of a diving Fred Ragsdale.

It was a touchdown that gave ASU an exciting 12-10 win.

"These guys, these guys just refused to quit fighting," Barlow said. "We were down and in a tough spot but we never quit."

The Hornets gave UAPB several opportunities to win a game that ASU statistically dominated, and the Golden Lions tried to take advantage.

ASU led only 6-0 after a lackluster first half, as Mitchell hit converted QB Darius Mitchell for an 11-yard touchdown just before the first half expired.

That score held up until UABP got a 26-yard field goal by John Heflin that was set up by a blocked punt. On the very next possession, a bad snap on a punt attempt gave the Golden Lions the ball on the ASU 23-yard line.

Quarterback Jonathan Moore -- subbing for 2006 SWAC player of the year Chris Wallace -- took it in from six yards out and UAPB had a 10-6 lead, setting the stage for Ragsdale's heroics.

"That kid (Ragsdale) worked so hard this summer," Barlow said. "I'm really happy for him and this whole team. We have a lot of things we need to correct, but I'm really proud of them for this effort tonight."

Jay Peck had his second consecutive 100-yard night, picking up 146 yards on 35 carries. ASU's defense held the vaunted one-two rushing punch of Martell Mallet and Mickey Dean to 34 yards on 20 rushes. For the game, UAPB only mustered 159 yards of total offense and converted just 3 of 12 on 3rd down conversions.

"There is no doubt that if we want to play for a championship, we'll lean on this defense," Barlow said. "They really play hard and fly around out there. The offense puts them in tough situations and they still give us a chance to win.

"I'm glad the offense was able to make a play to contribute to this big win."

After two weeks on the road, the Hornets return home to face Alcorn State Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Crampton Bowl.

Notes: This was Jay Peck's 7th career 100 yard rushing effort. . . .Chris Mitchell finished 16-27 for 175 yards and 2 TDs. . . .Barlow will host his weekly media/fan luncheon on Monday at 11:45 am in the Acadome Banquet room. Admission is $10 for fans.

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