Saturday, October 31, 2015

Howard's 1st win this season comes at Savannah State's expense 55-9

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Junior Leon Prunty made his first start of the year at quarterback here on Saturday afternoon for Savannah State, but most of the problems for the Tigers was the opposing quarterback, as Howard sophomore Kalen Johnson threw a career-high four touchdowns and ran for another in a 55-9 romp over SSU in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference contest on a dry, picture-perfect day for football.

It was the first win of the season for the Bison (1-7, 1-5 MEAC), who had been outscored 96-7 in the first quarter this season before taking a 20-0 lead against SSU. The Tigers are now 0-9 lifetime against Howard, who used the Wildcat offense for the first time this season and led 34-9 at halftime before a scant crowd of 1,056.

“It is not like (the Wildcat) overwhelmed us. We have a young, freshmen (defensive backfield) group. We have four freshmen DBs,” said SSU head coach Earnest Wilson III. “We just have to get better. It is all about us.”

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Turnovers Hurt SAU Falcons In Homecoming Loss To Johnson C. Smith



RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Sean Smith (R-Fr./Valdosta, GA) provided the only score for Saint Augustine's University with a 33-yard field goal in a 22-3 CIAA football loss to Johnson C. Smith University on Homecoming Day at the George Williams Athletic Complex on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015.

His kick cut the Falcons' deficit to 10-3 in the third quarter, but the Golden Bulls scored the game's final 12 points. The Golden Bulls kicked a 32-yard field goal and scored on an 18-yard fumble return in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Golden Bulls blocked a punt which rolled out of the end zone for a safety.

The fumble was one of five turnovers for the Falcons, who also threw four interceptions. Two of the picks were in the end zone, killing potential scoring drives.

The Falcons had a chance to strike first in the first quarter when Denzel Watkins (Sr./Troutman, NC) blocked a punt.  Cameron Lloyd (R-Fr./Tarboro, NC) ran 26 yards to the Smith two-yard line which put the Falcons in great field position. Five plays later, a lob pass in the corner of the end zone was picked off by the Golden Bulls.

Down 10-0 in the second quarter, the Falcons missed another opportunity to close the gap before halftime. Chris Roberts (Jr./Albany, GA) forced a fumble on a sack deep in Golden Bulls' territory which Tray King (So./Kershaw, SC) recovered. King rambled 14 yards to the Golden Bulls' one-yard line.

With 14 seconds left before halftime, the Golden Bulls (3-1 Southern Division, 3-3 CIAA, 4-5 overall) intercepted another pass in the end zone to prevent a Falcons' score. Smith finally put the Falcons on the scoreboard with his field goal in the third quarter, but the Falcons would not score again.

Neither team generated much offense in the defensive affair. The Golden Bulls gained 213 offensive yards while the Falcons accumulated 131 yards. Tailback Roderick Davenport II (Sr./Orangeburg, SC) provided much of the Falcons' offense with 88 yards on 28 carries. He is now 22 yards away from becoming the school's career rushing leader with one game left in the season.

The defense did its best to keep the Falcons (0-4 Southern Division, 0-6 CIAA, 0-9 overall) in the game. Led by linebackers Durell Newby (R-Jr./Graham, NC) and Terry Warren (So./Franklin, VA), the Falcons held the Golden Bulls to 26 rushing yards, forced two turnovers and registered four sacks including two by Roberts.

Newby and Warren each finished with eight tackles for the Falcons. Lineman Darius Goodman (R-So./Richmond, VA) and Roberts each forced a fumble and Darius Cole (Fr./Pittsboro, NC) intercepted a pass.

For the Golden Bulls, Jordan Lane completed 15-of-23 pass attempts for 179 yards and one interception in addition to being sacked four times. His main target was Fred Scott, who caught seven passes for 86 yards. Tromecio Summers rushed 10 times for 48 yards.

Defensively, Austin Jacques led the Golden Bulls with 10 tackles and one interception. NCAA interceptions leader Carlo Thomas picked off two passes.

Before the contest, twelve football seniors were honored with family and friends. They were offensive lineman Donell Andrews (Baltimore, MD), fullback Reece Bradley (Fredericksburg, VA), Davenport, quarterback A.J. Gilford (Savannah, GA), defensive back Justin Jones (Fort Valley, GA), tight end Steven Mason (Hampton, VA), defensive lineman Malcolm Newby (Graham, NC), wide receiver Jamal Parker (Hampton, VA), offensive lineman John Perkins (Fayetteville, NC), running back Antonio M. Thomas (Lynchburg, VA), Turkvant and Watkins.

Matthew Mangram, who lost his life in a car accident last year, was also honored during the Senior Day ceremony. He would have been a senior this season.

Legendary Head Coach George Williams and the Falcons' men's track and field team were honored at halftime. The Falcons captured their third straight NCAA Division II outdoor championship in May 2015.

Next Saturday, Nov. 7, the Falcons will visit crosstown rival Shaw University in the final game of the regular season. The contest is set for Durham County Stadium in Durham, N.C., at 1 p.m.


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Alcorn State swamps Southern 48-7 on a soggy Saturday at Mumford Stadium

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- When it rains, it pours.

Heavy rain pelted the field at A.W. Mumford Stadium long before Southern kicked off against Alcorn State on Saturday afternoon.

By the time the two Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals had sloshed their way through mud and standing water, the game had ended the way the past four meetings had ended: with Alcorn State victorious.

The defending SWAC champion and East Division-leading Braves stung the Jaguars with a 78-yard touchdown run on their first play from scrimmage and rolled to a 48-7 victory.

Alcorn lost senior quarterback John Gibbs Jr., the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year who had orchestrated the four previous wins against Southern, to a leg injury after two offensive plays and didn’t miss a beat.

Sophomore Lenorris Footman did a pretty fair Gibbs impersonation, rushing for 274 yards and four touchdowns and throwing two touchdown passes.

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FAMU Rattlers fall 28-10 to Aggies on Senior Night

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s offense came crashing back down to earth after strong performances against North Carolina Central and Delaware State.

Against North Carolina A&T’s unit, a defense second only to South Carolina State in terms of points allowed, redshirt junior quarterback Carson Royal faltered and the Rattlers’ ground game was swallowed whole, leading to the Rattlers fourth-straight loss to the Aggies.

North Carolina A&T dropped the Rattlers 28-10 Saturday in front of a Bragg Stadium crowd of 10,279.

“I don’t think we took a step back,” Royal said about the offense, which put up 124 total yards. “I just don’t really see us taking a step back. We’re always getting better. I just have to make plays. I didn’t play my best tonight.”

Royal completed 18 of his 40 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. The running game put up just four yards in the Rattlers’ final home game of the season.

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Bethune-Cookman Run Past Delaware State, 49-21

DOVER, Delaware  --  Bethune-Cookman rushed for 353 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-21 victory over Delaware State in a MEAC contest at Alumni Stadium this afternoon. Second-string quarterback Larry Brihm, Jr. ran for 141 yards and two scores to lead the Wildcats’ 489-yard offensive attack.

Freshman running back Brycen Alleyne scored his first two collegiate touchdowns, while leading the Hornets in rushing and receiving yards in the contest.

Bethune-Cookman won for the seventh time in eight games to improve to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the MEAC. DSU fell to 0-8 and 0-5.

Delaware State took advantage of a special teams play to score first in the contest.

Bethune-Cookman drove 69 yards on its first possession, but the drive stalled at the Hornet 11. Wildcat placekicker Uriel Hernandez’s 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked by DSU’s Gabe Sherrod. Logan Wescott scooped up the ball and ran 82 yards down the sideline to the endzone to give the Hornets a lead for the first time this season. Wisdom Nzidee’s extra point kick put DSU ahead 7-0 with 7:40 left in the first quarter.

BCU wasted little time to match the Delaware State score. The Wildcats drove 68 yards in five plays on the ensuing possession to even the game. Quentin Williams connected with Frank Brown on a seven-yard touchdown pass to cap off the two-minute-11 second drive. The extra point kick by Hernandez tied the game at 7-7 with 5:21 remaining in the opening quarter.

Bethune-Cookman added touchdowns on each of its next four possessions to take control of the game.

Running backs Michael Jones and Anthony Jordan scored touchdowns on short runs in the second quarter and Brihm scored from a yard out with less than a minute to go in the quarter to give the Wildcats a 28-7 lead at the break.

BCU stretched its lead to 35-7 on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Ja-Quan Lumas on the opening possession of the third quarter.

Delaware State showed some fight by scoring 14 unanswered points to raise its hopes.

Alleyne capped off a 12-play, 78-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run for the first touchdown of his career. Hornet quarterback Gil Rivera completed first down passes to Morris Frasier (13 yards) and Malik Golson (16 yds.), while Dae-Hon Cheung rushed for 23 yards during the five-minute-four-second drive. Nzidee’s extra point kick was blocked, leaving DSU in a 35-13 hole with 7:54 left in the third quarter.

The Hornets took advantage of another special teams miscue by the Wildcats to get closer early in the fourth quarter.

Delaware State received the ball at the BCU 24-yard line after Wildcat punter Jonathan Cagle came up short while attempting to run on fourth down and one.

Four plays later, Rivera found Alleyne open in the endzone for a 14-yard touchdown. It was Alleyne’s first collegiate touchdown catch. The Hornets successfully converted a two-point play following the touchdown when Rivera handed the ball to Golson, who completed a pass to Rivera in the endzone to cut the Wildcats’ lead to 35-21 with 14:48 left to play.

The Delaware State defense forced BCU to punt after three plays and recovered a fumble on the next two Wildcat possessions, but the Hornets could not take advantage.

Bethune-Cookman tacked on two fourth quarter touchdowns, one with 17 seconds left to play, to close out the scoring.

Delaware State totaled 200 yards in the contest, 104 rushing and 96 passing.

Alleyne had a team-high 65 yards rushing on 19 carries, and led the Hornets with two catches for 52 yards.

Rivera completed seven-of-17 passes for 96 yards.

DSU cornerback J.R. Robinson had a career-high 13 tackles, including 2.5 behind the line-of-scrimmage. Linebackers Malik Harris and Rashawn Barrett had 12 and 10 tackles, respectively, for the Hornets.

The Hornets begin a two-game road swing with a visit to North Carolina Central next Saturday (Nov. 7). Game time is 2 p.m. in Durham, N.C.

Delaware State will visit North Carolina A&T the following week (Nov. 14) before returning home to face Howard in the season finale on Nov. 21 at Alumni Stadium (2 p.m.).



COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bowie State Bulldogs Crush Lincoln (Pa.) 57-3 in Home Finale

BOWIE, Maryland  –  Bowie State University scored early and often in its home finale, crushing Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 57-3 on Saturday afternoon at Bulldogs Stadium. With the win, Bowie State improves to 8-1 overall, 6-0 in the CIAA and 4-0 in the North while Lincoln (Pa.) dips to 3-6 overall, 1-5 in the league and 0-4 in the North.

Freshman Nyema Washington (Forestville, Md.) threw for a game-high 188 passing yards, completing 20-of-31 (one interception) and three touchdowns. Senior Garry Cropper (Odenton, Md.) hauled in two touchdowns passes and led the Bulldogs receivers with 69 yards on five catches.

Graduate student Kendall Jefferson (Temple Hills, Md.) rushed for a team-high 95 yards on 13 carries and scored twice while freshman Robert Chesson (Annapolis, Md.) added 78 rushing yards on seven carries in the win.

Senior Brian Hall (Capitol Heights, Md.) and junior Joshua Davis-Stokes (Baltimore, Md.) tallied eight tackles each for Bowie State.

Two of Bowie State's scores came courtesy of their defense with freshman Quinton Jordan (Upper Marlboro, Md.) returning an interception 46 yards and redshirt freshman Kyle Jackson (Upper Marlboro, Md.) scooped up Lincoln fumble and rumbled 65 yards for six.

Lincoln's defense had three sacks against Bowie State while the offense produced 253 total yards. Linebackers Rhamir Thomas (Washington, Pa.) and Wadel Louis (Miami, Fla.) combined for one sack, while Tony Jones, Jr. (Baltimore, Md.) and Joseph Webb (Queens, N.Y.) had the other two solo sacks. Thomas and Louis had a game-high ten tackles each Jones pitched in with seven tackles.

Running back Stephen Scott (Baltimore, Md.) produced game highs in carries (28) and rushing yards (147) to lead the Lincoln attack.

The Lions rushed for 188 yards and passed for 65 yards to four different receivers. Emmanuel Saint-Jean (Silver Spring, Md.) and Bradley Martin (Philadelphia, Pa.) had two catches each for 27 and 18 yards respectively.

Bowie State jumped out to a 14-0 advantage after one quarter of play and pushed that lead to 35-0 by halftime. At the end of the first 30 minutes, the Bulldogs outgained the Lions 303 to 168. Bowie State had a pretty balanced attack in the first half, accounting for 161 yards on the ground and 142 yards in the air.

The Bulldogs lead ballooned to 50-0 after three quarters before allowing the Lions their only points of the game.

At the 14:52 mark of the fourth quarter, Lincoln's Brett Arkelian (Clovis, Calif.) avenged an earlier (37) missed field goal and made a 30-yard field goal for the Lions' only points of the afternoon.

Bowie State will conclude the regular season next Saturday (11/7), traveling to Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University for a 1 p.m. conference finale in Roebuck Stadium.

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COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Rams lose to Shaw in double OT

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State got all it could handle and more from winless Shaw in front of 15,000 at Bowman Gray Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

When it was over, Shaw wasn’t winless anymore, and the homecoming crowd went home in a hurry as the Bears pulled out a 32-25 double overtime victory.

“Bye bye,” running back Marquise Grizzle of the Bears said as he waved to the WSSU side of the field.  It was Grizzle, who became the school’s all-time leading rusher thanks to his 209 yards rushing on 28 carries, who scored the deciding touchdown in double overtime.

The Bears (1-8, 1-5 CIAA) tied the game at 18 with 23 seconds left on a 36-yard field goal from Joe Nguyen, who earlier in the game had missed two point-after attempts.

In the first overtime both teams scored to keep the game tied, and then it was Grizzle, a senior, who made the play of the game. He went off tackle and ran 25 yards to give the Bears a 32-25 lead.



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FAMU Wins 4th Straight MEAC Women’s XC Title

DOVER, Delaware – The Florida A&M University Women’s Cross Country team won their fourth straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship here Saturday morning, becoming the third school in league history to do so.

FAMU, which has now won the last four titles (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015), joins Delaware State (1984-87) and Coppin (Md.) State (1991-94) as the only schools to win four consecutive titles.

Dr. Darlene Moore’s Orange and Green team was led by senior Cynthia Chelelgo, who finished first overall with a time of 17:49.60, followed by sophomore Judith Kibii, who ran second in 17:53,90.

An elated Moore said afterwards: "I am extremely proud of the way our young ladies performed, not just today, but the entire season. We've worked really hard all year to get to this point, and I couldn't be happier."



"FAMU was always my dream job for me," Moore continued, "and to be able to guide these young ladies to make FAMU history is more than a country girl from Georgia could ask for."

FAMU placed five runners in the top eight overall, with senior QuanDra Shanks (18:30.90) getting fifth; senior Effiey Kosgei (18:46.60 finishing sixth, and sophomore Fridah Limo (18:47.90) getting eighth.

Also competing for FAMU’s victorious crew were Caroline Kiplagat (19:22.50); Emmaculat Kiplagat (19:36.40); Nicole Kvitkaukas (19:39.20); Destiny Johnson (20:45.10) and April Polite (21:20.00).

Finishing in the top five teamwise behind FAMU were Maryland-Eastern Shore, Hampton, Bethune-Cookman and Morgan State.

FAMU’s Cynthia Chelelgo was named Outstanding Performer, while FAMU coach Dr. Darlene Moore was named Outstanding Coach.


COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Magic City Classic: A look at the football matchup



BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- For fans of Alabama State (3-4, 3-3) and Alabama A&M (2-4, 2-2), the Magic City Classic – full of sights, sounds and football – serves as a mid-season championship for both historically black colleges, an annual matchup neither wants to lose Saturday afternoon at Legion Field.

After all, nobody likes to hear trash talk for an entire year.

While Alabama State leads the all-time series, 39-36-3, Alabama A&M has won seven of the last 10, including last season's epic finish, a 37-36 victory. Alabama State had a 15-yard TD run called back with 15 seconds left. Then on the game's final play, the Hornets then a field goal which would have won the game.

"Just the tradition and history and of course the large venue is an additive to it," said Brian Jenkins, head coach of Alabama State. Jenkins is preparing for his first game in the SWAC series, considered one of the nation's top HBCU Classics.

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HBCU Football Judgment Day Schedule: Week 9 (Oct. 29-31)



SATURDAY, October 31, 2015

OVC
Austin Peay at Tennessee State, 3 PM Live Stats  Live Video  TV: OVC Digital Network  

SWAC
College of Faith at Texas Southern, 2 PM LISTEN LIVE l LISTEN LIVE
Arkansas Pine Bluff at Prairie View A&M, 2 PM LIVE STATS l LISTEN LIVE
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State, 3:30 PM, Birmingham, AL, Magic City Classic, TV: ESPN3
Jackson State at Mississippi Valley State, 5 PM Listen Live l LISTEN LIVE l LIVE STATS
Alcorn State at Southern U., 5 PM LIVE AUDIO l  LISTEN LIVE l WATCH LIVE l LIVE STATS



MEAC
Savannah State at Howard, 1 PM
Hampton at South Carolina State, 1:30 PM, Homecoming
Bethune-Cookman at Delaware State, 2 PM
Norfolk State at North Carolina Central, 2 PM, Homecoming
North Carolina A&T at Florida A&M, 5 PM

SIAC
Miles 37, Stillman 7
Kentucky State at Lane, 1 PM
Clark Atlanta at Concordia-Selma, 1 PM
Morehouse at Fort Valley State, 2 PM, Homecoming
Benedict at Albany State, 2 PM
Central State (OH) at Tuskegee, 2 PM   Live Video
Clark Atlanta at Concordia-Selma, 5 PM



PSAC
West Chester at Cheyney, 12 Noon

GLIAC
Lincoln (MO) at McKendree (IL) 12 Noon

The Sun Conference
Edward Waters at Ave Maria, 12 Noon

MWC
West Virginia State at UNC Pembroke, 2 PM

CSFL
Texas College at Oklahoma Panhandle State , 1 PM
Langston at Lyons, 1 PM

CIAA
Johnson C. Smith at Saint Augustine's, 1 PM, Homecoming
Lincoln (Pa.) at Bowie State, 1 PM
Elizabeth City State at Virginia Union, 1 PM
Fayetteville State at Livingstone, 1:30 PM, Homecoming
Shaw at Winston-Salem State, 2 PM, Homecoming
Virginia State at Chowan, 3 PM, Homecoming  VSU Audio



ALL GAME TIMES SHOWN IN EASTERN TIME ZONE

Norfolk State tries to find form, catch MEAC leaders

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State's players and coaches know their backs are perilously close to the proverbial wall.

They also know that in the wild world of the MEAC, they still have an outside chance.

The Spartans (2-5, 2-2 MEAC) will look to snap a two-game league losing streak when they visit North Carolina Central at 2 p.m. today. The game represents NSU's latest opportunity to get back on track while hoping someone - two someones, actually - can knock off unbeaten N.C. A&T over the season's final four weeks.

In addition to beating N.C. Central (4-3, 3-1), the Spartans also need one-loss teams Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State to falter at some point.

Last season, five teams finished tied for first place in the league with two losses each. The Spartans' best hope is that it happens again.

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Wright's strong 2nd half pushes XU past Carver, 69-57

NEW ORLEANS -- Senior guard Morris Wright scored all 17 points in the second half Friday to lift NAIA No. 19 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 69-57 men's basketball victory against Carver.

The Gold Rush won for the second consecutive day and are 2-0 for the 13th straight season.

Wright, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year, scored 16 points in the final 12:18 -- including back-to-back 3-pointers in the 34th minute -- to build on the Gold Rush's 33-29 advantage. Xavier took its largest lead, 57-38, on Chris Ward's basket with 5:06 remaining.

"This was one of his best floor games," XU coach Dannton Jackson said of Wright, who also had a game-high five assists. "He let game come to him and didn't force anything."



Wright led Xavier in scoring in both games this season and needs 38 points to become the 25th Gold Rush player to reach 1,000 in a career.

Lucas Martin-Julien, with 10 points, was Xavier's other double-figure scorer. RJ Daniels scored nine points, all in the first half, and newcomers Ward and Leland Alexander scored eight points apiece.

Troy Swanson scored 15 points and Brannon Hopkins 14 for Carver (0-1), a National Christian College Athletic Association member from Atlanta, and Jamil Saaka had 13 points and nine rebounds.

Ward, Alexander and another newcomer, Elex Carter, combined for 20 of Xavier's 39 rebounds. Carter and Ward grabbed eight apiece, and Alexander had six.

Xavier led 26-23 at halftime.

The Gold Rush outshot the Cougars 46.7 to 25 percent from the floor. Xavier made 23-of-32 second-half free throws after 1-of-2 in the first half.

Jackson, in his 13th season and the Gold Rush's all-time winningest coach, is 275-117.

Xavier's next game will be a 7 p.m. Wednesday exhibition at NCAA Division I's Southeastern Louisiana.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Former Rattler Footballer 'Kool Breeze' Gets Presidential Award

Indian River County Sheriff's Deputy, Teddy Floyd
COURTESY: FLORIDA A&M SPORTS INFORMATION

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- If you mention the name Teddy Floyd on Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s (FAMU) campus, you may send minds wandering. If you say the name “Kool Breeze,” it will bring smiles to many of their faces. A member of former Coach Rudy Hubbard’s football team from 1982-1985, Floyd was a popular figure on campus.

Although he has been honored by several organizations over the years, his recognition reached the pinnacle this year as President Barack Obama bestowed the President’s Volunteer Service Award on him for his deeds. He was awarded the Gold Award, the highest of the presidential volunteer awards for service.

He was known for his wit, dancing skills, and his all around fun-loving persona. What he does now, though, is no laughing matter. Floyd has taken the lead in the Vero Beach community as the Indian River deputy sheriff and crime prevention practitioner, building relationships between law enforcement and citizens, rebuilding homes in the community, and saving lives along the way.

Floyd graduated from Orange Park High School in Jacksonville, Fla., before attending FAMU. An athletic linebacker, Floyd had a solid career on the gridiron. But, it is his degree in criminal justice from Florida A&M University that serves him to this day.

“When I came to the place they call “the highest of seven hills” in Tallahassee, I was an energetic young man. My focus at the time was just like any other teen entering college,” Floyd said.

It would be his experience with Hubbard that would guide his career path.

“I can’t express enough how proud I am of what he’s done. I just recently began to hear about all the good things he’s done in the community and it fits with what I always felt about him…that he was a good guy,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard recalled Floyd’s time at FAMU.

“Teddy was always full speed. There might have been a few players that may have had more talent than him in college, but nobody would outwork him, so I’m not surprised by all of the good he is doing right now,” Hubbard said.

Floyd has logged thousands of hours of community service in Vero Beach, where he has served for 26 years. The main organization he works with is called “Every Dream Has a Price.” One of his main partners in the endeavors he undertakes is Julianne Price, who works with the Indian River Health Department. He also volunteers his time with Shop With A Cop, the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the United Way, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Treasure Coast Stampede of Vero Beach, Habitat for Humanity, and several others organizations.

Volunteering numerous hours after work and on weekends, he still makes time to coach youth football. His philosophy is that if he can get to kids at a younger and more influential age, he can help foster great results.

What’s the driving force behind Floyd’s success? It’s simple, he says.

“Coach Hubbard used to always say ‘You’ve got to do the right thing,’” Floyd recalled. “For some reason that has stuck with me throughout my professional career. I live by that. Whenever I’m involved in something, this seems to echo in my head. I don’t know if coach even knows how powerful this simple statement is,” he said.

Hubbard is thrilled with the results of sowing seeds into the minds of his former players.

“You never know what effect your words are having on athletes. What Teddy is saying sounds exactly like statements that Nate Newton, former football player, has made in recent years. It does my heart good to know that things I said resonated with these young men to the point that they adopted it as grown men. Some guys picked it up right away, but for some guys it took on more meaning as they got into the real world,” Hubbard said.

Floyd was inspired to get involved in the community by Price, who was doing similar work. Floyd was known for taking down known drug houses, particularly abandoned homes used for drug trafficking, housing stolen goods, and prostitution. Floyd has leveled several abandoned homes in Indian River County as part of his objectives.

“I was working for the health department in the community and I heard about this officer who was famous for his work in the community. Since then, we’ve knocked down over 100 houses,” Price said.

While he is famous for knocking down homes, he is much more proud of the homes he’s helped to restore and build in the community. With partners such as Florida Blue and other corporations, the necessary funding is a vital part of his restoration effort. Currently, he and Price are overseeing one of his most prized projects, the construction of a veterans’ duplex for homeless veterans in the Vero Beach area.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Friday, October 30, 2015

Gold Rush rally late to defeat Warriors in opener

ROSTER

NEW ORLEANS — Morris Wright scored 19 points, including the go-ahead free throws in the final minute, to rally NAIA No. 19 Xavier University of Louisiana in a 75-73 men's basketball victory against Webber International.
     
The Gold Rush won a season opener for the 20th consecutive time. Coach Dannton Jackson is 13-0 in season openers.
     
Xavier never led in the second half until Wright produced a steal and was fouled with 30 seconds remaining. His two free throws gave the Gold Rush a 74-73 lead. Wright concluded the scoring by making 1-of-2 free throws with 3.2 seconds remaining.
     
The Warriors (0-1) missed two field-goal attempts in the final five seconds. Their final try was by Jovany Decues from the foul line as time expired.
     
After a halftime tie at 37, Webber International took a pair of seven-point leads, the second after a Decues basket at 4:22.
     
Wright, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year, made three of Xavier's four 3-pointers and had four rebounds and four steals. Lucas Martin-Julien, playing for the first time since the 2013-14 season, had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Gold Rush.
     
Giovanni Poitier had 13 points and eight rebounds for Webber International, an NAIA Division II member from Babson Park, Fla., and Sam Auguste had 12 points and eight rebounds.
     
Webber International made 12 3-pointers and outshot Xavier 40 to 36.5 percent from the floor, but Xavier made 33-of-42 free throws to the Warriors' 13-of-22. Martin-Julien made 9-of-10 free throws, and Wright and RJ Daniels made 6-of-8 apiece. Xavier won the boards 43-37, with Daniels grabbing seven rebounds and Wesley Pluviose-Philip getting six.
     
Xavier will play host to Carver College of Atlanta at 6 p.m. Friday.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Nuggets stretch streak with 5-set victory at Loyola


NEW ORLEANS — Claudia Haywood had a career-high 21 kills, and Ruby Hunt-Thompson produced kills on all four of her fifth-set attacks Thursday in Xavier University of Louisiana's 25-21, 27-25, 22-25, 20-25, 15-12 volleyball victory at city rival Loyola.
     
The Gold Nuggets (14-7) won their sixth in a row and defeated the Wolf Pack (16-17) at The Den for the second time in eight attempts all-time. Loyola leads the series 12-5, but Xavier won five of the past six meetings.

Haywood, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Preseason Co-Player of the Year, produced the most kills in a match by an XU player this season. Her previous best was 17 kills in four sets at Tougaloo last season. Hunt-Thompson had three kills to give the Gold Nuggets a 7-4 lead in the fifth, and the freshman ended the match with a kill.


Hunt-Thompson had a 15 kills and five blocks, both career bests, and hit .538.

Jodi Hill had a season-high 15 kills and CeCe Williams 10 for Xavier. Williams and Taylor Reuther had 18 digs apiece, and Darian Harris had 16.

Eva Allen had 19 kills and 15 digs for Loyola. Allison Hartmann had 12 kills, and Jordan Davis had 11.


Xavier hit .310 and had season highs of 72 kills and 66 assists. The Gold Nuggets' nine blocks matched a season high. Franziska Pirkl had 51 assists, a season high, for Xavier.
     

"We played with a lot of energy and heart," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "It took a while to get into a rhythm, but when we found our groove, our side of the net felt unstoppable."
     

The victory was the Gold Nuggets' second this season in five sets and their first on the floor of a non-conference opponent.

Xavier will play its final home match of the regular season at 1 p.m. Saturday against SUNO. The Lady KniBghts lead the GCAC by a match over the Gold Nuggets. Xavier will honor six seniors — Haywood, Reuther, Harris, Pirkl, Williams and Hill — in a pre-match ceremony.


BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Rams' mission during Homecoming week: Focus

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- If there’s one message Winston-Salem State coaches have tried to convey to players this week, it’s about focus.

During homecoming week there are so many distractions that it sometimes can keep coaches up at night.

Offensive coordinator John Eder has made it a point to tell all the Rams the only focus should be on beating Shaw. Game time at Bowman Gray Stadium is 2 p.m. in what is sure to be an overflow crowd.

Punter Will Johnson said Eder’s message was simple.

“He just told us homecoming is for the alumni and the fans,” Johnson said. “When you come back after you graduate, then you can enjoy it. Now, it’s about taking care of business.”

CONTINUE READING

Miles rolls Stillman, Tuskegee next

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Miles has known all season that the road to a SIAC Western Division title goes through Tuskegee, Ala. But Thursday night, the Golden Bears had one final stop to make before reaching their final destination.

By the time Miles (5-4, 4-0 SIAC West) wrapped up its 37-7 rout of Stillman (3-5, 1-4), the offense had racked up 545 total yards, the defense had forced three turnovers and recorded seven sacks, and the team could finally turn its attention towards the rival Golden Tigers, who have stood in the way of a trip to the conference title game the last two seasons.

"They were the team picked to win (the division) by a vote of our peers, so there's no pressure on us," said head coach Reginald Ruffin. "They're a good football team with history and tradition so our kids have to get ready to play."

For a team with an eye on what's next, the Golden Bears certainly paid attention to dominating on the field against the Tigers. Behind quarterback David Whipple, the offense – which has struggled for most of the season – put on its best show thus far and it didn't take long to get started.



Whipple scored on a 7-yard run on the game's opening drive, tossed a 21-yard scoring pass to Jordan Walker on the next possession, then got a 30-yard field goal from Nick Christiansen (one of three on the game, including a 51-yarder) to lead 17-0 before the end of the first quarter. When Ger'Kerry Jackson (66 rushing yards) closed out an 8-play, 99-yard drive late in the second quarter with a 17-yard touchdown run, the Golden Bears lead 24-7.

For a team that has had trouble putting together a full effort each game, Miles looked ready to roll all night.

"Our guys came out fast, we stalled a little bit, but then we came out, controlled the ball in the second half, and the defense didn't give up the big plays like we did in the first half," Ruffin said. "Overall, I'm proud of our effort."

Whipple, who is in his third incarnation as Miles' starting quarterback this season, was outstanding. He was 18-of-32 passing for 229 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 119 yards and another score. His second touchdown pass was again to Walker (five catches, 91 yards, 2 TD), this one from 23 yards out, to give Miles a 34-7 lead on the first play of the fourth quarter.

"We're starting to understand the offense a little bit more," Whipple said. "We're also understanding the defenses, where the weak spots are and hitting them a little more."

Kickoff at Tuskegee next Saturday is scheduled for 1 p.m. and Ruffin said his team will be ready to go.

"It's been 365 days that we've been waiting for it so now, we get the opportunity."

Box Score 

COURTESY MILES COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

GameDay Preview: Central State at Tuskegee

FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY

1 History in the making: With a win over Central State, Tuskegee coach Willie Slater will tie Rick Comegy for second on the school's all-time wins list. Slater is 89-22 in 10 seasons with the Golden Tigers. Comegy was 90-26. It'll take a bit longer for Slater to reach the school's all-time wins mark, 202 by Cleve L. Abbott in 32 seasons. "Really hadn't thought about it. I feel very fortunate. It's a blessing that we've been able to accomplish that here. A lot of the tribute goes the coaching staff. I have a very good coaching staff that's stuck with me," Slater said. "It's a special thing for me. He's coached many great quarterbacks. Just to even be one of his students of the game, it's an honor. Coach Slater's an amazing coach, he has great knowledge of the game. Just to be a part, 90 wins is a lot, just to be the quarterback to help him achieve this goal, it's very special to me," quarterback Kevin Lacey said.



2 The best feeling in the world: After spending six of its first eight games on the road, Tuskegee returns home for the final two games of the season. After Central State this week, the Golden Tigers host Miles for the season finale on Nov. 7. No one on the team is happier about returning home than junior defensive end Julian Morgan. "It's the best feeling the world," Morgan said. "I think the crowd, the student section at Tuskegee, is the best student section in the nation. You can't beat The Shed. You want The Shed to be happy when you're out there on the field."

CONTINUE READING

Fort Valley State fully healthy after bye week

FORT VALLEY, Georgia -- With injuries throughout his roster, Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said prior to the team's bye that he would use the time off to allow his team to recover from its injuries.

And it did just that.

Pittman said the Wildcats got healthy and rested during the bye as quarterbacks Otis Brown and Malcolm Eady will be able to play Saturday at home against SIAC foe Morehouse. Linebacker Leon McQuarker and safety Kentorius Jackson, who were inactive for the Wildcats' 34-7 loss to Florida Tech on Oct. 17, also will be active.

"That was a good thing, so we can work on Morehouse," Pittman said of the renewed health.

With Brown and Eady both healthy, a competition has brewed for the starting quarterback position. Pittman said he still has not named a starter and will not do so until game time.

CONTINUE READING 

A&T notebook: Aggies' challenge is not looking past Florida A&M

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- There’s danger in this road trip to Florida, as league-leading N.C. A&T plays at lowly Florida A&M Saturday.

The Aggies (6-1, 4-0) are No. 20 in the FCS national poll and the only unbeaten football team in the MEAC, while Florida A&M (1-6, 1-3) has beaten only winless Delaware State.

A&T plays at South Carolina State next week in a game many believe will determine the league champion and a berth in the inaugural Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.

“We all have that dream: Dec. 19th,” said safety and linebacker Landis Shoffner, a senior from Grimsley. “This is another step toward that.”

But Shoffner, who has started a team-leading 27 games in a row, also understands the risks of looking ahead.

CONTINUE READING

Southern aiming to end losing streak against Alcorn State in key SWAC showdown

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern has come a long way since Dawson Odums was named head coach after the Jaguars’ 0-2 start in 2012.

He immediately brought stability and discipline as the Jaguars went a relatively respectable 4-5 the rest of the way.

The next season, Southern won its first Southwestern Athletic Conference championship in 10 years, and last season it returned to the title game, though it came up short.

The Jaguars (4-3, 4-1), are again in the thick of the West Division race, establishing themselves as perennial title contenders.

But there’s one thing Southern hasn’t done during Odums’ tenure, and it’s a big thing: defeat Alcorn State. The Jaguars will try to end a four-game losing streak in the series when they face the Braves (4-2, 3-1) at 4 p.m. Saturday in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

CONTINUE READING

Commentary: Magic City Classic marks ASU's past, future

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- This was when things started turning sour for Reggie Barlow and Alabama State last season.

The Hornets blew a 12-point, fourth-quarter lead in falling, 37-36, to underdog Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham to fall to 4-4 after a 4-1 start.

Less than a week later, Montgomery Advertiser reported Barlow had received a contract extension through Dec. 31, 2017 and a $32,000 raise. The new contract became effective Sept. 9, but the Advertiser's Freedom of Information request for the deal didn't come through until later that season.



So the timing of the article worked against Barlow as some fans asked why ASU was giving him an extension when in fact he received it during the four-game winning streak. When playing in the Magic City Classic, 60,000-plus people come out to see that game. So fans and alumni of the winning team won't let the fans and alumni of the losing team forget what happened.

CONTINUE READING

Game preview: JSU vs. MVSU



THE SETUP

James Brown’s “The Payback” was the song of choice as Jackson State started to get ready for practice on Thursday, so it’s easy to see where the Tigers’ focus is following last season’s loss to Mississippi Valley State. Jackson State had won 19 consecutive games against the Delta Devils before last year’s loss to their former coach Rick Comegy. JSU will have some confidence coming into this one following last week’s win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Mississippi Valley State is still searching for its first win. All eight of its losses have come by 28 points or more, but the Delta Devils probably will play up against their in-state rival. The past four games in this series have been decided by nine points or less.

3 THINGS WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

Repeat performance from Morikawa?

Quarterback Jarin Morikawa earned SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors when he threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns against the Golden Lions. JSU interim coach Derrick McCall said Morikawa will start against the Delta Devils while LaMontiez Ivy still heals from an ankle injury. Can Morikawa have similar success against Mississippi Valley State?

CONTINUE READING

Ragsdale ready to rebound against Southern

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Two weeks have passed since Alcorn State last played a game, and that contest resulted in a 35-34 overtime loss to Grambling.

Braves coach Jay Hopson said he’s sure his team can’t wait to get back on the field when it hits the road to face Southern at 4 p.m. Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge.

But Hopson knows one player in particular is itching to get back out there, and that’s running back Darryan Ragsdale, who fumbled twice and was held to 3.6 yards per carry in the Grambling loss, which came on Alcorn State’s homecoming.



“He’s just a warrior; he’s been such a good football player for us,” Hopson said earlier this week. “That stuff (the mistakes) happens; you don’t ever like it, but he’s a tough all-around football player. He’s a fighter.”

Ragsdale, who grew up in Pelahatchie, has rushed for 513 yards and five touchdowns this season while averaging 85.5 yards per game on the ground, which ranks second in the SWAC.

CONTINUE READING

Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State



Four-down territory

1. Magic in the air: This week’s game marks the 74th edition of the Magic City Classic, and the excitement has been building. Both teams are coming off a bye, and look to come into the game healthy and rested. Alabama A&M won last year’s game 37-36. The Bulldogs outscored Alabama State 16-3 in the fourth quarter to take the win.

2. Rally for win: The Bulldogs overcame a nine-point deficit to defeat Jackson State in their last outing before the Classic. Damion May, playing in relief of the injured De’Angelo Ballard, threw touchdown passes to Jaquin Davis and Jonathan Dorsey, while Harvey Harris scored the game-winner early in the fourth quarter.

3. Also rallied: The Hornets trailed 14-0 before coming back to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff in their last game before the Classic. Khalid Thomas had career highs in rushing attempts (26), yards (148) and rushing touchdowns (3). Quarterback Daniel Duhart also ran for a touchdown and Rashad Boyd returned a fumble recovery for a score.

CONTINUE READING

Thursday, October 29, 2015

HBCU SPORTS NATION: BSU Takes Control of CIAA North



BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State defeated Virginia Union 23-19 to take sole possession of 1st place in the CIAA North Division with two weeks left in the regular season.

NCCU Alum Eric Kimber Invited to Kansas City Royals Fall Camp

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

KANSAS CITY, Missouri. – North Carolina Central University alum Eric Kimber has been invited to the Kansas City Royals' Fall Instructional League after completing a season in the Arizona Rookie League.

Kimber was signed by the Royals on June 19 and appeared in 11 games during the summer as a pitcher.  He earned one win and converted a save opportunity over 15.2 innings pitched.  He struck out 14 batters while only allowing three walks.

During his career at NCCU, Kimber pitched 46.1 innings with 19 appearances and 10 starts with 30 strikeouts.  He was also used as a utility player in the infield and outfield, and finished with a career batting average of .256, an on base percentage of .337 and 59 runs scored.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.


COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Listen Live Tonight to SWARM AND STING ASU Football Coaches Show



MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Listen live tonight from 6-7 p.m.(Central Time) to the Swarm And Sting ASU Football Coaches Show.

Click here to listen live online or tune in to the ASU Hornet Sports Network.

Head coach Brian Jenkins and host Mo Carter will get you up to speed on Hornets football, from the big win at Arkansas-Pine Bluff to this week's Magic City Classic against Alabama A&M.

Plus - ASU cross country / track and field head coach Ritchie Beene will join us to talk about his Lady Hornets' 5th straight SWAC Championship win this past Saturday!


COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

NCCU Football Weekly Press Conference: Week 9 vs NSU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Central University football program held its weekly press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to look ahead to the homecoming game against Norfolk State on Saturday, Oct. 31. Hear from head coach Jerry Mack and redshirt senior C.J. Moore as they speak to the media.



COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

There's Magic in the air



BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- There's a certain feeling swirling around and through the Bulldog faithful this time every year.

Maroon is the color of choice and wearing black and/or gold is scoffed at.

That's right. It's Magic City Classic Week which is capped off by the 74th annual clash between Alabama A&M and Alabama State.

"It's one of the most important things we do," Head Football Coach James Spady said of the Alabama A&M family. "I've been looking forward to it since last year."

A cornucopia of events paves the way for the football game including a parade, pep rally and tailgating to your heart's - or stomach's - content.

The Bulldogs won a thriller last year, 37-36, but the Hornets lead the all-time series 39-36-3.

Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. Saturday and will be shown live on ESPN3 with a tape delay replay on ESPNU. The game will also be broadcast on WJAB-FM 90.9 and wjab.org with Ted Dixie on the play-by-play.

For information on the game and the events leading up to the Classic, visit themagiccityclassic.com.



COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

B'ham, AL - 2015 Magic City Classic Celebration Festival



The 2015 "Magic City Classic Celebration Festival" features legendary hip-hop artist WHODINI and Grammy electro-funk band ZAPP at Legion Field Stadium - October 29th.

Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State Capture 2015 CIAA XC Championships

Women's Overall Results | Women's Team Results | Men's Overall Results | Men's Team Results
CARY, North Carolina -- The Virginia Union men and the Winston-Salem State women both won handily to claim team titles at the CIAA Cross Country Championships, which was held at WakeMed Soccer Park on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015.

Led by five top eight finishers, the Panthers scored 24 points to gain their second straight men's championship. They won by 71 points over Virginia State, which placed second with 95 points. Bowie State took third place with 136 points.

After finishing second by one point last year, Winston-Salem State bounced back to win their third women's crown by 67 points. The Rams placed five runners in the top 10 to score 33 points. Johnson C. Smith was second with 100 points and Lincoln (Pa.) placed third with 110 points.

Luis Nieves led the way for the Panthers, nudging Immanuel Hutchinson of Saint Augustine's at the finish line to win the men's individual crown in a thrilling 8K race. His winning time of 26:11 was a hundredth of a second faster than Hutchinson, who captured second in 26.12.

Michael Aregay of Bowie State was third, and a trio of Virginia State runners took the next three spots to solidify the team title for the Panthers. Frank Charles was fourth, Arthur Casey placed fifth and Emmanuel Nelfard finished sixth. Linda Moise placed eighth to cap a successful meet for the Panthers.

Domtila Kiplagat of Winston-Salem State dominated the women's 5K race, finishing ahead of the next runner by nearly a minute to win the title. She was the only competitor to run under 20 minutes (19:09). Jazmina Paris-Morris of Shaw was second in 20:06 and Daniaria Brice of Virginia Union placed third in 20:20.

The women's race was decided between spots five through 11. Phyllis Cheruiyot of Winston-Salem State was fifth and teammates Tametris Morrison, Raven Hamilton, Danisha Wiggins and Micalyne Zimmerman were eight, ninth, 10th and 11th, respectively.

Multiple runners from Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State made the All-CIAA Men's and Women's Teams, which are comprised of the top 10 runners in each race. The men's all-conference squad consists of Nieves, Charles, Casey, Nelfard and Moise of the Panthers in addition to Hutchinson of Saint Augustine's, Aregay of Bowie State, Antonio Washington of Livingstone, David Guwani of Bowie State and Dayquan Chapman of Shaw.

The Rams' quintet of Kiplagat, Cheruiyot, Morrison, Hamilton and Wiggins head the All-CIAA women's team. The other selections were Paris-Morris of Shaw, Brice of Virginia Union, Doreen Richardson of Fayetteville State, Domenique Julius-Williams of Johnson C. Smith and Merideth Alexander of Shaw. The CIAA Coaches of the Year were Inez Turner of Winston-Salem State (women) and Wilbert D. Johnson of Virginia Union (men).

PHOTO GALLERY



COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS