Friday, October 12, 2007

UAPB report


By Beck Cross, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Can Lions pull repeat of 2006 ?

Arkansas-Pine Bluff will have fresh legs and an optimistic attitude when it resumes Southwestern Athletic Conference play Saturday against West Division leader Grambling State in the Delta Classic 4 Literacy at War Memorial Stadium.

UAPB (1-4, 1-2 in SWAC ), is coming off a confidence-boosting performance on Sept. 29, losing to New Mexico State of the Football Bowl Subdivision 20-17 at Las Cruces, N. M.

The Golden Lions took last week off, giving them a chance to correct mistakes.

“ For a team that hasn’t had a lot of success, [the off week ] really did come at a good time, ’’ UAPB Coach Mo Forte said. “ This team is making strides and it gave us some needed time to work on things. ’’

The Golden Lions were 1-2 in conference at this point last year before rallying to beat Grambling 33-28 in what was the first of six consecutive conference victories and the school’s first West Division title.

Plenty to do The UAPB-Grambling game is the centerpiece, but is just one of a number of activities for the AT&T Delta Classic 4 Literacy, the second of an annual series of football games between historically black colleges and universities to raise awareness and funds for literacy improvements in the Delta regions of the South. At 10 a. m. Saturday, a parade will begin at Central High School and end at Daisy Bates & Chester Street and will be followed by a tailgate party at 11 a. m. at War Memorial Stadium.

Children will be admitted free all day free Saturday at the Little Rock Zoo with a paying adult. All those with a football ticket stub will be admitted free at the Arkansas State Fair. A 30-minute battle of the bands between UAPB and Grambling will be held at halftime while a drumline competition between the two schools will take place immediately after the game. Off the field, Mo’Nique will be the headliner at the “ Laughing 4 Literacy ’’ concert at Robinson Auditorium at 8: 30 p. m. while the “ Jammin 4 Literacy ’’ afterparty begins at the Statehouse Convention Center at 9: 30 p. m. Mo’Nique is a comedian who has a recurring role on the hit television series Ugly Betty, A gospel jazz brunch will be held Sunday between 10 a. m.-3 p. m. at 1620 restaurant.

Different view
UAPB Coach Mo Forte said he would be coaching his second consecutive game from the press box rather than the sidelines. “ It really has nothing to do with any health issues, ’’ Forte said.
“ It’s just a different vantage point, and I can see things better.’’ UAPB is 7-3 when Forte coaches from the press box. Grambling ranked Grambling State is back in the national rankings under first-year Coach Rod Broadway after going 3-8 last season.

The Tigers (4-1, 4-0 in SWAC ) moved to No. 25 in both the Sports Network and Football Championship Subdivision polls.

Grambling lost to Pittsburgh on Sept. 8 but has beaten its four conference opponents by an average margin of 22. 3 points. The Tigers, the first SWAC team to be ranked in the FCS poll this season, are coming off a 40-0 victory against Mississippi Valley State. Loving their Lions

The Rolling Lions, an RV club that follows UAPB both home and away, will be out in full force for this weekend’s game against Grambling State.

A caravan of about 60 motor homes will motor from the Clinton Library today at 3 p. m. to their assigned spots near the main entrance at War Memorial Stadium.

“ We don’t have the numbers that the Road Hogs do, but there’s not a group that loves their team more than the Rolling Lions, ’’ said Mary Rogers, who has been an active member of the club since 2000.

The Rolling Lions also give approximately $ 1, 500 annually to the school in scholarship funds.

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