MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Two hard-fought games in ASU Stadium. Two games that would come down to a two-point conversion. Once again, the Hornets came up short.Receiver Jarrett Neely’s pass for quarterback Daniel Duhart was short, and so was the Hornets’ comeback as Jacksonville State held on for a 24-22 win in the season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon.
“Last season, we had a play we believed in and this season it was a play we believed in when we went for two, we just weren’t able to complete it,” Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. “There have been some nail biters in this (stadium). Hopefully, we can change the fortunes on that.”
The Hornets would get one last chance, driving to a first down at the Jacksonville State 20-yard line with 1:32 remaining, but a delay-of-game penalty turned into another negative play when Duhart was slammed for a five-yard loss on a quarterback draw. On second down, his slant-in pass for Jamel Johnson turned into a Brenton Tolson interception that killed the rally.
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Photo Gallery: 1st half action Alabama State vs Jacksonville State
Photo Gallery: Second half action ASU vs Jax State
Alabama State notebook: Biggest plays recorded by ASU running back Cyrus
The biggest plays in Alabama State’s game with Jacksonville State were recorded not by heralded tailback Isaiah Crowell or quarterback Daniel Duhart, but by reserve tailback Malcolm Cyrus.
The Autaugaville native had just 38 yards rushing but was in the game in the fourth quarter because of an injury to Crowell and added 58 yards on punt returns.
His biggest play, a 54-yard reception for an apparent touchdown on a screen pass, was called back for a personal foul penalty of left tackle Matthew Bates, drawing a loud protest from head coach Reggie Barlow.
“They called a block in the back, I guess,” Cyrus said. “It really wasn’t a flag. It was really a bad call because we practice that play every day in practice.”
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Alabama State quick hits
Crowell injured again
Everyone wants the job as ASU offensive coordinator to figure out the best way to get 200 yards out of Isaiah Crowell every game. But Crowell, for the second straight season, couldn’t finish the season opener, complaining of an injured foot, then an injured knee as he spent the fourth quarter on the sideline.
WRs overcome slow start
The Hornet receivers had more than their fair share of drops in preseason practice and that trend continued into the game as Earl Lucas and Jamel Johnson each dropped catches that would have resulted in first downs. Those were the only two drops, however, as the receiver corps did their job in the final three quarters.
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