Walker Blazes into Alcorn History, Braves Win in Comeback Fashion Over Valley 35-28

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Senior running back Arnold Walker danced his way into the Alcorn history as the Braves avenge their loss from 2012 against Mississippi Valley 35-28 at Spinks-Casem Stadium this afternoon. Walker cracked the top 10 for career rushing yards in Alcorn football history on a 26-yard touchdown run and finished the game with 18 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

In the first quarter, senior defensive end Terrance Green intercepted a pass which led the Braves to their first touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run by quarterback John Gibbs, Jr.

Mississippi Valley took control of the game immediately after the Braves touchdown. Kenneth Dabney caught a pass from Patrick Ivy for a 34-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 with 3:02 to play in the first quarter.

Valley struck again early in the second quarter on a 28-yard pass from Ivy to Patrick Durr to go ahead 14-7. The Braves went three and out three consecutive times and Valley capitalized on a 13-yard scamper by quarterback Jeremy Collins just before the half. The Braves found themselves down two touchdowns at the half 21-7.

A controversial call fired the Braves up in the second half and the players knew it was time put a stop to the brutal beating they took in the previous half.

Green once again found his way to the ball on defense recovering a fumble placing the Braves in great field position with 11:53 to play in the game. Walker scored four plays later on a 6-yard rushing touchdown and Gibbs connected with Tavoris Doss for the 2-pt. conversion to lock the game at 21-21 with 11:21 to go.

The Braves recovered an onside kick and were able to march down the field again behind fullback Alondrea Young's three consecutive carries for 23 yards setting up the Braves next score. Gibbs hit sophomore LaDarrien Davis, who fought his way into the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. The Braves had retaken the lead 28-21 with just under nine minutes to left to play.

The Braves defense forced the Delta Devils to a three and out and it was the "Arnold Walker Show" from there. Walker touched the ball every single play during the next drive and found the end zone for the second time in the game to extend the Braves lead to 35-21.

Valley would score one more time on a touchdown pass from Ivy to Jerrell and attempted an onside kick but the Braves recovered the ball to capture the victory.

Gibbs finished the game completing 18 of 26 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns after a slow start. Damon Watkins led the Braves with 7.5 tackles and one pass break-up while Deion Roberson racked up 6 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss. C.J. Morgan finished the game with a career-high 5 pass break-ups.

The Braves hit the road for back-to-back SWAC contest starting next week in Pine Bluff, Ark. to take on the defending SWAC Champions, Arkansas Pine-Bluff. The following week the Braves travel to Montgomery to take on Alabama State. Kickoff against the Golden Lions begins at 6:00 p.m.

Box Score

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS