Alcorn State Cruise to Victory Against Louisiana College 52-10

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Despite a slow start, the Alcorn State University Braves rallied back from an early deficit to defeat Louisiana College 52-10.

Although most spectators looked at the Braves opponent as the lesser team, Alcorn quarterback John Gibbs Jr. said that no team is to be taken lightly. "It wasn't hard to get motivated for this game, " said Gibbs. "We treat every game as if it's a big game. No team is lesser than another team."

Haiden McCraney nailed a 35-yard field goal to cut the lead to 10-3 for the Braves first score of the game. Shortly after the field goal, the Braves defense came alive when Damon Watkins intercepted a pass and returned it deep into Louisiana College territory. The pick set up a five-yard rushing touchdown by Anthony Williams III to tie the game at 10-10.

Coach Hopson applauded the stiff defense the Braves displayed throughout the game. "I was really pleased with the way our defense played today," said Hopson.

Anthony Williams, Jr. showcased his skills on special teams returning a punt for 82 yards to give the Braves their first lead of the game 17-10 at the 9:28 mark in the second quarter. The Braves struck again on a two-yard touchdown by Arron Baker to increase the lead to 24-10.



Gibbs then passed to Jordan Payne for a 34-yard touchdown to end the half with a 31-10 lead.
The momentum continued for the Braves in the second half when Gibbs connected with Payne for his second touchdown of the day to increase the Braves lead to 38-10 in the third quarter. Gibbs then tucked the pigskin himself and rushed for a touchdown, making the score 45-10.
Lenorris Footman added another score for the Braves in the closing quarter, putting them up 52-10.

The Braves totaled 275 rushing and accumulated 464 yards of total offense. Gibbs was 18-of-31 for 189 yards and threw two touchdowns. Williams, Jr. finished the game averaging 37.3 yards on punt returns and one touchdown while Jordan Payne reeled in four catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns.

Next week the Braves hit the road for their first SWAC contest of the season against in-state foe Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m on Saturday.

Box Score

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION