Friday, October 31, 2014
GSU looking to solve Texas woes
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling wants to distance itself as far away from the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship title talk as possible, but if the Tigers even remotely want a chance to hoist the trophy come December they'll first need to learn how to win in Texas.
Grambling travels to Houston, the site of the 2014 SWAC Championship game, on Saturday to play Texas Southern at BBVA Compass Stadium, a place where the Tigers haven't won since 2008.
In fact, Grambling is 1-10 in the state of Texas dating back to 2009. The Tigers snapped a 10-game losing streak earlier this season when they pulled out a 26-20 win over Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic in Dallas.
"We're grateful and thankful we're in ...
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DWIGHT FLOYD COMMENTARY -- FAMU Athletics: Creating Order Out of Chaos
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| DWIGHT FLOYD from THE EDITOR |
Over a short period of time I became that leader by circumstance, establishing a successful team by rebuilding the staff and developing a program that has surpassed the shared vision of 14 years ago. In the process I have made and continue to make some mistakes for which I own up to; and I continue to see many successes.
As I view the state of affairs within the athletic department at Florida A&M University, I see much of the chaos that I remember. Over the span of a period that has lasted more than 14 years, athletic directors have come and gone with little progress. Yes, there have been ...
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NSU's Riddick draws notice from the NFL
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State defensive lineman George Riddick opened a pre-practice interview this week by acknowledging the impact D-line coach Mark Thurston has had on his career.
It was a veteran move, as Riddick spotted Thurston lingering on the periphery. But it was hardly out of character for a player who routinely deflects any credit that comes his way despite standing out on a defense full of stars.
A 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior from Suffolk, Riddick has used his eye-popping explosiveness to pile up 45 tackles and a team-leading six sacks. His numbers, which include 7-1/2 tackles for loss, are especially impressive considering he has to share stats with tackle-hogging linebackers Marcell Coke, Deon King, Lynden Trail and Lamar Neal, who have combined for a staggering 242 stops in eight games.
Riddick serves as the first line of defense on a unit that is second in the MEAC in yardage and points allowed entering Saturday's game at Florida A&M. And thanks to NFL scouts' growing interest in Trail, Riddick is starting to get noticed, too.
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It was a veteran move, as Riddick spotted Thurston lingering on the periphery. But it was hardly out of character for a player who routinely deflects any credit that comes his way despite standing out on a defense full of stars.
A 6-foot-3, 295-pound senior from Suffolk, Riddick has used his eye-popping explosiveness to pile up 45 tackles and a team-leading six sacks. His numbers, which include 7-1/2 tackles for loss, are especially impressive considering he has to share stats with tackle-hogging linebackers Marcell Coke, Deon King, Lynden Trail and Lamar Neal, who have combined for a staggering 242 stops in eight games.
Riddick serves as the first line of defense on a unit that is second in the MEAC in yardage and points allowed entering Saturday's game at Florida A&M. And thanks to NFL scouts' growing interest in Trail, Riddick is starting to get noticed, too.
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Norfolk State's Lynden Trail getting NFL attention
NORFOLK, Virginia -- There are a number of great players in HBCU football. There’s no question about that. However, Norfolk State senior linebacker Lynden Trail has put himself in a very special category with his brilliant play the last two seasons.
Trail, a 6-foot-7, 250-pounder, can do it all. He has the size, speed and experience to play the pass as well as the run, and he knows how to pick his spots in terms of rushing the passer. These qualities have made him a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented annually to the top defensive player at the FCS level.
In addition, NFL scouts have been coming out in droves to see the Spartans' talented defensive player. Trail has attracted nearly every NFL team to Norfolk to watch him play the game at an extremely high level. Some scouts have even come several times to see him..
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Trail, a 6-foot-7, 250-pounder, can do it all. He has the size, speed and experience to play the pass as well as the run, and he knows how to pick his spots in terms of rushing the passer. These qualities have made him a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented annually to the top defensive player at the FCS level.
In addition, NFL scouts have been coming out in droves to see the Spartans' talented defensive player. Trail has attracted nearly every NFL team to Norfolk to watch him play the game at an extremely high level. Some scouts have even come several times to see him..
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Grambling gets back to work
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| HEAD COACH BRODERICK FOBBS |
As far as the Tigers are concerned, they’re 0-0 despite their name atop the Southwestern Athletic Conference leaderboard with a 5-0 conference record.
Try telling that to the rapid fan base of Gramblinites who spent the last week congratulating players and coaches on their season so far.
Internally, they’ve accomplished nothing until a championship trophy sits in Grambling’s case next to the one from 2011.
“They understand it’s not over and it’s not going to be over until we’re standing there in Houston at the end of the season with the SWAC Championship trophy above our head,” Grambling cornerbacks coach Bryan Ware said.
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ASU gives Reggie Barlow new contract, $32K raise
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State officials have rewarded football coach Reggie Barlow with a new contract, raising his salary while extending his contract through Dec. 31, 2017.His old contract, which he signed when he became head coach in 2007, was extended once and due to run out Dec. 31. The new one, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Montgomery Advertiser, became effective on Sept. 9 and includes a $32,000 raise – his first since taking over the head coaching reins.
"The football program, over the last four years, has won 30-plus games," ASU athletic director Melvin Hines said. "So coach Barlow has proven himself on the field with four straight winning seasons. I believe that's the first time in more than 30 years that we've had four straight winning seasons.
"We felt as though Coach has the program headed in the right direction, so we rewarded him for that by extending his contract for another three years. That also helps him keep his program at that level by being able to recruit. Kids want to know they're playing for a coach at the institution."
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Thursday, October 30, 2014
XU beats SUNO, clinches tie for GCAC championship
NEW ORLEANS -- Senior Chinedu Echebelem had nine kills and 17 digs Thursday, and an improved Xavier University of Louisiana defense keyed a 26-24, 25-12, 25-20 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's volleyball victory against SUNO at XU's Convocation Center.The Gold Nuggets (16-4, 12-0) clinched a tie for their fourth consecutive GCAC regular-season championship. Xavier needs one victory in its final two conference matches to win the title outright. Xavier clinched the No. 1 seed for next month's GCAC Tournament.
Echebelem's kill after four XU digs ended the first set, and Echebelem and Jodi Hill ended the match with a block of a SUNO attack.
Xavier trailed 15-12 and 18-16 in the final set.
In the opening set, SUNO rallied from an 18-10 deficit to tie at 22 and 24. Jada Broussard had five kills in a 14-4 XU run to close the second set.
Xavier, outhit .202 to .144 in its five-set victory at SUNO on Oct. 1, outhit the Lady Knights .207 to .089 this time. SUNO (22-9, 11-2) entered the match ranked 13th in the NAIA with a .253 hitting percentage and was hitting .326 in GCAC matches.
Broussard and Claudia Haywood had seven kills apiece for Xavier. Darian Harris had 12 digs, and Hill had three blocks. Setter Franziska Pirkl had three kills, 26 assists, an ace and seven digs.
Xavier committed 19 total errors, and SUNO made 38.
"This past week we watched a lot of video and trained really hard," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "Last time we played SUNO, we struggled with our hitting and could not find a way to put the ball down. We worked really hard on seeing where the open spots were on the other side of the court tonight. We had to stop being egotistical and trying to hit every ball as hard as we could. If we needed points on tip shots, we went for it."
Andrea Titonea had 11 kills and Christal Hollins nine for SUNO. Milica Golubovic and Ana Privat had 12 digs apiece.
The victory was the fifth in a row for the Gold Nuggets, who snapped SUNO's season-best six-game win streak. Xavier has won 55 consecutive matches against GCAC opponents -- 46 in the regular season -- and 53
straight against HBCUs.
Xavier will go for an outright GCAC championship in a noon match against Philander Smith at Little Rock, Ark. Xavier's next home match will start at 10 a.m. in the GCAC Tournament quarterfinals on Nov. 14.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information
DirectorTSU Tigers Set to Host No. 16 EKU for Senior Day
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team will host No. 16 Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 1 for Big Blue’s Senior Day.
Scouting TSU
TSU is 4-5 on the season overall, and 1-4 in Ohio Valley Conference games. Big Blue has also lost the last four contests for only the second time in many of these seniors’ careers.
TSU is 4-5 on the season overall, and 1-4 in Ohio Valley Conference games. Big Blue has also lost the last four contests for only the second time in many of these seniors’ careers.
Scouting EKU
For EKU (7-1, 4-1 OVC), the Colonels enter today’s game nationally ranked and fresh off of a, 33-21, win over Southeast Missouri last Saturday.
For EKU (7-1, 4-1 OVC), the Colonels enter today’s game nationally ranked and fresh off of a, 33-21, win over Southeast Missouri last Saturday.
Three Keys to the Game
Improve on Third Down
TSU enters Saturday’s contest 84th in the FCS, having converted just 34 percent of third downs this season. Last week, the Tigers were just 3-of-13 (23 percent) on third downs against Eastern Illinois, its second-lowest output of the season. TSU averaged just 3.5 yards on those 13 tries put needed an average of 6.3. A more successful running game production on first and second down could dramatically help the Tigers on third down.
TSU enters Saturday’s contest 84th in the FCS, having converted just 34 percent of third downs this season. Last week, the Tigers were just 3-of-13 (23 percent) on third downs against Eastern Illinois, its second-lowest output of the season. TSU averaged just 3.5 yards on those 13 tries put needed an average of 6.3. A more successful running game production on first and second down could dramatically help the Tigers on third down.
Control Mobley
EKU running back Dy’Shawn Mobley has been the best ball-carrier in the OVC this season and leads the league in yards (922), touchdowns (11), attempts (143) and yards per carry (6.4). On paper, Mobley is a sure-fire lock for OVC Offensive Player of the year, but he still has not faced TSU. The Tigers boast the second-best rush defense in the conference (140.7 yards per game) and the best total defense (123.8). However, TSU has had a problem with feature backs this year including giving up 130 yards to Shepard Little last week and 170 to Malcolm Cyrus against Alabama State. All eyes will be on Mobley, Saturday, so expect the Tigers to come up with a spirited game plan against EKU.
EKU running back Dy’Shawn Mobley has been the best ball-carrier in the OVC this season and leads the league in yards (922), touchdowns (11), attempts (143) and yards per carry (6.4). On paper, Mobley is a sure-fire lock for OVC Offensive Player of the year, but he still has not faced TSU. The Tigers boast the second-best rush defense in the conference (140.7 yards per game) and the best total defense (123.8). However, TSU has had a problem with feature backs this year including giving up 130 yards to Shepard Little last week and 170 to Malcolm Cyrus against Alabama State. All eyes will be on Mobley, Saturday, so expect the Tigers to come up with a spirited game plan against EKU.
Win it for the Seniors
This year’s senior class has been one of the winningest in recent memory, posting 27 in the past 3.5 years. Should the Tigers win the next three contests, they will finish with three straight winning seasons, becoming the first group since 1984-86 to accomplish the feat. The class features some of the most prolific players to wear a Tiger uniform like Nick Thrasher who is second all-time in tackles and Mike German who is in the top-five of every passing category. Saturday marks their, and the 20 other graduating Tigers’, last game in front of their home fans.
This year’s senior class has been one of the winningest in recent memory, posting 27 in the past 3.5 years. Should the Tigers win the next three contests, they will finish with three straight winning seasons, becoming the first group since 1984-86 to accomplish the feat. The class features some of the most prolific players to wear a Tiger uniform like Nick Thrasher who is second all-time in tackles and Mike German who is in the top-five of every passing category. Saturday marks their, and the 20 other graduating Tigers’, last game in front of their home fans.
The Tigers are 5-21 all-time against EKU, but have won the last two meetings in Nashville including 2012’s, 23-20, thriller at Hale Stadium.
Saturday’s game will kickoff at 2 p.m. and fans can watch all the action on ESPN3.com.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
TSU Women's Basketball Media Guide Available Online
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2014-15 TSU LADY TIGER MEDIA GUIDE POWERED BY ISSUU |
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The 2014-15 Tennessee State University women's basketball media guide is now available online. The guide is a publication of the TSU Athletic Media Relations Office. Read up on this year's Lady Tiger team and coaches as well as recaps from last season.
COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
13th-ranked XU Rush stretch win streak in openers to 19
NEW ORLEANS -- Senior guard Anthony Goode scored 20 points Wednesday to lead NAIA No. 13 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 93-82 men's basketball victory against Behaven.It was the 19th consecutive season that the Gold Rush won the opening game.
Goode, who averaged 10.1 points last season, was 6-of-10 from the floor, 2-of-5 on 3-pointers and 6-of-7 from the line in 24 1/2 minutes. He had three assists and blocked two shots.
Jarvis Thibodeaux scored a career-high 17 points for the Gold Rush, and Troy Salvant -- a 26-year-old freshman guard who spent the past seven years in the Army -- scored 13.
Jordan Bedford made six 3-pointers and scored 26 points for the Blazers (0-1). Jerrial Dawson scored 14, and Kyle Patterson had 11.
Gary Smith's 3-pointer at 15:00 of the first half put the Gold Rush ahead to stay, 13-10. Xavier led 47-40 at halftime and held its biggest lead, 74-50, on Josh Freeman's free throw with 9:57 remaining.
Xavier outshot the Blazers 51.7 to 47.3 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 36-28. Belhaven made 11 3-pointers.
"It was an exciting game for the fans with all those points scored," XU coach Dannton Jackson said. "We probably had a few jitters. I'm glad we got this one behind us.
"What I liked most was that we showed the ability to put points on the board. Our two all-conference players (Sydney Coleman and Morris Wright) did not play well and we still put a lot of points on the board."
Xavier will play host to Carver College at 7 p.m. Friday. Belhaven's next game will be its home opener, 7 p.m. Monday against Xavier.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information
Director
Update: Al Lawson blasts FAMU for firing Earl Holmes
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Former state Sen. Al Lawson, a Florida A&M alum whose name graces the university's state-of-the-art arena, pulled no punches in discussing his opinions on the firing of head coach Earl Holmes.
During a meeting of the 220 Quarterback Club on Wednesday, Lawson called athletic director Kellen Winslow Sr. "disrespectful" and said removing Holmes during the week of homecoming was "wrong."
"There's no one – not even in high school – that would interrupt homecoming," he said.
"A competent athletic director would have called someone in ... he wouldn't have sent a letter."
Lawson went on to say there is "no commitment" from the leadership of the athletic department.
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During a meeting of the 220 Quarterback Club on Wednesday, Lawson called athletic director Kellen Winslow Sr. "disrespectful" and said removing Holmes during the week of homecoming was "wrong."
"There's no one – not even in high school – that would interrupt homecoming," he said.
"A competent athletic director would have called someone in ... he wouldn't have sent a letter."
Lawson went on to say there is "no commitment" from the leadership of the athletic department.
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Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Florida A&M fires Holmes, promotes Fuller
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M football coach Earl Holmes slowly walked from the field house to his black SUV in the parking lot Tuesday afternoon, stopping to shake hands and share hugs with players.Holmes also spoke briefly to the Democrat before driving away after he was informed he was fired by the university earlier Tuesday, four days before the Rattlers’ homecoming game.
“As a Hall of Famer — FAMU Hall of Fame and MEAC Hall of Fame — on homecoming weekend… I don’t know,” Holmes said while shaking his head.
“I’m amazed. Amazed.”
Holmes, 41, considered one of the program’s all-time great players, couldn’t duplicate that magic as the Rattlers’ head coach.
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Florida A&M fires coach before Spartans' visit
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Coach Pete Adrian said Tuesday's dismissal of Florida A&M coach Earl Holmes won't affect NSU's game plan when the teams meet Saturday.Holmes, a former NFL linebacker and a member of the FAMU's Sports Hall of Fame, was fired after going 6-16 in less than two full seasons. The school confirmed the firing on Tuesday night.
Defensive backs coach Corey Fuller will be the interim coach.
"Regardless of who takes over, 80-85 percent will stay the same," Adrian said. "You don't have time to change anything."
The Tallahassee Democrat reported that Rattlers quarterback Damien Fleming said the players will not boycott Saturday's game, though there had been "speculation" they might.
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Registered Sex Offender Emerges as Star College Football
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado -- A registered sex offender has emerged as a star player on a top tier college football team, resuming his athletic career after being expelled from the Air Force Academy where he was court-martialed for sexual assault.
No NCAA rule prevents a person with a criminal conviction from playing college athletics, a spokesperson told ABC News. It is left up to the individual college or conference to determine eligibility.
Jamil Cooks, 23, enrolled at Alcorn State in Mississippi, a Division One NCAA school, after being found guilty in April 2013 of abusive sexual contact in a court martial proceeding at the Air Force Academy, which required him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Cooks' lawyer, Richard Stevens, says he is appealing the conviction.
The ability of Cooks to continue his football career despite being a sexual predator is only the latest example of distorted priorities that involve sexual violence, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York.
More ABC US news | ABC Health News
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No NCAA rule prevents a person with a criminal conviction from playing college athletics, a spokesperson told ABC News. It is left up to the individual college or conference to determine eligibility.
Jamil Cooks, 23, enrolled at Alcorn State in Mississippi, a Division One NCAA school, after being found guilty in April 2013 of abusive sexual contact in a court martial proceeding at the Air Force Academy, which required him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Cooks' lawyer, Richard Stevens, says he is appealing the conviction.
The ability of Cooks to continue his football career despite being a sexual predator is only the latest example of distorted priorities that involve sexual violence, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York.
More ABC US news | ABC Health News
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GSU grateful of fan support, but goals remain the same
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Grambling's football program has an unwritten rule inside its locker room — don't look at the standings.
As far as the Tigers are concerned, they're 0-0 despite their name atop the Southwestern Athletic Conference leaderboard with a 5-0 conference record.
Try telling that to the rapid fan base of Gramblinites who spent the last week congratulating players and coaches on their season so far.
Internally, they've accomplished nothing until a championship trophy sits in Grambling's case next to the one from 2011.
"They understand it's not over and it's not going to be over until we're standing there in Houston at the end of the season with the SWAC Championship trophy above our head," Grambling cornerbacks coach Bryan Ware said.
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Alcorn one win away from clinching SWAC East
LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State is so close to making program history.
But it has to wait about two weeks to do so.
After defeating Prairie View A&M in a wild 77-48 shootout on Saturday, the Braves are one win away from clinching their division.
Alcorn coach Jay Hopson doesn't need a reminder.
And he knows his "take one game at a time" response may sound like coach talk. But he can't stress it enough.
"It's all about Alabama A&M. All that stuff takes care of itself," Hopson said. "As coaches and players, that's how you have to be. It's kind of coach talk, and you hear it. Certainly, players and coaches will be aware of that situation. But the reality is you got to go out every Saturday and take care of each opponent."
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But it has to wait about two weeks to do so.
After defeating Prairie View A&M in a wild 77-48 shootout on Saturday, the Braves are one win away from clinching their division.
Alcorn coach Jay Hopson doesn't need a reminder.
And he knows his "take one game at a time" response may sound like coach talk. But he can't stress it enough.
"It's all about Alabama A&M. All that stuff takes care of itself," Hopson said. "As coaches and players, that's how you have to be. It's kind of coach talk, and you hear it. Certainly, players and coaches will be aware of that situation. But the reality is you got to go out every Saturday and take care of each opponent."
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Tuesday, October 28, 2014
No. 13 Rush open at home vs. Belhaven on Wednesday
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana will begin the 2014-15 men's basketball season with its highest preseason ranking in seven years.
The Gold Rush, 23-9 a year ago, were 13th in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Preseason Top 25 poll announced Tuesday. It's the fifth consecutive season that the XU men are in the preseason top 25.
Xavier will open the season with games against Belhaven on Wednesday and Carver on Friday. Both will tip off at 7 p.m. at XU's Convocation Center. Xavier will play eight of its first nine games at home.
The Gold Rush are in the top 25 for the 38th consecutive time — the longest active streak in the division — and the 51st time in the last 52 polls. The last time the Gold Rush held a higher preseason ranking was 10th place in 2007-08.
Xavier is one of three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in the top 25. Talladega is No. 5, and Philander Smith is No. 23. Xavier won its third consecutive GCAC regular-season title in 2013-14, and Talladega beat Philander Smith in the GCAC Tournament championship game. All three qualified for last season's Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship.
Before the first regular-season poll on Dec. 9, Xavier will play No. 9 William Carey at home on Dec. 1 and a pair of games with Wiley, which received votes. Xavier will open its GCAC schedule Jan. 5 at Talladega, then play Philander Smith at home on Jan. 10.
Defending champion Vanguard was chosen No. 1 unanimously.
The Gold Rush, 23-9 a year ago, were 13th in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Preseason Top 25 poll announced Tuesday. It's the fifth consecutive season that the XU men are in the preseason top 25.
Xavier will open the season with games against Belhaven on Wednesday and Carver on Friday. Both will tip off at 7 p.m. at XU's Convocation Center. Xavier will play eight of its first nine games at home.
The Gold Rush are in the top 25 for the 38th consecutive time — the longest active streak in the division — and the 51st time in the last 52 polls. The last time the Gold Rush held a higher preseason ranking was 10th place in 2007-08.
Xavier is one of three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in the top 25. Talladega is No. 5, and Philander Smith is No. 23. Xavier won its third consecutive GCAC regular-season title in 2013-14, and Talladega beat Philander Smith in the GCAC Tournament championship game. All three qualified for last season's Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship.
Before the first regular-season poll on Dec. 9, Xavier will play No. 9 William Carey at home on Dec. 1 and a pair of games with Wiley, which received votes. Xavier will open its GCAC schedule Jan. 5 at Talladega, then play Philander Smith at home on Jan. 10.
Defending champion Vanguard was chosen No. 1 unanimously.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information
Director
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No. 18 Nuggets to open with 4 straight top-25 opponents
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana, 18th in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Preseason Top 25 poll announced Tuesday, will be thoroughly tested by the time the first regular-season poll is announced.
The Gold Nuggets, 24-10 last season, will:
• Open the season with a ranked opponent — No. 5 Campbellsville — for the first time since 2007.
• Open the season with four consecutive ranked opponents: Campbellsville, No. 9 Bethel (Tenn.), No. 22 Mobile and No. 11 Our Lady of the Lake.
• Play consecutive games against top-10 opponents for the first time since November 1999. Xavier will face Campbellsville at 6 p.m. Friday and Bethel at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Bethel Chamber of Commerce Shootout at McKenzie, Tenn.
The Gold Nuggets are in the preseason top 25 for the fifth consecutive year and the 12th time in Bo Browder's 16 seasons as head coach. The gauntlet they'll run extends to last season, when they closed with three consecutive ranked opponents.
The first regular-season poll will be announced Dec. 9. By that time Xavier also will have played No. 6 Wiley and No. 24 Langston (Nov. 27-28 in the Xavier Classic) and Mobile a second time (Dec. 1 at Mobile). Mobile will be the Gold Nuggets' home opener at 7 p.m. on Nov. 12.
Defending champion Oklahoma City is preseason No. 1 after receiving 8-of-10 first-place votes.
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Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XU Nuggets are a big hit in GCAC victory at Edward Waters
JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Xavier University of Louisiana hit a season-high .468 Monday to earn a 25-13, 25-12, 25-12 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's volleyball victory against Edward Waters.
The victory was the fourth in a row for the Gold Nuggets (15-4, 11-0), who will attempt to clinch a share of a fourth straight GCAC regular-season championship at home on Thursday against SUNO. Xavier has won 54 consecutive matches against GCAC opponents -- 44 in the regular season -- and 52 straight against HBCUs. The Gold Nuggets are 6-1 on the road this season.
Juniors Claudia Haywood, Franziska Pirkl and Jodi Hill and freshman Jada Broussard combined to hit .721 for Xavier on 43 attempts. None of the four committed an error. Haywood had 10 kills and hit .833, Hill had nine kills and hit .600, Broussard -- who sat out the third set -- had seven kills and hit .875, and Pirkl had six kills and hit .625.
Haywood's percentage equaled the highest in a match by an XU player with a minimum of 10 attacks since the program resumed in 2010. Haywood hit .833 at Trinity Baptist in 2012.
Broussard was perfect in the opening set, producing four kills in as many attempts and tacking on a pair of blocks. Hill had two kills during Xavier's 8-0 run to start the second set.
Xavier trailed 6-3 in the third set before closing with a 22-6 run which included five Haywood kills in six swings.
The Gold Nuggets finished with 43 kills and seven errors, a season low, in 77 attacks. Chinedu Echebelem had six kills, and CeCe Williams had five. Echebelem had nine digs and Williams eight, and Pirkl had 31 assists, six digs and three blocks.
Kayla Jones served three of Xavier's four aces. Edward Waters (10-17, 2-11) had only one ace, none by freshman Kaylin Davison, the NAIA leader in aces per set. Davison failed to serve an ace in two matches against Xavier this season.
Xavier and SUNO will meet for the second time this year at 7 p.m. Thursday at XU's Convocation Center. It will be a Dig Pink match for breast cancer awareness, and fans are encouraged to wear pink that day.
The Gold Nuggets scored six of the final seven points at SUNO on Oct. 1 to rally for a five-set victory.
Box Score
The victory was the fourth in a row for the Gold Nuggets (15-4, 11-0), who will attempt to clinch a share of a fourth straight GCAC regular-season championship at home on Thursday against SUNO. Xavier has won 54 consecutive matches against GCAC opponents -- 44 in the regular season -- and 52 straight against HBCUs. The Gold Nuggets are 6-1 on the road this season.
Juniors Claudia Haywood, Franziska Pirkl and Jodi Hill and freshman Jada Broussard combined to hit .721 for Xavier on 43 attempts. None of the four committed an error. Haywood had 10 kills and hit .833, Hill had nine kills and hit .600, Broussard -- who sat out the third set -- had seven kills and hit .875, and Pirkl had six kills and hit .625.
Haywood's percentage equaled the highest in a match by an XU player with a minimum of 10 attacks since the program resumed in 2010. Haywood hit .833 at Trinity Baptist in 2012.
Broussard was perfect in the opening set, producing four kills in as many attempts and tacking on a pair of blocks. Hill had two kills during Xavier's 8-0 run to start the second set.
Xavier trailed 6-3 in the third set before closing with a 22-6 run which included five Haywood kills in six swings.
The Gold Nuggets finished with 43 kills and seven errors, a season low, in 77 attacks. Chinedu Echebelem had six kills, and CeCe Williams had five. Echebelem had nine digs and Williams eight, and Pirkl had 31 assists, six digs and three blocks.
Kayla Jones served three of Xavier's four aces. Edward Waters (10-17, 2-11) had only one ace, none by freshman Kaylin Davison, the NAIA leader in aces per set. Davison failed to serve an ace in two matches against Xavier this season.
Xavier and SUNO will meet for the second time this year at 7 p.m. Thursday at XU's Convocation Center. It will be a Dig Pink match for breast cancer awareness, and fans are encouraged to wear pink that day.
The Gold Nuggets scored six of the final seven points at SUNO on Oct. 1 to rally for a five-set victory.
Box Score
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information
Director
Monday, October 27, 2014
TSU to Host Inaugural Teresa Phillips Thanksgiving Classic
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State University women’s basketball team will host the inaugural Teresa Phillips Thanksgiving Classic, Nov. 29-30, in the Gentry Center.The tournament, which is named after TSU Director of Athletics and former head women’s basketball coach Teresa L. Phillips, will feature four teams from across the country, including Youngstown State, Nicholls State, Norfolk State and host TSU.
“We thought the Thanksgiving classic would be a great opportunity to give recognition to Coach Phillips,” said TSU head women's basketball coach Larry Inman. “Not only was she a great basketball coach but she continues to be a proven leader in college athletics. It is an attribute to all her years of service to Tennessee State University.”
Teresa Phillips was head coach of the Lady Tiger basketball program at TSU for 11 seasons from 1989-2000. The three-time OVC Coach of the Year recorded 144 total wins while at the helm of the women’s basketball program.
She guided the 1993-94 team to the program's first-ever Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship, the OVC tournament title and TSU’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament.
Phillips and her staff enjoyed another successful season in 1994-95 as the Lady Tigers (22-7, 12-4 OVC) claimed the regular season championship while earning its second consecutive tournament title and a trip to the NCAA tournament.
Phillips garnered national attention when she became the first woman to coach a Division I NCAA men’s basketball team in 2003. She is also an inaugural member of the Girls’ Preparatory School Sports Hall of Fame and a 2008 inductee of the Lookout Mountain Sports Hall of Fame.
Recently, the Ohio Valley Conference named Phillips one of the league's most influential women in its celebration of the 40th anniversary of Title IX. Just last year Phillips was featured on the Tennessean's Legendary Ladies Elite 8 list in conjunction with the 2014 Final Four.
All contests of the Teresa Phillips Thanksgiving Classic will be played in the Gentry Center located on TSU’s main campus. For ticket information call 615.963-ROAR.
Tournament Schedule
Saturday, Nov. 29
Nicholls State vs. Youngstown State – 1 p.m.
TSU vs. Norfolk State – 3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30
Norfolk State vs. Nicholls State – 12 p.m.
TSU vs. Youngstown State – 2 p.m.
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WCC broadens athlete transcript probe after fraud charge
VALHALLA, New York -- Westchester Community College is reviewing the transcripts and academic eligibility of dozens of its students-athletes over the last three to five years after The Journal News revealed that two star basketball players had their athletic scholarships yanked from Florida A&M University because of phony transcripts.The alleged transcript fraud resulted in the firing of assistant WCC basketball coach Richard Fields and a criminal investigation.
"We're looking at all athletes in all sports going back several years," said WCC spokesman Patrick Hennessey. "We feel it was an isolated incident, but we're checking. We want to make sure."
Fields, the assistant coach, was fired Oct. 16 after admitting he provided a phony transcript for Jamell Walker and forged an administrator's signature on an eligibility form for him, Hennessey said.
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Alabama State must move on after falling 37-36 to Alabama A&M in Magic City Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Three weeks ago, Reggie Barlow and his Alabama State football team were on top of the SWAC. The Hornets were 4-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
Three straight losses later, Barlow and his Hornets are .500 overall and in their league following a 37-36 loss to rival Alabama A&M in the 73rd State Farm Magic City Classic.
The coach said following the game that he hasn't lost faith in his squad.
"We know that we're a good team," he said. "We've just got to stick together and get ready for the next game. That's all it is at this point."
Twice Saturday, the Hornets led by two touchdowns, the latter in the third quarter.
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Three straight losses later, Barlow and his Hornets are .500 overall and in their league following a 37-36 loss to rival Alabama A&M in the 73rd State Farm Magic City Classic.
The coach said following the game that he hasn't lost faith in his squad.
"We know that we're a good team," he said. "We've just got to stick together and get ready for the next game. That's all it is at this point."
Twice Saturday, the Hornets led by two touchdowns, the latter in the third quarter.
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Downhill Slide Continues for Jackson State
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Coming off their bye-week, Jackson State head coach Harold Jackson expected to see a rejuvenated Tiger team take the field. However, JSU quickly fell behind 27-0 to defending SWAC Champion Southern and wound up losing its third game in a row 42-28. JSU also lost its fourth straight home game as the Tigers are now 3-5 on the season and 1-4 in conference play.
Lenard Tillery ran for 166 yards and a touchdown as Southern University beat Jackson State 42-28 Saturday night.
Austin Howard finished with 250 yards passing and a touchdown for the Jaguars (5-3, 4-1 SWAC).
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WJTV News Channel 12
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Lenard Tillery ran for 166 yards and a touchdown as Southern University beat Jackson State 42-28 Saturday night.
Austin Howard finished with 250 yards passing and a touchdown for the Jaguars (5-3, 4-1 SWAC).
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WJTV News Channel 12
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PVAMU Panthers Win 2014 SWAC Cross Country Championship
CLINTON, Mississippi -- A first-place performance by Sorone Batiste and fourth-place finish from Jarrod Ballou paved the way for Prairie View A&M to claim their fourth SWAC men's cross country championship in school history at Choctaw Trails on Monday morning.Batiste fought off a challenge from TSU's Jose Medina as he topped the field in a time of 26:34.84 en route to SWAC Cross Country Athlete of the Year honors. After a 2-3 performance by TSU, the Panthers responded and showcased their depth as Jarrod Ballou placed fourth followed by sixth and seventh-place finishes from Aaron Austin and Syed Hussain to seal the victory.
As a result of their finishes, Batiste and Ballou received All-SWAC First Team honors while Austin and Hussain finished with second team honors. Head coach Chris Clay was named SWAC Coach of the Year and won his first cross country title as head coach and his third overall as he served as an assistant during PVAMU's SWAC title wins in 2005 and 2006.
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Battle of the Bands: N.C, A&T Blue and Gold Marching Machine vs. FAMU Marching 100
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Southern Monday Morning Rewind
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Coming up
Southern (5-3 overall and 4-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference) returns home for the first time in four weeks when it plays Alabama State at 6 p.m. Saturday in A.W. Mumford Stadium. The Hornets are 4-4 and 3-3 after a 37-36 defeat against Alabama A&M last Saturday. ASU led 20-7 at halftime but got outscored 16-3 in the fourth quarter and missed what would have been a go-ahead 30-yard field goal with 12 seconds left. Last season, the Jaguars defeated the Hornets 31-38 in Montgomery, Alabama, when Greg Pittman made a tie-breaking 43-yard field goal with 18 seconds left.
Looking back
Willie Quinn returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown, Jaleel Richardson returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown and Lenard Tillery ran 77 yards for a touchdown as Southern used a series of big plays to jump on top of Jackson State early and a claim a 42-28 victory in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. QBs Deonte Shorts and Austin Howard both ran for ...
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Sunday, October 26, 2014
BSU Diaz-Aviles 41-Yard Field Goal Lifts Bulldogs Past Virginia Union 20-17 on Overtime
RICHMOND, Virginia -- Bowie State University senior Mario Diaz-Aviles (Washington, D.C.) booted a (career-best) 41 yard field goal in overtime to lift the Bulldogs to a thrilling 20-17 victory over the Panthers of Virginia Union University. The win moves the Bowie State record to 3-5 overall (3-2 in the CIAA) while the Panthers record goes to 6-2 overall (4-1 in the CIAA).Bulldogs graduate student Matthew Goggans (Pine Grove, Calif.) came off the bench to lead Bowie State's offense with 110 passing yards, completing 12-of-34 and had one interception. Redshirt senior Keith Brown (Temple Hills, Md.) rushed for a game-high 49 yards and redshirt junior Kendall Jefferson (Temple Hills, Md.) added 32 rushing yards.
Junior Garry Cropper (Odenton, Md.) led Bowie State in reception yards with 49 on three receptions. Graduate student Christopher Townsend (Washington, D.C.) recorded a game-high 11 tackles for the Bulldogs while junior Anthony McDaniel (Fort Washington, MD) tallied nine tackles and four sacks. McDaniel's four sacks tied the school record set by Randy Norris (1988 vs. Johnson C. Smith).
As a team, the Bulldogs racked a nine total sacks on the afternoon, tying the school record set back in 1988 vs. North Carolina Central.
Virginia Union's third string quarterback Dane James came off the bench to pace the Panthers offense with 149 passing yards, completing 14-of-29 passes but was intercepted twice and sacked five times. The Panthers defense was led by Darrell Lamb's nine total tackles followed by Dominique Roane and Charles Davis with eight each.
The Panthers scored the first points of the afternoon via a school record 51-yard field goal by Troy Krepich for the early 3-0 Virginia Union first quarter lead.
With 3:42 left in the second quarter, Bowie State redshirt junior Kendall Jefferson (Temple Hills, Md.) scampered around the left end for a two yard score. Diaz-Aviles added the extra point, giving the Bulldogs a 7-3 lead, capping off a 10-play, 35 yard drive.
VUU's Panthers respond with a 38-yard Dane James to Jussie York pass and catch for six. Krepich converted the PAT to shift the advantage back over to Virginia Union at 10-7 with 2:20 left in second quarter and stayed that way into halftime. Yussie hauled in seven receptions for a game-high 103 yards and Lennworth Lennon had eight receptions for 93 yards.
Bowie State junior Curtis Pumphrey (Laurel, Md.) forced a Panthers fumble which was recovered by Christopher Townsend and returned 36 yards for a Bulldogs touchdown at the 11:55 mark of the third quarter. The Diaz-Aviles extra point gave the Bulldogs a 14-10 lead.
Virginia Union's Jerome Robinson busted up the middle for a 15-yard rushing touchdown and the Krepich point after made the score 17-14 at the 6:12 mark of the third.
The Bulldogs missed a huge scoring opportunity early in the fourth quarter when Bennett was intercepted in the Virginia Union end zone. The Panthers pushed the ball down to the BSU 13 yard line but came away empty.
Bowie State's Diaz-Aviles tied the game at 17-all at the 4:04 mark of the fourth quarter via a 27-yard field goal.
Both teams had opportunities in the final minutes of regulation but couldn't score, sending the game into overtime. With four seconds remaining in regulation, Virginia Union's Krepich could have been the hero, but missed a 37-yard field goal as time expired, sending the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, Virginia Union went on offense first but saw their first two plays result into back-to-back sacks with the third play being an interception by Pumphrey, his second of the game.
Following Pumphrey's pick, Bowie State got their first overtime opportunity with their first two plays netting a minus five yard. On third and 15 from the Panthers 30 yard line, Goggans scrambled and rushed for six yards to the VUU 24 yard line, setting up Diaz-Aviles for the game winning field goal.
The Bulldogs will play their final road contest of the season on a Saturday (November 1st) traveling to The Lincoln University for a 1 pm kickoff.
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WSSU's Felder Has Career Day; Rams Hold Off Livingstone Blue Bears 34-17
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State's Brenden Felder accounted for 245 all-purpose yards, and Phillip Sims threw touchdowns to Felder as the Rams held off a scrappy Livingstone College Blue Bear team, 34-17 on Senior Day at Bowman Gray Stadium.
With the win, Winston-Salem State moves to 7-1 overall, 4-0 in the CIAA and 3-0 in the Southern Division. Livingstone falls to 5-3 overall, 2-3 in the CIAA and 1-2 in the Southern Division.
It wouldn't take the WSSU Rams long to get on the scoreboard, as they would go 78 yards in four plays on the second possession, capped by a Mustafa Greene 59 yard touchdown sprint, to push the Rams out in front 7-0 early.
The Blue Bears came into game riding the legs and arm of quarterback, Drew Powell and the hands of receiver Jalen Hendricks, and although they were able to move the ball, they were not able to push into the Rams end of the field in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter WSSU would go on a long drive covering 68 yards and 10 plays, and the Rams would add to their score with a 25 yards field goal from Alejandro Suarez, giving WSSU a 10-7 advantage.
Livingstone would finally get on the board after a Brenden Felder fumble on a punt return set the Blue Bears up in good field position.
LC's Leonardo Manzo would connect on a 27 yard field goal, to cut into the Rams lead, 10-3.
But as quick as the Blue Bears could line up and kickoff, WSSU's Brenden Felder wouold make up for his previous miscue in a big way. Felder would take the kickoff five yards deep in the endzone, and weave his way through the oncoming defenders, and break away down the right sideline for a 105 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving the Rams a 17-3 lead.
Neither team would manage to score anymore before the half, and Winston-Salem State would take the 14 point advantage into the locker room for the break.
Winston-Salem State would break the game wide open in the third quarter with multiple scores. With 7:31 on the clock, William Johnson connected on a 43 yard field goal, and at the end of the quarter, Phillip Sims would hit Brenden Felder from 10 yards out for a touchdown to give the Rams a commanding 27-3 lead.
Livingstone would not go away, and Drew Powell would lead the Blue Bears on a 75 yard eight play drive and he would find Austin Higgins open for a one yard throw and catch for a score. WSSU would block the PAT, to stay out in front 27-9.
But two minutes later, the combination of Sims and Felder would strike again, this time, with Sims feeling the defensive pressure and falling backwards, he would throw a bullet downfield to a wide open Felder from 60 yards out for another WSSU score, giving the Rams a 34-9 lead.
Still not wanting to throw in the towel, Livingstone would manage to reach the goal line once more, as Drew Powell would find Jalen Hendricks across the middle and he would take it 26 yards for the final points of the day, making the score 34-17.
WSSU would surrender a season high 415 total yards (134 rushing, 281 passing), but was able to keep the Blue Bears out of the endzone. The Rams gained 409 total yards (204 rushing, 205 passing) on the afternoon.
Offensively for WSSU, Mustafa Greene led the Rams rushing attack with 97 yard on just 11 carries and one score, while Rudy Johnson ran for 66 yards on five carries. Maurice Lewis picked up 49 yards on eight carries.
Phillip Sims finished the afternoon 12 of 20 for 181 yards and two touchdowns, with Rudy Johnson going one of three for 24 yards.
Marcel Caver caught four passes for 43 yards, and Brenden Felder had three catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Benis and Eric Williams had two catches each, with Benis going for 30 yards and Williams going for 18 yards.
Brenden Felder had a monster day on special teams for the Rams, with three kickoff returns for 154 yards, including a school record tying 100 yard return for a touchdown. Alejandro Suarez went one for two on field goals with a 36 yards make, and William Johnson also went one for two with a made field goal from 43 yards out.
Defensively, Terry Ross finished with a game and season high 10 tackles, while James Hickman finished with eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Conor O'Neal had another solid game with five tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry. Duvontae Covington finished with five tackles and a tackle for a loss. Five other Rams had four tackles each, and Michael Bloomfield and Quinton Alton each had 0.5 sack. Omari Williams had a fumble recovery and D'Metrius Smith had a forced fumble.
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With the win, Winston-Salem State moves to 7-1 overall, 4-0 in the CIAA and 3-0 in the Southern Division. Livingstone falls to 5-3 overall, 2-3 in the CIAA and 1-2 in the Southern Division.
It wouldn't take the WSSU Rams long to get on the scoreboard, as they would go 78 yards in four plays on the second possession, capped by a Mustafa Greene 59 yard touchdown sprint, to push the Rams out in front 7-0 early.
The Blue Bears came into game riding the legs and arm of quarterback, Drew Powell and the hands of receiver Jalen Hendricks, and although they were able to move the ball, they were not able to push into the Rams end of the field in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter WSSU would go on a long drive covering 68 yards and 10 plays, and the Rams would add to their score with a 25 yards field goal from Alejandro Suarez, giving WSSU a 10-7 advantage.
Livingstone would finally get on the board after a Brenden Felder fumble on a punt return set the Blue Bears up in good field position.
LC's Leonardo Manzo would connect on a 27 yard field goal, to cut into the Rams lead, 10-3.
But as quick as the Blue Bears could line up and kickoff, WSSU's Brenden Felder wouold make up for his previous miscue in a big way. Felder would take the kickoff five yards deep in the endzone, and weave his way through the oncoming defenders, and break away down the right sideline for a 105 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving the Rams a 17-3 lead.
Neither team would manage to score anymore before the half, and Winston-Salem State would take the 14 point advantage into the locker room for the break.
Winston-Salem State would break the game wide open in the third quarter with multiple scores. With 7:31 on the clock, William Johnson connected on a 43 yard field goal, and at the end of the quarter, Phillip Sims would hit Brenden Felder from 10 yards out for a touchdown to give the Rams a commanding 27-3 lead.
Livingstone would not go away, and Drew Powell would lead the Blue Bears on a 75 yard eight play drive and he would find Austin Higgins open for a one yard throw and catch for a score. WSSU would block the PAT, to stay out in front 27-9.
But two minutes later, the combination of Sims and Felder would strike again, this time, with Sims feeling the defensive pressure and falling backwards, he would throw a bullet downfield to a wide open Felder from 60 yards out for another WSSU score, giving the Rams a 34-9 lead.
Still not wanting to throw in the towel, Livingstone would manage to reach the goal line once more, as Drew Powell would find Jalen Hendricks across the middle and he would take it 26 yards for the final points of the day, making the score 34-17.
WSSU would surrender a season high 415 total yards (134 rushing, 281 passing), but was able to keep the Blue Bears out of the endzone. The Rams gained 409 total yards (204 rushing, 205 passing) on the afternoon.
Offensively for WSSU, Mustafa Greene led the Rams rushing attack with 97 yard on just 11 carries and one score, while Rudy Johnson ran for 66 yards on five carries. Maurice Lewis picked up 49 yards on eight carries.
Phillip Sims finished the afternoon 12 of 20 for 181 yards and two touchdowns, with Rudy Johnson going one of three for 24 yards.
Marcel Caver caught four passes for 43 yards, and Brenden Felder had three catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Benis and Eric Williams had two catches each, with Benis going for 30 yards and Williams going for 18 yards.
Brenden Felder had a monster day on special teams for the Rams, with three kickoff returns for 154 yards, including a school record tying 100 yard return for a touchdown. Alejandro Suarez went one for two on field goals with a 36 yards make, and William Johnson also went one for two with a made field goal from 43 yards out.
Defensively, Terry Ross finished with a game and season high 10 tackles, while James Hickman finished with eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Conor O'Neal had another solid game with five tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry. Duvontae Covington finished with five tackles and a tackle for a loss. Five other Rams had four tackles each, and Michael Bloomfield and Quinton Alton each had 0.5 sack. Omari Williams had a fumble recovery and D'Metrius Smith had a forced fumble.
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