Alcorn repeats with SWAC Championship win over Grambling

HOUSTON, Texas -- Even though a decision had been made earlier in the week, Alcorn State coach Jay Hopson didn't tip his hand as who would start at quarterback for the Braves on Saturday against Grambling State.

Confident with both, Hopson went with Lenorris Footman over John Gibbs Jr., who has been nursing a high ankle sprain. Footman didn't disappoint, leading the Braves to their second straight SWAC Football Championship at NRG Stadium.

Footman directed the Braves' dominating 49-21 blowout before a crowd of 40,352. While Footman passed for 202 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 101 yards and a score, he had plenty of help.

Darryan Ragsdale, the Offensive Player of the Game, ran for 188 yards and safety Warren Gatewood collected three interceptions. The win was extremely satisfying coming against Grambling, which beat the Braves in the regular season 35-34 in overtime.

"We got a good team," said Ragsdale, who picked up 147 yards in his first three carries, including an 84-yarder that opened the scoring. "Coming into this game everybody had one mindset. And we just accomplished that."



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