Southern shuts down ASU Hornets

Special to the Advertiser

SOUTHERN 21, ALABAMA STATE 2:

MOBILE -- Before the season, Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow chose the theme: "Push it to the Limit," which turned out to be quite apropos, as each of the first four games came down to pivotal plays in the final few minutes.

In the Gulf Coast Classic -- against a formidable Southern defense -- the Cinderella season hit its first bit of adversity as ASU simply ran out of magic dust and fell 21-2 to Southern on Saturday.

"It was a tough game," Barlow said. "We were really bad on offense. We moved the ball, but we couldn't take advantage of the opportunities."

Alabama State quarterbacks Alex Engram and Chris Mitchell combined to go 8-of-33 for only 84 yards and two interceptions. Southern's Bryant Lee, who had not thrown an interception in 183 consecutive attempts, tossed three picks during a 16-of-29, 242-yard performance.

Between the teams, there were 14 punts and eight turnovers.

Still, the Jaguars made just enough big plays to get an important SWAC win. However, the ASU defense would get none of the blame from Barlow.

"Those guys (ASU defense) are great," he said. "They play so hard, but we just didn't get them any help from the other side of the ball."

Rechard Johnson tallied 10 tackles, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and broke up a pass. Not to be outdone, Leland Jones had his breakout game of the season with seven tackles -- including two for loss -- forced a fumble, broke up a pass and picked up a quarterback hurry. Also, his third-quarter tackle of Chad Harris in the end zone accounted for the Hornets' only points of the night.

"We don't care what happens, we are one team," Jones said. "If one side of the ball is struggling, it's our responsibility as teammates to pick them up. That's what we do for each, and that's what we'll do this week as we get ready for Jackson State."

The Hornets will travel to Jackson, Miss., to take on the Tigers at 3 p.m.

Strong defense keeps SU unbeaten

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

MOBILE, Ala. — Late in the first half, Alabama State quarterback Alex Engram told Southern strong safety Glenn Bell, after Bell squared him up for a tackle in the open field, the next time would be different.

Bell disagreed. And, it turns out, Bell was right.

Midway through the third quarter, Bell unloaded on Engram as he tried to make a play with his legs around the left end. Engram got 3 yards to the Southern 2-yard line on third-and-goal. But Bell knocked him out of bounds and out for the next play after trainers helped the wobbly quarterback across the field to the Alabama State sideline.

Rahmod Taylor was then stopped at the 1-yard line on the next play and Southern took possession.

That goal-line stand, with 8:42 left in the third quarter, was the exclamation point to a day in which Southern’s defense paved the way for a 21-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory over Alabama State Saturday in the 34th Gulf Coast Classic at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

“Just before halftime, when I tackled him in the open field, he said, ‘Next time, five, I’m going to run over you.’ I was like, ‘Next time, you won’t get up.’ It just so happened, the next time was on the goal line, and he didn’t get up,” said Bell, named the game’s defensive MVP after totaling 10 tackles and one breakup. Bell wears No. 5.

To his credit, Engram, verified the back-and-forth jawing and gave Bell and the SU defense respect.

“It was a bootleg pass,” Engram said. “I was looking for my guy. He didn’t show up, so I tried to run and make a play. The guy gave me a lick, that’s all. He’s a good athlete. They have a good defense.”

Photo: SU’s Vince Lands (33) and Gary Chapman (39) pressure ASU quarterback Alex Engram.

The clash of SWAC unbeatens was in no way an offensive masterpiece. But it was a day for gritty defense.

Southern (5-0, 3-0 SWAC) turned the ball over four times (getting one back on a wild play in which the Alabama State defender who recovered the initial fumble subsequently fumbled himself) in the first half and five times overall.

Plus, SU had minus-6 yards, with two three-and-outs, an interception and a safety in the end zone in the third quarter. And SU had a first-quarter rushing touchdown wiped out by a holding penalty.

Southern scored twice in the second quarter — on a 21-yard touchdown run by Brian Threat (12:35 before halftime) and a 3-yard quarterback keeper by Lee (4:36 before halftime) — to take a 14-0 halftime lead.

Because of Alabama State’s solid defense, the Jaguars couldn’t get any continuity until deep in the fourth quarter, when the offense flipped field position with a strong drive and iced the game with Lee’s 23-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Gerard Landry.

Lee, who hadn’t thrown an interception in his previous five starts, tied a career high with three Saturday, but he still threw for 242 yards and one touchdown. And running back Darren Coates, the game’s offensive MVP, ran for 67 yards and had a career-best 119 receiving yards. His 51-yard catch set up Lee’s TD pass to Landry.

“I’m proud of the effort of my football team,” Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “We had to play hard for 60 minutes. We knew they had won quite a few games in the second half, so we had to stay with our game plan.”

Alabama State (4-1, 3-1), meanwhile, alternated quarterbacks because of a staphylococcus infection to the right knee of Chris Mitchell, who had started the previous three games. Mitchell was 2-for-19 for 17 yards and two interceptions, while Engram was 6-for-14 for 67 yards. SU broke up 10 passes, including five by linebacker Gary Chapman, whose fourth-quarter interception ended Alabama State’s last possession.

Alabama State running back Jay Peck, a first-team All-SWAC selection last season who leads the conference in rushing, had 35 yards on 16 carries — his lowest total since last season’s opener against Troy, when he had 20 yards and had yet to make a name for himself.

“We had to shut down that running back,” Richardson said. “We played a lot of eight-man fronts.”

All told, Alabama State, the team that had made four fourth-quarter comebacks, outscoring foes 46-23 in the period, had zero points for the first time all season. Alabama State’s only points came one play after SU’s goal-line stand, with linebacker Leland Jones Jr. tackling Coates in the end zone with 8:37 left in the third quarter.

SU played without its top tackler, linebacker Johnathan Malveaux (high ankle sprain), who didn’t make the trip. The Jaguars defense has allowed just two second-half touchdowns this season. It was the second time this season that the Jaguars defense could claim a “moral shutout.” Previously, the unit had underscored a 12-2 victory over Prairie View.

“I can’t say enough about our defense,” Landry said. “They played their heart out every down. They didn’t quit. Things didn’t go their way, but they kept fighting, kept fighting. The offense, we kept going three-and-out, but they didn’t complain. I can’t say enough.”

“The defense pumped us up, and we got it done,” Lee said.

Alabama State fumbled at the SU 31 and missed a 22-yard field-goal try in the second quarter. Then, the Hornets offense held the ball for 11 minutes in the third quarter and came away empty — turning the ball over on downs at the Southern 1 and SU 16 with 4:22 left in the third quarter and at the SU 18 with 12:26 left in the fourth quarter, with Chapman making his interception on the last Alabama State possession.

“I’ll be honest with you, we didn’t really have a great week of practice,” SU defensive coordinator Terrence Graves said. “We talked with them (Friday night) and told them the practice week was over; we have to go out and set the tone.”

A week earlier, SU’s defense gave up a series of big plays as the Jaguars fell behind by 21 points. But the offense came alive and the defense clamped down as SU went on to a 41-34 victory over Tennessee State.

“We’re a team,” Bell said. “Last week, we weren’t playing too well, and the offense caught our slack. ... We play together as a team, and that’s why we win.”

“It was just a testament,” Graves said. “They made the determination they weren’t going to let those guys score. All the credit goes to those guys.”

Classic matchup in Ladd: Southern U. vs. Alabama State

Photo: Southern Head Coach Pete Richardson

By CASSANDRA M. TAYLOR, Press-Register

SWAC's unbeaten teams meet in Mobile

For Alabama State and Southern University, the time has come to put up or shut up.

All the pomp and circumstance surrounding today's game between the Southwestern Athletic Conference's final two unbeaten teams has ended. The Hornets (4-0) and Jaguars (4-0) will square off at 2:30 p.m. in the 34th annual Gulf Coast Classic at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised at 9 tonight by ESPNU.

"It'll be a good football game," Southern coach Pete Richardson said. "Hopefully, we can have a packed house to see two fine football teams play.

"This game is a conference game, and it's huge for both teams. We want to be in a position to control our own destiny, so we don't have to depend on anybody else."

Alabama State's Reggie Barlow, who's coaching in his first Gulf Coast Classic, said the game will be pivotal for both programs and he expects his team to be ready.

"The thing about our players and our team is it's hard to read them," Barlow said. "They don't get all off into a lot of stuff. It's hard to tell how excited they are. But I'm sure once we pull up to the stadium and they see all the cars and recreation vehicles, they'll get more excited."

Photo: ASU QB Chris Mitchell , 6-3/200 Jr., Mobile, Ala.

ASU will be led by quarterback Chris Mitchell, who prepped at LeFlore High School. He has rallied the Hornets (3-0 SWAC) in the fourth quarter in each of their wins.

"We talked with Chris early on in the week about coming home to play," Barlow said. "We don't want him to peak too fast and be so hyped and filled with emotions that things don't go well for him.

"I think overall he'll be fine. One of the reasons he's been so good for us is he's never too high and never too low. If he makes a mistake, he's always the same, and our kids feed off that."

For Mitchell, the chance to play at home is exciting, but he knows it's still just another game his team needs to win in its pursuit of a berth in the SWAC Championship Game.

"I look at every game the same and the significance of each game is the same -- we have to win," Mitchell said. "Southern's defense is very active. We've seen a lot of their film and they make big plays and force turnovers. We have to capitalize on our big plays and limit our mistakes."

Mitchell has completed 46-of-81 passes for 621 yards and five touchdowns and run for two scores. He'll be counting on Jay Peck to help balance the attack; Peck leads the SWAC in rushing with 492 yards on 98 carries and 2 touchdowns.

The Jaguars (2-0 SWAC) will be led by quarterback Bryant Lee, who's completed 83-of-126 passes for 870 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Perfect starts give Southern, Alabama State high hopes

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

SU vs. Alabama State
WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Ala.
TV: ESPNU.
RADIO: KQXL-FM, 106.5

Both Southern and Alabama State — teams that dueled in the 2003 and ’04 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship games — went 5-6 last season and entered this season with little in the way of outside expectations.

Both, however, are off to 4-0 starts this season, and hopes are starting to inflate.

The Gulf Coast Classic at 2:30 p.m. Saturday will give one team a chance to equal last season’s win total and keep precious momentum going. The game will be played on Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala., and was picked up earlier in the season by ESPNU.

“It’ll be a good football game,” 15th-year Southern coach Pete Richardson said. “Hopefully, we can have a packed house to see two fine football teams play. This game is a conference game, and it’s huge for both teams. We want to be in a position to control our own destiny, so we don’t have to depend on anybody else.”

Despite being sapped by losing 18 players since the spring, Southern (4-0, 2-0 SWAC) nevertheless has gotten stronger as games progress, outscoring foes 58-16 after halftime. SU overwhelmed both Tennessee State and Florida A&M with second-half comebacks.

“We’ve won the close ones,” Richardson said. “That helps you out a great deal. It keeps your spirits alive. A large part of that becomes confidence in yourself.”

Alabama State (4-0, 3-0) switched quarterbacks, going to junior college transfer Chris Mitchell, and has won all four of its games in the fourth quarter. The Hornets have outscored the opposition 46-23 in the fourth quarter.

“I never had any predictions coming into the season, but you always want to win them all,” first-year Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. “This may not be the best way to win games, but I’ll take it.”

In the conference’s preseason poll, Southern was picked to finish third in the SWAC Western Division. That’s the Jaguars’ lowest projection since the SWAC went to divisional play in 1999.

“I’m kind of surprised,” Richardson said of his team’s 4-0 start. “I’m proud of this football team, the way they hung in regardless of the situation. They’re going to play hard for 60 minutes and they’re learning how to win.”

Richardson credited his assistants and his players for the Jaguars’ best start since 2003.

“To be in this position, we have to attribute that to the players themselves,” Richardson said.

Meanwhile, Alabama State was picked to finish last of five teams in the Eastern Division.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” Barlow said of Saturday’s game. “We’re going to come and give it our best shot. If we can pull it out, that will be huge for our kids, our community and our school.”

Powerful Peck
The player working the room at the SWAC Media Day in late July was Alabama State running back Jay Peck.

Peck had a reason to be confident and self-assured. After all, the former walk-on from Columbus, Ohio, — introduced to the school by an Alabama State alum who is a cousin —Peck had already graduated in marketing and had emerged from the shadows of Robert Randolph and Keldrick Williams to run for 1,139 yards and eight touchdowns, becoming a first-team All-SWAC selection in the process last season.

“He gets it,” Barlow said. “He understands what he’s here for. You know what you’re going to get out of him every day. He comes to work.”

Peck had six carries in 2005, but had 249 last season. He’s already rushed for a SWAC-best 492 yards and two TDs on 98 carries this season.

“We have to stop the run,” Richardson said. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to stop Peck. We’ll have to try to limit him.”

2007 Alabama State University Marching Hornets Band and Stingettes Dancers



Peck has the complete package after transforming from third-down back to workhorse back. ASU split him out Saturday, and Peck hauled in a key pass in a victory over Alcorn State. He has 10 catches for 116 yards this season.

“He’s always been talented,” Barlow said. “We knew he could run routes and catch the ball well. I’m not sure anybody knew he would be as good a runner as he’s turned out to be. He’s patient. He sets up his block well.

“We’re going to lean on him again to rush the ball and get us to where we need to be.”

Barlow credited offensive coordinator Maurice Harris with finding ways to get Peck involved all over the field — and the entire offense for allowing Peck to work, even though teams are keying on him.

“That’s a tribute to our O-line,” Barlow said. “Even though teams are preparing for him, those guys are still creating positive running lanes for him, and our receivers are doing a good job in perimeter blocking.”

The buzz on the Hornets’ defense
Alabama State is 14th nationally in scoring defense (16.0 points per game), 15th in total defense (286.0 yards per game) and is tied for 14th in tackles for loss (8.8 per game). The Hornets are second in the SWAC in scoring defense and rushing defense (101.0 ypg) and third in total defense.

Barlow called his defense “the backbone” of his team and its success.

“We’ll have to continue to rely on them,” Barlow said.

While Barlow, Alabama State’s quarterbacks coach, may be new to the role of head coach, much of the staff has remained intact. That includes Tony Pierce, in his fifth season as the Hornets defensive coordinator. Pierce was named the American Football Coaches Association’s I-AA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2004.

“Defensively, they’re real aggressive,” Richardson said. “They like to do a lot of blitzing, which puts a lot of pressure on you to get rid of the football.”

Said Southern sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee, “They’re physical. They’re going to attack us.”

Gulf Coast Classic: Barlow--will, desire key to ASU Hornets' success

By CASSANDRA M. TAYLOR, Special to The Advocate

Reggie Barlow is a proven winner.

A freshman on the 1991 Alabama State squad, Barlow and the Hornets claimed a National Black College Championship that season after going 11-0-1.

He claimed his second championship ring 11 years later with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the group won Super Bowl XXXVI.

Despite all the accolades and title rings, fans and critics alike are trying to figure out how this year’s Alabama State squad remains undefeated.

The Hornets will put their unbeaten record on the line against another unbeaten team in Southern University on Saturday, when the two clash in the 34th annual Gulf Coast Classic in Mobile, Ala. The Southwestern Athletic Conference clash will be televised by ESPNU and will kick-off at 2:30 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

With running back Jay Peck, who leads the conference in rushing yards with 492 yards on 98 carries and two touchdowns, being the lone superstar returning from last year’s 5-6 team, Barlow doesn’t have a simple answer to the secret of his team’s success.

In his first year as head coach at his alma mater, Barlow cites different factors in the group’s 4-0 start.

“That 1991 team was as deep as any team I’ve ever seen. We had so many play makers and it was a very explosive group,” Barlow said. “In comparison, I think this team has a better defense than we did in 1991. But offensively, we had so many weapons.

“To be fair to this year’s team, we have our own character,” he continued. “It’s a bunch of silly young guys that really care and love each other and the game of football equally. In every game this season, our guys kept fighting under the final horn. I contribute that to will, desire and conditioning.”

The last time the Hornets program opened the season 4-0 was in 1991.

One of the reasons Barlow’s group has been successful is credited to the poise and play of quarterback Chris Mitchell.

A backup before the season, Mitchell has led the group to four consecutive fourth quarter come-from-behind victories, including a pair of rushing touchdowns a week ago against Alcorn State.

“Chris just never gets rattled. He’s as calm late in the game as he is prior to the game starting,” Barlow said. “Obviously we’d love to close teams out early but every team has their niche. Right now rallying late in the game might be our niche.”

At 34, Barlow is the youngest coach in the SWAC and is quick to give praise to his staff.

“Our coaches have been really good to me and encouraged me,” he said. “Anywhere I’m slacking they’ve encouraged me and picked me up. Plus what a great group of players we have. I’m just grateful and happy for this staff and our team.”

In Mobile on Monday for a meet-and-greet sessions with fans, Barlow admits his team will have to play some of their best football on Saturday.

“This game is going to be pivotal for both schools. Southern is a great team and it’s scary because they have so much talent and explosive players,” he said. “We’ll have to make sure we take the proper angles and come to battle when we tackle these guys.

“It’s going to be challenging for us and all of their play makers scare me,” Barlow continued. “Obviously their talent level is back to where it use to be and their coaching staff will have their team prepared.”

While the upcoming contest will be the battle of the unbeatens for the Montgomery, Ala., native he has the same message for his team that he’s had the previous four contest.

“As a player, a coach and a team you can’t ever feel like you’ve arrived. You have to always compete and always feel threatened that you may fail,” Barlow said. “That’s what we’ve been trying to get our kids to buy into.”

Who's got best band? Really? Prove it

JON BUSDEKER, Huntsville Times

This is for all those fans who think football gets in the way of the real excitement. This is for those who get pumped up by the sound of cymbals crashing and drums pounding.

On Sunday, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University and a slew of other college and high school bands will perform in the Rocket City Battle of the Bands.

The event, held at Louis Crews Stadium, will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at James Records and Tapes on North Memorial Parkway, through Ticketmaster or at the stadium box office.

The Battle of the Bands will coincide with A&M's homecoming.

Barney Smart, a former saxophonist for the A&M marching band and organizer for the Battle of the Bands, said this will be the first time the bands will share a football field. Performing will be bands from Butler, Johnson and Lee high schools, Bethune Cookman College, Miles College and Texas Southern University.

"Each band has a different style," Smart said.

Smart added that the marching bands from Bethune Cookman and Texas Southern have never played in Huntsville.

For years, marching bands from historically black colleges and universities didn't get any exposure to a mass audience, Smart said. That changed in 2002.

"We got a lot of help from the movie 'Drumline,'" Smart said.

"Drumline," starring Nick Cannon, follows a hotshot drum major who must learn to work with his fellow bandmates to achieve success. The movie showed the excitement behind marching bands.

Smart, whose father was once the band director at A&M, has seen the popularity of marching bands increase since the film's release.

In January, Smart plans to showcase the Battle of the Bands at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

"The entertainment part of it is nonstop," Smart said. "It's always fun to watch. It's so much going on at the same time, you don't know where to look."

Conditioning factor in Alabama State comebacks

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Alabama State is 4-0 because the Hornets have made fourth-quarter comebacks in all four of their games.

The ability to come back is no accident. Alabama State prepares to be the better team in the fourth quarter.

To get ready, the Hornets run “gassers” (sprints) before, during and practices, not just after practices.

“We pride ourselves on being a well-conditioned team,” first-year Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. “We’re just trying to be creative so these guys can actually see what it feels like to have to compete in a game, feel like you’ve spent everything and all of a sudden you need a big drive or a big stop and being able to reach down and grab some more energy. We practice like that.”

Alabama State has outscored opponents 46-23 in the fourth quarter. And the Hornets (4-0, 3-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference), who play Southern (4-0, 2-0) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Mobile, Ala., have totaled just 39 points in the other three quarters combined.

“Every team has its character, so I guess this is ours,” Barlow said. “We must like it close, but we are finding a way to win so its alright with me.”


In the season opener, Jay Peck’s 15-yard run with 3:27 to play capped a 10-play, 81-yard drive to give ASU a 24-19 win over Jacksonville State. The Hornets, down 16-6 with five minutes left in the third quatrer, dove 81 and 94 yards in the fourth quarter to twice overcome deficits.

After trailing 10-7 to Texas Southern with 13:26 left, Peck’s 3-yard run with 2:40 to play put ASU up 14-10 and the Hornets scored on two short drives (24 yards after a 17-yard punt, and 22 yards, taking over on downs) in the final three minutes to win 21-10.

Down 10-6 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff with 9:10 in the fourth quarter, Chris Mitchell completed a 10-yard pass to Fred Ragsdale with 41 seconds to play for a 12-10 victory.

And down 18-14 to Alcorn State entering the fourth quarter, a 41-yard Joel Riggins punt return to the Alcorn 37-yard line set up Mitchell’s 23-yard touchdown run two plays later (9:30 left) and a fumble recovery at the Alcorn 11 on the ensuing kickoff set up Mitchell’s 1-yard TD (8:02 left) in a 28-25 victory.
“I really can’t say how proud I am of these guys. No matter what they never quit fighting,” Barlow said after Saturday’s 28-25 win over Alcorn State. “I am so proud of our team, how hard we play as a team.”

Southern coach Pete Richardson said watching game film showed him how hard and how long Alabama State was playing for its new coach.

“What I’ve seen is the players are playing with a lot of effort for 60 minutes,” Richardson said.

Landry says he’ll be fine

Southern senior wide receiver Gerard Landry on Wednesday did not wear a sling on his left arm and said he’d be fine to play Saturday.

“I’m feeling pretty good. The range of motion is getting back there,” said Landry, who has scored a touchdown in all four games this season and six of Southern’s last seven games overall. “Saturday, I’ll be ready to go.”

Landry, who said he’s getting rehab twice a day, said he injured the shoulder diving for the football in the end zone after fellow wide receiver Del Roberts score to put Southern ahead for good with 10:16 remaining in Saturday’s 41-34 win over Tennessee State. Landry said he was unsure if Roberts had scored or the ball was live.

Landry has 14 catches for 199 yards this season.

Coates for MVP

Richardson on Wednesday lauded senior running back Darren Coates, who leads the team in rushing with 341 yards and four touchdowns (along with 62 yards and another TD through the air.)

Said Richardson, “If there’s an MVP on our football team at this time, it has to be him.”

Coates has played with turf toe since the second game of the season.

“Game by game, I’m just building up confidence in myself, knowing I can do it,” Coates, who ran for 119 yards and one touchdown last season.

In comparison, through four games last season, SU’s top rusher was Coates, but he had only 61 yards. Meanwhile, Kendall Addison, who went on to lead SU with 650 yards and seven TDs, had 60 yards and one TD.

“I get stronger (as the game goes on),” Coates said. “That comes from the conditioning we had this summer, fighting the heat. All that’s doing is helping us, helping us fight for 60 minutes.”

Malveaux injury significant

Richardson said junior linebacker Johnathan Malveaux, already scratched for this week with a high right ankle sprain, may be out several weeks.

Malveaux, with 33 tackles, is Southern’s top tackler. Junior Donald Steele (four tackles) will start in Malveaux’s place, with sophomore D.J. Bolton (five tackles) as Steele’s primary backup.

“(Malveaux) won’t play. He’s in a cast,” Richardson said. “I don’t think he’s going to be back within a couple of weeks.”

Coach’s honors

Richardson named quarterback Bryant Lee (23-for-33 for career highs of 305 yards and four TDs), drop linebacker Gary Chapman (11 tackles, one forced fumble, one sack) and cornerback Joe Manning (four tackles, his first interception at SU) as his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for the win over TSU.

Earlier in the week, Lee was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week and Chapman the SWAC Newcomer of the Week.

Alabama State, Southern QBs getting it done when it counts

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

If a Southwestern Athletic Conference starting quarterback is described as “nonchalant,” Southern fans might assume the description was being hung on their new guy, Bryant Lee.

Alabama State fans, meanwhile, think of their new guy, Chris Mitchell.

Either fan base is right.
Neither quarterback wowed their coaches in practices, and both are laid-back. Then again, both are winners who don’t rattle easily and have already led several come-from-behind wins.

Both lead 4-0 teams into Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. Gulf Coast Classic clash at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

Mitchell, a transfer from East Mississippi Community College after playing for LeFlore High in Mobile, Ala., has led four fourth-quarter comebacks for Alabama State (4-0, 3-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference), which plays SU (4-0, 2-0) at 2:30 p.m. in Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

“This is us,” Mitchell said. “We’ve got a bad habit of playing so close, but this is what I love about this team. We play all the way until the end.

“(The fourth quarter is) when we have to buckle down. We know what we have to do.”

Mitchell is 46-for-81 (56.8 percent) for 621 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.

“He has that personality,” Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow said. “It’s kind of nonchalant. It doesn’t seem like a whole lot bothers him. He’s always the same: never too high, never too low. I guess that’s a good thing. It’s been working for him so far.”

While Mitchell came off the bench in the second quarter of the season opener, SU began the transition to sophomore Lee late last season.

Lee is 5-1 as a starter (6-1 if given the win for his comeback against Texas Southern). He has won his last five starts.

SU head coach Pete Richardson said pretty much the same thing about Lee. In fact, Richardson earlier this season delivered a description of Lee that sounded nearly word for word like Barrow’s summation of Mitchell: “He’s a nonchalant individual. He’s not going to say a lot. The thing about him, you watch him practice and you swear he can’t play.

“But you put him out there (Saturday) and all of a sudden the lights go on. That’s all you’re looking for.”

Lee is 83-for-126 (65.9 percent) for 870 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions.

Lee has led Southern to second-half comebacks over Texas Southern, Grambling, Florida A&M and Tennessee State.

“The kid is just calm, cool and collected,” SU offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said. “When you play in the championship game in high school in the Superdome (leading Hahnville High over Evangel Christian Academy in 2003), he’s just a kid who’s a gamer on a Saturday night. You can’t ask for anything else.

“He doesn’t get rattled out there, doesn’t let anything get to him — coaches, players, fans. He plays his game, stays focused on what he’s doing.”

Both quarterbacks are still learning.
Mitchell, being a transfer, has had less time to learn than Lee, in his third season at SU. And Barlow even said Mitchell didn’t practice well in preseason camp. The staff even talked to him about showing a little more pep.

But when returning starter Alex Engram struggled in the opener, Mitchell came in and did fine.

“Real confident kid,” Barlow said. “He doesn’t get rattled by a whole lot. We just want him to continue to learn our system. We need him to learn and grow up even more.”

Lee was third on the depth chart — behind J.C. Lewis and C.J. Byrd — last season and he held off surging Warren Matthews for the No. 1 job in preseason camp.

“He’s really improving, feeling a little more comfortable in the system,” Orlando said. “He did some things well (Saturday) night that he hadn’t done in the previous three games.

“He’s focused in on what he’s got to do, 100 percent.”

Peck, Alabama State University have plenty to prove

By CASSANDRA M. TAYLOR, Press-Register

Jay Peck isn't surprised at the perfect record the Alabama State football team is sporting.

Peck and the Hornets sit atop the SWAC Eastern Division at 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the league. On Saturday at 2:30 p.m., they'll face the other unbeaten SWAC team, Southern (4-0, 2-0), in the 34th annual Gulf Coast Classic at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game will be televised by ESPNU.

Peck leads the SWAC in rushing with 492 yards on 98 carries and two touchdowns.

Peck said the Hornets were in perfect position in the preseason, when they were picked to finish last in the division.

"It was motivation for us, but it really didn't matter as much as you might think," Peck said. "We knew what we had and what we could do if things fell right. Right now, we hope they keep picking us to lose every weekend."

ASU coach Reggie Barlow said Peck is the kind of player every coach wants to have on his team.

"Jay is a big part of our offense and he's played a big part in all our wins," Barlow said. "He's exactly what you would want when talking about being a true student-athlete. He has already graduated, he's a great football player and even better young man."

After struggling in the team's opener against Jacksonville State (79 yards on 16 carries), Peck has had three consecutive games over 100 yards.

"I don't know what's happened since the Jacksonville State game. I guess things are just clicking better now," he said. "Also, I guess we're supposed to get better with each game. You also have first-game jitters and stupid penalties. But as the season progresses, your execution is supposed to get better, or it should get better, and that's been the case for us."

ASU Reggie Barlow praises SU coach Richardson

Photo: ASU Rookie Coach (4-0) faces SU (4-0) Pete Richardson in the Gulf Coast Classic this week. Game televised by ESPNU.

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Southern’s Pete Richardson is the dean of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, establishing a tradition on par with some of the league’s storied coaches.

His counterpart Saturday, first-year Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow, is off to a strong start, 4-0, just like Southern, and exceeding expectations, just like Southern.

“When you talk about the SWAC and talk about doing it the right way, he’s done it a long time,” said Barlow, a former Alabama State standout who coached quarterbacks at the school the last two seasons.

“I have a lot of respect for him and his program. I’m a young coach, and, wanting to have a program that’s solid, you look to a guy like coach Richardson.”

Southern (4-0, 2-0 SWAC) faces Alabama State (4-0, 3-0) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Gulf Coast Classic at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

The game will be televised on ESPNU.

“The players are buying into his system,” Richardson said. “They’ve come from behind (four times) and that’s got to help their confidence out. It’s going to be a good game for us, going against them at this time and seeing what type of football team we have.”

Richardson is at 118-49 (70.7 percent) in 15 seasons at Southern and 160-63-1 (71.7 percent) in 20 seasons and 224 games overall.

“I’m a young coach, and wanting to have a program that’s solid, you look to a guy like coach Richardson,” Barlow said.

SU is 4-0 for the sixth time in 15 seasons under Richardson.

However, hanging over this season is the question of what the future will be for the Southern program.

Richardson is in the final season of his latest contract with the school, a three-year deal.

The first two seasons have produced the only losing marks of Richardson’s career.

The school has said they’ll evaluate Richardson after the season.

“How fast do we forget? It’s a shame people forget and don’t appreciate greatness. That’s what he’s done there at Southern,” Barlow said. “I’ve always had a lot of respect for him and the way he runs his program. He’s a great coach. It’s obvious he’s always been a good coach.

“The people there at Southern should be happy to have him.”

Malveaux likely out
Richardson said junior eagle linebacker Johnathan Malveaux, the team’s top tackler with 33 stops and four pass breakups, is likely out with a high ankle sprain that will be evaluated week to week.

“He probably won’t be able to play for us. He’s pretty sore,” Richardson said.

Malveaux came down with the injury to his right ankle with 5:16 left in the third quarter, on a play in which cornerback Efe Osawemwenze recovered a fumble forced by Chapman.

Junior Donald Steele (four tackles) is Malveaux’s primary backup.

“He’s got experience, and he’ll have an opportunity to play,” Richardson said.
Chapman, Lee honored

The SWAC named sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee as its Offensive Player of the Week and sophomore drop linebacker Gary Chapman as its Newcomer of the Week.

Lee was 23-for-33 for career highs of 303 yards and four touchdowns and Chapman, a nonqualifier last season, had a career- and game-high 11 tackles, including his first sack, and forced a fumble in a 41-34 victory over Tennessee State on Saturday.

Lee is Southern’s first SWAC Offensive Player of the Week since quarterback J.C. Lewis, who left the team earlier this month, in the 2006 season opener.

Earlier this season, junior running back Kendrick Smith was a Newcomer of the Week.

Quick look at Southern
Barlow said, “Watching those guys on tape is scary. They have a lot of playmakers. They fly around to the ball and they’re having a lot of fun. It’s going to be a big challenge for us to try to contain them. &hellip We’re going to have to go and see if we can find someone to emulate all these fast guys so we can practice and get our guys up to par on the tempo these guys have.”

Quick look at Alabama St.
Richardson said, “Jay Peck is an outstanding running back and catches the ball extremely well. We’re going to have to stop him or at least slow him down.”

Century mark
SU has produced three 100-yard rushers (Darren Coates twice, Brian Threat once) in four games this season. Last season, SU had four 100-yard games, including Lee and running back Kendall Addison each topping 100 against Texas Southern. Addison had two other 100-yard games.

In total, SU has had at least one 100-yard individual effort in six of the last 10 games.

Notes
Scouts from the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans visited Monday. SU hadn’t trailed in the nine previous quarters (since the third quarter of the season opener) until falling behind Tennessee State 7-0 four minutes into Saturday’s game. SU overcame a 21-point second-quarter deficit to win 41-34. Alabama State punt returner Joel Ragins is seventh nationally, at 17.2 yards per return.

Featured Gallery: Alabama State University vs. Alcorn State University 9/22/07

Special teams propel Alabama State Hornets over Alcorn State

Photo: Alabama State running back Jay Peck struggles past Alcorn State's Benjamin Griffin on Saturday at Cramton Bowl.

By A. Stacy Long, Montgomery Advertiser

The rain came down in sheets, peppering the Cramton Bowl crowd and sending the fans scurrying for umbrellas and cover.

Considering Alabama State's fourth-quarter habits this season, few of them left to dodge a first-half rainstorm.

The Hornets rallied in the final period for a victory for the fourth time in four games this season, scoring two late touchdowns and picking up three key plays on special teams to beat Alcorn State 28-25 on Saturday.

"The best teams win close games," junior defensive back Travis Rayford said. "It may be scary, but we did it when we had to."

Quarterback Chris Mitchell ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns, the last set up when Rayford recovered a fumbled kickoff return, and the Hornets improved to 4-0 for the first time since their 1991 national championship team.

Mitchell scored on a 23-yard run with 91/2 minutes to play to give the Hornets (3-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference) the lead and jumped in from the 1 with eight minutes remaining to make it 28-18.

"This is too scary for me," Mitchell said. "But it doesn't matter how we win, as long as we win."

Alcorn State (0-4, 0-3 SWAC) scored only one touchdown in its first three games, but scored three Saturday -- two on Chris Walker passes -- and led 18-14 when the fourth quarter started.

But a late deficit is a ho-hum thing for the Hornets.

Bama State beat Jacksonville State 24-19 on a touchdown with three minutes left, downed Texas Southern 21-10 behind two touchdowns in the final three minutes and stopped Arkansas-Pine Bluff 12-10 last week on a last-minute touchdown.

"Every team has its personality," first-year ASU coach Reggie Barlow said. "It seems that ours is taking on a 'come back in the fourth quarter' one.

"We don't want to continue that," he said, "but we'll take them however we can."

Mitchell and special teams provided the path Saturday.

Joel Raggins had a 41-yard punt return that put Alabama State at the Alcorn 37 to set up Mitchell's first fourth-quarter score. The Hornets ran an option and Mitchell -- after a sweet pitch fake -- kept the ball and ran for the score.

"It's just something I picked up," Mitchell said. "I've been working on it."

On the ensuing kickoff, Alcorn's Nate Hughes fumbled the return. Jimmy Toussaint forced it and Rayford recovered at the 11. Four plays later, Mitchell had a 1-yard touchdown and the Hornets led 28-18.

"That fumble gave us more momentum," Mitchell said. "That gets the offense the ball back and gives us a chance again right away."

The second score became important.

Alcorn needed only four plays to make it 28-25 on Tony Hobson's 18-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Arceneaux and soon had the ball back. Alabama State went three-and-out and on came its new punter.

Alex Engram, ASU's backup quarterback, boomed a 54-yarder that pushed the Braves back to their 7-yard line. Alcorn State didn't run another play outside its 25-yard line.

Engram averaged more than 42 yards on his six punts, dropping two inside the 20.

"He just learned how to punt this week," Barlow said. "He took one for the team and learned how to punt."

Mitchell was 9-of-20 passing for 136 yards and a first-half touchdown, while running back Jay Peck posted his fourth straight 100-yard rushing game. Peck totaled 143 yards, including a career-high 69-yard carry.

Walker was 18-of-31 for 216 yards to lead Alcorn, while a Montgomery native made his season debut with 101 yards rushing. G.W. Carver High graduate Eric Relf, who didn't play in the Braves' first three games due to a leg injury, carried 11 times and lost a second-half fumble.

"It's real disappointing because this is my first game back," Relf said. "The offensive line did a great job, and I wanted to come out and play hard. I did well, except for that fumble."

Alcorn State faces pivotal game

By Compiled by David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Already 0-2 in SWAC, Braves would fall into a deep hole with a loss against Alabama State.

Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas doesn't mince words when he talks about the importance of Saturday's game at Alabama State.

"This will be the defining moment of our season," Thomas said. "If we win this game in Montgomery, we'll come back home with a chance to get into the race. But if we lose three conference games to start the season, it's going to be very hard to recover."

"(Alabama State) is simply making the big plays to win ballgames," Thomas said. "They're not blowing anyone out. They're just executing and doing what they have to do to win."

Alcorn State (0-3 overall, 0-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) has had all kinds of trouble on offense this season, scoring just 4.3 points per game. The latest loss was a 22-0 shutout against UAB, a Division I-A team in Conference USA.

Thomas said the team's problems have to do with a lack of execution and the team isn't panicking because of a few bad games.

"We've got a plan in place that can get the job done," Thomas said. "Now we just have to make the big play at the crucial juncture of drives."

The Braves received some bad news this week when they learned offensive tackle Todd Johnson (6 feet 2, 320 pounds) is out for the season after breaking his ankle against UAB. Thomas said Jammal Young (6-3, 325) will take Johnson's place on the line.

Alcorn quarterback Tony Hobson is still likely on the shelf with two bruised fingers on his throwing hand. Thomas said Hobson returned to practice, but senior Chris Walker had taken most of the snaps and would start against Alabama State.

"Chris has had some good moments for us," Thomas said. "Now we've got to have him make better decisions in the red zone."

The Braves will face an Alabama State (3-0, 2-0 SWAC) team that's had plenty of success under first-year coach Reggie Barlow.

The Hornets have the SWAC's leading rusher in Jay Peck, who's averaged more than 115 yards per game.

Catch This

Alabama A&M at Grambling

Grambling faces its toughest conference task under new coach Rod Broadway when it hosts Alabama A&M, the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion. Led by senior quarterback Kelcy Luke, Alabama A&M is scoring 45 points per game and has won all of its games by at least three touchdowns. Grambling roughed up Alcorn State in its opening game before losing to Division I-A Pittsburgh two weeks ago.

Saturday, 6 p.m.

SOUTHERN U. STAR BENCHED

Southern U. wide receiver Gerard Landry was ejected for fighting in the fourth quarter during last week's 12-2 victory over Prairie View A&M and will have to sit out the first half of this Saturday's game against Tennessee State per NCAA rules.

Landry has caught 12 passes this season for a team-high 172 yards and three touchdowns.

Southern coach Pete Richardson said Landry shouldn't have let his emotions get away from him, especially "because he means so much to our football program."

After two straight losing seasons, Southern has started this year with a three-game winning streak.

The Jaguars have the second-best scoring offense in the SWAC. Quarterback Bryant Lee has thrown for 565 yards and five touchdowns while completing 64.5 percent of his passes. Running back Darren Coates has rushed for 226 yards and averaged 7.3 yards per carry.

EXTRA POINTS

After losing to Jackson State 28-7 last week in a driving rainstorm, life doesn't get any easier for Texas Southern. The Maroon Tigers (0-3 overall, 0-3 SWAC) take on UTEP, a Division I-A team in Conference USA. ...

Despite Alcorn State's dismal offense, senior Nate Hughes is leading the SWAC with 188.7 all-purpose yards per game. He has 245 yards receiving, 255 on kick returns and 67 on punt returns. ...

The SWAC's preseason defensive player of the year, Jarmaul George, has lived up to the hype. The safety's two interceptions trail only Jackson State's Malcolm Palmer and Domonique Johnson for the most in the conference. ...

SWAC STANDINGS

East Division

SWAC All

Alabama State 2-0 3-0

Alabama A&M 1-0 3-0

Jackson State 1-0 1-2

Mississippi Valley 1-2 1-2

Alcorn State 0-2 0-3

West Division

SWAC All

Southern U. 2-0 3-0

Grambling 1-0 1-1

Prairie View 1-1 2-1

Ark.-Pine Bluff 1-2 1-2

Tx. Southern 0-3 0-3

Last Week

Jackson State 28, Tx. Southern 7

Alabama St. 12, UAPB 10

Alabama A&M 45, MVSU 14

UAB 22, Alcorn State 0

Southern 12, Prairie View 2

Saturday

UAPB at S. Illinois, 1:30 p.m.

Jackson St. at MVSU, 4 p.m.

Alabama A&M at Grambling, 6 p.m.

Tennessee St. at Southern, 6 p.m.

Alcorn St. at Alabama St., 7 p.m.

Tx. Southern at UTEP, 7 p.m.

Defense helped restore team confidence ASU Hornets defense fills seats

Photo: Brandon Averett

By Josh Moon, gannett.com

Alabama State cornerback Brandon Averett is a realist. He knows that in college football, especially on the I-AA level, no one shows up to watch good, hard-nosed defensive struggles.

"People want scoring," said Averett, a preseason all-conference selection in the SWAC. "It's like the saying goes, defense wins championships, but offense sells tickets."

Normally, Averett would be right.

But that's not the case at ASU.

Instead, the Hornets are putting fans in the Cramton Bowl seats almost exclusively with their defense. Attendance, after Saturday's game, promises to be the highest it's been in at least four years.

"It is a little weird that people are so into us playing defense," Averett admits. "I still think they want offense. I just believe they're happy that we're winning ball games, and they know we're a part of that."

Actually, the ASU defense is pretty much the reason for the wins.

In three games, despite being put in bad position after bad position by the offense, the ASU defense is still holding its own. It's ranked in the top four in every major defensive category, including a second-place ranking in total defense.

And to be fair to the ASU defensive players, their rankings are a little skewed thanks to the offense. Through three games, the Hornets have allowed opposing offenses just two touchdowns. And one of those came after an ASU fumble, which set up a 9-yard scoring drive.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, the defense is our backbone," head coach Reggie Barlow said. "The way those guys have played after the position we've put them in some instances is amazing. I told every-one before the season that if this is going to be a championship-caliber team, the defense is going to have to carry us there. It's that simple."

The defensive players were listening.

"Coach put it on our shoulders, on our backs, and we're carrying that load," ASU rover Rechard Johnson said. "We don't mind. It is a little frustrating sometimes. But this is a team sport, and you're only as good as the guy next to you. We're playing with a lot of confidence and the offense is still trying to work some things out. That's fine. We know those guys will get it going."

Why Johnson or any of the ASU defensive players would believe that isn't clear. The Hornets have had offensive problems since the day quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and running back Keldrick Williams walked off the Cramton Bowl playing field for the last time in 2005.

Last year, the offense was a disaster most of the season, as ASU ranked in the bottom three in almost every major offensive category. It managed just 18 points per game and just over 100 yards per game passing.

But while that put an incredible strain on the defense last year, it also helped it get better.

"We're kind of used to playing this role now," Averett said. "We sort of went through this last year and I think it helps a lot. We know our schemes and what's expected of us. That makes a big difference."

And while he knows the defense has been the difference between a 3-0 start and an 0-3 start, Averett isn't ready to concede that his group is putting butts in the seats.

"I'm sticking to the saying," he said, with a smile. "Maybe we can change. That would be cool. But I don't think so. People like scoring too much."

ASU Hornets stun Golden Lions on 4th-down TD catch

BY BECK CROSS, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

PINE BLUFF — Alabama State found yet another way to break Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s heart.

On fourth-and-goal from the 10 with 41 seconds remaining, Fred Ragsdale made a diving, shoestring catch in the left corner of the end zone to give the Hornets a 12-10 come-frombehind victory before 10, 012 stunned fans Saturday night at Golden Lion Stadium.

Alabama State has won five consecutive games against the Golden Lions and seven of the past eight.

But it didn’t seem to be the touchdown that irked UAPB Coach Mo Forte most. It was a late defensive holding penalty four plays earlier that gave Alabama State its first-and-goal opportunity.

“I think a lot of calls were questionable, I’ll tell you that,” Forte said. “It’s unfortunate because I don’t ever want to try to make excuses for anything. We were so inconsistent on offense again, and the defense played extremely well. But there were a lot of things that were suspect.”

UAPB, which mustered only 159 yards in total offense, stayed in the game with defense and special teams.

With UAPB trailing 6-0 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Kevin Thornton blocked an Alabama State punt, and Jermaine Clemmons recovered for UAPB at the Hornets’ 31.

The Golden Lions reached the 8 on a pass interference call, but settled for a 26-yard field goal by Brodie Heflin that cut the deficit to 6-3 with 11: 18 left.

Special teams also set up UAPB’s go-ahead touchdown. After Alabama State punter Jeremy Fetterhoff failed to field a snap from center, Aldridge Marion recovered for the Golden Lions at the Hornets’ 8.

Quarterback Johnathan Moore scored two plays later on a 7-yard keeper, and Heflin added the extra point to give the Golden Lions a 10-6 advantage with 9: 10 remaining.

Alabama State was turned away on the ensuing possession but cashed in when the game was on the line with a 10-play, 49-yard drive that ended with Ragsdale’s touchdown reception.

“I couldn’t see it from my vantage point, but I understand it was a great catch,” Forte said. “We were able to get mileage from our special teams, and they gave us a couple of opportunities to score.

“ I just look at us as trying to get better. The offensive line is getting better but not as fast as I’d like to see. We’re a struggling offensive football team right now.”

UAPB gave up 187 yards of total offense in the first half but only spotted the Hornets a 6-0 halftime lead.

Alabama State scored with 18. 8 seconds left in the first half when Chris Mitchell threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Darius Mathis to cap an 11-play, 77-yard drive.

Jay Peck had seven carries for 48 yards on the drive, which was kept alive when the Golden Lions were flagged for pass interference on a third-and-4 play from the UAPB 23.

Fetterhoff’s extra-point attempt was blocked by Ledarius Anthony to set the 6-0 halftime margin.

Alabama State’s only other legitimate scoring threat came on the game’s opening possession. Mitchell completed a 48-yard flea-flicker pass to Darius Mathis at the UAPB 22, but the Golden Lions took over on downs four plays later after three running plays netted zero yardage.

Moore, who was making only his third career start, engineered an impressive opening drive for the Golden Lions. Moore completed 3 of 5 passes for 41 yards as UAPB drove inside the Hornets’ 35, but the Golden Lions got no farther.

UAPB threatened midway through the second quarter after Thornton intercepted Mitchell at the Alabama State 46, but the Golden Lions came away empty when Heflin was wide left on a 40-yard field-goal attempt with 3: 32 remaining.

ALABAMA STATE 12, ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 10: Mitchell throws for 2 TDs to lead Hornets

Montgomery Advertiser

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- Trailing 10-6 with less than one minute remaining and Alabama State facing a 4th and 10 on Arkansas-Pine Bluff's 10 yard line, it looked like the Hornets would be suffering the first defeat of the Reggie Barlow era.

However, quarterback Chris Mitchell darted out of the pocket and floated a pass into the arms of a diving Fred Ragsdale.

It was a touchdown that gave ASU an exciting 12-10 win.

"These guys, these guys just refused to quit fighting," Barlow said. "We were down and in a tough spot but we never quit."

The Hornets gave UAPB several opportunities to win a game that ASU statistically dominated, and the Golden Lions tried to take advantage.

ASU led only 6-0 after a lackluster first half, as Mitchell hit converted QB Darius Mitchell for an 11-yard touchdown just before the first half expired.

That score held up until UABP got a 26-yard field goal by John Heflin that was set up by a blocked punt. On the very next possession, a bad snap on a punt attempt gave the Golden Lions the ball on the ASU 23-yard line.

Quarterback Jonathan Moore -- subbing for 2006 SWAC player of the year Chris Wallace -- took it in from six yards out and UAPB had a 10-6 lead, setting the stage for Ragsdale's heroics.

"That kid (Ragsdale) worked so hard this summer," Barlow said. "I'm really happy for him and this whole team. We have a lot of things we need to correct, but I'm really proud of them for this effort tonight."

Jay Peck had his second consecutive 100-yard night, picking up 146 yards on 35 carries. ASU's defense held the vaunted one-two rushing punch of Martell Mallet and Mickey Dean to 34 yards on 20 rushes. For the game, UAPB only mustered 159 yards of total offense and converted just 3 of 12 on 3rd down conversions.

"There is no doubt that if we want to play for a championship, we'll lean on this defense," Barlow said. "They really play hard and fly around out there. The offense puts them in tough situations and they still give us a chance to win.

"I'm glad the offense was able to make a play to contribute to this big win."

After two weeks on the road, the Hornets return home to face Alcorn State Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Crampton Bowl.

Notes: This was Jay Peck's 7th career 100 yard rushing effort. . . .Chris Mitchell finished 16-27 for 175 yards and 2 TDs. . . .Barlow will host his weekly media/fan luncheon on Monday at 11:45 am in the Acadome Banquet room. Admission is $10 for fans.

Moore to start for UAPB Golden Lions

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Musical Marching Machine of the Mid-South



By Mike Marzelli, Pine Bluff Commercial

Junior Johnathan Moore will start at quarterback for the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff on Saturday against Alabama State, Golden Lions head coach Mo Forte announced Tuesday.

Moore, a Pine Bluff native and former Dollarway High star, will take over for Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Chris Wallace after he replaced Wallace in the third quarter of Thursday’s 21-3 win at Alcorn State. Forte cited Moore’s performance against the Braves and his work in two days of practice this week, along with the fact that Wallace has yet to practice this week due to an unspecified illness, as his reasoning behind the decision.

Moore finished Thursday’s win 5-of-10 for 64 yards and a touchdown in just under two quarters of play. Wallace was 8-of-18 for 67 yards and a touchdown and is 22-of-45 for 221 yards this season after leading the SWAC in passing efficiency and finishing second in passing yards last season.

“I want to see [Moore] start a game,” Forte said. “I think his arm is stronger than Chris’ and he has all the qualities you like to have in a quarterback. He did a great job [at Alcorn] because I think we managed the game offensively better than we were before he came in and that type of execution is what we want to see from him in this game.

“I had a chance to talk with him [Tuesday] and I told him, ‘just go out and play football’. That’s all we want him to do.”

Moore’s last start came in the 2006 SWAC Championship, when he stepped in for a suspended Wallace for the first half of play and completed 3-of-8 passes for 62 yards, with the majority of that coming on a 44-yard touchdown pass to Jason Jones. UAPB went on to lose the game 22-13. He did see relief action in other four games last season and finished with 229 yards and three touchdowns.

His only other collegiate start was on Oct. 29, 2005, when he completed 6-of-8 passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns in a 64-36 rout of Jackson State.

“I feel great about being able to start because I’ve been waiting a long time for it,” Moore said. “It’s a great feeling to know I’ll be starting in my home town in front of friends and family and all the fans and I’m just going to do my best to execute all my assignments and just keep everybody together and be a captain on the field.”

Forte did not say whether the shift in starting quarterbacks would be permanent but he did make it clear that there is no quarterback controversy surrounding his team.

“There isn’t one and there will never be a controversy,” he said. “I make the decision and that is that. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I make decisions when I need to make them and outside of that, there is no controversy or anything else going on. The quarterback who I pick to start each game is the one who starts, it’s as simple as that.”

Wallace, who Forte described as being “a little under the weather”, has yet to practice this week and was unavailable for comment. The senior arrived at practice Monday despite being sick but was sent home by Forte for precautionary reasons.

“I have not really had a chance to speak with Chris about the situation just because I haven’t seen him,” Forte said. “There really isn’t a whole bunch to talk about. I’m just going to be up front with him and tell him that the decision is about the team and it’s not personal. Different people react differently to different situations and I don’t know him well enough to know how he’s going to react but I do know that he’s very mature and he’s a senior in college so I expect him to understand the situation.”

Moore, who has been Wallace’s roommate and one of his closest friends on the team, does not think the situation will negatively affect him or Wallace.

“It’s no controversy at all,” he said. “When he’s out there I root for him and I know when I’m out there he’ll root for me. It’s just a brother to brother thing.”

Go UAPB Golden Lions!! No one has better musicianship than you in the SWAC!!

Alabama State at Texas Southern

Alabama State at Texas Southern

When/where: 7 p.m. Saturday; Alexander Durley Stadium.

Records: Alabama State 1-0; Texas Southern 0-1.

TV/radio: None; 90.9 FM.

Series record: Alabama State leads 11-9-2.

Last meeting: Texas Southern won 10-9 on Sept. 9, 2006.

What's at stake: Texas Southern can't afford to fall into an 0-2 hole in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, especially with road trips to Jackson State and Alabama A&M in the next three weeks.

Alabama State update: New head coach Reggie Barlow won his debut (24-19 over Jacksonville State), mainly on the arm of QB Chris Mitchell, who came off the bench to complete 10 of 11 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

Hornets to watch: RB Jay Peck is productive as a runner and receiver. DT Clyde Holloway came off the bench and had three tackles for losses, including a pair of sacks and a forced fumble against Jacksonville State.

Texas Southern update: The Tigers had 463 yards of offense but fell to Prairie View 34-14 due in part to five turnovers and failing to score on four chances inside the red zone.

Tigers to watch: QB Tino Edgecombe set a school record with 31 completions against Prairie View. SS Lamar Herron had a team-high 10 tackles.