Alcorn State Announces 2008 Recruiting Class

Photo: Alcorn State University head football coach Ernest T. Jones.

Alcorn State, MS—With the first home game a little over six months away, Alcorn State has announced its 2008 recruiting class. The Braves have recruited three (3) linebackers, one (1) middle linebacker, five (5) offensive linemen, three (3) defensive ends, two (2) defensive backs, two (2) quarterbacks and one (1) running back. Alcorn State also has four mid-year recruits from community colleges and universities. This is the first class of recruits for Coach Jones.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY 2008 SIGNEES

NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN PREVIOUS SCHOOL

1. D’Angelo Buckner DB 6’0 185 Clinton, MS Clinton HS.

2. Josh Cragin* LB 6’2 225 Fort Walton Beach, FL Arizona Western CC.

3. Artis Evans LB 6’2 220 Pahokee, FL Pahokee HS.

4. Cedric Everson* DB 6’0 175 Detroit, MI University of Iowa.

5. Nathan Fears OL 6’5 240 Arlington, TX Bowie, HS.

6. Shavikia Gaines MLB 6’3 230 Fayette, MS Jefferson County HS.

7. John Hughes DE 6’3 225 Tuscaloosa, AL Northridge HS.

8. Obie James DE 6’1 225 McComb, MS McComb HS.

9. Stephen Johnson OL 6’4 265 Crystal Springs, MS Crystal Springs, MS.

10. Antoine Mason DB 6’1 190 Oak Park, MI Oak Park HS.

11. Brandon Morris DE 6’2 240 Arlington, TX Sam Houston HS.

12. Michael Mosley* TE 6’1 240 Cleveland, MS MS Gulf Coast CC.

13. Kenny Roby LB 6’2 225 Macon, MS Noxubee County HS.

14. Ke’onn Rutley RB 5’10 180 Tuscaloosa, AL Northridge HS.

15. Willie Ryas OL 6’4 285 Indianola, MS Gentry HS.

16. Jerry Salas OL 6’3 265 Arlington, TX Sam Houston HS.

17. Aaron Shavers QB 6’0 185 Detroit, MI Inkster HS.

18. Michael Simmons* WR 5’10 185 Jackson, MS Northeast MS CC.

19. Percy Turner QB 6’1 185 Fayette, MS Jefferson County HS.

20. Kavon Tyson LB 6’2 200 Delray Beach, FL Atlantic HS.

21. Isaac Williams OL 6’2 280 Clinton, MS Clinton HS.

* Denotes Mid-year Signees

Pop diva Roberta Flack sets musical future for students at Bronx school

Photo: Famed pop singer Roberta Flack was raised in Arlington, Virginia (born in Asheville, NC) and entered Howard University on a music scholarship at age 15 and graduated at age 19.

The house was packed, but easily the most enthusiastic fan at the Roberta Flack School of Music's first Winter Music Festival last week was the school's chief benefactor and namesake. Time and again the multi-Grammy Award-winning Flack leaped from her first-row center seat to lead the applause during the two-hour program, held in the Hyde Leadership Charter School auditorium in Hunts Point, the Bronx.

She stalked the footlights for better angles, hugged every child - and many adults - who ventured within arms' reach and even admonished the crowd to quiet down. "I didn't know it was going to be this good!" Flack said with a grin. "These children have worked so hard. Please give them your undivided attention."

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The school is trying to raise $12,000 to send a dozen students to the 28th annual Alcorn State University Jazz Festival in Lorman, Mississippi on April 19, 2008. Contributions can be sent to the school, 730 Bryant Ave., Bronx, N.Y. 10474. The phone number is (718) 991-5500.

Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Southern Lady Jaguars tops Alcorn State

The Southern women’s basketball team beat Alcorn State 46-39 Saturday even while missing 49 shots in a victory that provided further proof of how the Jaguars win with their energetic defense and their ultra-active freshman forward Freda Allen.

Allen played the final 10 minutes with four fouls and still came up with her customary double-digit rebounding and making a host of hustle plays — and also canceling out one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s top scorers. “Freda is one of those players like (Dennis) Rodman was to the (Chicago) Bulls,” Southern coach Sandy Pugh said.”

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Southern University rip Alcorn State Braves

Joseph Jack’s two-hand jam in the waning seconds was insignificant in that it didn’t change the outcome any. The point, rather, of those points was in giving Southern a winning margin of 19 in its 86-67 victory over Alcorn State. That’s the same margin as the Jaguars blew earlier Saturday at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Up 19. Down three. Finish up 19.

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Up next, Southern University visits Grambling State at 1 p.m. Saturday. This game will be televised on ESPN2.

Jackson State and Alcorn State still debating Capital City Classic

Jackson State president Ronald Mason Jr. said talks regarding the future of the Capital City Classic are ongoing. JSU and Alcorn State are discussing whether or not to change the current format of the game, in which a board appointed by the two presidents runs the event. The contract with the Capital City Classic board is up for renewal.

"It's a classic, but an unusual classic," Mason said. "A usual classic, you have a promoter that guarantees the schools a certain amount of money. Then they use the game to hold events and make money for themselves." Mason said the two schools usually bring in about $200,000 apiece from the game. Under the current setup, the two schools cover the expenses of the board and split the gate 50-50.

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SU Jaguars to face Alabama A&M

For a team in the thick of a tight Southwestern Athletic Conference race, being successful on its longest home stand of the season is high on the list of important musts in order to win that race.

The Southern men’s basketball team (6-11, 4-2 SWAC) has three consecutive home games, beginning tonight, when Alabama A&M (4-11, 1-4) visits at 4 p.m. today at the F.G. Clark Activity Center. Still ahead: SWAC-leading Alabama State (8-7, 4-1) at 7 p.m. Monday in a game that will be televised on ESPNU and Alcorn State (3-16, 2-4) at 4 p.m. a week from today. SU is then idle on Monday, Feb. 4.

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Son of ex-NBA/Alcorn State guard, Phelps now a headline act

The phone rang and the caller politely identified himself to a reporter. "This is Michael Phelps, Jonathan's father."

Man, have times ever changed.

Michael Phelps, the former Vicksburg High and Alcorn State star and NBA guard, is no longer the most-recognized basketball star in his own family. Not that it bothers him even a little bit. "Just watching him play, putting the team on his shoulders and doing whatever it takes kinds of puts me back in those days," Michael said. "But one of the reasons we named him Jonathan was because we wanted him to have his own identity,"

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Schools like Alcorn, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Grambling and Western Kentucky have shown interest in Phelps, who may play for a junior college next season.

Byrd propel UAPB over Alcorn State

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- William Byrd and Marcelle Goins each had 17 points to lead Arkansas-Pine Bluff to a 74-68 win over Alcorn State on Monday. Byrd added 13 rebounds and six blocks for the Golden Lions (7-9, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference).

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Vikings' Frazier interview with Atlanta Falcons

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier interviewed for the Falcons' coaching job Friday night and Saturday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. It was Frazier's first interview with the team and with newly hired general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

A 19-year coaching veteran, Frazier has gone from the Eagles' defensive backs coach in 1999 to twice being a defensive coordinator, first in Cincinnati (2003-04) and most recently, as Mike Tomlin's replacement in Minnesota (2007-Present). Frazier's stoic but communicative coaching style has drawn comparisons to Tomlin, who was hired as Pittsburgh's head coach in 2007.

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Photo: Former Alcorn State University player Leslie Frazier is being considered for NFL head coaching positions.

The 48 year old Leslie Frazier, played college football at Alcorn State University and played as a starting cornerback/defensive back on the Chicago Bears' 1985 Super Bowl XX championship team win over the New England Patriots.

During the 1985 championship season, Frazier led the Chicago Bears with 6 interceptions. The Columbus, Mississippi native NFL career lasted four years (Chicago Bears 1981-85). His career was cut short due to a knee injury he suffered during Super Bowl XX.

He also helped Indianapolis win Super Bowl XLI, as the Colts defensive backs under Tony Dungy.

Frazier recently interviewed for the Miami Dolphin head coaching vacancy. The Dolphins hired Dallas offensive assistant Tony Sparano.

Frazier started his coaching career in 1988 as the first head coach at Trinity College in Illinois, now known as Trinity International University. He held the position for 9 seasons and built the NAIA program from the ground up and won a pair of Northern Illinois Intercollegiate Conference titles before he moved on to the University of Illinois in 1997-98 as the Illini defensive backs coach.

Head Coach Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles hired Frazier as their defensive backs coach 1999.

Coach Frazier's NFL History Coaching:

1988-96....... Trinity College......Head Coach
1997-98....... University of Illinois..DBs
1999-2002..... Philadelphia Eagles....DBs
2003-04....... Cincinnati Bengals...Defensive Coordinator
2005-06....... Indianapolis Colts...Special Asst. to Head Coach/DBs
2006-Present.. Minnesota Vikings....Defensive Coordinator

-beepbeep

Alcorn State Ernest Jones salary disclosed

It didn't take long for the information to get out regarding the contract for new Alcorn State University head football coach Earnest Jones. He signed a three year contract paying $140,000 per year.

Former ASU coach Dr. Johnny Thomas was paid by comparison $84,637.00 per year in his last season over the Braves program. Rick Comegy at Jackson State University receives $155,000 annually, with two years remaining on a four year contract.

Alcorn State completes football coaching staff

by beepbeep

Alcorn State University new head football coach Ernest Jones wasted no time in assembling a staff of assistant coaches for the 2008 Braves. The staff consists of 11 assistant coaches, equipment manager and two graduate assistants. Jones was hired on December 11, 2007, to replaces Dr. Johnny Thomas who was fired after a 10 year record of 48-61 and a 2-8 season last year.

The 37 year old Jones move away from hiring former Alcorn State coaches and players on his staff. The biggest name is defensive coordinator/associate head coach Earnest Collins. Collins served as secondary coach for C-USA champion Central Florida in 2007, where he was one of three new hires on the defensive side of the ball.

Photo: Alcorn State University Head Football Coach Earnest Jones

The football staff includes:
(previous school in parenthesis)

Head coach: Ernest Jones (Cincinnati)
Defensive coordinator/associate head coach: Earnest Collins (Central Florida)
Offensive coordinator: Dino Dawson (Illinois)
Wide receivers: Michael Armour (Lane)
Running backs: Terrance Robinson (Central Michigan)
Linebackers/recruiting coordinator: Zach Shay (Marion, Ill., High School)
Defensive backs: Jack Phillips (former Alcorn State player)
Defensive line/special teams: Keith Majors (Arizona Western College)
Offensive line: Adam Shorter (Cincinnati)
Strength and conditioning: Lorenzo Guess (Kentucky State)

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MEAC/SWAC Clip Board: MEAC/SWAC shorts

Compiled by beepbeep

Norfolk State University football program is making a strong scheduling move to position themselves for a NCAA FCS playoff position if the Spartans improve upon their 8-3 record of last season. NSU has a money game scheduled with the University of Kentucky Wildcats of the Southeastern Conference for their second game in history with a football bowl subdivision(Division IA) program.

The Kentucky game is scheduled for September 6, 2007, at 67,606 seat Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, Kentucky in the home opener for the Wildcats. The Spartans will earn $250,000 for this match up.

Athletic director Marty L. Miller has also addressed the strength of schedule issue by setting up a I-64 rivalry game with Colonial Athletic Conference local, the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. W&M holds a 2-0 advantage in the series with the Spartans, though the teams haven’t met since 1985. W&M and the Spartans will play on September 20, 2008 at Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field. The Tribe has fallen on hard times and has had a losing record for the past three seasons.

This should be an interesting battle for tickets as Zable Stadium seating capacity is 12,259. However, in the 1985 Homecoming victory over Richmond, a record crowd of 18,054 packed the stadium and grounds.

The Spartans were ranked #7 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision ("FCS"), with 103,320 accumulated attendance for six home games. NSU average game attendance was 17,220 and leads all HBCUs in accumulated home attendance. Last season, NSU home games with in-state rivalry Virginia State and Hampton University had 26, 970 and 27,756, respectively.

The W&M campus is located only an hour or 45 miles from NSU campus. This sounds like University of Delaware vs. Delaware State with a Colonial Athletics Conference in kicking distance of a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 1-AA program. W&M opens their season on the road at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, in a money game.

It would be great if W&M, Hampton University and NSU setup a rotating schedule to play a home and home schedule as a threesome. This would be great for the home gate, strength of schedule, and would reduce transportation costs for both the fans and the teams.

Grambling State University head coach Rod Broadway is making the appropriate steps to be a major force in Louisiana football recruiting. The Tigers coach recently made a scholarship offer to Louisiana's 'Mr. Football', standout Bastrop quarterback Randall Mackey. He is the state's Class 4A most-valuable player and the state's 'Mr. Football' for 2007. He has been offered by several programs, including Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State and University of Louisiana - Monroe.

As a senior, Mackey threw for 3,103 yards and 33 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,087 yards and 17 scores, to complete a perfect 36-0 record on the field as a starter.

Norfolk State University September 20, 2008 opponent, the College of William and Mary has an achievement that no other 1-AA program can touch.

William & Mary holds the distinction of producing twelve professional football coaches, such as Mike Tomlin ('95) - Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach; Michael "Pinball" Clemons ('87) - Toronto Argonauts (CFL) Head Coach; Brian Daboll (Former Assistant Coach, 1997) - New York Jets Quarterbacks Coach; Mark Duffner ('75) - Jacksonville Jaguars Linebackers Coach; Ivan Fears ('76) - New England Patriots Running Backs Coach; Hal Hunter - San Diego Chargers Offensive Line Coach; Marv Levy (Former head coach, 1964-68) - Buffalo Bills General Manager (Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee); Kevin Rogers ('74) - Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks Coach; Jim Ryan ('79) - Denver Broncos Defensive Assistant Coach; Rip Scherer ('75) - Cleveland Browns Assistant Head Coach/Quarterbacks Coach; Danny Smith (Former Assistant Coach, 1980-83) - Washington Redskins Special Teams Coach; and Alan Williams ('92) - Indianapolis Colts Defensive Backs Coach.

This is an amazing accomplishment for a 1-AA football program.

Jackson State University coaching staff has been selected to head a team in the inaugural American Heritage Bowl. Rick Comegy and his assistants will coach an all-star team of players from the SWAC and SIAC.

Delaware State University's Al Lavan has agreed to coach the opposing team, made up of players from the MEAC and the CIAA. The game will be played Jan. 26, 2008 at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Field. Rosters will be released after Christmas. Television details have not been finalized.

"It's a great honor for our school and this coaching staff," said Comegy, who hopes to get seven Tigers on the team. "It's going to be shown in front of 31 million ... on ESPN. "They want to keep this game going and make it a historical game for black college."

Newly hired Alcorn State University coach Ernest Jones will not retain any of the assistants who worked under previous coach Johnny Thomas. The former Cincinnati running backs coach made the decision Wednesday. "I interviewed everyone," Jones said. "Then I looked at some guys I was able to get and decided to go in another direction."

Jackson State University alumnus Fred Jackson was brought back as Michigan's running backs coach on Friday, a day after new coach Rich Rodriguez fired all the assistants on Lloyd Carr's staff. "Rich spoke with everyone individually last night and did not want to hold them up in exploring other options," said school spokesman David Ablauf. "He has rehired Fred Jackson as an offensive coach."

Alcorn State selects head football coach

by beepbeep

Alcorn State University will announce this morning at a 11:00 a.m. press conference in Jackson, Mississippi that Ernest Jones has been selected to lead the Braves football program.

For once, most fans would like to be surprised by the selection of an African-American head coach in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with some head coaching experience with a winning program at the FCS, Division II or III levels.

Not so in this case.

Jones is completing his first season as the running backs position coach at the University of Cincinnati, under coach Brian Kelly. Cincinnati went 9-3 this season and will play Southern Mississippi in the PapaJohn.com Bowl on December 22, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Coach Jones previously served on Kelly's staff at Central Michigan University for two seasons as the running backs coach (2006) and the corner backs coach (2005). Jones also served as the defensive coordinator/secondary coach at Division III, Oberlin College in 2004; Division II, Kentucky State 2003; and Concordia University (Minn.) in 2000-2002.

Coach Jones has been a position coach for eight years and has indicated he played five years of professional football, but his Internet bios do not indicate where, what position played and at what level.

Photo: Coach Earnest Jones, Head Coach - Alcorn State University Braves

The Flint, Michigan native played college football at Hinds Community College ('91-'93) and at Alcorn State University ('93-'95), where he saw limited playing time for the Braves.

Jones was also one of 25 coaches selected in 2006, to attend the NCAA Expert Coaches Academy, a program created to address a shortage of minority head coaches in Division I football and assist the coaches with career advancement, networking and exposure opportunities, and to raise awareness regarding the substantial pool of talented and qualified coaching candidates.

Jones, who earned an associate's degree from Hinds Community College in 1993 is a 1995 graduate of Alcorn State University. He earned a master's degree from Concordia in 2002 and is currently working on a doctorate in human services at Walden University.

George Ross, Alcorn State University new president will start work on January 3, 2008.

Both Ross and Jones served at Central Michigan during the same period. President Ross was the former vice president of finance and administrative services at the Mt. Pleasant, Michigan school.

Coach Jones replaces Dr. Johnny Thomas, who was paid $86,000 annually, the second lowest head coach salary in the Football Championship Subdivision. Dr. Thomas was fired on November 19 and finished with a career record of 48-61, 2-8 in 2007.

Alcorn State University, the Sounds of Dyn-O-mite Marching Band and Golden Girls

MEAC/SWAC Sports Clipboard: ASU and FAMU makes progress

by beepbeep, MEAC/SWAC Sports Mainstreet

Alcorn State University has indicated that they have received 30 applications in response to the posted vacancy to replace the fired head football coach, Dr. Johnny Thomas. The interim athletic director, Wiley Jones said the search committee is made up of nine people associated with the university and they are expected to have a short list ready by next week.

The Braves, who finished 2-8 this past season are expected to have a new coach hired before the end of the month. Jones said that three and no more than five names will be presented to Alcorn State Interim President Malvin A. Williams for his consideration.

Jones said the committee’s first choice would be someone with Division I coaching experience but that is not a requirement. “We haven’t made any decisions yet,” Jones said. “We’re looking at everybody. No one has been eliminated.” Thomas finished with an overall record of 48-61 and a SWAC record of 34-41 in his 10 years at the helm of the Alcorn State program.

Florida A&M University Lady Rattlers Basketball Head Coach Debra Clark is headed for the NCAA Tournament in 2008. If the first seven games are any indication, Coach Clark and the 7-0 FAMU Lady Rattlers will overcome every adversity placed in their path to reach this goal.

First, before the season begin, Clark lost 2007 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference All-Rookie performers Secrett Anderson and Marke Freeman, due to transfer. No problem, as two players don't define the success of the FAMU progam. Then Coach Clark had to have surgery to remove her thyroid on November 14. Again, no problem as her trusted assistant coaches and the Lady Rattlers were successful in defeating Albany State (76-73) and Savannah State on the road 71-54 to raise the season record to 4-0.

More importantly, Coach Clark signed to a national letter-of-intent Ashley Hampton, a senior forward with St. John Lutheran, who is a top basketball player in the Ocala, Florida region. Hampton will be a very important piece for the 2008-09 Lady Rattlers program. All of these events occurred while the coach was out recovering from her surgery.

Then Clark returns and runs over Bethune Cookman on the road 78-65; uses Stetson for a home scrimmage with a final score of 54-37; and then clobbers a good Jacksonville Dolphin squad at home 66-57 for a 7-0 record. The Dolphins are no scrub team having beaten Miami and Florida on the road for a 6-3 season record.

The Lady Rattlers are off to their best start ever and the 7-0 record ties the 1983-84 FAMU women team coached by Mickey Clayton.

The Lady Rattlers are going to Tampa on Saturday to play South Florida on Sunday at the Sun Dome. New FAMU athletic director Bill Hayes will get a homecoming of sorts when North Carolina Central University Eagles comes to Tallahassee on December 15. Then its Florida Gulf Coast at Gaither Gym on December 17 to close out 2007.

In the MEAC Standings, the FAMU Lady Rattlers are in a three way tie for first place with North Carolina A&T Lady Aggies and Morgan State Lady Bears with one victory in the conference.

So, who are the stars on the Lady Rattlers team that finished 2006-07 with a 16-16 record?

Photo: FAMU Guard Joslyn Jackson, 5-7 senior guard,
Marietta, GA McEachern HS leads Lady Rattlers in scoring.

Starting guards Joslyne Jackson and Deidra Jones are scoring 16.5 and 14.8 points per game, respectively. Jones is snatching 8.0 boards. Stephanie Foster is scoring 12.3 per game and our girl, Q'Vaunda Curry is hitting an average of 9.7 points and 43 percent of her 3 point shots. Taniyah Dawson is averaging 30 minutes per game and 6.2 points, with 3.2 steals and 4.3 assists. Forward Denise Tate and center Thyeis Halley are clocking 24 and 16 minutes each game and 5.3 points each. Tate is pulling down 9.3 rebounds to lead the team. Forward Kirsten Stallings, center Melissa Daniels, guards Evette Young and Jarquella Woods have played important minutes as they develop the needed bench depth for the Lady Rattlers.

The entire Lady Rattlers team is listed below and their schedule for 2007/08. This team is worth the price of admissions, so go out and see them play when they come to your area, HBCU sports fans.

NO NAME HT POS Year Hometown Last School
1 Jarquella Woods 5-1 G FR Columbus, GA Hardaway HS
2 Deidra Jones 5-10 G JR Powder Springs, GA McEachern HS
5 Evette Young 5-6 G RS JR Sunrise, FL Ft. Lauderdale HS
11 Taniyah Dawson 5-7 G JR Mesquite, TX Poteet HS
15 Chelsea Pennick 5-11 G FR Orlando, FL Orlando Christian Prep
20 Q'Vaunda Curry 5-6 G SR Quincy, FL East Gadsden HS
21 Joslyne Jackson 5-7 G SR Marietta, GA McEachern HS
22 Devin Williams 5-9 F FR Sarasota, FL Sarasota HS
23 Stephanie Foster 6-0 G/F JR Columbus, OH Brookhaven HS
25 Leanne Randall 6-0 G FR Fayetteville, N.C. Trinity Christian Prep
31 Melissa Daniels 6-3 C JR Jasper, FL Hamilton Co. HS
35 Kirsten Stallings 6-0 F SO Memphis, TN Ridgeway, HS
40 Denise Tate 6-1 F JR Cleveland, OH Glenville HS
42 Thyeis Halley 6-1 F/C SR Cleveland, OH Lakeland CC
44 Brandi Hollingsworth 6-2 F/C FR Columbus, GA Pacelli HS

Coaches

Debra Clark - Head Coach
John Clark - Assistant Coach
Niki Washington - Assistant Coach
Melaney Denson - Assistant Coach

Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result

11/01/07 at Valdosta State ! Valdosta, GA 5:00 p.m. ET
11/09/07 at Georgia State Atlanta, GA W, 60-58 (F)
11/13/07 vs. Mercer Tallahassee, FL W, 78-57 (F)
11/14/07 vs. Albany State Tallahassee, FL W, 76-73 (F)
11/20/07 at Savannah State Savannah, GA W, 71-54 (F)
12/01/07 at Bethune Cookman @ Daytona Beach, FL W, 78-65 (F)
12/03/07 vs. Stetson Tallahassee, FL W, 54-37 (F)
12/06/07 vs. Jacksonville @ Tallahassee, FL W, 66-57 (F)
12/09/07 at USF Tampa, FL TBA
12/15/07 vs. North Carolina Central Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
12/17/07 vs. Florida Gulf Coast Tallahassee, FL 5:00 p.m. ET
01/02/08 at Florida Gainesville, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
01/04/08 vs. Savannah State Tallahassee, FL 7:00 p.m. ET
01/12/08 at Howard @ Washington, D.C. 2:00 p.m. ET
01/14/08 at Hampton University @ Hampton, VA 6:00 p.m. ET
01/19/08 at Morgan State @ Baltimore, MD 2:00 p.m. ET
01/21/08 at Coppin State @ Baltimore, MD 5:30 p.m. ET
01/26/08 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
01/28/08 vs. Delaware State @ Tallahassee, FL 5:30 p.m. ET
02/02/08 at Winston-Salem State @ Winston-Salem, N.C. 2:00 p.m.

02/04/08 at South Carolina State @ Orangeburg, S.C. 5:30 p.m. ET
02/09/08 vs. North Carolina A&T @ Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
02/11/08 vs. Norfolk State @ Tallahassee, FL 5:30 p.m. ET
02/16/08 vs. Morgan State Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
02/18/08 vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL 5:30 p.m. ET
02/23/08 at Maryland Eastern Shore @ Princess Anne, MD 2:00 p.m.
02/25/08 at Delaware State @ Dover, MD 5:30 p.m. ET
03/01/08 vs. Winston-Salem State @ Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
03/03/08 vs. South Carolina State @ Tallahassee, FL 5:30 p.m. ET
03/06/08 vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL 5:30 p.m. ET

MEAC Tournament:TBA
NCAA Tournament: TBA

Some Names are just funny--or are they if you have to spell it for the 6 millionth time.

If you have been a long time Florida A&M University sports fan, you may recall a basketball player that played guard at FAMU with center Jerome James (NBA New York Knicks) during the 1995-96 season. The fellow name is Mapp--Scientific Mapp. No, I'm not kidding and his brother played basketball for Virginia and his name is Majestic Mapp. Well, we found a few more this morning that are surely the best names in college hoops history.

Alabama State University currently has a 7-1/265 starting junior center from Boyton Beach, Florida that has our vote for the most unique name in sports history but the guy can play basketball and is a force in the middle. When was the last time the SWAC had a seven footer that could actually play? Yes, it has be a while. Here is our list:

Photo: Alabama State University basketball junior center Chief Kickingstallionsims

1. Grlenntys "Chief" Kickingstallionsims Jr., Alabama State University
(Goes by "Chief Kickingstallionsims") with his given first name being Grlenntys, whose name means “Strength of Fallen Rocks.” He is a member of the Navajo nation. Chief transferred from Stetson University (Deland, Fla) to Alabama State University and is playing his first season for the Hornets. He is a graduate of Blanche Ely High School.

2. Scientific Mapp--5-10 starting guard on 1995-96 FAMU men basketball team with current NBA Knicks center Jerome James. No, he did not major in Geography.

3. Majestic Mapp, Virginia/West Georgia --brother of Scientific Mapp.

4. God Shamgod, Providence College

5. Pops Mensah-Bonsu, George Washington

6. Dikembe Mutombo, Georgetown

Photo: FAMU Basketball senior center Akini Akini

Florida A&M current 6-10/231 senior center "Akini Akini" is a tremendous student-athlete, so we are going to cut this brother some slack and leave him off our list because he has the same first and last name. Akini Ferdinand Akini is married and a native of Cameroon majoring in construction engineering. He is an excellent Rattler!

FAMU, UAPB and Alcorn State clean athletic house

Compiled by beepbeep

Florida A&M University president Dr. James Ammons did what was expected this afternoon to move the Rattlers athletic program to the championship level. Head football Coach Rubin Carter was fired! His boss, athletic director Nelson Townsend was fired! Both were hired under the administration of former interim president Castell Bryant.

Carter leaves Florida A&M with a 16-17 record, including 3-8, 2-7 MEAC in 2007. In his final game for the Rattlers, FAMU was blasted by Bethune Cookman University (5-6, 3-6 MEAC) 34-7 before a Florida Classic crowd of 65,367.

More details will follow as they are released by the University.

Alcorn State University head football coach Dr. Johnny Thomas was fired this afternoon, and the university announced in a press release that a search for a replacement will begin immediately. Thomas had a 48-61 record in 10 years as the Braves coach and ended 2007 with a 2-8 season. Dr. Thomas has been offered other non-coaching options at the university. He served as an assistant professor of health and physical education at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, prior to returning to his alma mater in 1998 to head the football program.

The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff fired head football coach Maurice "Mo" Forte today and named current defensive coordinator Monte Coleman as the permanent head coach. In four seasons, Forte held a 21-22 record with the Golden Lions and 69-89-1 overall in a 14 year career. The Golden Lions finished 4-7 this season, but were the SWAC-West Division Champions in 2006, with an 8-4 record.

The 50 year old Coleman is a Pine Bluff native who played professional football for the Washington Redskins for 16 seasons (1979-94). As an All-Pro linebacker, Coleman played in four Super Bowls, winning three; and 216 games which is second most in Washington Redskin history. Athletic director Skip Perkins indicated that UAPB and Coleman were working out the details of a five year contract.

Coleman has been on the Golden Lions staff for four seasons, serving the last two as defensive coordinator. He is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas.

UAPB will open next season at home on August 30, 2008, against the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

FAMU's Carter and Townsend, UAPB's Mo Forte, and Alcorn State's Dr. Johnny Thomas officially joins Texas Southern Steven Wilson, 4-38 as coaches/administrators released from the MEAC/SWAC in 2007.

Head Coach Lee Fobbs is 0-22 in his second season at North Carolina A&T State University and the school has a 27 game losing streak dating back to 2005. Mississippi Valley State University Willie Totten is 25-41 and just completed a 3-8, 2-7 SWAC season. We expect some action to be taken on their futures in the coming weeks.

Prairie View A&M University announced this afternoon that Henry Frazier III has received a four year contract extension for leading the Panthers to their best record in 41 years. PVAMU finished 7-3, 6-3 SWAC, with signature victories over Jackson State University and Alabama A&M University with both battling for an East Division position in the SWAC championship game. The Panthers finished their season in second place in the West Division of the SWAC behind Grambling State University.

QB play keeping Alcorn down

By Kareem Copeland, Clarion Ledger

Photo: Alcorn has gotten some big plays from the likes of Oliver Bozeman, intercepting a pass against UAB, but its D has been left on the field too much.

The quarterback position continues to cause sleepless nights for Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas.

The Braves (0-5, 0-4 SWAC) rank last in the league in scoring offense (9.0 ppg) and first downs (13.2 per game) and No. 9 in third-down percentage (23.9).

"We're still having personnel letdowns," Thomas said. "Every time we get something going offensively, we fumble the ball, throw an interception, drop the ball, overthrow the receiver.

"We cannot keep our defense on the field and expect (it to play well)."

Senior Chris Walker has been battling a high ankle sprain, opening the door for junior Tony Hobson.

However, Hobson has been less than spectacular, completing 2 of 8 passes for 23 yards with two interceptions in a 17-7 loss to Prairie View A&M last week.

Walker did play, connecting on 9 of 19 attempts for 117 yards.

"We started Tony and he has not come out and performed like we thought," Thomas said. "Chris is a tenacious young man. I've never seen a guy who's been able to bounce back (from injuries like he has).

"We're hoping he'll be ready to go against Texas Southern."

The Tigers (0-5, 0-4) host the Braves at Alex Durley Stadium at 3 p.m. Saturday.

MORE QB ISSUES

Mississippi Valley State may rotate quarterbacks during Saturday's home game against North Dakota State.

Sophomore Paul Roberts is likely out with a mild concussion, leaving junior Semaj Williams and sophomore Ryan Barciaga to split duties.

Williams has completed 13 of 29 passes for 101 yards with three interceptions and no touchdowns in three games this season.

Barciaga is 0-for-2 with an interception in two appearances.

BAD CALLS?

Prairie View A&M has put together a tape detailing questionable calls against the Panthers for the SWAC office.

Coach Henry Frazier insists that the officiating has been consistently lopsided against his team throughout the season.

"It's one of two things: They're either cheating or incompetent," Frazier said. "I know I'm going to get in trouble. It's frustrating because it's on film.

"That loses you ballgames. That's the kind of thing that loses people their jobs."

Prairie View is tied with Jackson State for the most penalties in league with 53. Its 499 penalty yards are second behind JSU's 578.

"We've gotten flagged 64 times," Frazier said. "Referees have to get coached up, too."

TAKE-A-KID

Children between the ages of 5-12 will be admitted free with a ticket-bearing adult to Valley's game Saturday against North Dakota State. Kickoff in Itta Bena is 2 p.m.

Take-A-Kid-To-The-Game Day pregame tickets are available for $15 at the MVSU cashiers window and remote locations. Game day tickets will be available for $18.

Contact the MVSU department of athletics for more information at (662) 254-3011.

LAST WEEK'S STANDOUTS


Corey Clark (JSU) - six tackles, three sacks


Ben Boyd (Prairie View) - six carries, 124 yards, one touchdown


Zach East (Prairie View) - 11 tackles


Sam Irons (MVSU) - 11 tackles, pass breakup


Zach Gilarski (MVSU) - eight punts, 37.8 average


Ronald Brewer (MVSU) - 14 carries, 50 yards; four receptions, 28 yards


Tim Manuel (Grambling) - two field goals; four PATs; five punts, 40.4 average

With Lee sidelined, Matthews ready to take helm for Southern

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

There will be no safety net for Southern quarterback Warren Matthews on Saturday.

Last Saturday, Matthews knew all week he was going to start the Jackson State game. But he also knew the team’s No. 1 quarterback, Bryant Lee, had warmed up well and was ready to go on a sore right ankle that caused him to miss the major work days of game-week practice. With Lee’s ankle dramatically worse, Matthews will be on his own this Saturday.

“I feel comfortable with him,” offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said. “We’re not going to shut anything down of what we’re doing. We’ll keep rolling with what we’ve been doing.

“He’s excited about it. He’s enthused. He’s got a great attitude. He works hard.”

Southern (5-2, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) hosts Alcorn State (1-5, 1-4) at 3 p.m. Saturday in A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Matthews, who was redshirted and did not play last season after being out of football as a nonqualifier in 2005, is 6-for-12 for 83 yards and one touchdown.

Lee is 144-for-223 for 1,585 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

“I know the offense and everything,” Matthews said. “It’s just a matter of execution.

“We’re just going to try to get the timing down.”

Matthews likely will be without senior wide receiver Gerard Landry (409 yards, eight touchdowns) but should have Del Roberts (279 yards, one touchdown).

Landry went out in the third quarter with a high ankle sprain. Roberts (back) missed all of the Jackson State loss and most of the Alabama A&M loss.

Junior C.J. Byrd, who missed most of preseason camp after being in a car accident in late July, will back Matthews.

Byrd started four games last season. He was 32-for-52 for 389 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 155 yards and four TDs.

“C.J. is going to have to get ready, because I think there are some things he can do,” Orlando said.

Matthews is a physically imposing 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, with the strongest arm on the team. Byrd is 5-11, 170. Lee is 6-2, 195.

Photo: QB Warren Matthews, RS Soph., New Orleans, LA/Warren Easton H.S., 6-3/230.

“As far as knowing what we’re doing, he knows it, because, Lord, he’s had a ton of reps at it,” Orlando said. “I feel comfortable with the entire system with him.”

Last month, fifth-year senior J.C. Lewis, the No. 1 quarterback the previous two seasons, left the team after not seeing any action in the first two games.

Redshirt freshman Gary Hollimon is third on the depth chart.

Though the decision on who would be SU’s No. 1 quarterback was expected to be between Lee and Lewis, Matthews’ dramatic improvement in the spring changed all that.

Lee, SU’s starter at the end of last season, eventually outdueled Matthews in preseason camp. But the work Matthews, from Warren Easton High in New Orleans, put in during the spring and summer left an impression on coaches.

“Warren worked hard,” Orlando said. “It was a heckuva battle coming out of spring.

“He’s really improved a lot in the last year or so. He’s got a big-time arm.”

Though he had gotten the majority of practice reps the last two or three weeks to allow Lee more recuperative time, Matthews’ only collegiate action — until Saturday’s start — had been running the ball late in a season-opening win over Florida A&M.

With Matthews starting Saturday, Southern was three-and-out on its initial series. Matthews completed his first collegiate pass, a 5-yarder to Nick Benjamin, to set up a third-and-4. But the shotgun snap got botched, with Matthews falling on the ball for a 3-yard loss.

“I thought he was a little jittery early in the game but when he got settled down he did some good things,” Orlando said. “He was in a tough situation and I thought he did fine.”

Matthews didn’t return until after Lee went out midway through the third quarter.

Matthews directed a 10-play, 72-yard touchdown drive to get the Jaguars within 30-26 with 6:22 left in the game. He converted three third downs — a third-and-5, a third-and-10 and, on a 22-yard TD pass to Benjamin, a third-and-16.

“That’s why I practice,” Matthews said. “I knew going into the week I was going to start. I just had to do what I had to do to get prepared. I did all I could.”

The tradeoff for not having Lee to back him Saturday is Matthews now has some game experience.

“Now I have some experience dealing with the game speed,” Matthews said. “It’s much different. Since I have the experience, it’ll slow down for me once I get into my rhythm.

“After that first completion, it started to slow down.”

What Landry did best is what Matthews will have to do best: stay within the offense.

“Like I told Warren last week, you’ve got a lot of kids around you to help you win this ballgame,” Orlando said. “Don’t feel like you’ve got to go out there and win it yourself.”

“We’re not asking Matthews to win the game for us,” SU coach Pete Richardson said. “We’re just asking him to manage our football team. The players have confidence in him — and we have confidence in him — to do that.”

Photo: Southern University Dancing Dolls performs during half-time.

Matthews to start at QB for SU

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Southern likely will be without sophomore quarterback Bryant Lee and senior wide receiver Gerard Landry when the Jaguars host Alcorn State at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Lee and Landry both went down with ankle injuries in the third quarter of a 32-26 loss to Jackson State on Saturday.

SU coach Pete Richardson said both are “questionable.”

Lee re-aggravated a right ankle sprain that has bothered him since the second game of the season.

Lee had a brace around the injury last week and sophomore Warren Matthews got most of the first-team reps throughout the week, then started and played the first series against Jackson State in place of Lee.

Matthews, who did not return to the game until Lee went out, will make his second start and this time he’ll stay in the game.

Lee, who started late last season, edged Matthews, who never played last season, in a preseason duel.

Photo: QB Warren Matthews will make his second start for Southern.

“The only thing he’s lacking is experience,” Richardson said of Matthews. “And the only way to get that is to play.”

SU coaches want Lee (144-for-223 for 1,585 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions) to rest Saturday and then have the benefit of an open week. They’d prefer Lee not to risk further injury.

Junior C.J. Byrd, who started in the middle of last season, will be Matthews’ backup, Richardson said.

With fifth-year senior J.C. Lewis leaving the team last month, the team’s three healthy quarterbacks are Matthews, Byrd and redshirt freshman Gary Hollimon.

Matthews, who was 6-for-12 for 83 yards and one touchdown Saturday, likely won’t have the benefit of throwing to the team’s top playmaker.

Landry has a high left ankle sprain and, like Lee, needs rest.

Landry has a touchdown catch in all seven games and eight TDs overall, along with team highs of 34 catches and 409 yards.

“It’s just how much pain tolerance he’s going to be able to take,” Richardson said.

The injuries to Lee and Landry are just two concerning Southern.

True freshman linebacker Corey Ray (left shoulder) will need arthroscopic surgery that likely will end his season, Richardson said.

Ray had reconstructive surgery on the left shoulder in February after having surgery on the right one in late December.

“It depends on him. It’ll take awhile (to recover),” Richardson said.

Sophomore linebacker Allan Baugh (left knee) had an MRI on Monday. Baugh was on crutches Sunday when the Jaguars had a light practice. (SU did not practice Monday.)

Richardson said he expects junior linebacker Johnathan Malveaux to return Saturday after missing the previous three games with a high ankle sprain. Malveaux is the team’s most experienced linebacker and he was SU’s top tackler before the injury.

Malveaux dressed for the Jackson State game, and coaches considered playing him.

Richardson said he also expects junior wide receiver Del Roberts (back) and senior center Demarcus Stewart (calf) to return Saturday. Both missed the Jackson State game.

Roberts, with 30 catches for 279 yards and one touchdown and five rushes for 55 yards, plays a key role in the offense. With Roberts playing little in the loss to Alabama A&M and not at all in the JSU game, the SU offense lost a key component.

Also, Richardson said sophomore wide receiver Juamorris Stewart (concussion) to be fully recovered. Juamorris Stewart did not start, played sparingly and did not catch a pass for the first time this season.

Richardson said junior running back Kendrick Smith (foot), who has missed the last three games, is “questionable” to play Saturday. Smith is off crutches and out of his walking boot, but was still not walking smoothly.

Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band and the Dancing Dolls (10/13/2007) vs. JSU Tigers

Thomas expects loud fans at Southern

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

Alcorn State coach Johnny Thomas on Monday used the word “hostile” twice, first describing the crowd and then the environment at A.W. Mumford Stadium, while discussing Saturday’s game at Southern.

However, avoiding a duplicate of the firestorm that began with Jackson State coach Rick Comegy’s remarks on the same Southwestern Athletic Conference teleconference the week before, Thomas quickly explained he meant “hostile” in a positive manner.

“They’re going to be excited, loud and ready for the football game,” Thomas said.

A week earlier, Comegy talked about the upcoming game at Southern as being played in a “hostile situation.”

“I know a lot of people aren’t taking their families. They’re leaving their kids here,” Comegy said.

Those remarks eventually drew a Tuesday statement regretting any misunderstanding from the school’s president and a Wednesday reprimand from the SWAC.

Before a 32-26 victory over Southern in front of 24,600, including a large contingent of Jackson State fans, Saturday, Comegy did not come on the field during pregame warmups and, when he took to the sideline with his team, was flanked by law enforcement representatives.

The game was Comegy’s first at Mumford Stadium.

There were no apparent major incidents Saturday.

Alcorn’s run at SU

Alcorn has won its last three games at Mumford Stadium — 22-20 in 2002, 36-34 in ’03 and 38-16 in ’05.

Thomas said there is no common thread to the successful run.

“I don’t know what it is. I certainly can’t put my hand on it,” Thomas said.

The biggest victory of those three came in 2003, when Donald Carrie, with a Southern defender wrapped around his waist, threw a 24-yard touchdown strike to Charlie Spiller with 40 seconds left in the game. That was the only loss that season for SU, which won the SWAC and black college national titles with a 12-1 mark.

Close first win

In a game matching winless teams, Alcorn escaped from Texas Southern with a 22-20 victory Saturday after a 23-yard field-goal try from TSU’s D’Javan Conway went wide right as time expired. TSU, behind third-string quarterback Donnie Shorts, drove 72 yards with no time outs in the final 1:11 to set up the try.

“Our team now has some confidence,” Thomas said. “We still need to make tremendous improvement on offense, defense and special teams. We can’t play the way we did against Texas Southern against Southern.”

TSU outgained Alcorn 309-147.

Quick look at Southern

Of Southern, Thomas said, “Southern has a winning tradition, outstanding coaching staff and a quality football program. Going down on the Bluff is going to be a tremendous challenge.”

Quick look at Alcorn

Of Alcorn, SU coach Pete Richardson said, “Offensively, they have seven or eight starters who are seniors. (Nate) Hughes is one of the finest wide receivers in the whole conference. Defensively, they’re going to create a lot of pressure. They’re going to play man-to-man (in the secondary).”

Notes

After going 0-11 in 2000, Alcorn has had six straight winning seasons — going 7-4 in 2003 and ’04 and 6-5 in the other four seasons. SU true freshman P Josh Duran is 35th nationally in punting, at 40.5 yards per punt.

Missed FG attempt keeps TSU winless

Photo: Alcorn State wide receiver Nate Hughes (5) catches pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

By BRANDON C. WILLIAMS, Houston Chronicle

Alcorn St. spoils homecoming party with 22-20 victory

It was a shame that Lady Luck left Alexander Durley Stadium early Saturday afternoon because Texas Southern could have used some of her charm in the final five seconds of its homecoming game.

Instead, TSU lost to Alcorn State 22-20 when Tigers kicker D'Javan Conway missed a 27-yard field-goal attempt as time ran out.

Texas Southern falls to 0-6 overall and 0-5 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.

"What a gut check," Tigers coach Steve Wilson said. "He (quarterback Donnie Shorts) drove us downfield and put us in a position, but we missed the kick. There's nothing more you can say about that."

With TSU taking over at its 20 with 1:11 remaining and no timeouts, Shorts, who replaced injured starter Tino Edgecombe, marched the Tigers to the Braves' 10-yard line. Shorts had runs of 28 and 7 yards as he made up for a fumble at the Alcorn State 44 that appeared to put the game away with 2:30 remaining.

Conway's kick appeared to be good, but the wind pushed the the ball about four feet wide of the goalpost.

"He's hit that kick before," Wilson said of Conway. "I just feel bad that he didn't hit it."

The final drive concluded what had been a roller-coaster afternoon for Shorts, who threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Davis to give the Tigers a 17-10 lead at the half. But Shorts' performance was offset by his fumble and an interception that led to the decisive score — a 3-yard scoring pass from Tony Hobson to Nate Hughes with 10:46 remaining.

The Braves (1-5, 1-4) won despite totaling only 142 yards of offense as the TSU defense had its best showing of the season. Led by ends Derrick Gray (2 1/2 sacks) and Matthew Valmore, linebacker Mike Boyd and cornerback Chris Salvant, the defense held its ground all game long.

The Tigers' offense helped make it easy for Alcorn State, committing four turnovers. Caesar Cobb returned an Edgecombe fumble 60 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter, and Roderick Williams' 81-yard interception return early in the fourth quarter opened the door for Hughes to catch the second of his two TD passes.

TSU's special teams provided two of the games' biggest plays. The standing-room-only crowd got its biggest thrill of the day when William Osbourne returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. Then, a blocked punt by linebacker Willie Blakney set up a Conway field goal of 22 yards late in the third quarter, which gave TSU a 20-16 lead.

The field goal actually proved beneficial for the Braves, whose defense denied the Tigers, who had first-and-goal at the Alcorn State 6, a chance to break the game open.

"We wasted an awful lot of opportunities," Wilson said. "We just couldn't make the most of them."

With the loss, the prospect of a winless season looms large for TSU.

"All we can do is hold our heads up and keep fixing our mistakes," Boyd said.

Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band