Lane Dragons end season with fourth win

COLUMBIA, South Carolina — This season has been up and down for the Lane Dragons, which is better than the previous two seasons when they failed to win a game. 2011 ended on the up-side when the Dragons defeated Benedict College 19-13 to go into the offseason on a positive note.

"It was definitely good to get a win today and end the season like that," said Lane head coach Derrick Burroughs. "But we've got work to do to get better for next season, especially on offense."

The Dragons scored all of their points in the first half. A safety and a 37-yard field goal by Ryan Bullock gave the Dragons a 5-0 lead in the first quarter.

Alan Ferguson ran a yard for a touchdown late in the second quarter, and Ferguson threw to William Golston for 19 yards for another touchdown 15 seconds later after the Dragons' defense recovered a fumble.

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Benedict closes season with 19-13 defeat

COLUMBIA, S.C. - There was no miracle finish for the 2011 Benedict College Tigers football team, as a last-second, last-ditch effort fell short and Lane College took a 19-13 victory Saturday in a NCAA Division II contest at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.

Trailing 19-0 at the half, Benedict rallied with a pair of touchdowns in the second half and got the ball with 1:01 left in the game and 77 yards away from a potential game-winning touchdown and extra point.

The Tigers picked up some big yardage, as quarterback Simeon Kelley rushed for gains of 12 and 20 yards, and then completed a 17-yard pass to Harlon Samuels for a first down at the 23-yard line. But then the Tigers stalled, with Kelley throwing an incomplete pass on first down, a delay of game penalty on second down pushed them back five yards, and Kelley was sacked on the next play.

He spiked the ball to stop the clock ...



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Home sweet home: Albany State Rams trample Tigers in rout

Albany, Georgia -- One win away. Albany State's 37-13 Homecoming victory against Benedict on Saturday has the Rams one win away from an SIAC East Division Championship. One win away from extending their season. One win away from Rams coach Mike White getting a Gatorade bath. On Saturday, ASU defensive leader Justin Blash almost jumped the gun on that Gatorade bath.

"I was standing beside (White at the end of the game), and I was acting like somebody was getting ready to hit coach White with the Gatorade," said Blash, a 320-pound defensive tackle. "I said, 'Watch out, they have the Gatorade!' He tensed up for it. But I was just playing."

Blash may have been joking at the end of the game, but the No. 22 nationally ranked Rams were all business early in the game Saturday. They held Benedict to zero offensive yards in the first half and scored about every way possible to take an insurmountable 31-0 lead into intermission.

Even though the Rams (7-2, 5-1) came out with little ...



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Late score lifts Morehouse over Benedict, 37-31

Atlanta, Georgia --  Morehouse's David Carter scored on an 11-yard run with 19 seconds left in the game to dash Benedict College's upset bid and lift the Maroon Tigers to a 37-31 victory over the Tigers in an SIAC East Division clash Saturday.

In a back-and-forth battle, the Tigers took a 31-29 lead with 3:53 left to play when Justin Shaw forced a fumble by Thomas Williams and scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 73 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.

Derrick Hector returned the ensuing kickoff 32 yards to the Benedict 48-yard line. Then, facing a fourth-and-six at the Benedict 32-yard line, Morehouse quarterback Byron Ingram completed a seven-yard pass to Hector. With the Maroon Tigers facing another critical third-and-13 at the 28, Ingram rushed for a 17-yard pickup on the quarterback keeper. A pair of incomplete passes saw the Maroon Tigers facing another third down and the clock winding down. The Maroon Tigers opted for a running play, apparently trying to set up for a potential game-winning field goal, but instead Carter scooted around the corner and made his way into the right corner of the end zone.

Photo Gallery: Homecoming 2011

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Morehouse survives to keep pace in SIAC title chase

Atlanta, Georgia -- Before Morehouse can worry about Albany State losing again, the Maroon Tigers have to make sure they keep winning. Morehouse nearly stumbled against Benedict on Saturday before pulling out a dramatic 37-31 homecoming victory. David Carter’s 11-yard touchdown run with 19 seconds left lifted Morehouse to the win after Benedict had surged ahead with 3:53 to play.

Morehouse lost at Albany State last weekend to lose control of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s East division. Losing to Benedict (2-6, 1-4) would have essentially ended Morehouse’s SIAC title bid and damaged its prospects of making the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Morehouse (6-2, 4-1) stayed tied with Albany State for the division lead. Albany State (6-2, 4-1) defeated Clark Atlanta 19-13 on Saturday.

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Stillman defense steps up big with eight turnovers in rout of Benedict

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama | A stingy, opportunistic defense led Stillman College in a 44-0 rout of the visiting Benedict. Stillman scored 37 points as a direct result of turnovers.

The Stillman defense came out swinging against Benedict, forcing a season-high eight turnovers and allowing 102 yards, including only 27 yards in the first half.

“They played hard, they played fast and they played together,” Stillman coach Teddy Keaton said. “Those are the things you want a defense to do.”

The carnage started early. On the opening drive, Benedict mixed the run and the pass and made it all the way to Stillman’s 22-yard line before quarterback Christopher Thomas threw an interception to Bryant Mosley.

Next, it was Stillman quarterback Dondre Purnell who connected with Roger Dixon on a 27-yard touchdown strike. Dixon blew by two defenders and scampered all the way down the sideline for the score.

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Benedict drops OT game to Miles

AUGUSTA, Georgia - A new coach brought some new enthusiasm for the Benedict College Tigers football team, but some old demons were too much to overcome as Mile College defeated Benedict 20-14 in overtime Saturday at Lucy Laney Memorial Stadium in the annual Augusta City Classic.

Miles drove 75 yards on 11 plays to score on a 1-yard run by Jordan Lewis with one minute left on the clock to cut Benedict's lead to 14-12. Lewis got the call again on the two-point conversion to tie the game. The key play on that drive was a 33-yard pass from David Thomas to Jerromy Mardis on fourth down and eight on their final drive in regulation.




The Tigers got the ball first in overtime, but quarterback Simeon Kelley fumbled the exchange on the second play in overtime, turning the ball back over to the Golden Bears.

On Miles' possession, Lewis carried the ball on all five plays, and ran in from one-yard out to seal the victory for the Golden Bears. Miles improves to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the SIAC.

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Benedict Names James Woody Interim Head Football Coach

Columbia, SC - Benedict College announced the hiring of James Woody as interim head football coach on Monday.

Woody brings more than 25 years experience as one of the nation's top offensive coordinators to the Tigers, who dropped to 1-3 after 40-23 televised loss to Fort Valley State on Thursday night. The Tigers travel to Augusta, Ga., this Saturday to face Miles College in the annual Augusta City Classic.

“I'm really looking forward to get going,” Woody said at a late-morning press conference at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. “My first priority here is to make sure we put a team on the field that can be competitive - competitive week in and week out.”

Woody takes over for Stanley Conner, who went 21-27 in four full seasons, plus the first four games this season.

“We are very appreciative of the work of Coach Conner,” said Willie Washington, Benedict College Director of Athletics. “But as life has it, changes take place, and this is one of those changes that occurred here at Benedict College.”

This will be Woody's first head coaching position.

As an offensive coordinator at Tuskegee University and Jackson State University, Woody was instrumental in developing high-powered, high-scoring offenses. He said his coaching philosophy is simple – to play hard and play smart.

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FVSU Sprints Past Benedict Tigers for 1st Win

Columbia, SC - Fort Valley St. dropped to 0-3 Saturday, with starting quarterback Antonio Henton on the bench. Don Pittman's team got back on the field on short rest Thursday in a SIAC road test, and came away with a 40-23 win.

Peach Co. grad gave the Wildcats a 7-3 lead on his first collegiate touchdown. FVSU then ran away from the Tigers, leading 40-3 in the 4th quarter. By game's end Benedict made the game look far less one-sided.

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Bowie State football team breezes past Benedict

Bowie, MD - The Bowie State University football team amassed 473 yards of total offense and improved to 2-0 this season with a 31-14 victory against Benedict College on Saturday afternoon in Bowie.

The Bulldogs led 10-0 at halftime and 24-7 heading into the fourth quarter. Dominique Budd tossed a 33-yard touchdown pass to Kevin James in the first quarter to open the scoring. Michael Gagne added a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Suitland High graduate James Proctor made it a 17-0 Bowie State lead when he caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Surrattsville grad Andre Johnson with 4:13 to play in the third quarter. Benedict answered with its first touchdown less than a minute later on a 66-yard pass from Harlon Samuels to Assad Mujihad. But with 53 seconds to play in the third period, Johnson hit Kendall Jefferson with a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 24-7.

Samuels threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Emmanuel Houston with 6:20 left in the game. Oxon Hill graduate Kenneth Turner returned a fumble 56 yards for a touchdown with 1:21 to play for Bowie State.

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Benedict Tigers hungry for leaders

 GALLERY: MEDIA DAY: Benedict College

Columbia, S.C. - Benedict College is one week from opening its football season against Virginia Union in the Palmetto Capital City Classic at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, but things are far from settled in Tigers camp.

Along with a youth movement, the team was rocked by news that starting quarterback Michael Adams will miss the season after tearing an ACL in practice last week.

"I guess you could say we’ve had our share of setbacks, but I look at setbacks as setups — opportunities for other players who are prepared to take advantage,” coach Stan Conner said.

The Tigers could start as many as nine sophomores and one freshman in the opener, but most of the attention will fall on the quarterback position in Conner’s double-wing, option-based attack.

Sophomore Johnny Carson and redshirt freshman Harlon Samuels are prime candidates to fill the void, but former Irmo star LeAnder Barney, a transfer from Georgia Southern, is in the mix.

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Benedict hopes to rally around Michael Adams

Columbia, S.C. - The Benedict Tigers keep upgrading their talent base but, as head coach Stanley Conner knows all too well, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference isn't getting softer.

"The NFL lockout ended and right away Fort Valley State had four players sign free agent contracts," Conner said. And Fort Valley State was picked to finish behind Albany State in the SIAC East in an official poll of league coaches. Benedict was picked last in the five-team division.

Benedict won its last three games last season to finish 5-6.

"I think our program is headed in the right direction," said Conner, entering his fifth season at the Columbia school. "We just have to get current on some things we're doing and keep up with our upgrades in order to compete. But I think we turned a corner late last season."

New hope is built around junior quarterback Michael Adams, who takes over in a spread offense for departed Pat Riley as the starter. Adams threw for 526 yards (three TDs, three interceptions) and ran for 455 yards (five TDs) in a backup role last year.

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10th Annual Palmetto Capital City Classic - BC vs. VUU

Columbia, SC - Benedict College will kick off the 2011 season Saturday, September 3, when it hosts Virginia Union in the 10th annual Palmetto Capital City Classic.

Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.

Benedict is coming off a 5-6 season, but the Tigers rallied to that finish after starting off the year 0-4. Head coach Stan Conner says a win to start off the new year would be tangible evidence that the team's hot finish to 2010 had carried over into 2011.

The events leading up to the game include a golf tournament, high school band challenge, pre-game parade featuring high school and college bands, a gospel concert and a game-day concert.

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VISIT: PALMETTO CAPITAL CITY CLASSIC

Division II South Regional: Benedict's Marcus Goode gives Tigers their claws

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- While the calendar turned to 2011, the Benedict men's basketball team was beginning to wonder just what kind of year it had to look forward to.

The Tigers already were off to a disappointing 2-4 start, had 11 new guys playing and lost a trio of returning starters for reasons nine-year coach Fred Watson would rather not discuss. Marcus Goode, the 6-foot-10 sophomore, had yet to play a single minute because of transfer rules.

"It was a little tough at the beginning," Watson said. That tough beginning ended as midnight struck on Jan. 1, 2011. After six games on the bench, Goode was eligible to play.

"When we started, everyone kind of counted us out," Watson said. "I knew if we could keep going until the big fella got here, we'd be OK."

Division II South Regional: Uptempo Stillman making second tournament appearance

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Stillman coach Michael Grant's philosophy is a shooter's dream. If you're open, pull the trigger, he says. Pass up an open jumper? Be prepared to take a seat.

"Now when we play and we pass up open shots, the bench is telling them to shoot the ball," said Grant, the Tigers' third-year coach. "It's expected now."

While Grant's offensive mantra may run contrary to more conservative coaches, the Tigers' high-octane attack has put Stillman (22-7) into the NCAA Division II Tournament for the second time in school history. The seventh-seeded Tigers will meet No. 2 seed Harding at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the opening round of the South Regional hosted at Spragins Hall.



Division II South Regional: Clark Atlanta doesn't shrink from top teams

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The Clark Atlanta Panthers may be the eighth seed out of eight teams, but don't think they will be intimidated by the prospect of playing South Regional host UAH on its home floor.

"Every time I pass Georgia Tech, I lose cell reception," said Clark Atlanta coach Darryl Jacobs earlier this week, moments after it happens. "It must be because we took them to overtime in November."

Just like UAH did with Alabama, the Panthers put a scare into their Division I neighbors during the exhibition season. That came on the heels of them falling by only seven points at last year's regional to eventual champion Valdosta State.

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NCAA Division II South Regional set to begin in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Are you ready for some basketball?

Eight of the best NCAA Division II college basketball teams are in town for the South Regional, which begins Saturday at Spragins Hall on the University of Alabama-Huntsville campus. The winner will have a chance to play for the national championship in Springfield, Mass., March 23-26.

"Being in the tournament is one thing and being able to host it is like a dream," UAH guard Tyler Hanback said. "It's going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait."

Saturday: Harding (25-4) vs. Stillman (21-7) at 2:30 p.m.
UAH (26-4) vs. Clark Atlanta (22-8), SIAC Champions at 5:30 p.m.
Arkansas Tech (24-5) and Benedict (21-7) at 7:30 p.m.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG; Inside The Game: Clark-Atlanta vs. Stillman (SIAC Championship)

Benedict's Goode overpowers Paine

Marcus Goode had a triple-double with 30 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks to power Benedict to an 83-70 victory over Paine College on Saturday.

Former Laney standout Xavier Collier had 23 points for the Tigers (19-6, 18-4 SIAC). Tony Baker led the Lions (10-15, 9-14) with 16 points. Thomas Broughton and Mario Jordan each had 15.

In women's game, Brittany Jackson had 10 points and 11 rebounds to lead Benedict to a 65-47 win over Paine.

Alexus Jones had a game-high 15 points for the Lady Tigers (17-9, 15-7). Antionette McPhail scored 14 points to lead Paine (3-24, 2-19).

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

Benedict Tigers Hold Off Claflin Panthers 69-63

Columbia, SC- The electricity was building since 10:30 a.m. and by tip off time the pitch was deafening. For Claflin University and Benedict College the moment had come. A nationally televised men’s basketball game carried on CBS Sports network. An opportunity that comes rarely to NCAA Division II programs that had been afforded to these two prestigious institutions.

Crucial free-throw shooting by the Benedict Tigers (16-6, 16-4), foiled all hopes of a miraculous comeback by the Claflin University Panthers (9-14, 8-13). Benedict went 6-6 at the line in the final minute and took the 69-65 SIAC win over Claflin.

The Panthers began the second half down by seven points, and again came out slowly, which quickly put the Tigers up again by double-figures, 39-29 with just one and a half minutes had ticked off the second half clock. But the Panthers never said die and began to cut the Tiger lead inside of ten points 47-54, with: 25 remaining.

And after a steal Claflin’s Stacy McAlister was fouled and he made both free-throws to pull the Panthers to within five points, 49-54. Benedict’s Antrjuan Albright quickly responded with a three point basket to push their lead back to eight points, 49-57, at the 5:13 mark.

Claflin Lady Panthers Fall to Benedict Lady Tigers 62-53

Columbia, SC- The air calmed down considerably, but the game began hot for the Lady Panthers taking a commanding 19-3 lead early. However Benedict tried to make a comeback but could only get as close as eight points 19-11 with six left in the first half. The teams ended the half on even terms scoring 10 points each for the 29-21 halftime score.

Claflin shot a sizzling 42 percent form the floor compared to just 17 percent for Benedict. Claflin was also 60 percent from beyond the arc (3-5) while Benedict was poultry 16 percent.

Natalie Davis went 3-4 from three point land for nine points. Santeria Grooms also scored nine points for Benedict, by intermission.

by Claflin University Sports Information

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Benedict's Goode takes the long way home

Today’s Game
WHO: Claflin (9-13, 8-12 SIAC) at Benedict (15-6, 15-4)
WHEN: Noon today
WHERE: HRC Arena, Benedict College
TV: CBS College Sports (channel 537 on Time Warner digital cable)

It’s been a long journey but Marcus Goode feels likes he has finally found a home. The much-traveled former Mid-Carolina star has landed less than 45 miles from his home and is leading a resurgent Benedict team to the top of the SIAC standings. Benedict is tied for the SIAC lead going into today’s game against Claflin at noon. The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS College Sports.

“I went through a lot to get here,” Goode said of his journey. “I finally made it and I’m trying to stick with it. I’m here now and I just want to get my grades right and play ball.”

Goode’s travels have covered five schools. After playing at Mid-Carolina for two years, he transferred to the Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., his final two years to try and get his grades in order.

The 6-foot-10, 295-pound center signed with Marshall but had to sit out his first year because of his grades. He played one semester during the 2008-09 season, averaging 4.2 points and 2.8 rebounds and eight minutes per game.

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Videographer: UrbanSportsITG

No road woes for Rams as ASU breezes by Benedict

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Junior Stanley Jennings knows such a comment will end up on a bulletin board somewhere in Atlanta or Fort Valley. But the confident quarterback said it anyway after leading Albany State to a 27-10 victory at Benedict College on Saturday.

“We’re not losing,” Jennings said of the first-place Rams’ upcoming games against Morehouse and Fort Valley, the two teams chasing them in the SIAC standings. “You can quote that: We aren’t losing.”

Jennings had cause for such optimism. Against Benedict, he watched the Albany State defense play most of the first quarter in its territory but give up no points. The offense produced another big play: a 90-yard scoring strike from Jennings to Ronnie Childs early in the second quarter for the game’s first score.

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Lane Dragons lose close one after controversial call‎

Lane College went from the brink of assuring its first win in 17 games to going to overtime in 46.7 seconds. Benedict beat the Dragons 30-23 in overtime at Lane Stadium on Saturday.

Lane (0-6) held a 23-20 lead late in the fourth quarter with the ball on the Benedict 1-yard line. Lane quarterback Tahj Dent appeared to have dived into the end zone for the two-possession lead, but the referees said that Dent fumbled and called a touchback to give Benedict the ball on the 20-yard line with 46.7 seconds remaining. Lane still held the 23-20 lead.

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