No good comes from this game

This October, in a game that shouldn't be played because of a contract that shouldn't have been signed, little Delaware State will face Michigan in the Big House.

If you made a list of the 10 dumbest things ever done by university administrators, Delaware State's decision to play Michigan would be Nos. 1-5. It was so dumb that nobody from the school can (or will) explain the anatomy of a football deal that forces it to forfeit a conference game. DSU has to forfeit its Oct. 17 game against North Carolina A&T because school negotiators somehow forgot to rearrange the team's existing schedule.

The truly unnerving part of this story is that other schools might be tempted to copy Delaware State. Just take the money, stick it to the conference schedule, plead stupidity and cash the check.

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Thou Art Greedy: What price Delaware State's soul?

How much money would you accept to forfeit a meaningful game in order to play another game you will definitely lose?

Holly: Today on our bully pulpit agenda: Delaware State, a I-AA program, is forfeiting a conference game to North Carolina A&T because Delaware State wants to play Michigan instead. And by "wants," I mean they have the opportunity to cash in for a bodybag appearance in Ann Arbor in mid-October. All anyone's saying is the two MEAC schools "could not agree" on a date to reschedule the game, and now NCA&T is 1-0. In May.

What say you, gents? Is a big payday worth it if you're being paid to fall down in front of a powerhouse team? (Or in front of Michigan?)

Doug: Well, you know, that's what everybody thought about Appalachian State, too...

Holly: I was gonna say.

Doc: The ghost of Appalachian State will never die! But I'm not sure it's worth actually forfeiting a win to chase a ghost. Or a gazillion dollars. Or whatever it is.

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Delaware State Holds Annual Red/White Spring Game

DOVER, DE - Quarterback Anthony Glaud threw for one touchdown and ran for another to help lead the Red Team to a 27-0 win over the White Team during Delaware State's annual Red/White Spring Game on Saturday, April 18 at Alumni Stadium. The Red Team out-gained the White 279-94 in total yards, accumulating 215 yard through the air on 17-of-25 passing and two touchdowns. Glaud led all passers with 120 yards on 8-of-11 passing, including a 25-yard touchdown pass to Erick Jones. Jones led all Red receivers with four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Halfback Jason Randall registered 34 yards on eight carries, including a nine-yard touchdown run to give the Red Team an early 7-0 advantage.

DSU Alumni Stadium

Boston College transfer Chris Johnson completed 5-fo-16 passing for the White Team for 52 yards. Johnson shared snaps with Nick Elko, who threw for 29 yards on 3-of-8 passing for the White Team. Cincinnati transfer Tahree McQueen led the White Team with yards rushing on the ground on five carries. Wideouts Travis Tarpley (35 yards) and Justin Brewton (28 yards) led the White Team with two catches each.

All three quarterback took snaps as part of the Red Team as Elko and Johnson started the contest playing for the White Team. On the day, Johnson completed 9-of-20 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. The Paterson, N.J., native was a perfect 4-of-4 for 58 yards and one touchdown (an 11-yard completion to Donnell Dixon) as a member of the Red Team. Elko threw for 66 yards on 8-of-18 passing on the day.

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NSU won't have to move Nov. 14 Delaware State game

Norfolk State picked up its first victory of the 2009 football season Wednesday. The Spartans learned they won't have to give up their valued midseason open date to re-schedule a game at Delaware State. The Hornets had asked NSU to move its Nov. 14 game to Oct. 3 so they could play a $500,000 "guarantee game" at Michigan. That would have left the Spartans playing 10 straight games without a break.

















North Carolina A&T State University athletic director Wheeler Brown holds the trump card on whether the DSU Hornets will play at Michigan for a $500,000 pay day in 2009.

Norfolk State balked at the request. With the schools at an impasse, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference commissioner Dennis Thomas had the final say. NSU President Carolyn W. Meyers was told Wednesday that the Spartans' schedule can remain as is, athletic director Marty Miller said. The conflict arose when the Hornets signed to play Michigan on Oct. 17, the same day Delaware State was scheduled to play North Carolina A&T. The Aggies agreed to move the game to Nov. 14, which is when Delaware State was scheduled to play NSU.

The Spartans weren't consulted and refused to budge from the Nov. 14 date. At a news conference last week, school officials said the MEAC schedule is set more than a year in advance, and Delaware State needed to abide by it.

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NSU wants a day off; foe wants to cash in

NSU president Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers says DSU offered to pay NSU between $25,000 and $30,000 for changing their schedule.

Delaware State wants a record pay day. Norfolk State just wants a day off. The conference rivals, accustomed to knocking heads on the football field, are beginning early this year, in a tussle over scheduling. The Hornets, hoping to bank $500,000 by playing at Michigan, have asked Norfolk State to move a game at Delaware State from Nov. 14 to Oct. 3. The problem, that's the Spartans' open date. Move the game, and NSU would play 10 straight weeks without a break - after four weeks of preseason camp.

That's unacceptable, said school officials, who went on the public relations offensive by holding a news conference Friday. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule has been set for more than a year. Delaware State knew that when Michigan called, offering what is believed to be the most lucrative "guarantee" game in MEAC history. "We should not have to be disadvantaged because another university did not respect the conference schedule," NSU president Carolyn W. Meyers said.

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Who will be DSU's quarterback?

Three-man battle could be highlight of spring

DOVER -- It is just the type of spring football camp that Delaware State University coach Al Lavan looks forward to most -- one with a bevy of competition for starting positions. The Hornets began this year's camp at Alumni Stadium on Wednesday night, ready to put in the kind of work they hope will lead them back to the top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference this fall.
Delaware State returns 12 starters and 41 letter winners from last year's team, which finished 5-6 overall and 5-3 in the MEAC. "This camp is quite different than most of the other ones that we've had here at DSU, in that there is competition for a couple of positions that we haven't had before," said Lavan, who started his sixth spring camp at DSU. "We have a variety of experience and inexperience. Since I've been here, we've not quite had this type of team that needed to be developed."

Nowhere are those questions more evident than at quarterback. Four-year starter Vashon Winton is gone, along with his 33-14 record. There promises to be a three-man race to fill the void.

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Former Hornet Roy Bright expected to sign with Australian Basketball League

THE Albury-Wodonga Bandits are poised to add what will be the marquee attractions for this year’s squad. The Border club is expected to announce by the end of this week the signing of US import Fernandez Lockett and possibly fellow American Roy Bright.

Lockett, a 194cm forward, averaged 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds for Austin Peay State University last year and was the Governors’ leading rebounder during the past two seasons. Bandits coach James Madigan said Lockett was athletic and if signed, would excite fans with his explosive ability. “No one is an absolute definite right now but Lockett is the one we would like to have,” Madigan said. “I’ll be talking to the committee over the next couple of days about two imports.

“At this stage, getting some Australian NBL players is too far off. “We need to make some decisions now as the immigration process now takes a bit longer than it did before so we need to act in the next couple of days if we’re going to bring the Americans in. “One is 6-5, the other 6-6 and they can play both forward spots. Because I’m not going to bring in a whole new team, we’re going to need players who are extremely versatile.”

The other potential signing, Bright, averaged 19.1 points and 5.3 boards as a senior at Delaware State University last year. The 197cm swingman was rated highly enough to have the Philadelphia 76ers invite him to a pre-draft workout before the 2008 NBA draft. He was also the second pick in the US CBA draft by the East Kentucky Miners and has also played in the US NBDL as well as in the Dominican Republic and Latvia.

Roy Bright Highlights


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Late score lifts WSSU by Delaware State 27-26

Coach Kermit Blount breaks Willam "Bill" Hayes career record for wins at WSSU with his 90th career victory in defeat of the DSU Hornets.

DOVER, DE - Winston-Salem State rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Delaware State, the defending MEAC champion, 27-26 yesterday at Alumni Stadium. The Rams were down 26-21 with 10:12 to go, but put together a 13-play drive that covered 66 yards. Quarterback Jarrett Dunston scored on a 1-yard run on fourth and goal with 4:19 to play. Dunston's touchdown gave the Rams a 27-26 lead after the two-point conversion attempt failed.

The Hornets (3-6) got the ball back and drove to the Rams' 20, but on fourth and 1, instead of trying a 37-yard field-goal attempt, tried to go for it and were stopped short as the Rams took over with 38 seconds left. Coach Kermit Blount of the Rams won his 90th career game to become the all-time wins leader in school history. Blount, in his 16th season, passed Bill Hayes (currently Florida A&M's Athletic Director). Blount is 90-75-3 as the coach of his alma mater.

"This is very emotional for me; I didn't think I'd be this emotional, but my players really showed they loved me in this game," Blount said. "They really stuck to it in the second half, never let up, and we came away with the win."

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Attendance: 891 (13%) at Alumni Stadium, Dover, DE (Capacity: 6828).

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Blue Devils handily beats Hornets at home

DOVER, DE -- Their jerseys were drenched, looking like they were showered in a Gatorade celebration. It was only the steady rain. There was little to celebrate at Delaware State on Saturday night. In a game that was supposed to gauge their season's potential, the Hornets probably were left looking for a do-over. Central Connecticut State, a visitor from the Northeast Conference, defeated the Hornets in their first-ever meeting, winning 28-10 at Alumni Stadium.

"This is not practice, it's real football," Hornets coach Al Lavan said. "I had concerns over how this team would respond this week. When you're trying to build a young team, you are going to go through times of adversity and you have to find out how they will respond." While it certainly didn't predict an easy outcome, Delaware State hardly would have expected such a loss to the Blue Devils. And it occurred at home, where the Hornets had not lost in 10 tries, dating back to Oct. 14, 2006, against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference foe Hampton. Delaware State (1-2) has lost two games in a row for the first time since 2006.

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Attendance: 3,254 (47.8%) at Alumni Stadium, Dover, DE (Capacity: 6,828).

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NEXT: The Hornets host the Hampton Pirates on Saturday at 1 PM in a MEAC showdown.

DSU Hornets look for repeat title

DOVER -- The Delaware State University football team has shown steady improvement in each of coach Al Lavan's four seasons. And that is all Lavan asks of the Hornets. Coming off a year in which DSU won its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football title since 1991 and earned its first bid to the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs, Lavan is not expecting anything less as his team prepares for the 2008 season.

Delaware State University has a two-head football monster in defensive coordinator Ray Petty (former head coach at Howard University) and head coach Al Lavan. Coach Lavan has a 29-16 record in four years of resurrection of the DSU Hornets.

Delaware State's players will arrive on campus for preseason practice on Friday morning. Their MEAC title defense begins when the Hornets face Florida A&M at Alumni Stadium on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Lavan knows it is in the heat of preseason camp that the foundation will be laid for his team's ultimate level of success. "Each year that we have been here, we've been able to improve our talent," Lavan said. "I think the players that are in our program have taken a step forward each year."

Former DSU's McCants hopes to stick with team No. 6

Darnerien McCants--multitalented professional artist who can compose, play and sing music, as well as paint and design. See more of McCants works at: http://www.darnerien.com

WESTMINSTER, Md. -- Darnerien McCants could have given up by now, and maybe he should have given up by now. And he would have given up by now, except for one thing. "I still dream about it," he said. "And I figure that as long as I dream about it, I've got to chase it."

In that dream, he makes a spectacular catch in the end zone in a big game, maybe even a Super Bowl. It's a dream that's kept him going the past eight years, with six different teams in four different leagues.

Team No. 6 is the Baltimore Ravens, whom McCants joined just five days ago. McCants, one of the best receivers in Delaware State history, hadn't played much football since he was released by the Eagles in training camp in 2006.

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Darnerien McCants grew up in Odenton (near Fort George G. Meade) and starred at Arundel High School in Anne Arundel County.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder signed as a free agent after spending last season with the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. McCants, who was drafted by the Redskins in the fifth round of the 2001 draft, spent four seasons in Washington before playing mainly on special teams for the Eagles in 2005 and 2006.

In 41 NFL games, McCants has 58 receptions for 774 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season in Hamilton, he played in one game, where he made one catch for seven yards.

Delaware State Hornets' nest

Former Delaware State wide receiver Shaheer McBride is in camp trying to make the team as an undrafted free agent. Though the odds may be long, McBride could benefit from studying Jackson, who also attended Delaware State.

Jackson made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2003 and started eight games at center in 2005. After beating out Hank Fraley for the starting center job in 2006, Jackson signed a seven-year contract extension with the Eagles.

Jackson said he met McBride during spring workouts, and will seek out the rookie in training camp. "I'll be talking to him, trying to keep his head on straight for him," Jackson said. "Let him know it's not the whole bullets flying and all that; just take it in stride."

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DSU Hornets picked second in MEAC

NORFOLK, Va. -- Delaware State was picked to finish second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference preseason football poll, voted on by conference coaches and sports information directors. South Carolina State led the poll, which was released during MEAC media day on Friday.

"The thing that I expect for our team is a higher and more consistent level of play, especially from our senior leadership," DSU coach Al Lavan said in a press release. "I think the players that are in our program have taken a step forward each year."

The Hornets earned their first NCAA Division I-AA playoff berth last season, when they went 8-0 in the MEAC and finished 10-2 overall. "It would be very special to win back-to-back championships, especially with this being our senior year," wide receiver Derrick McNeil said.

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Former FAMU coach hired to DSU football staff

Dover, DE - Delaware State University Head Football Coach Al Lavan has announced the appointment of Renato Diaz as running backs coach for the Hornets.

Diaz, who has more than 12 years of college coaching experience, most recently served as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Florida A&M the past three years, under former head coach Rubin Carter.

“Coach Diaz brings a wealth of coaching and administrative experience, in addition to familiarity with the conference, to our staff,” Lavan said. “He has enjoyed success at every stop in his career, and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber join our team.”

During the 2007 season, Diaz was credited with the success of Florida A&M freshman tailback Philip Sylvester, who was named MEAC Rookie-of-the-Year after rushing for nearly 900 yards and leading the league in all-purpose yards (164.3 ypg).

“Coach Lavan is doing a tremendous job at Delaware State, and I’m honored to join his staff,” Diaz said. “I’m extremely impressed with the university, and its commitment to its teams. I’m looking forward to working with the staff to continue the success the Hornets have enjoyed the last few years.”

Diaz began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Fla. (1996-1998), where he was an assistant to the offensive coordinator.

Photo: Coach Diaz and the entire Rattlers football staff of head coach Rubin Carter was fired by incoming A.D. William "Bill" Hayes in January 2008.

In 1998, Diaz was promoted to tight ends coach for USF, and also served as coordinator for recruiting and special teams. That season, the Bulls led the nation in total punt return yards and was seventh in net punting, limiting opponents to 2.1 yards per return. During the 1999 season, South Florida was eighth in the nation in net punting and 12th in kickoff returns.

Diaz also served as running backs coach at Columbia University in New York during the 2000 season. At Columbia, Diaz coached Johnathan Reese, the school's first 1,000 yard rusher, who was an All-Ivy League First Team selection after leading the conference with 1,330 yards rushing.

From 2001 to ’03, Diaz was running backs coach at Florida International University. FIU’s Rashod Smith was a Division I-AA All-Independent First Team selection at running back in 2001.

In the summer of 2003, Diaz did a brief stint with the NFL’s New York Jets during training camp, working with the offensive staff in all phases of preparation for the season.

Diaz was running backs coach and special teams consultant at Widener University in Chester, Pa. in 2004. That season, the Division III Pioneers were 11th in the nation in kickoff returns (23.3 ypr).

Diaz earned a bachelors in geology from South Florida in 1983. He is also a 2005 graduate of the NCAA Advanced Coaches Academy.

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations

McBride under microscope at Eagles camp

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — One of just four receivers in camp so far, Shaheer McBride knows every play in which he's involved gets noticed – especially the ones he'd like to forget. The former Delaware State receiver made a nice catch in traffic across the middle in 7-on-7 drills in today's morning session of training camp, but had the ball jarred from his grip after he came crashing to the ground.

"You gotta squeeze it," barked coach Andy Reid as McBride ran back to the huddle. Reid later praised McBride during his press conference, but the dropped pass still lingered for the Chester, Pa., native. "You can't just be able to process it and be done with it.," McBride admitted. "Someone tells you that they'd be lying to you."

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Bright showcases talent at 76ers workout

Ex-DSU standout hopes for a shot to realize dream

PHILADELPHIA -- Roy Bright knows his name won't be called when the NBA draft comes around Thursday night and that he has a "long road" ahead of him in order to fulfill his dream of playing in the NBA. Bright just wants a chance.

That's why Bright, who spent his final two seasons of college eligibility at Delaware State, was more than happy to work out for the 76ers on Saturday. It was his first workout for an NBA team, although he said scouts from a few other teams saw him recently in Atlanta.

"He's not ready right now," 76ers president and general manager Ed Stefanski said. "This kid has an NBA body and size (6-6/225), and if he works at his game, you never know. But it's going to take him a couple of years."

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Former DSU McBride grabs attention in Eagles minicamp

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Wide receivers usually stand near each other on the sideline during practice, so Shaheer McBride quickly noticed that the Eagles have a herd of receivers in camp all closely resembling him -- somewhere in that 6-foot, 200-pound neighborhood.

That's one reason McBride reports to the NovaCare Complex each day feeling like he needs to be better than his counterparts. Them plus one, someone noted. "Plus two," McBride said. "Maybe three, sometimes."

Up and down the roster are receivers just like the 6-foot-2, 205-pound former Delaware State star, guys who ruled the roost at small schools or fell through cracks in bigger college programs: Penn State's Terrell Golden (6-2, 216), Nebraska's Frantz Hardy (6-0, 180) and North Carolina A&T's Jamal Jones (5-11, 205).

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Delaware State Hornets extend Lavan's contract

DOVER, DE -- Al Lavan took the Delaware State football team to its first NCAA Division I-AA playoff game last fall. On Thursday, he was rewarded with a one-year contract extension through the 2012 season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Lavan had been earning $200,000 annually after signing a one-year extension last spring. DSU athletic director Rick Costello said Hornets coaches typically receive a 5 percent annual raise.

Costello would not say if Lavan's assistant coaches also would get a raise. "It's well-deserved and he's done a super job as coach, and the faculty and administration is certainly happy to have him as our football coach," Costello said of the new deal. Since his arrival in 2004 from Eastern Michigan University, Lavan has compiled a 29-16 record. Last year's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship was the school's first since 1991.

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DSU finalizes 2008 football schedule

Delaware State University's 2008 football schedule will feature non-conference games against Kent State and Central Connecticut State, the school announced today.

The Hornets, who went 10-2 and earned their first Division I-AA playoff berth last season by winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, open the 2008 season Sept. 6 at home against MEAC rival Florida A&M.

“This schedule is going to be challenging,” head coach Al Lavan said in a press release. “Opening with Florida A&M and then testing ourselves against an upper level program at Kent State. It will most certainly give us the opportunity to continue to grow our football program.”

Photo: The DSU Hornets opens the 2008 season with the FAMU Rattlers in a home contest at Alumni Stadium, Dover, Delaware.

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DSU 2008 football schedule
Sept. 6, vs. Florida A&M*
Sept. 13 at Kent State
Sept. 27 vs. Central Connecticut State
Oct. 4 vs. Hampton*
Oct. 11 at Bethune-Cookman*
Oct. 18 vs. North Carolina A&T* (homecoming)
Oct. 25 at Morgan State*
Nov. 1 vs. South Carolina State*
Nov. 8 vs. Winston-Salem State
Nov. 15 at Norfolk State*
Nov. 22 at Howard*

* MEAC game
Game times to be determined

Delaware State Hornets shock U Delaware Hens in ninth, 10-6 win

Photo: Photo: Delaware State's Troy Drummond reacts after striking out as the Hornet try to rally in the ninth.

DSU posts eight runs in final frame to top in-state rival for Blandin's 200th coaching victory

NEWARK -- A Delaware State-Delaware baseball game that was drifting toward a typical conclusion instead made a sudden about-face late Tuesday afternoon at Bob Hannah Stadium. That was bad for the Blue Hens and great for the Hornets, who found themselves in possession of a satisfying and impromptu victory over their state rivals.

Designated hitter Ryne Mailen's bases-loaded triple concluded an eight-run, ninth-inning rally that gave Delaware State a 10-6 nonconference win, its first at UD since 2002 and just DSU's seventh in 35 all-time games against the Blue Hens. Such an outcome didn't appear likely when Delaware (10-19) cruised into the ninth on top 6-2.

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