Finals: Week Three - Pretenders vs. Contenders

MEAC
Norfolk State 23 @ Howard 9
Robert Morris 12 @ Morgan State 13
South Carolina State 21 @ Indiana 38
Hampton 42 @ Old Dominion 45
Delaware State 0 @ Delaware 45
Elon 23 @ North Carolina Central 22
Savannah State 6 @ Appalachian State 41
Florida A&M 17@ South Florida 70 Highlights »



OVC
Tennessee State 27 @ Murray State 58

SWAC
Mississippi Valley 14 @ Alcorn State 39
Jackson State 28 @ Southern 24
Tuskegee 6 @ Alabama A&M 21
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 36 @ Prairie View 29
Texas College 6 @ Texas Southern 49
Grambling State 17 @ Alabama State 31

SIAC
THURSDAY
Miles 20 @ West Georgia 23

SATURDAY
Point University 18@ Lane 43
Valdosta State 30 @Albany State (Ga.) 27
Fort Valley State 11@ Clark Atlanta 16
Edward Waters 15 @ Morehouse 49
Stillman 31@ Kentucky State 29

CIAA
Livingstone 14 @Bowie State 41
Virginia State 7 @ Johnson C. Smith 14
Shaw 17@ Benedict 23
Elizabeth City State 42@ Fayetteville State 21
Virginia Union 10 @ Lincoln (Pa.) 19
Winston Salem State 55 @ Chowan 24

Other HBCUs
Cheyney 13 @ Edinboro 41
NW Missouri State 73@ Lincoln-Missouri 7
Central State (Ohio) 7 @ West Alabama 45
Langston 0, Missouri West 47

Growing Brown has big plans at Jackson State

Meco Brown met Ben this winter. He became very familiar with his buddy Jerry, too. "I gained six pounds," Brown said. "After the season I was eating a lot of ice cream. "But I didn't want to get too fat. I wanted to get solid. Now I'm going get lean, nice abs, ripped."

Brown currently stands as the most recognized high school recruit verbally committed to Jackson State, choosing JSU over Northern Illinois. His 1,313 rushing yards, 2,042 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns were pivotal in Moss Point's run to the 4A semifinals - a loss to eventual state champion Laurel. The 5-foot-7, (and now) 185-pounder will have every opportunity to start for the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champions.

CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE BY CLICKING ON BLOG TITLE.

Grambling State Band: How are they this season?

If you have not heard the famous band from the deep, deep South--here is a clip for your listening pleasure. We all know Grambling football team is headed for the SWAC Championship but is the band up to their usual championship quality? Holla back and let me know your opinions....

Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band (@ UAPB 10/13/07)

Keeping it simple makes JSU defense hard to handle

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

It's been said before by football coaches that strategy on the field is much like chess, with teams making adjustments based on the opponent's previous move.

But you won't hear Jackson State defensive coordinator Darrin Hayes make that claim. To him, chess is way too complicated to be compared to football.

"With my defense, I want them to be thinking more checkers and less chess," Hayes said. "Football's not that hard of a game on defense. You have some base formations and rules, but from there you rely on your athleticism and instincts."

And with that strategy in mind, Hayes and head coach Rick Comegy have built a defense that's simple, allowing players to fly around the football field with wild abandon. So far it's worked - JSU (2-2 overall, 2-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) is giving up just 16.5 points per game and a SWAC-low 229.5 total yards per game.

The Tigers host Alabama State (4-1, 3-1) at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Defensive ends Daniel Brooks and Marcus Benard, along with linebacker Marcus Jamison, most typify the "hit first, think later" approach. Benard - a junior college transfer from Michigan - has been particularly effective, with 24 tackles, including 5 1/2 for a loss and a team-high three sacks.

"When I came to Jackson State, I told the coaches that I might look like a lunatic out on the field," Benard said. "But at the same time - I know what I'm doing. You've got to be a little nasty to play the defensive line."

Balancing the ruthlessness of the guys up front is the secondary, which is having a very impressive bounce-back season after struggling in 2006.

All four starters in the secondary - Domonique Johnson, LaBrose Hedgemon, Keith Camp and Malcolm Palmer - have at least one interception through four games. But unlike Benard, they've done most of their damage with patience and precision.

"I think patience just comes more with playing the secondary," Hayes said. "Those guys have been great at holding their positions and picking their spots to gamble. But they're keeping it simple. They stay in a few base formations and make sure their receivers aren't getting any big plays."

Stuck between those two extremes is junior linebacker Marcellus Speaks, who has quickly emerged as the leader of the defense. He leads the Tigers with 32 tackles, including seven for a loss, and is also charged with calling out formations and making sure everybody is in the right position.

"I've really been pleased with the way Speaks has embraced the leadership role on defense," Comegy said. "With Speaks in the middle, it moves everybody to their natural positions and makes us a much better defensive team."

Speaks said his personality is basically a mixture of the entire defense. On one play, he might need to calm down the defensive line and then yell at the secondary on the very next play to provide a spark.

"I like the way our guys are playing," Speaks said. "The emotional guys are up front and it gets a little more conservative as you move to the back. But everybody understands their role and we have a balance of attitudes. We'll need that if we want a SWAC championship."

Bears return home to host the North Carolina A&T Aggies

MSU Sports Information

MORGAN STATE “BEARS” (2-3, 1-1 MEAC)
NORTH CAROLINA A&T “AGGIES” (0-5, 0-2 MEAC)
GAME #6
Saturday, October 6, 2007 • 4:00 p.m.
Hughes Stadium (Capacity 10,000) • Baltimore, Md.
RADIO: Morgan State Radio Network WEAA - 88.9 FM: Rob Long (play-by-play) & Kelvin Bridgers (color).
INTERNET: www.MorganStateBears.com; www.ncataggies.com
INTERNET COVERAGE: Live Audio and Live Stats

Setting the Scene

• Morgan State held Bethune-Cookman’s offense scoreless last Saturday night en route to a 33-9 blowout victory during the Wildcats Homecoming festivities. The Bears were once again led by All-MEAC RB Chad Simpson who posted a game-best 98 yards on 30 carries, while Byron Selby completed 7-of-16 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. MSU’s defensive unit held the Wildcats to 146 total yards, 47 on the ground. MSU will look to get in the win column when they host the Aggies.

Photo: Morgan State Head Coach Donald Hill-Eley

• North Carolina A&T is coming off a disappointing 50-20 loss against Norfolk State. The Aggies had four critical turnovers to help Norfolk State walk off the field with an ESPNU nationally televised victory at Aggie Stadium. N.C. A&T RB Michael Ferguson led the Aggies by rushing for 131 yards on 18 carries, while A&T finished with 213 total yards. Defensively, Andre Thornton collected a team-high 11 tackles (3 solo), while Marques Ruffin finished with 9 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. With the loss the Aggies dropped to 0-5 overall and 0-2 in the MEAC. Saturday night’s contest will mark the 70th meeting between Morgan State and North Carolina A&T.

• The Aggies have the luxury of fielding two quarterbacks. Shelton Morgan and Herbert Miller have shared the QB duties so far this season. Morgan (r-Fr./6-1/200/Elizabeth City, N.C./Northeastern HS) has completed 22-of-44 passes for 207 yards with 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, while Miller (r-So./6-2/180/Winston-Salem, N.C./Carver HS) has 251 yards on 22-of-41 passes with two TDs and five picks. Miller is completed 3-of-7 passes for a touchdown and an interception duing the Aggies last game against Norfolk State ... he was also sacked three times and had -17 yards on 10 carries, including a 4 yard TD run.

• The Bears defensive unit will attempt to contain running back Michael Ferguson (Jr./5-11/185/Durham,N.C./Northern Durham HS). Ferguson leads the Aggies ground game with 406 yards on 68 carries and a touchdown through four games ... Ferguson also has two receptions for 18 yards ... Ferguson ranks 3rd in the MEAC in rushing by avaraging 101.5 yards per game ...6 yards per carry.

Photo: MSU #2 Chad Simpson runs behind a good offensive line.

• SEE CHAD RUN … INTO THE HISTORY BOOKS - Chad Simpson entered the Towson game just needing 63 yards to reach 1,000 yards in his Morgan State career…he ended up rushing for 195 yards! The All-MEAC running back rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opener vs. Savannah State and has increased his career total to 1,593 yards following a game-high 98 yards at Bethune-Cookman ... he now sits 265 yards behind Jason Jackson (2004-05) who ranks #6 in the Bears rushing annals. As a result of his career-high 221 yard output against the Winston-Salem State Rams in Week 3, Simpson was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Alabama A&M notebook: Jones impressed with Southern's defense

Photo: SU defense limits ASU to 2 points in last week contest.

Huntsville Times

Southern has always had good offensive teams, but the Jaguars' defense has been pretty salty through the first five games of the season.

Southern is second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in scoring defense per game (14.2), third in total defense (301.0), fifth in pass defense (182.0) and sixth in rushing defense (119.0).

"They're getting pressure on people," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "They're not letting you sit back there and pick them a part. They've got a nice blitz package and they're getting pressure on the quarterback."

Jones said the Jaguars are playing a lot harder.

"They're just a more aggressive football team," he said. "They're getting after people. Whether it's the pass or the run, we have to really be on our P's and Q's."

A&M looks same to Richardson: Southern coach Pete Richardson said this year's A&M team looks a lot like the ones from the recent past.

"They're a typical A&M team," Richardson said. "Defensively, they're going to have an eight-man front and that causes a lot of problems if you have an inexperienced offensive line. They also do a great job running to the football.

"(Offensively), they probably have the most experienced quarterback in the conference in Kelcy Luke. And, they're going to run the football. We're going to have to contain them (to win the game)."

Coach promises more focus: Much has been made about A&M's first trip to Louisiana this season.

Grambling whipped A&M 31-6 almost two weeks ago in a matchup between the last two Southwestern Athletic Conference champions. Jones has maintained the Bulldogs weren't very focused against the Tigers, but vowed that wouldn't be the case against Southern.

"I think our focus will be different," he said. "We started to believe what everybody was saying about us instead of working. Our kids got a little lax."

Furthermore: Strong safety Bobby McClain, who was named A&M's Defensive Player of the Week after recording eight tackles in the win over Texas Southern, worked with the second team during Tuesday's practice, but Knute Walker, who handles the Bulldogs' safeties and outside linebackers, wasn't available for comment. ... A&M defensive back Jonathan McConico, who missed the first four games of the season after being suspended for violating team rules, played for the first time against Texas Southern and returned a punt for eight yards. ... Southern wide receiver Gerard Landry needs nine yards Saturday to move into fourth place on the school's all-time receiving yards list. Landry has 1,718 career receiving yards and could pass Connell Swain this weekend. ... While the Jaguars will be without linebacker Jonathan Malveaux, who is out with a sprained ankle, Southern will welcome back cornerback Ronald Wade. According to The Advocate in Baton Rouge, Wade missed the past three games after being suspended for violation of team rules.

Reggie Benson

Don't count B-CU out

Photo: QB Jimmie Russell play will decide the outcome.

By BRENT WORONOFF, Daytona Beach News Journal

DAYTONA BEACH -- At first glance, Thursday night's game at Delaware State does not seem like a good time for Bethune-Cookman to be showcased on national television.

The Wildcats (2-3) are coming off their worst loss of the season, a 33-9 whipping by Morgan State, in which they produced just 146 yards of offense and turned the ball over five times. And after a short week of preparation they must travel to the hottest team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Hornets (4-1) are coming off a 24-17 win over three-time defending conference champ Hampton.

But play-by-play announcer Charlie Neal, who will broadcast the game with Jay Walker on ESPNU, has covered enough B-CU games to know that one should never count out coach Alvin Wyatt's teams.

"Bethune-Cookman has a lot of pride," Neal said. "I don't think Alvin's going to allow those kids to go into the game with a defeatist attitude."

Walker, a former NFL and WLAF quarterback who led Howard to an undefeated season in 1993, said B-CU's triple-option offense, although turnover prone so far this season, could provide problems for the Hornets.

"(Delaware) State added (former Howard coach) Rayford Petty as defensive coordinator this year, and he is one of the best defensive minds in the country," Walker said. "But I don't think stopping the Wyattbone is his specialty."

Last year, the Wildcats were coming off two MEAC losses and a lackluster 10-6 win over Winston-Salem State before playing host to N.C. A&T in a game on ESPNU. The 'Cats took their frustrations out on A&T, pummeling the Aggies 70-7.

This year, a much larger national television audience will have the opportunity to watch B-CU. With the addition of three national cable companies, ESPNU is now available in nearly 20 million homes.

More fans in B-CU's local market will be able to watch the game. Since last season, Bright House Networks in Central Florida has added ESPNU to its digital lineup.

Neal has been broadcasting Historically Black College Football for 28 years, beginning with BET telecasts in 1980. He said he actually had a hand in helping Howard recruit his broadcast partner.

"I met Jay on his recruiting trip," Neal said. "My cousin, Steve Wilson, was the Howard coach then, and I was there that day, so I kind of helped them recruit Jay."

Walker, now a representative in Maryland's State House, remembers that day well.

"When you talk about Black College football, all you knew was Charlie Neal," Walker said. "He was the voice of the game, and he still is."

This Week in the SWAC

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

THE RATING GAME

1. Grambling

Gets late FG to win squeaker over improved Prairie View

2. Southern

Stingy ‘D,’ strong second-half play power undefeated start

3. Alabama A&M

Offense gets back rolling, scores 48 in blowout over TSU

4. Alabama State

Couldn’t find fourth-quarter magic against Southern

5. Jackson State

Big stretch coming: Ala. St., SU, Grambling, UAPB, Ala. A&M

6. Prairie View

If offense was as good as defense, would contend for title

7. Miss. Valley State

Personnel changes follow three-game slide, open week

8. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

In 1-4 hole, preseason favorite has open week to work things out

9. Texas Southern

Tigers fall to 4-34 in four seasons under Steve Wilson

10. Alcorn State

Braves hope to be healthier, play better after open week

THE BIG GAME

Alabama A&M at Southern

5:30 p.m. Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium

Another week and another showdown for surprising No. 25 Southern. The Jaguars didn’t win any of their three games in October a year ago — despite leading both Alabama A&M and Jackson State in the fourth quarter. Alabama A&M, the defending SWAC champion, has plenty of big-play capability on both sides of the ball. Southern has an impressive defense and a balanced offense.

AROUND THE SWAC

Grambling

Grambling senior Clyde Edwards, a first-team All-SWAC wide receiver last season, has caught a touchdown in his last seven games (including all four this season) and 12 of the last 13 games. He had at least one TD catch in nine of last season’s 11 games and has 28 TD catches in his career.

Edwards, with 2,489 yards on 152 catches, is within reach of becoming Grambling’s all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns along with catches.

“In Clyde, I see everything that’s good about college football,” Grambling coach Rod Broadway said. “He’s a model student, (3.9 grade point average), and he can play with anybody in the country.”

Broadway has been an assistant at Florida, North Carolina and Duke and he said Edwards “could have played on any of those football teams. You can never say enough good about him. I’m glad Clyde is on our football team.”

Grambling’s 17-14 victory over Prairie View was its closest margin over PV since the Panthers won 24-19 in 1986. RB Cornelius Walker, with career bests of 19 carries and 109 yards, was the SWAC’s Newcomer of the Week. Walker (48 carries, 224 yards, TD) and fellow freshman Frank Warren (73 carries, 332 yards) power the running game. “We’re getting good yardage with them; we’re just not making any (big) plays,” Broadway said. Grambling has two rushing TDs (one on a fumblerooskie) and nine passing TDs (one on a fake field-goal try) so far.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff

UAPB was 1-3 last season before ripping off seven straight victories and winning the Western Division for the first time. The preseason favorite to repeat, UAPB is 1-4 (1-2 SWAC) and has benched senior quarterback Chris Wallace, the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year last season, in favor of junior Johnathan Moore.

“Anything’s possible,” UAPB coach Mo Forte said of the ability to make another turnaround this season. “Last year is last year. We have to break down as simple as we can: We have to win the next play.”

That motto carried UAPB last season as the Golden Lions won their first four SWAC games in that stretch by a combined 17 points. Ahead for UAPB, open last week, is Grambling (3-1, 3-0) on Saturday, a Thursday game at defending SWAC champ Alabama A&M (4-1, 2-1) on Oct. 18, at Jackson State (2-2, 2-0) on Oct. 27, Prairie View (2-2, 1-2) on Nov. 3 and No. 25 Southern (5-0, 3-0) on Nov. 10.

Mississippi Valley State

The Delta Devils have lost three straight games since winning their season opener and used the open week — which Valley coach Willie Totten said was the first in his six seasons at the school — to revamp the depth chart.

Valley will make changes at quarterback, receivers, defensive line, linebacker and in the secondary. Senior Jean-Pierre Marshall, a preseason All-SWAC first-teamer, will return to safety from cornerback. Semaj Williams (3-for-8 for 26 yards and one interception), a transfer from Coahoma Community College who had been slowed by an elbow injury, will replace sophomore quarterback Paul Roberts (48-for-89 for 440 yards and three TDs).

“We have to find some type of continuity,” Totten said. “It’s not all Paul’s fault. &hellip We wanted to change the atmosphere. We can always put Paul back in the game.”

Prairie View

Senior linebacker Zach East, a former Hampton University transfer from Houston, leads the nation with 52 tackles (13.0 per game). He had 60 tackles last season. East was the SWAC Defensive Player of the Week for his 18 stops against Grambling.

“We knew we had something special in Zach,” Prairie View coach Henry Frazier III said. “He is the real deal.”

Texas Southern

Texas Southern senior running back Brent Wilson continues to fade. After rushing for 1,032 yards and 10 TDs as an All-SWAC first-teamer in 2005, Wilson ran for 444 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and four TDs last season. He has 151 yards and one TD on 48 carries (3.1 per rush) this season.

TSU’s ground game, averaging 38.0 yards per game, is 115th of 116 Football Championship Subdivision teams.

Statement from 'former' FAMU starting QB Albert Chester II

After reading Chester's statement, I have one final comment on this matter. No time is a good time to leave, be it before the season or before the 5th game. So, let's treat his decision like a season ending injury with no eligibility left for a fifth year senior. No need to over analyze or second guess his rationale for leaving. Life goes forward, especially for Rattlers!

Thank you for all your services to the FAMU RattlerNation, Mr. Chester and God bless you... (beepbeep)


Albert Chester's statement announcing his decision to leave the Florida A&M football team:

Today I come to you as a man - as a man who has to make a decision on my current well-being and my future. Throughout my career as a Rattler football player, I've sustained numerous injuries to my right arm. In January 2005, I first injured my elbow and I promptly took a trip to the world-renown Dr. Andrews at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. This is when I was first diagnosed with an entrapped nerve. During the same year, I dislocated my right shoulder.

In 2006, I broke my left middle finger and severely sprained my right thumb and my wrist; all on my right hand. During 2006, I also had to leave and have two abscesses removed off my leg during the season.

This brings us to 2007. I sprained my right shoulder and the nerve in my elbow was re-aggravated for trying to come back too early. I'm not saying this to complain because you have to love this game to play it; and I do. But to make a long explanation short, my entrapped
nerve has caused me to lose the feeling in my right hand and extreme pain in my forearm and extreme pain in my biceps and triceps. Playing this year has been a painful experience.

I spoke with my physician and my family and we've come to a decision that will be in my best interest to no longer play football. The possible damage that lies ahead if I keep playing could possibly affect me for the rest of my life.

I would like to thank the many that recruited me, even though we've had our squabbles in the past, (and) coach Billy Joe and coach (Rubin) Carter for allowing me the opportunity to be a FAMU football player, quarterback and captain on the team. Both have touched me in
ways they'll never understand.

To my teammates; I wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season and in life. To Isaac West, Eddie Battle, Philip Sylvester and Tobias Lee; hope you all remember the things I've said and become the great players and great men I know you all can be.

As far as my life if concerned, the story doesn't end here so don't be sorry for me. I'm a fifth-year senior, a Pharm.D candidate, so you'll probably see me in the pharmacy filling your prescriptions or trying to counsel you on your medicine. I'll also be around town and with different organizations.

I will like to say I love everyone all over Rattler nation, even though some of you don't like or never did like me. It's been a roller coaster ride, but like Whitney Houston said, "the ride with you is worth the fall." I wouldn't trade it for the world. I give all the glory and honor to God and Jesus Christ who is the center of my life.

In closing, I want to leave with saying I love you and I appreciate all of you. It would be really nice if the people who supported me stand by me as I go through this troubling time and make this life-changing decision.

This for the most part is final, but it could change, maybe later. But I seriously doubt it.

Sincerely,

Albert Chester


We dedicate this song to you, Al Chester II...

Florida A&M University Marching 100

BCU makes tough trip to Dover

Photo: Expect more pounding of BCU defense from DSU run offense in Thursday's game.

by Kristian Pope, The News Journal

Wildcats face DSU in Thursday night game on ESPNU

DOVER -- Alvin Wyatt had one reaction when he saw that his Bethune-Cookman team was to meet Delaware State in a Thursday night football game to be televised on ESPNU.

"That was one game that I did not want to play on Thursday night," said Wyatt, the Wildcats' 11-year coach.

The Daytona Beach-to-Dover trip is tough on the Wildcats, who traditionally bus from the airport in Philadelphia or Baltimore. Throw in a short week and the challenge intensifies.

But when the league made its selections for games to be part of ESPN's national television package, the Wildcats were heading to Dover.

Bethune visits No. 20 Delaware State at Alumni Stadium. The 7:30 kickoff marks the first time an ESPN channel has broadcast a football game from the school.

Usually the league listens to Wyatt. His complaints in a loss last week to Norfolk State resulted in three officials being suspended last week for "inaccurate calls."

In this case of the DSU game, though, Wyatt said he refrained from asking the league to keep the game on a Saturday.

"We decided to play it since it was on ESPN," he said.

This game is an important test for both teams. Bethune-Cookman is 2-3 overall but winless in the MEAC.

The Hornets, meanwhile, are trying to maintain their momentum after beating previously unbeaten Hampton, 24-17, for the first time on the road since 1969.

DSU (3-1, 2-0) has won two straight over the Wildcats since DSU head coach Al Lavan lost his first meeting against Wyatt, 45-16, in 2004.

Lavan said Tuesday that last season's 33-31 victory over BCU in Daytona Beach is one he still uses to gauge his team's progress. The Hornets scored 12 points in the final 4:38, winning on an 18-yard TD pass from Vashon Winton to Derrick McNeil with 1:01 to play.

The win was the first of six straight for DSU. The Hornets have since gone 8-1 against the MEAC.

"That was a very important moment for us," Lavan said. "In that was achieved and met that obstacle. Periodically, I've pointed to it."

Bethune, which employs a triple-option offense, is coming off a 33-9 loss to Morgan State in the Wildcats' homecoming game. That loss followed a 38-31 defeat at Norfolk State.

DSU has in large part been able to control the running portion of the Wildcats' option, but they have failed against the pass. BCU was held to 81 yards on the ground last year but managed 304 yards in the air.

Wyatt said that for the first time he actually wants to play a game at Delaware State because of the team's synthetic field.

"We had some great games against each other," Wyatt said. "The last one [in 2006] was a shootout. And two years ago, we played on a [rain-soaked field]. I used to go up there and look around at the facilities and think, 'I'm at the bottom.' Now they have turf ... That gives us a different opportunity to play with them."

But, Wyatt said, he just wishes it wasn't on a Thursday night.

With the short time to prepare and off a homecoming loss, he said. "it makes it that much tougher."

Bethune Cookman University Marching Wildcats Band

Pough looks toward Saturday's showdown with Norfolk State

By THOMAS GRANT JR., T&D Senior Sports Writer

Call it a productive, non-productive week for the South Carolina State football team.

The Bulldogs used the just-completed bye to get several key players healthy as well as fine-tune an offense which has struggled to put up points during the first four games. Now it's time, according to SCSU head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough, to focus on the stretch run of the season starting this Saturday at Norfolk State.

"We've gotten one season done and now we're going into the next ... with all of the (Mid-Eastern-Athletic Conference) games one game after the next," said Pough at Monday's press conference. "It's going to be pretty important that we play good from this point on. It's going to be tough. The league in general has shown itself to be a good bit stronger and anybody has beaten anybody up to this point."

The idle week allowed Pough to watch the Spartans on television last Thursday when they defeated North Carolina A&T 50-20. Although Pough is 5-0 against Norfolk State during his tenure, he's more than impressed with what the Spartans have done this season under third-year head coach Pete Adrian.

"They're a lot better," he said. "They're 3-1, but their only loss was to Rutgers. All of those other games they pretty much dominated. They really got after (Bethune-Cookman) in the second half (of a 38-31 comeback victory). They really played good against (North Carolina) A&T. They were really impressive on both sides of the football against (North Carolina) A&T. Of course, they opened with a win over Virginia State. So I'm sure they're are about as excited as they've ever been in the time that I've been in the league and they've got the best team they've had. So it will be tough."

Pough is concerned about the duel offensive threat Norfolk State presents in this week's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week quarterback Casey Hansen and burly running back Daryl Jones. If the Bulldogs are unable to contain either of those players, Pough believes it will be a long day for his team. Defense has been a team strength for SCSU as it has allowed just one touchdown in two Football Championship Subdivision games and is ranked second in the MEAC in both turnover margin and first downs allowed.

On the injury front, it appears both offensive tackle Nygel Pearson (hand) and BANDIT Marshall McFadden (right elbow) will sit out as least another week. Center Raymond Harrison (hand), running backs Will Ford and Jonathan Woods (ankles) and tight end Octavius Darby (knee) are expected to play, which should help SCSU with its quest to obtain its offensive continuity - a big reason for the team's lack of production according to Pough.

"We've been moving around, doing so many things, playing so many people, sometimes it gets hard to get them all on the same page," he said. "I'm hoping that we'll be better there. We've played a lot of different offensive linemen which is a little unusual for us. Most times, we kind of settle from within and allow them to kind of fit together. Hopefully, after the open week and the fact that we've had a chance to really try to work and get those guys on the same page, we'll settle in and start playing better."

Pough is hoping for a breakout game from quarterback Cleveland McCoy. Through four games, the fifth-year senior is ranked 10th in the MEAC in total offense (111.3 total yards per game), but is next-to-last in passing efficiency (81.5).

"Cleve's been kind of on and off," he said. "We've got to really hone it in on the things that he does well. Hopefully, we'll find those things this week and we'll approach it from using those things as a foundation as opposed to those things he's hasn't done quite as well."

A victory would allow SCSU to continue to control its own destiny in its hunt for the MEAC title and maintain pace with Delaware State, which plays a Thursday night game against Bethune-Cookman. It would also put the Bulldogs in a favorable position given four of its remaining six games after Saturday will take place in Orangeburg, where they've won seven straight since 2005, and in Charleston.

"If we do well in those situations where we're on the road here early, we can set ourselves up to be in the best shape of all because we have more home games towards the back end of the schedule," Pough said.

POUGH ON REF SUSPENSIONS, MOVE TO SOCON

It was far from a quiet Thursday around the MEAC. The day started with the conference announcing the suspension of three officials for one game following inaccurate calls made during the Sept. 22 game between Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State.

In the game, the Wildcats were penalized on three offensive plays for blocking below the waist, as well as two pass interference calls, one on offense and one on defense. An evaluation of the plays was made by the conference office and determined that the calls were incorrectly made against the Wildcats.

While voicing no opposition to the action taken, Pough expressed disappointment by the fact it was played out publicly by the conference and Bethune-Cookman officials, specifically head coach Alvin Wyatt.

"I didn't really realize until after the fact ... I still don't know who those guys are, but I think that's something that ought to be handled internally," he said. "I'm a little bit worried by the fact that we seem to be grandstanding some in the conference by simply announcing the fact that we're disciplining officials."

Pough was more reserved in offering his opinion on SCSU Chairman Maurice Washington's request at the board of trustees meeting to look into the possibility of leaving the MEAC for the Southern Conference. While stating it's a decision for those in top leadership like athletics director Charlene Johnson, Pough had no problem with anyone examining the issue.

"I would think that that might be something down the road that might have some merit," Pough said. "I'm sure that it would be something interesting to take a look at. So we'll see."

BULLDOGS vs. SPARTANS

WHO: South Carolina State (2-2, 1-0) at Norfolk State (3-1, 2-0)

WHERE: Dick Price Stadium in Norfolk, Va.

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday

RADIO: WQKI (102.9 FM)

Alabama A&M notebook

Huntsville Times

Banks receives league honors

Alabama A&M running back Ulysses Banks was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week, league officials announced Monday.

A 5-foot-10, 172-pound sophomore from Birmingham, Banks rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown in leading A&M to a 48-24 victory over Texas Southern. He staked the Bulldogs to a 28-17 halftime lead with 94 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown in the first half.

Banks has 491 yards on 66 carries and four touchdowns this season. He is second in the conference in rushing, averaging 98.2 yards per game, including a league-best 7.4 yards per carry. Banks is also second in the league in all-purpose yards, averaging 172 per game.

Luke, McClain, Licea on awards list: Quarterback Kelcy Luke, strong safety Bobby McClain and place-kicker Jeremy Licea were honored for their play in Alabama A&M's 48-24 homecoming win over Texas Southern.

Luke was named offensive player of the week after completing 19-of-34 passes for 206 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. It was the third time in five games Luke has thrown at least three touchdowns in the game.

McClain was named defensive player of the week after coming up with eight tackles, including four solo stops. McClain played a key role in holding the Tigers to 24 yards rushing.

Licea was named special teams player of the week after scoring 12 points against Texas Southern. He was 6-for-6 on extra points and made both of his field goals, including a career-long 42-yarder. Licea is the league's leading scoring with 39 points, an average of 7.8 per game. He has made 24-of-25 extra points and all five of his field goal attempts.

Wilson expected to play: Defensive end Byron Wilson, who was taken to Huntsville Hospital with respiratory problems during halftime of Saturday's game against Texas Southern, had an EKG Monday, trainer John Gaines said.

Wilson underwent a battery of tests and all of them came back negative, Gaines said.

"He had some unexplained shortness of breath and we wanted to make sure there was no underlying medical condition," Gaines said.

Wilson, according to Gaines, could be released in time for practice today and could play Saturday against Southern.

Wide receiver Nate Baxter, who has missed the last two games with a sprained ankle, remains questionable for the Southern game.

Malveaux likely to miss game: Linebacker Jonathan Malveaux, one of Southern's top tacklers, will likely miss the A&M game with a sprained ankle, Southern coach Pete Richardson said during the SWAC's weekly teleconference. Malveaux sustained the injury in the Jaguars' come-from-behind 41-34 victory over Florida A&M on Sept. 22 and missed Saturday's 21-2 win over Alabama State.

Reggie Benson

GSU's Broadway: That's not the same old Prairie View

By Nick Deriso, Monroe News Star

Grambling's offense is still occasionally misfiring.
But that's not the only reason GSU ended up in a nail-biter last week with traditional league doormat Prairie View, coach Rod Broadway said.

"I tried to convince my team, and everybody who would listen to me, that Prairie View is a much better football team," Broadway said. "We didn't play as well as we had hoped, and a lot of that is due to Prairie View."

The Panthers scored two final-period touchdowns to tie the game, leaving Grambling to sweat out a lengthy field-goal attempt with seven seconds left on Saturday. It wasn't until GSU defender Nigel Copeland blocked Pedro Ventura's kick that the 17-14 victory was secured.

By way of contrast, Henry Frazier-led Prairie View teams had lost 156-46 over the last three State Fair Classics.

"Our primary goal is to keep Grambling under 50," Frazier joked last week.

Instead, Prairie View fell by the tightest margin since the last time GSU dropped a game in this series, 1986's 24-19 loss.

The Panthers — a group that last had a winning season since 1976 — are just that much better than they used to be, Broadway said.

The game confirmed what he already thought about Prairie View's dominant defense, which is allowing league lows for touchdowns and yards.

"I told our kids that it would be a defensive struggle, and it really was," Broadway said. "Prairie View is a pretty good football team. People better not go into the game thinking that's the same old Prairie View."

Grambling's offense did its part, of course, coughing up a fumble and two interceptions — including one pick that was returned for a critical touchdown in the Panthers' furious, but ultimately failed, fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

"That gave the momentum back to Prairie View, and they responded like you are supposed to do," Broadway said. "But our team hung in there."

Grambling strung together some lengthy drives, holding the ball for 34 minutes. Its offense collected 400 yards along the way.

But four trips to the red zone only resulted in two scores, and GSU almost fell to the Panthers for just the second time since 1965.

"We need to get that corrected from our end, and protect the ball a little better," Broadway said. "It was a close game; we're proud of our football team being able to win it. My hats off to Coach Frazier."

Injuries mount against the FAMU Rattlers

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

ATLANTA - The Florida A&M Rattlers left the Georgia Dome with another win Saturday, but it may have come at the cost of the some key players.

Senior defensive end Tyrone McGriff left the game in the third quarter with a torn biceps on his left arm, which could make him doubtful for next week's Circle City Classic in Indianapolis.

Redshirt-sophomore guard Anthony Collins went down 2:58 in the second quarter with looked like an injury to his knee. Collins, who hurt his knee two weeks ago against Howard did not play the rest of the game.

Freshman fullback Demarius Folsom went down 11:52 in the first quarter with what looked like a foot injury and did not play the rest of the game either.

Folsom, from Madison County High, was replaced by sophomore Mykel Benson, who saw his first action of the season.

Benson just returned to practice three weeks ago after recovering from a neck injury that kept him out of fall camp and the first three games of the season. Benson caught a pass for 15 yards in the first quarter.

A taste of twin towers
Freshman bookend defensive ends Kendrick Washington and Marquiste Ramos are expected to the future of FAMU's pass rush.

The future got a jump start Saturday when the two got the opportunity to play together for the first time this season.

It happened in the third quarter when senior starters Carlos Rolle and McGriff went down with injuries on the same play.

Washington and Ramos were inserted at bookends for the first time in their careers.

“It was exciting,” said Washington, who had one tackle, assisted on a tackle for loss and had a pass breakup in the game. “It was something we have been looking forward to.”

Trick plays
Offensive coordinator Bob Cole brought out a few trick plays in the first half. First he lined up quarterback Albert Chester II at wide receiver and direct-snapped the ball to running back Philip Sylvester who took it for a nine-yard gain.

Later in the second quarter, Chester lined up outside again, but this time backup quarterback Leon Camel was put in the game and took the snap in the shotgun formation.

That play didn't gain any yards, however.

Encouraging words
FAMU senior kicker Wesley Taylor was happy to win Saturday, but admitted he felt some sympathy for Tennessee State Eric Benson, who missed the potential game-winning field goal with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter.

“It's a tough situation for a kicker to be in,” Taylor. “I've never had that happen to me in a game, but I know what he is going through. I talked to him after the game and told him to keep his head up.”

Taylor had his struggles Saturday, missing a field-goal attempt and an extra-point kick but will end his career having never lost in the Georgia Dome.

Last year Taylor kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime, earning MVP honors.

Safety valve
An errant snap in the second quarter that resulted in a safety turned out the be the points difference in the game.

Tennessee State's center sent the ball sailing into the end zone when he thought he saw quarterback Antonio Heffner move his foot.

Tennessee State head football coach James Webster said the offense had to use a silent snap count because of crowd noise.

Heffner was stepping up to the line to call an audible, which confused the center.

Circle City Classic: FAMU vs. WSSU on NFL Network

by USA Today

On tap: NFL Network spokesman Dan Masonson says the channel will announce Monday (October 1, 2007) that it will air its first-ever regular-season college game Saturday: Winston-Salem State-Florida A&M, with announcers Spero Dedes and Sterling Sharpe.

by Winston Salem Sports Information

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The 2007 Circle City Classic that pits the Winston-Salem State University Rams versus the Florida A&M University Rattlers at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 6, 2007 at 4:00 pm will air live on the NFL Network.

The Coca-Cola Circle City Classic enters its third decade as one of America's top football classics and favorite weekend celebrations. While the name and the quality of the game remains the same, the weekend has gained a name of its own, the American Family Insurance Classic Weekend featuring the Coca-Cola Circle City Classic.

The football game is the showcase event as it features some of the best rivalries in black college football. The weekend is a celebration of cultural excellence and educational achievement while showcasing the spirit, energy and tradition of America's historically black colleges and universities.

The 2007 Classic features the Rams of Winston-Salem State University and the Rattlers of Florida A&M University taking to the gridiron at 4:00 pm on October 6, 2007.

The game will air live on the NFL Network with Spero Dedes calling the play-by-play and seven-year NFL veteran Sterling Sharpe providing the analysis.

Play-by-play announcer Spero Dedes joined the NFL Network in 2006 as a host and as a play-by-play announcer.

Dedes serves as the play-by-play voice for NFL Network's NFL preseason games, college bowl games and other selected events.

The only year-round show dedicated to the NFL, NFL Total Access provides daily news, interviews and analysis from around the league. NFL Total Access airs six days a week, Monday at 6:00 PM ET and Tuesday through Saturday at 7:00 PM ET.

Dedes also currently serves as the play-by-play radio voice of the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Mychal Thompson on XTRA Sports 570. Prior to working with the Lakers, he was the host of NBA TV's Hardwood Classics and the NBA "Insiders."

Dedes has extensive play-by-play experience including NFL on Fox games, YES Network's coverage of college football and basketball and first-round playoff games for NBA TV. He began his broadcasting career at WFAN Radio in New York where he handled updates and served as the Jets' beat reporter. Dedes also worked as the radio voice of the Arena Football League's New Jersey Gladiators.

Dedes, a 2001 Fordham graduate from Paramus, N.J. was the inaugural recipient of the Marty Glickman Award, given to the Fordham announcer who best exemplifies the standards set by the late sports broadcasting icon. He continues a long line of sports excellence produced by Fordham University's WFUV Radio that began with the legendary voice of the Dodgers' Vin Scully in the late 1940's.

Providing game analysis for the Rams vs. Rattlers will be former NFL wide receiver Sterling Sharpe who begins his fifth season with NFL Network after joining at the network's kickoff in November 2003.

Sharpe serves as a co-host with Brian Baldinger on Playbook, the ultimate NFL chalkboard program utilizing the same "all 22" game film that coaches and players use to preview all of the upcoming games. Airing each Thursday and Friday at 8:00 PM ET, Playbook gives fans an insider's look at who could win each game as well as coach and player interviews conducted by Solomon Wilcots on-location at team headquarters. Playbook re-airs every Sunday morning at 11 AM ET with the latest pregame updates from around the league.

Previously, Sharpe spent seven years as an NFL analyst for ESPN and one season with NBC.

Sharpe never missed a game in seven stellar NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers. His 595 career receptions are tops in Packers history. Sharpe led the NFL in catches three times, touchdown catches twice and receiving yards once.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Sharpe had five 1,000-yard seasons. From 1992-94, Sharpe joined with Brett Favre to form one of the most prolific tandems in NFL history. The duo combined for 300 receptions, 3,696 yards and 41 touchdowns. Sharpe was the first receiver in NFL history to post at least 300 receptions in a three-season span and was the first player in NFL history with consecutive 100-catch seasons (1992-93).

Sharpe was the Packers' first-round draft choice in 1988 from the University of South Carolina.

NFL Network is the year-round programming network fully-owned and operated by the NFL.

It is every football fan's dream. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, a network solely devoted to the most popular sport in America, football. NFL Network is a destination for all that happens around the league, on and off the field - during the season and throughout the non-playing season.

Each year, NFL Network televises nearly 200 NFL games, including 52 preseason games, eight regular season primetime games, 98 game replays, the Senior Bowl, Insight Bowl and Texas Bowl, plus past Super Bowl and NFL Classic games.

With a camera at each of the 32 NFL team facilities, plus tremendous cooperation from the NFL players, coaches, owners, officials and executives, the unique access allows viewers to get closer to the NFL experience than ever before.

NFL Films, created by the NFL more than 40 years ago, is a key supplier of NFL Network's programming. With more than 100 million feet of film in its library, NFL Films is the backbone of NFL Network.

NFL Network is the gathering place of the NFL, using the latest digital media applications to bring a new dimension to the NFL experience. The passion, the excitement, the highs and the lows are covered by NFL Network from an insider's perspective.

Locally the NFL Network is available on DirecTV channel 212 and the Dish Network channel 154. The broadcast begins at 4:00 pm as the 2007 Circle City Classic airs live.

Things tougher for BC-U Wildcats

Photo: Morgan State's #2 Chad Simpson steamrolled BC-U run defense in a second half run controlled offense. Expect more of the same this week from a strong DSU running game.

By SEAN KERNAN, Daytona Beach News-Journal

Just when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats are at their lowest point in 10 seasons, and just when it seems like things can't get any tougher, the 'Cats are facing what might be their most difficult week of the season.

B-CU, winless after three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games, has to travel to Dover, Del., for a Thursday night nationally televised showdown with new conference power Delaware State (2-0 in league play including a 24-17 victory Saturday over three-time defending champion Hampton). The shorter amount of preparation time, coupled with the necessary travel for B-CU's longest road trip of the year, puts the 'Cats at a distinct disadvantage.

"We have our work cut out for us," Wildcats head coach Alvin Wyatt said. "It's going to take us some time to get it right. You cut two days out of your preparation and a team like us that needs to be nourished right now, that can have an effect right now. I think if we go in there with the right frame of mind and get some of these injuries behind us we can put up a good fight."

The Wildcats, 2-3 overall, played without injured defensive lineman Dennis King (knee) and fullback Justin Brannon (sprained ankle) in Saturday's 33-9 homecoming loss to Morgan State at Municipal Stadium. Additionally, slotback Corey Council, who also returns kicks and punts, left the game due to a bruised lung, and defensive lineman Dexter Jackson is out due to a shoulder injury.

Though beaten on the field Saturday, several Wildcats remained optimistic and anxious to turn things around.

"It was a difficult loss for homecoming, but we have to come right back," said linebacker Ronnie McCullough, who had 20 tackles.

Despite the short week and six-game conference losing streak, B-CU's players vow not to have a physical letdown.

"We're going to play our hearts out," defensive back James Monds promised.

Free safety Bobbie Williams admitted the team is hurting right now, but has to focus on the task at hand.

"It's a bad feeling, but we have to take every game game-by-game," Williams said. "Win, lose or draw we have to leave it all on the field. We have to follow the scheme. The coaches are putting us in the right spots, we just have to go out and execute."

B-CU at Delaware St.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Thursday

WHERE: Dover, Del.

RECORDS: B-CU 2-3 (0-3 MEAC), Delaware St. 3-1 (2-0)

TV: ESPNU

Last-second field goal sails wide left for TSU

Photo: Tennessee State running back Javarris Williams hurdles Florida A&M's Marquiste Ramos (91) for a first down. Williams led TSU in rushing with 87 yards in 19 carries.

By GUY CURTRIGHT, For The Tennessean

ATLANTA — Tennessee State kicker Eric Benson fell to the turf in disbelief. He wasn't the only one who couldn't believe it.

"I think if he kicks it 10 times, he'll make it 10 times," Coach James Webster said.

But this was the Atlanta Football Classic, where the games almost always come down to the end and where the Tigers repeatedly have had their hearts broken.

Benson, who had made all five of his previous field-goal attempts this year, was wide left from 27 yards out with four seconds remaining as Florida A&M held on for an 18-17 victory against the Tigers on Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

"It was a good snap and a good hold," Webster said. "He just missed it."

With the miss came more frustration for TSU (2-3), which has lost six straight to FAMU (2-2). The past five all have been decided in the final minutes, but this might have been the most disappointing of all for the Tigers.

"I didn't think there was any way we'd miss that kick," said quarterback Antonio Heffner, who had set up the attempt with a 55-yard completion to Chris Johnson that carried the Tigers to the FAMU 5.

Thinking ahead

With no timeouts remaining, Heffner spiked the ball with eight seconds left. An illegal procedure penalty moved the ball back 5 yards, but it was still almost a chip shot for Benson, who had been the difference in TSU's two victories and kicked a 19-yarder earlier in the fourth quarter.

"I had all the confidence in the world that he'd make that kick," Webster said. "There was nothing in me or about me that made me think he was going to miss that kick. … I was already thinking about squibbing the kickoff."

But there was no kickoff, just jubilation on the FAMU sideline and stunned silence on the TSU side of the field.

"I told him to keep his head up," Heffner said of Benson, who was off limits to the media afterward.

"We just have to trust in God and stay strong."

As far as FAMU Coach Rubin Carter was concerned, the Rattlers' prayers were answered.

"I was thinking, 'Lord, I sure hope he misses this kick,'" Carter said.

Heffner passed for 309 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown strike to Troy Smith on TSU's third play, and ran for 67 with a 1-yard touchdown sneak. But the Tigers couldn't hold an early 11-point lead.

"We keep playing well enough to almost win, but not well enough to do it," the junior said. "It's good to come close I guess, but really frustrating to lose."

Howard's Bailey Wins His First

by Washington Post

Attendance: 3,302

Brian Johnson's three touchdown passes and Dennis Wiehberg's 28-yard field goal gave Howard Coach Carey Bailey his first victory, a 24-21 overtime victory over Winston-Salem State yesterday at Greene Stadium.

In overtime, the Bison (1-3) stymied the Rams (2-3) with three straight sacks by Rudolph Hardie, Jarrett Burgess and James Robinson, and James Carter. The combo sack by Burgess and Robinson knocked Winston-Salem State quarterback Monte Purvis from the game.

On fourth and 42, Howard's Thomas Claiborne intercepted a pass from backup quarterback Jarrett Dunston.

Howard's Terry Perry then rushed for 20 yards on five carries to align Wiehberg for the game-winner. Perry finished with career highs of 87 yards on 23 carries.

Johnson completed 20 of 35 passes for 251 yards, including touchdowns of 12 and four yards to Jarahn Williams, who has a career-high six touchdown receptions this season.

Freshman Xavier Fowler's 32-yard touchdown reception gave the Bison a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter. He also had a 53-yard catch-and-run that set up Howard's second touchdown.

Michael Scarbrough had six receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown for the Rams.

Howard edges WSSU in OT

JOURNAL STAFF REPORT

Rams give up three straight sacks, lose 24-21 on field goal

WASHINGTON - Brian Johnson’s three touchdown passes and Dennis Wieh-berg’s 28-yard field goal gave Coach Carey Bailey of Howard his first victory, a 24-21 overtime win over Winston-Salem State yesterday.

In overtime, Howard (1-3) stymied Winston-Salem State (2-3) with three straight sacks, knocking Rams quarterback Monte Purvis out of the game.

On fourth-and-42, Howard’s Thomas Claiborne intercepted a pass from backup quarterback Jarrett Dunston.

Howard’s Terry Perry then rushed for 20 yards on five carries to align Wiehberg for the winning kick.

“Howard stepped up big late in the game and forced us out of our rhythm,” said Coach Kermit Blount of Winston-Salem State.


WSSU 0 7 7 7 0 — 21

Howard 7 7 7 0 3 — 24

First Quarter

Howard—Williams 12 pass from Johnson (Wiehberg kick), 4:15.

Second Quarter

Howard—Williams 4 pass from Johnson (Wiehberg kick), 13:26.

WSSU—Kinzer 20 pass from Purvis (M.Mitchell kick), :35.

Third Quarter

WSSU—Scarbrough 28 pass from Purvis (M.Mitchell kick), 9:06.

Howard—Fowler 32 pass from Johnson (Wiehberg kick), 4:42.

Fourth Quarter

WSSU—Hubbard 0 run (M.Mitchell kick), 1:14.

Overtime

Howard—FG Wiehberg 28.

A—3,302.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING—WSSU, Fluellen 17-58, Bines 15-30, Dunston 1-(minus 1), Sherrod 1-(minus 5), Purvis 13-(minus 24). How., Perry 23-87, Johnson 6-17, Whittaker 4-14, Moore 1-3.

PASSING—WSSU, Purvis 14-24-1-261, Dunston 0-3-1-0. How., Johnson 20-35-0-251.

RECEIVING—WSSU, Scarbrough 6-107, Thomas 2-50, Bayne 2-20, Fluellen 1-37, Reaves 1-21, Kinzer 1-20, Bines 1-6. How., Moore 6-44, Williams 4-36, Hood 3-34, Fowler 2-85, Perry 2-14, Whittaker 1-24, Blake 1-8, Duncan 1-6.

DSU finds solace in big win over Hampton

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

Attendance: 7,195

Hornets honor victims of shooting

HAMPTON, Va. -- One special gesture in one sacred place would happen Saturday only if Delaware State was victorious in the one football game it knew it had to win.

On a picture-perfect afternoon at Hampton's Armstrong Stadium, Delaware State helped soothe the pain from the recent shooting of two students on campus by defeating the 13th-ranked Pirates, 24-17, in a game that could help determine the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship.

In the wake of the shooting in the early morning hours Sept. 21 that left students Shalita Middleton and Nathaniel Pugh wounded, the Hornets football team found solace in the end zone.

"We thought it was incredibly important to put into context, and that starts with our student-athletes," said DSU coach Al Lavan, who asked band director H. Wade Johnson to have his unit and the DSU cheerleaders join the team in the end zone. "The end zone is a sacred place for us.

"When we came back [the day after the shooting], we all talked about our success and failures as a society. They came back and practiced well [that day]."

Following the game, the Hornets somberly shook hands with Hampton players and then met in the end zone. There, they dedicated the game ball to the shooting victims, the first time under Lavan that someone other than a player received the game ball.

DSU, pursuing its first league championship since winning a share of the 1991 title, finally beat a championship contender on the road.

Photo: Kareem Jones fights his way past Hampton's Henti Baird. Jones rushed for a game-high 135 yards.

The win over Hampton, just the Hornets' second in the past 13 meetings with the Pirates, placed DSU (3-1 overall, 2-0 MEAC) atop the league standings.

It was the first loss for Hampton (3-1, 3-1) this season, and the first against a league opponent since Oct. 21, 2006, against South Carolina State.

The Pirates, looking every bit the team vying for its fourth straight championship, drove 75 yards to open the game, and took a 7-0 lead on Jerry Cummings' 15-yard run with 12:50 to go.

But DSU regrouped and began playing like a contender in the second quarter.

Hornets quarterback Vashon Winton found the end zone on a 1-yard carry early in the second quarter to tie it 7-7 with 11:45 left.

After a Hampton touchdown and a DSU field goal, Winton led a 90-yard drive and capped it with an 11-yard run with 21 seconds remaining in the first half.

Winton, looking to pass, instead found space through the front line, changed direction and scooted to the end zone, just squeaking between a defender and the pylon. The play gave DSU a 17-14 lead.

Winton finished 10-of-16 passing for 131 yards and rushed for 59 yards.

"That changed the game dramatically," Lavan said. "We simply couldn't do enough to make a difference early on."

Photo:The Hampton defense slows down Delaware State quarterback Vashon Winton in the first quarter Saturday. Winton threw for one TD and ran for two more as the Hornets improved to 2-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Hampton tied it 17-17 on Carlo Turavani's 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. DSU scored what proved to be the winning touchdown on junior tight end Jeff Postell's 5-yard catch with 11:39 remaining. Postell leaped in the middle of several Hampton defenders but still brought down the ball. He was mauled afterward by teammates.

"I think the [shooting] incident made us more focused to get our goal," Postell said. "And that goal is to win a championship."

Junior running back Kareem Jones, starting his first game since the season opener, rushed for a game-high 135 yards.

Jones said he wasn't certain how his teammates would respond in this game, particularly after a bye week and against a team like Hampton.

"I wasn't sure how the team would react after an incident like this," Jones