Jackson State: Rico’s big season

Rico Richardson

NATCHEZ, Mississippi — As Jackson State’s No. 83 made it to the end zone after an 87-yard reception late in the first half against Alcorn State to give the Tigers a 31-0 lead the excitement of the moment took over, and he hurled the ball deep into the stadium seats at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.

A 15-yard penalty was the immediate result, but the touchdown, and the celebration, actually served as the culmination of a brilliant junior season for Jackson State wide receiver, and Natchez native, Rico Richardson.

“I want to say (the touchdown) in the Alcorn game (was the highlight of the season),” Richardson said. “Being in front of the home crowd where everybody knows me and going 87-yards, and then I threw the ball in the stands. That was the biggest play for me.”

Richardson’s 37 catches for 896 yards and 11 touchdowns earned him ...

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Jackson State snaps Alabama A&M win streak 34-6

HUNTSVILLE, ALA. — Casey Therriault threw for 428 yards and four straight touchdowns as Jackson State defeated Alabama A&M 34-6 on Saturday, snapping the Bulldogs' seven-game winning streak.

The Tigers (8-2, 6-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) trailed 6-0 after Chance Wilson kicked field goals of 49 and 45 yards. Then Therriault threw a 7-yard TD pass to Renty Rollins with 2:33 left in the first quarter, followed by a 30-yarder to E.J. Drewery just 42 seconds into the second. He hit Rico Richardson with a 67-yarder to take a 21-6 lead into halftime.

Therriault, who was 23 of 41 with no interceptions, threw his final scoring pass, a 15-yarder to Rollins, with 8:59 left in the third quarter.

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Former A&M aide Wilson concocts offensive scheme to lead Jackson State over Bulldogs

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- On an office wall in the Alabama A&M football building is a fading photo, 17 years old now, with mug shots of the Bulldogs' coaching staff. At the far right are photos of two dark-headed, smiling young men.

As dusk crept over Louis Crews Stadium Saturday, after Alabama A&M's 34-6 loss to Jackson State, the same men, one now with hair of cotton, the other with hair long since departed, greeted each other in a hug on the 30-yard line.

In 1994-95, Brawnski Towns and Earnest Wilson were Alabama A&M assistant coaches. On Saturday -- indeed for an entire week's worth of plotting -- they were on opposite sides of a chessboard.

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Alabama A&M football: Bulldogs can still reach SWAC championship game despite blowout loss

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M's hopes of winning the Eastern Division title and advancing to the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game appeared all but over late Saturday afternoon at Louis Crews Stadium.

While the Bulldogs were getting blown out 34-6 by Jackson State, Alabama State was rallying from a 12-point deficit against Southern. An A&M loss and an Alabama State win would give the Hornets the Eastern Division title.

A&M coach Anthony Jones was aware that Alabama State had the lead as he prepared to walk across the field to shake hands with Jackson State coach Rick Comegy. But, before Jones took off his headsets, he had a conversation with offensive coordinator Cedric Pearl.

"His words were we're not done," Jones said. "This is a special team and we still have special things ahead of us."



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Alabama A&M football: Bulldogs ascend to No. 1 ranking in polls

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M is the No. 1 ranked black college football team in the country for the first time in school history.

The Bulldogs are No. 1 in the Heritage Sports Radio Network and the Boxtorow polls and are second in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network poll following their 28-14 win over Alcorn State. The SBN poll determines the black college national champion. A&M moved up one spot in all three polls.

"When I got this job, my goal was to see Alabama A&M sitting on top of the polls," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "When we won the (SWAC) championship, we were ranked No. 3. Now, for us to be No. 1 in some polls, that's another accomplishment for this football team and I'm honored to be a part of that."

A&M is also ranked No. 1 in The Heritage Group poll and is No. 3 in the Urban Sports News poll. "Anytime you can say you were No. 1, it helps," Jones said. "We go after quality kids. Those kids want to be associated with winners ... winners on the field and winners in the classroom. Whenever you can put that out there, it's a feather in your cap."




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Battle of the Bands: Grambling State World Famous Marching Band vs. JSU Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band

This high quality, high definition video of yesterday's battle between rivals Grambling State University World Famous Tigers Marching Band and the Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band is provided for our enjoyment by talented videographer O-JAY, TheOProductions1907.  O-Jay is one of the best videographers in the business and has done outstanding work this year in recording for "history" the titanic band battles of our storied HBCU band programs.
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Jackson State vs. Grambling State

When: Today, 2 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
Television: Online only at www.swac.org
Radio: WHLH-95.5 FM in Jackson
Last meeting: Grambling won 28-21 last year at Grambling, La.
All-time series: Grambling leads 40-20-1

Scouting the Tigers

Keep an eye on...Cliff Exama, LB
The 5-10, 235-pounder leads the SWAC with 96 tackles, 38 more than anyone else on the team. He has 11 1/2 tackles for loss. JSU coach Rick Comegy joked earlier this week that the Tigers would have to use 11 men to block him.

Unit that could give Tigers fits... Running backs
Grambling's Dawrence Roberts has run for 596 yards on 105 carries. The Tigers have broken the 125-yard rushing barrier four times in the last five games.



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Grambling Tigers face test in JSU's Therriault

Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault played well enough last week to share the Southwestern Athletic Conference's Offensive Player of the Week award. His team may be doing even better than its senior signal caller.

"At this point, they're probably playing the best football in the conference," said Grambling coach Doug Williams, whose team faces Jackson State today at 2 p.m. in Jackson. "The one thing they have going for them that we don't have, but eventually will have, is they have a veteran quarterback who has played well. He's an All-American."

The experience Therriault brings stands in contrast to Grambling's two first-year quarterbacks, Frank Rivers and D.J. Williams. Behind Therriault, Jackson State has risen to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the SWAC while GSU has struggled to find offensive consistency.

Stopping Therriault will be key for Grambling (4-4, 4-3), but the senior from Wyoming Township, Mich., added a wrinkle to his game last week, rushing for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

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2011 Shreveport Classic Battle of the Bands: JSU vs. PVU

Classic matchup comes to town

Shreveport, Louisiana -- This year’s Shreveport Classic may actually live up to the name. Prairie View comes into the Classic — a Panthers “home’’ game — in first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Western Division. Prairie View is 4-3 overall and 4-2 in the SWAC.

The Panthers’ opponent on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Independence Stadium is a Jackson State team which is in second place in the Eastern Division. Jackson State is 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference.

First-year Prairie View head coach Heishma Northern doesn’t need a primer on his opponent or its historical significance.

“One of the first collegiate football games I ever went to was Grambling versus Jackson State. My uncle was a running back. It was in Jackson Memorial Stadium,’’ Northern said. “My only loss as a senior football player at Southern University was to Jackson State University. I’ve been second in the conference and third in the nation to a guy from Jackson State. My football and my relationship with Jackson goes back a long way.’’

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2011 Shreveport Classic: JSU vs. PVAMU

Capital City Classic Future Uncertain

Jackson, Mississippi -- News Channel 12 has learned that the Capital City Classic between Jackson State and Alcorn State will return to the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for at least one more year.

Back in May, Alcorn State University President Christopher Brown announced that his university would consider withdrawing from the annual match-up in Jackson. He told us Thursday that the game greatly benefits both universities, and this fall's Classic will go on. But Alcorn is interested in bringing the game to Lorman in the future.

"Certainly the Alcornites are united around a return to the "Soul Bowl"," says Dr. Brown. "But it's in the best interest of both Jackson State and Alcorn for this year to allow the Capital City Classic name to continue."



Jackson businesses don't want to see the Capital City Classic leave the Capital City.

It's Thursday night, and as usual, Sal and Mookie's parking lot is packed. In the distance is Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, the home of the Tigers. The 60,000 people that can pack the stadium for the Classic pack Sal and Mookie's before and after the action.

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Former Central standout leading the way for Jackson State

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Marcellos Wilder is having a big season for the Jackson State University football team. He also has big dreams of one day playing in the National Football League and has a big influence to help him accomplish those goals.

His influence is his brother, Olympic medalist Deontay Wilder, who has become a role model for his younger brother and his football career.

“My brother and my family have always been encouraging people in my life.” Wilder said. “I really appreciate the things he tells me about working hard. Those things have gotten him where he is today. He tells me to work hard, earn people's respect and be a great teammate. He really stresses that.

“I have learned a lot from watching my brother come from a regular guy in Tuscaloosa to an Olympic boxer and a great role model. He motivates me. I see what he has done, and that makes me want to accomplish my goals and my dreams and do what he has done. He has set a good example for me.”



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Jackson State Tigers travels to winless Mississippi Valley

Itta Bena, Mississippi -- Who was the starting quarterback when Mississippi Valley State last defeated Jackson State?

Moss Point native Keith Poindexter helped lead the Delta Devils to an 18-16 victory in 1994. Jackson State has won the last 16 games in the series. Jackson State (4-1, 5-1 SWAC) looks to continue its dominance over the hapless Delta Devils (0-6, 0-5) on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Rice-Totten Stadium.

The Tigers could easily be undefeated, falling to Alabama State 28-21 last month at home.
Quarterback Casey Therriault has been up and down this season, capable of throwing for 400 yards as well as tossing five interceptions.



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With 5 unanswered TDs, JSU Tigers post another blowout win

Jackson, Mississippi -- Still frustrated and fired up about Jackson State's loss two weeks ago to Alabama State, Rodrick Gladney looked around at his celebrating teammates after a second straight trouncing Saturday and uttered these words.

"If Alabama State came in here tomorrow," JSU's left guard said, "we'd beat those boys."

He probably won't get many arguments on that - not after the last two weeks, the last two games, the last eight quarters. Jackson State roughed up a second straight league foe Saturday, whipping Arkansas-Pine Bluff 48-10 in front of an announced homecoming crowd of 38,722 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

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'Mule' kicks Lions' goal-line try

Donovan Robinson calls it "Mule."

It's a defensive play call in which both of Jackson State's defensive ends crash toward the middle of the offensive line. When Arkansas-Pine Bluff faced a fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line on its first drive of the game, guess what it was called? Yep, mule.

Robinson and opposite defensive end Joseph LeBeau crashed into the middle of the line stuffing Ben Anderson's QB sneak for no gain and setting quite the tone in JSU's 48-10 win over the Golden Lions on Saturday.

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UAPB Lions simply couldn't keep up with JSU's Richardson

Asked why and how he got so wide open during Jackson State's 48-10 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday, Rico Richardson smiled. "I think I'm the fastest in the country," he said. "That's how I feel." One can't blame him too much - not on this day.

Richardson, JSU's speedy junior receiver, caught five passes for a whopping 174 yards, scored on two long touchdowns and drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone that set up a third-quarter score. The Golden Lions just couldn't keep up.



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Jackson State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

When: Today, 4 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson
Television: None
Radio: WHLH-95.5 FM in Jackson

Last meeting: Jackson State won 52-30 last year

History: All-time series: Jackson State leads 20-11

Scouting the Golden Lions: Keep an eye on...

Ben Anderson, Quarterback: Anderson ranks only behind JSU QB Casey Therriault in the league for passing yards a game at 200. He's completed 53 percent of his passes for 1,025 yards.

Unit that could give the Tigers fits: Receivers

If there's a weakness on JSU's defense it's been pass coverage. The Tigers, who lack depth, are fifth in the league, allowing 195 yards a game. Pine Bluff has three receivers with 200 yards or more - Desmond Beverly, Rontrell Bailey and Jevon Dixon.



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Jackson State pummels Texas Southern, 58-13

Jackson, MS - Casey Therriault threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns tonight, leading Jackson State to a 58-13 thrashing of Texas Southern in a rare Thursday night SWAC game at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

JSU’s Tigers (4-1, 1-1 SWAC) bounced back from last week’s 21-14 loss to Alabama State — and a six-interception game, the worst Therriault’s career — in a big way, scoring 37 points in the second quarter to take a 37-7 halftime lead. It was the most points scored in a quarter by JSU in at least 30 years, said school officials.

JSU rolled up 401 total yards and scored eight touchdowns. Texas Southern (2-2), was penalized 16 times for 134 yards.

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Notebook: Rebounding well - very well

Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault threw six interceptions last Saturday in a loss at Alabama State. Six - the most of his career. He had eight in the last two games entering Thursday's 58-13 victory over Texas Southern - the first time he's had back-to-back games with multiple interceptions.

On Thursday, he had one. "After you have the worst game in your career," Therriault said, "you want to come back and play sound football." Therriault completed 15 of 27 passes, for 300 yards, three touchdowns and that single pick.

It all came against the No. 1-ranked defense in the Football Championship Subdivision and helps him forget about the last two weeks and that game at Texas Southern a year ago. JSU lost 21-18 in windy Houston last October as Therriault was held to his fewest yards (256) and worst completion percentage (37) in 2010.



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TSU's pass defense ready for Jackson State

Gametime: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.CT/ 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Television: ESPNU
Radio: WHLH-95.5 FM in Jackson

Jackson, MS - Texas Southern freshman cornerback Tray Walker and his secondary mates were prepared for a challenge from Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge on Saturday.

Bridge, nicknamed "Air Canada" by some Alcorn State fans, tried to hit an early home run with three towering passes on the game's opening series. "We were expecting the deep balls, but not consecutively like that," Walker said.

All three bombs fell incomplete, and Bridge completed only five of 21 passes for 56 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. Backup Darius Smith wasn't much better, finishing 4-for-12 for 43 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception as TSU held on for a 14-7 victory.

TSU has the Football Championship Subdivision's stingiest ...

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Jackson State loses to Alabama State, 21-14

Jackson, MS - Casey Therriault threw a whopping six interceptions and Alabama State, despite gaining just 227 yards, beat Jackson State for a second straight year, dishing the Tigers a hurtful blow in its hopes of winning a black national championship.

Jackson State, 3-1 and entered ranked No. 1 in some black college polls, suffered its first loss of the season despite gaining 487 yards. The Tigers committed seven turnovers. They have now had 17 in the last three games and 19 for the season.



Hornets Top Jackson State

JACKSON, Miss. - LB Leland Baker's interception with nine seconds remaining sealed Alabama State's 21-14 win at Jackson State Saturday at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Baker's interception at the Alabama State 28-yard line was the seventh takeaway by the Hornets (3-1 overall, 3-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference), who have won six consecutive SWAC games dating back to last season.

“We're excited,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “We told our guys it was going to be a championship-type game against a really good team on the road. We came in and played hard and I'm proud of them.”

Jackson State (3-1, 1-1) was limited to only 14 points, 21 below its season average.

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2011 Shreveport Classic: JSU vs. PVAMU

Battle of Bands: Southern Human Jukebox vs. Jackson State Sonic Boom

SU Jaguars’ effort comes up short against Jackson State Tigers

Baton Rouge, LA - Saturday night inside A.W. Mumford Stadium, at the end of a wild, intense, energetic college football game between two old rivals, Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault took a knee.

Then he walked toward the visitors sideline, waving his arms in triumph. His team had survived and escaped with a 28-24 victory over Southern.



Moments later, near the 35-yard line, Jaguars senior safety Demetric Rogers shuffled toward the home sideline, peeling off his uniform, his eyes transfixed on the grass. He was heartbroken.

For his team, a promising second half had come and gone. Southern had chances to score more points, to hold off JSU, to pull out an upset victory. In the end, however, the Jaguars frittered too many of them away. The Tigers made them pay.

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Game not meaningless for Southern, Jackson State

Baton Rouge, LA - Looking for unique circumstances? Saturday night, go ahead and take a peek inside A.W. Mumford Stadium. It’ll be a virtual treasure trove.

Sure, Southern and Jackson State - two old archrivals, two of the brand names in black college football - have faced each other 55 times. But they’ve never played in a game quite like this one.

This summer, Southwestern Athletic Conference presidents and commissioners voted to ban SU and JSU from their league’s championship game - after the NCAA made both teams ineligible for postseason play because of their continued poor showings on the Academic Progress Rate. Three months before the season began, the Tigers and Jaguars already knew they’d wind up ringless, no matter how well they played.

So go ahead. When Southern (1-1, 1-0) hosts Jackson State (2-0, 0-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday, feel free to call it the “IneligiBowl.”

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