Prairie View's path to SWAC title game clear

Prairie View, Texas -- Prairie View A&M could advance to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game under two scenarios. But the Panthers care mostly about the main one - beating Alabama A&M.

Prairie View (5-5, 5-3 SWAC) is in control of its destiny as it prepares to face Alabama A&M in the teams' regular-season finale Saturday at Blackshear Stadium in Prairie View. The Panthers are tied with Grambling State (6-4, 5-3) for first place in the Western Division but hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with their 31-23 win in the teams' Oct. 1 meeting.

Alabama A&M (7-3, 6-2) also needs a win to clinch the Eastern Division and advance to the title game. A loss would end the Bulldogs' championship hopes.

"The bottom line is that both teams are playing for their postseason lives right now," Prairie View coach Heishma Northern said. "As a football player and a coach, you want to play for all the marbles."



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Alcorn gets blown out by Prairie View

LORMAN, Mississippi — Alcorn State had no problem moving the ball against Prairie View A&M Saturday afternoon. It was scoring that proved elusive.

And the Braves didn’t help themselves with four turnovers and 14 penalties for minus-120 yards as the Panthers (5-5, 5-3) pulled away in the third quarter en route to a 40-14 blowout loss for Alcorn. Alcorn scored just once in two trips to the Panthers’ red zone, and Braves head coach Melvin Spears said inconsistency and lack of focus was the culprit.

“First-and-15, second-and-15 (killed us),” Spears said. “We’d have a great play here, then we’d come back and have some mishap. It really boils down to our focus. We have to continue to hone in on the finer things of the game. There’s no substitute for great discipline.”

After failing to score on its opening possession, Alcorn punted  ...

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Texas State beats Prairie View, 34-26

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas State snapped a two-game losing streak Saturday, defeating Prairie View A&M 34-26 in a back-and-forth contest. There were 157 combined plays, 755 total yards of offense and five lead changes. Both teams were perfect in the red zone — a combined 8 for 8 — and strong winds were a big factor all game.

"There was a 12th man out there today and he switched teams at times," said Texas State coach Dennis Franchione. "It was the wind. Every point was scored with the wind at your back, except one (play)."

That one play — Isaiah Battle's 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving the Bobcats a 24-19 lead — was Texas State's biggest turning point, according to Franchione.

Running back Tim Hawkins scored the game-winning touchdown for Texas State on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter, and kicker Will Johnson connected on a 42-yard field goal on the following possession to seal the victory.

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Texas State outlasts Prairie View A&M, 34-26

San Marco, TX - With his team trailing for the first time in the game, Isaiah Battle returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown and reserve quarterback Tyler Arndt led lead two scoring drives in the fourth quarter as the Texas State football team rallied for a 34-26 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.

“It was good to get back into the win column,” said Texas State head coach Dennis Franchione. “The kids fought hard and they had to fight hard. There was a 12th man out there today and he switched teams at times and that was the wind.”

Every point with the exception of Battle’s kickoff return was scored with the wind at each team’s back throughout the game.

Texas State looked to be in complete control early in the game as the Bobcats scored touchdowns on their first two possessions in the game. The first touchdown came after Josh Minde recovered a fumble to stop Prairie View A&M’s opening drive at Texas State’s 45-yard line.

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

PVAMU: Looking for Reasons

Prairie View, Texas -- Prairie View A&M football coach Heishma Northern was left searching for answers in the wake of Saturday's 44-14 loss to Southwestern Athletic Conference rival Jackson State in Shreveport, La.

The Panthers gave up a season-high 722 yards (315 rushing) and were out-gained in time of possession by a 2-1 ratio.

Prairie View (4-4, 4-3 SWAC) suffered its second consecutive defeat but remains in first place in the Western Division. The Panthers will face Texas State (5-4) in a non-conference game Saturday before finishing the regular season with key SWAC matchups at Alcorn State on Nov. 12 and at home against Alabama A&M on Nov. 19.

"We're going to see what kind of team we're really made of," Northern said. "Do we have some guys who are going to stand up and play or do we have some guys who are going to tuck their tails and run?"

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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

Prairie View misses chances against Alabama State

Prairie View, Texas - Prairie View A&M came back to earth a bit with Saturday's 20-7 loss to conference rival Alabama State.

The Panthers (4-3, 4-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) saw their three-game winning streak end under a mountain of missed opportunities. They outgained Alabama State 456-296 in total yards but committed three turnovers and missed three field goals. Prairie View also came up empty on four fourth-down attempts, including three inside the red zone.

However, there were some bright spots. The Panthers moved the ball consistently on offense, and the defense had a solid performance. Freshman running back Fred Anderson rushed for 101 yards on 20 carries, becoming the first PV player to top the century mark this year.

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ASU 20, Prairie View 7: Hornets take rival by swarm

Montgomery, Alabama -- It's a formula that continues to work for 24th-ranked Alabama State.

Nick Andrews hauled in a touchdown pass from Greg Jenkins and the defense forced three turnovers to help ASU remain unbeaten in conference play with a 20-7 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Cramton Bowl.

Saturday's game pitted the top teams in each division of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in what could be a preview of the SWAC Championship Game on Dec. 10.



"It's a championship-caliber game, the best team in the West and the best team in the East clashing," Jenkins said. "Both teams have great defenses, so you can't really expect a high-scoring game."

Jenkins completed 12 of 31 passes for 215 yards, throwing one touchdown pass and running for another as the Hornets (6-1) improved to 6-0 in SWAC play.

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KEYS: Coulda-woulda-shoulda routine getting old for Southern U.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- If only the Southern football team had found a way to move the ball in the second half Saturday night, the Jaguars could have rallied to drop Prairie View and move into first place in their division. Could have.

If only the Southern offense had found a way to shut out Jackson State in the fourth quarter Sept. 17, the Jaguars would have defeated those hated Tigers at home, and maybe changed the course of both teams’ seasons. Would have.

If only the Southern football team hadn’t collapsed in the second half against Florida A&M, the Jaguars would have left Atlanta with the most important victory in Stump Mitchell’s time as coach. And instead of being 2-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play, they should have been 4-2 and 3-1 by now. Maybe even 5-1 and 4-0. Should have.

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Quarterback Troast rewards Prairie View's faith in him

Prairie View, Texas -- Prairie View A&M coach Heishma Northern ruled out quarterback Jerry Lovelocke at halftime of Saturday's game against Grambling State after the freshman injured his right ankle.

But Northern left it up to offensive coordinator Mark Orlando to pick Lovelocke's replacement. Orlando chose experience over youth, going with former starter Jonathan Troast instead of true freshman De'Auntre Smiley. He made the right call.

Troast threw for 312 yards and a career-high four touchdowns with zero interceptions to help lead the Panthers to a 31-23 victory Saturday night at the Cotton Bowl. The senior completed 21 of 27 passes operating out of Orlando's no-huddle offense.



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Backup QB leads Prairie View A&M past Grambling State

DALLAS - Backup quarterback Jonathan Troast led four touchdown drives in the second half to lead Prairie View A&M to a 31-23 victory over Grambling State on Saturday night at the Cotton Bowl.

Troast, who replaced injured starter Jerry Lovelocke after halftime, connected with Greg Thurmond twice on touchdown passes and once with Spencer Nelson to help the Panthers (3-2, 3-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) erase a 10-3 deficit and take a 24-17 lead in the fourth quarter. The Panthers added another score late in the fourth quarter to boost their lead to 14.

Grambling State (1-4, 1-3) scored with just over two minutes left but missed the extra-point attempt. The Tigers attempted and recovered an onside kick but Prairie View was awarded possession after Grambling State was penalized for illegal touching.

Photo Gallery



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Football preview: Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M at Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Saturday

Dallas, Texas - Doug Williams, former Grambling State University quarterback and Grambling’s head football coach from 1998-2003, just had to come back as head football coach to where he considers home.

“What made me come back?” Williams told a press conference audience on Monday. “It’s just one word: Grambling.”

Williams, along with Prairie View A&M University Panthers head coach Heishma Northern, on Monday were part of the Kickoff Press Conference for the State Fair Classic, one of Black College Football’s most prestigious annual games. The two teams square off Saturday, October 1 at 6 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl at Fair Park.



The game regularly attracts between 50,000 and 60,000 fans. Traditionally held on the opening weekend of the State Fair of Texas, officials determined that the event brings in close to $10 million of economic infusion into North Texas each year.

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2011 Shreveport Classic: JSU vs. PVAMU

Arkansas-Pine Bluff gets a huge road win against Prairie View

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas- The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff's victory over the Prairie View A&M Panthers can simply be described as amazing. The Golden Lions battling through several first half miscues to steal a victory on the road against a Panthers team looking to keep their title aspirations alive in what looks to be a SWAC race that will go down until the final week of conference play.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff fell behind 19-7 going into intermission after a first half in which the Golden Lions gave up three safeties triggered by the injury of long snapper Patrick Wray.

Down by twelve to start the first half the Golden Lions cut into the deficit after a 16-yard Desmond Beverly touchdown reception from Ben Anderson at the 11:33 mark of the third quarter.

The Panthers would counter with two consecutive scores of their own scoring on a 26- yard Chris Barrick field goal followed by a three yard touchdown pass by Jerry Lovelocke to Idowu Olatunde giving Prairie View its largest lead of the contest at 29-14 late in the third quarter.

Down by fifteen points with their backs against the wall the Golden Lions dug deep virtually dominating the game on both sides of the ball from that point.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff's defense pitched a shut-out in the second half while the offense under the direction of Anderson kept the Panthers defense on their toes with big conversions and timely plays.

UAPB's amazing comeback quest began at the start of the fourth quarter when Anderson found Beverly for an 18-yard TD pass marking the quarterback-wide receiver combinations' second touchdown strike of the game.

From that point the offensive front of the Golden Lions took over the game imposing their will on a tired and over matched Panthers' front seven while opening up huge holes for Arkansas-Pine Bluff's ground attack. Running back Stephen Jones capped of a 12 play 76 yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 7:27 mark of the fourth quarter.



Still down by two-points the Golden Lions coaching staff opted to go for two in an attempt to tie the game. After a fumbled snap in the shotgun formation Anderson was able to recover the snap and run it in from three yards out bringing the Golden Lions fans at Blackshear Stadium to their feet as UAPB tied the game at 29 all in the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing Panthers possession the Golden Lions defense perhaps came up with their biggest play of the game as Jarvis Webb intercepted a Lovelocke pass attempt setting the offense up with good field possession with 3:00 remaining on the game clock.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff methodically drove the ball down into the Panthers red zone highlighted by a running game that would not be denied. Jones punched in the final score of the game with 24 seconds left in to play giving the Golden Lions their first lead of the contest at 36-29 after a successful Chris Ewald extra point. The game clinching touchdown run by Jones' marked his third TD rush of the game.

The defense held the Panthers scoreless on their final possession of the game as a desperation Lovelocke pass into the end zone was batted down by the UAPB secondary.

The win marked head coach Monte Coleman's first victory over Prairie View A&M since taking over UAPB's football program. It was also the first Golden Lions win over the Panthers since 2007.

'Our players never gave up,” said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. “We fell behind early in the game but we never lost focus. At halftime we told our players to execute and stick with the game plan. In the second half our defense, running game, and the composure of Ben Anderson helped us pull out this victory.”

The Golden Lions will travel to St. Louis this weekend to participate in the Gateway Classic where they will face Clark-Atlanta in non-conference action. Kick-off is set for 3:00 pm at the Edward Jones Dome.

By UAPB Sports Information

SWAC Shellacking: Bethune-Cookman opens with 63-14 rout

ORLANDO, FL -- New season. New quarterback. Same old Wildcats. Bethune-Cookman started its second season under head coach Brian Jenkins a lot like it started its first -- with a thorough thrashing of an overmatched opponent.

Last year, B-CU pummeled an NAIA team -- Edward Waters (70-10) -- in Jenkins' debut. On Sunday, the Wildcats cruised to a 63-14 victory over Prairie View A&M before an announced crowd of 17,337 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Prairie View of the Southwestern Athletic Conference is coming off a 7-4 season, but the Panthers (0-1) are rebuilding under new coach Heishma Northern, while the Wildcats (1-0) are reloading with a new quarterback.

Senior Jamarr Robinson, who transferred from the University of Maryland, passed for 251 yards and a touchdown and added two scoring runs while playing just one series into the third quarter, when the 'Cats took a commanding 49-7 lead.

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Big-school transfers prop up Bethune-Cookman WRs

Daytona Beach, FL - Like most coaches, Bethune-Cookman's Brian Jenkins is well aware of the pattern. You start creating depth at a position and recruits begin to look elsewhere. All football players want to get on the field right away and few want to share playing time.

That's why wide receiver has become sort of an enigma at B-CU. The position seems to be a magnet for Football Bowl Subdivision transfers. For the second year in a row, the Wildcats will have four former major-college players sharing the receiver spots with B-CU veterans and freshmen



There is so much receiver talent on the team, you'd think there wouldn't be enough footballs to keep everyone happy. But these players welcome the influx of talent. The more the merrier.

And they may even have a major-college transfer throwing them the ball in former Maryland quarterback Jamarr Robinson, who is battling Jackie Wilson, David Blackwell and freshman Quentin Williams to be the starting signal caller in the Wildcats' no-huddle, spread offense.

The Wildcats will play their first game next Sunday against Prairie View A&M in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando.

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Former TSU, Prairie View stars pursuing NFL careers

Houston, TX - Former Texas Southern linebacker Dejuan Fulghum will formally begin his pursuit of an NFL career when he opens training camp with the Detroit Lions today. 

Fulghum, the 2010 Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year, signed as an undrafted with the Lions earlier this week. Fulghum, a Killeen native, was a four-year starter during his four years at TSU, helping to lead the Tigers to a 9-3 record and the SWAC championship in his final season.

In 2010, the 6-1, 220-pound Fulghum led TSU in total tackles (101), tackles for loss (18 ½), sacks (11) and forced fumbles (three).

Two former Prairie View A&M defensive stars also will be in NFL training camps. Defensive back Chris Adingupu signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings, and defensive lineman Quinton Spears inked with the Miami Dolphins.

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Prairie View A&M athletic tickets on sale

Prairie View, TX -  The Prairie View A&M Department of Athletics has announced season ticket information for the 2011-12 athletic campaign. Once again, fans will have a variety of season ticket options to choose from ranging from all-sports to football-only packages.

The Panther Pack ($325) includes admission to all home athletic contests for the year, one ticket each to the Southwest State Fair (Dallas) and Shreveport Football Classics, reserved floor seating for men's and women's basketball games, a complimentary Prairie View A&M athletics gift, tailgate access for home football games (excluding homecoming) and a four-month subscription to Panthervision, Prairie View A&M's new live video stream which will debut in September.

Individuals who select the Purple Pack ($250) will receive admission to all home athletic events, one ticket apiece to the Southwest State Fair and Shreveport Football Classics, assigned basketball seating and tailgate access for home football games (excluding homecoming).




For $200, the Gold Pack allows admission to all home sporting events, one ticket each to the Southwest State Fair and Shreveport Football Classics and tailgate access for home football games (excluding homecoming).

Football fans that purchase the $140 Football package will receive admission to all home football games at Blackshear Field, one ticket each to the Southwest State Fair and Shreveport Football Classics and tailgate access for home football games (excluding homecoming).

The 2011-12 athletic season will be a memorable one as the Panther football team debuts a new head coach in Heish Northern coupled with the women's basketball team coming off an NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Appearance under head coach Toyelle Wilson. The Lady Panther volleyball ranks as one of the elite teams in the SWAC as they're coming off a SWAC West Championship under the guidance of head coach Alicia Pete. The men's basketball team, led by Byron Rimm II, had an impressive recruiting season followed by strong performances from the baseball, bowling, golf, soccer, tennis, track and volleyball teams.

For the second straight year, fans will have the option of purchasing season tickets online at the newly created Panthers Market Place. The link, which is accessible via the Prairie View A&M University website or below, is a one-stop shop that offers everything from the ability to purchase tailgate options and tickets for selected athletic events.

For more information or to place your order for season tickets call (936) 261-9100. A PDF copy of the season ticket brochure is attached and also available for download on the season tickets link via the Prairie View A&M athletic website.

PV Marketplace (purchase tickets online)
Download the Official 2011-12 Season Ticket Brochure

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Basketball & Golfing high school stars sign with Prairie View A&M

Golfer Josh Mitchell with parents
Jeff and Stephanie Anderson

Tomball's Josh Mitchell lands on Prairie View A&M fairway

Houston, TX - Prairie View A&M University sent Tomball senior Josh Mitchell a timely birthday present and graduation gift in the mail. A few days before turning 18 and little more than two weeks prior to accepting his diploma, Mitchell received a scholarship offer to play golf for the Panthers. Sealing his college future only enhanced a time of celebration.

“I’ve been talking to the coach for about two months,” said Mitchell, adding the scholarship will cover tuition. “We’d been talking about getting a letter of intent together. I finally got it last week and decided to sign it on my birthday (May 23). I’m very proud of my accomplishment. A lot of people didn’t think I could do it in such a short time.”

Mitchell said he got a late start on the recruiting process and did not join the Cougars until January after recovering from a broken hand. Injuries continued to provide setbacks as the senior played the District 13-5A tournament with foot trouble. “I played the district tournament with a broken toe,” Mitchell said. “I couldn’t finish my swing. It wasn’t a very good day.”

Sierra Vista High School's Jackson Joins Prairie View A&M University 

Basketball Point Guard Jeanette Jackson
Sierra Vista High School
Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, NV - After four years of being on girls’ varsity basketball, senior Jeanette Jackson accomplished her dream. Jackson signed a contract to attend Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University in Texas for the 2011-2012 year over her other offers from Northern Arizona University and Texas-Pan American University.

"They love my personality and the way I play basketball," said Jackson. "Plus, they are in need of a new point guard."

Her contract includes a full ride scholarship that covers: room and board, meals, books, instates intuition, and all her basketball finances. "I feel like there was a lot of weight lifted off my chest, because all my hard work paid off," stated Jackson. Jackson will be majoring in business management and wishes to reach her potential in basketball.

"I want to become the best of what I strive to do, hopefully I will reach my goals at PVAMU," said Jackson. Not only is Jackson proud of herself but so is her family and her coaches Lindsey Whalen and Jennifer Brown. Right now Jackson feels everything is working out just fine.

"Now I am stress-free and can enjoy the days I have left in town," said Jackson.




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