HAMPTON, Virginia - The Pirates of Hampton University men’s basketball team did not open conference play the way it hoped Thursday night at the HU Convocation Center, falling 65-49 to conference newcomer Savannah State.
The Pirates, who seemed like they couldn’t get anything going throughout the game, made just 14 shots, shooting 30 percent from the floor and going 0-for-12 from 3-point range. Savannah State picked up its first-ever win over Hampton in three meetings. Hampton (3-4, 0-1 MEAC) went almost 15 minutes in the second half without making a field goal. After being down 39-26 at the half, the Pirates battled back to within three points when senior Darrion Pellum (Hampton, Va.) nailed a jumper at the 15:56 mark to cut Savannah State’s lead to 39-36 and cap a 10-0 run to open the second half.
But the Pirates would get no closer. The Tigers (3-5, 1-0 MEAC) would extend their lead back to as many as 18 points. Hampton would not get another field goal until the final seconds of the game, when senior Mike Tuitt (Bronx, N.Y.) made a floater in the lane.
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Showing posts with label Savannah State University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Savannah State University. Show all posts
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Davenport working to keep SSU motivated
Savannah, Georgia -- Savannah State’s Steve Davenport has become part head football coach, part psychologist heading into the final two weeks of the season. The Tigers (1-8) have lost five in a row by an average score of 38.4 to 9.2. They haven’t scored a touchdown in their last nine quarters.“Obviously, it’s difficult to keep reassuring your kids that things are going to get better, but that’s all you can do,” said Davenport as SSU prepares for Bethune-Cookman in Daytona, Fla., on Saturday.
The Tigers’ chances for a win faded quickly last Saturday against Norfolk State, which clinched the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship. SSU’s Chris Strong fumbled the opening kickoff and two plays later, Norfolk scored. Forty-two seconds into the game, the Tigers trailed 7-0.
Davenport said SSU had another key play go against ...
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Sunday, November 6, 2011
NSU clinches 1st MEAC title with win over Savannah State
Spartans quarterback Chris Walley completed 20 of 25 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with receiver Derrick Demps five times for 106 yards.
Kicker Ryan Estep set a single-season record with his 16th field goal, while wide receiver Keith Johnson went 85 yards on a reverse, the longest run from scrimmage in NSU history.
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Norfolk rolls past Savannah State
The song remained the same for the struggling Savannah State Tigers as they faced off against the Norfolk State Spartans at Ted Wright stadium Saturday.
Three touchdowns in the first quarter by Norfolk State propelled the visitors to a dominating 45-3 win and a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title.
“All week long, we thought we were the better football team, just with the records and personnel,” Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian said. “We had to make sure we played good, tough football on both sides of the ball. We knew they were going to play hard, which they did. We’re just happy to get the win.”
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Demps, Walley key Spartans to share of first MEAC title
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Chris Walley and Derrick Demps put the offense on track, put on shows for their family and put rings on the fingers of the Norfolk State Spartans.
Together, the Florida-born players led the Spartans to a 45-3 win at Savannah State, clinching a share of the Spartans' first MEAC title. It's the first football title of any kind for NSU since it won the CIAA in 1984. Norfolk State can win the championship outright, and the FCS playoff spot that comes with it, with a win at Morgan State next weekend.
"Obviously, it's nice to do it for the first time," head coach Pete Adrian said. "But we're not done yet. We know that."
Walley completed 20 of 25 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 72 yards and two more scores. Demps caught five passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
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SAVANNAH, GA - Quarterback Chris Walley accounted for 343 yards of total offense and five touchdowns, and visiting Norfolk State clinched at least a share of its first-ever MEAC football title with a 45-3 win over Savannah State on Saturday evening at T.A. Wright Stadium.
The win is the Spartans’ eighth of the season and sixth in MEAC play, tying the 2007 team for the most of each in school history. NSU (8-2, 6-1) still must win at Morgan State next Saturday to clinch its first outright MEAC championship and earn the conference’s automatic berth in the FCS playoffs. NSU rolled up a season-high 559 yards of total offense while holding the Tigers (1-8, 1-5) to 45, the lowest by a Spartan opponent in the Pete Adrian era. Five of NSU’s seven scoring drives lasted 70 seconds or less.
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Saturday, November 5, 2011
With win today, Spartans will earn share of MEAC title
NORFOLK, Virginia -- Terrence Pugh is at Norfolk State because of history. Now he has a chance to make some of his own. A linebacker from Indian River High in Chesapeake, Pugh was part of Norfolk State's 2008 recruiting class, the group that followed the best Division I season the Spartans have produced."With coach (Pete) Adrian and everything, the program was on the rise," Pugh said. "I know everyone in the area is like, 'Who wants to go to Norfolk State? It's right down the street.' I always thought it would be a chance to bring a MEAC championship to the hometown."
With a victory today against Savannah State, the Spartans will earn at least a share of the MEAC title, their first since joining the conference and making the jump to Division I in 1997.
Pugh, an All-Tidewater first-team player after helping Indian River to an Eastern Region title game, chose Norfolk State over scholarship offers from Liberty, Virginia Military Institute and, most impressively, Youngstown State, a program with a far prouder tradition than Norfolk State.
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Hampton pulls away from SSU, 22-5
Savannah, Georgia -- An ugly game looked pretty to Savannah State for 30 minutes. But the Tigers couldn’t generate offense in the second half, and a strong defensive effort was wasted during a 22-5 loss to Hampton on SSU’s homecoming at T.A. Wright Stadium on Saturday.
Savannah State dropped its fourth game in a row and fell to 1-7 overall, 1-4 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.
Hampton, which played without MEAC passing leader quarterback David Legree, has won two straight while improving to 5-3, 3-2 in conference play.
“Any loss, whether you play well or not, it’s a not a great feeling,” said SSU linebacker Nate Clay, who had a game-high 16 tackles, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss that resulted in a safety.
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SSU NOTEBOOK: Tigers defense plays well despite loss to Hampton
Savannah, Georgia -- Savannah State’s defense played its best game of the season Saturday against Hampton University. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
The visiting Pirates scored 19 points during the final 16 minutes and 35 seconds and defeated the Tigers, 22-5, before SSU’s announced homecoming crowd of 10,375 at T.A. Wright Stadium.
After an opening 56-yard drive that resulted in a field goal, SSU held Hampton scoreless and to just 141 yards for the next 38 minutes.
The Pirates played without MEAC-leading passer David Legree, but a week ago beat North Carolina Central when Travis Champion came off the bench and led the team to two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
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Click here to view photos from the game.
Savannah State dropped its fourth game in a row and fell to 1-7 overall, 1-4 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play.
Hampton, which played without MEAC passing leader quarterback David Legree, has won two straight while improving to 5-3, 3-2 in conference play.
“Any loss, whether you play well or not, it’s a not a great feeling,” said SSU linebacker Nate Clay, who had a game-high 16 tackles, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss that resulted in a safety.
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SSU NOTEBOOK: Tigers defense plays well despite loss to Hampton
Savannah, Georgia -- Savannah State’s defense played its best game of the season Saturday against Hampton University. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
The visiting Pirates scored 19 points during the final 16 minutes and 35 seconds and defeated the Tigers, 22-5, before SSU’s announced homecoming crowd of 10,375 at T.A. Wright Stadium.
After an opening 56-yard drive that resulted in a field goal, SSU held Hampton scoreless and to just 141 yards for the next 38 minutes.
The Pirates played without MEAC-leading passer David Legree, but a week ago beat North Carolina Central when Travis Champion came off the bench and led the team to two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime.
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Click here to view photos from the game.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Savannah State meets Hampton on homecoming Saturday
Savannah, Georgia -- There are still four games to go in the football season for the Savannah State Tigers. After losing six of the first seven, you might think first-year coach Steve Davenport would be looking at younger players.
But Davenport isn’t using the final part of the season as an audition for next year. Particularly today on the Tigers’ homecoming.
“We’re not at that point,” said Davenport, whose squad meets Hampton University at 2 p.m. at T.A Wright Stadium. “I don’t want to toss the seniors aside just for the sake of looking at young kids. We’re going to play the best players. The guys we have playing are the older guys and they’re the best players.
“Our mentality the whole time is we’re going to play the best players. If the results aren’t good enough, then we have to go out and get better players.”
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But Davenport isn’t using the final part of the season as an audition for next year. Particularly today on the Tigers’ homecoming.
“We’re not at that point,” said Davenport, whose squad meets Hampton University at 2 p.m. at T.A Wright Stadium. “I don’t want to toss the seniors aside just for the sake of looking at young kids. We’re going to play the best players. The guys we have playing are the older guys and they’re the best players.
“Our mentality the whole time is we’re going to play the best players. If the results aren’t good enough, then we have to go out and get better players.”
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
FAMU runs past Savannah State Tigers, 47-7
Savannah, Georgia -- Al-Terek McBurse came out of high school as one of the top running backs in Florida and signed with Purdue. But after two years as a Boilermaker, McBurse decided to transfer to Florida A&M to be closer to home. On Saturday, McBurse made the move pay off — running wild as the Rattlers dominated host Savannah State in a 47-7 MEAC victory.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior seemed to impose his will on the Tigers — piling up a career-high 218 yards on just 14 carries. He scored on touchdown runs of 5, 60 and 31 yards in front of 4,356 fans at T.A. Wright Stadium.
“I was raised by my grandmother and I just wanted to be closer to her,” McBurse said “And I was able to make the change without having to sit out a year. I’ve had better games in high school, but this is my best in college.
“I’ve got to credit my offensive line, fullback and receivers for allowing me to get to the second level,” McBurse said. “From there, I was able to ...
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McBurse scores 3 TDs as Rattlers blast the SSU Tigers
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Florida A&M had its hiccups throughout the night, but Saturday was a victory the Rattlers football team needed. Through it all, the offense showed a new-found spark in running back Al-Terek McBurse, who anchored a 47-7 victory over Savannah State on Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium.
McBurse, a transfer from Purdue, ran every play as if he wouldn't be denied, and in the process turned out to be the impact FAMU needed out of the backfield. By halftime, he had four carries for 114 yards. That included his biggest run of 60 yards for his second score.
McBurse finished the night with 218 yards, becoming the first FAMU running back since Philip Sylvester to go over 200 yards in a game. Sylvester rushed for 222 yards against Howard in 2007. McBurse also had two other touchdown runs of 5 and 31 yards.
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Old Ties
Although FAMU played SSU for only the fourth time, their ties go back almost a century. Six years before their first meeting in 1927, Ted Wright for whom the Tigers' stadium is named, was a coach at FAMU.
Wright coached two seasons at SSU, starting in 1947. That was 20 years after the first meeting between the two teams, which FAMU won 18-0.
They wouldn't meet again until 77 years later when the Rattlers again beat the Tigers, 50-14.
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The 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior seemed to impose his will on the Tigers — piling up a career-high 218 yards on just 14 carries. He scored on touchdown runs of 5, 60 and 31 yards in front of 4,356 fans at T.A. Wright Stadium.
“I was raised by my grandmother and I just wanted to be closer to her,” McBurse said “And I was able to make the change without having to sit out a year. I’ve had better games in high school, but this is my best in college.
“I’ve got to credit my offensive line, fullback and receivers for allowing me to get to the second level,” McBurse said. “From there, I was able to ...
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McBurse scores 3 TDs as Rattlers blast the SSU Tigers
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Florida A&M had its hiccups throughout the night, but Saturday was a victory the Rattlers football team needed. Through it all, the offense showed a new-found spark in running back Al-Terek McBurse, who anchored a 47-7 victory over Savannah State on Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium.
McBurse, a transfer from Purdue, ran every play as if he wouldn't be denied, and in the process turned out to be the impact FAMU needed out of the backfield. By halftime, he had four carries for 114 yards. That included his biggest run of 60 yards for his second score.
McBurse finished the night with 218 yards, becoming the first FAMU running back since Philip Sylvester to go over 200 yards in a game. Sylvester rushed for 222 yards against Howard in 2007. McBurse also had two other touchdown runs of 5 and 31 yards.
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Old Ties
Although FAMU played SSU for only the fourth time, their ties go back almost a century. Six years before their first meeting in 1927, Ted Wright for whom the Tigers' stadium is named, was a coach at FAMU.
Wright coached two seasons at SSU, starting in 1947. That was 20 years after the first meeting between the two teams, which FAMU won 18-0.
They wouldn't meet again until 77 years later when the Rattlers again beat the Tigers, 50-14.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
SSU NOTEBOOK: Tigers trying to regroup, get ready for FAMU
FLORIDA A&M (3-3, 1-2 MEAC) AT SAVANNAH STATE (1-5, 1-2 MEAC)
Savannah, Georgia -- It’s just past the midpoint of Savannah State’s football season. The Tigers have lost five of their six games, including the last two against teams expected to be in the lower half of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings.
First-year coach Steve Davenport said it was time for his players to regroup when they called a team meeting Monday. “Obviously, we’re disappointed, collectively,” Davenport said. “We had higher ideals than we’re meeting right now.”
There was some excitement after SSU defeated North Carolina Central in its first conference game two weeks ago. But the Tigers struggled in a 34-14 loss to Howard, snapping the Bison’s 29-game conference losing streak.
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Savannah, Georgia -- It’s just past the midpoint of Savannah State’s football season. The Tigers have lost five of their six games, including the last two against teams expected to be in the lower half of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings.
First-year coach Steve Davenport said it was time for his players to regroup when they called a team meeting Monday. “Obviously, we’re disappointed, collectively,” Davenport said. “We had higher ideals than we’re meeting right now.”
There was some excitement after SSU defeated North Carolina Central in its first conference game two weeks ago. But the Tigers struggled in a 34-14 loss to Howard, snapping the Bison’s 29-game conference losing streak.
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Saturday, October 8, 2011
SSU looks to get back on winning track
Savannah, Georgia -- Savannah State coach Steve Davenport doesn’t want to look backward — a direction his team was headed all too often a week ago.
But that was last week. Davenport and the Tigers are now looking ahead to building a new winning streak when they travel to Baltimore to meet Morgan State today at 1 p.m. at Hughes Stadium in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown.
“You can’t live your life looking backward,” Davenport said. “There’s nothing we can do about the loss to Howard now. We just have to focus on Morgan State and handle our business with Morgan.”
SSU (1-4, 1-1 MEAC) played poorly at an inopportune time against Howard a week ago. The Tigers were playing their first game on campus in nearly two years while re-opening their renovated T.A. Wright Stadium. It was also their first home MEAC game.
Savannah State (1-4, 1-1 MEAC) at Morgan State (2-3, 1-1 MEAC)
When: Today, 1 p.m.
Where: Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, Md.
TV/radio: No TV/WHCJ 90.3 FM
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But that was last week. Davenport and the Tigers are now looking ahead to building a new winning streak when they travel to Baltimore to meet Morgan State today at 1 p.m. at Hughes Stadium in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference showdown.
“You can’t live your life looking backward,” Davenport said. “There’s nothing we can do about the loss to Howard now. We just have to focus on Morgan State and handle our business with Morgan.”
SSU (1-4, 1-1 MEAC) played poorly at an inopportune time against Howard a week ago. The Tigers were playing their first game on campus in nearly two years while re-opening their renovated T.A. Wright Stadium. It was also their first home MEAC game.
Savannah State (1-4, 1-1 MEAC) at Morgan State (2-3, 1-1 MEAC)
When: Today, 1 p.m.
Where: Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, Md.
TV/radio: No TV/WHCJ 90.3 FM
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Wednesday, October 5, 2011
SSU NOTEBOOK: Tigers make changes on offensive line
Savannah, Georgia - After surrendering eight sacks during a 34-14 loss to Howard in their renovated stadium’s first game, the Savannah State Tigers went to work Tuesday renovating their offensive line.
SSU has surrendered 16 sacks and 45 tackles for losses accounting for 211 lost yards during its first five games. The Tigers rank 101st among the 120 teams in the Football Championship Subdivision with 3.2 sacks allowed per game.
“It’s one of those things where we’ve got to get better, and I’ve got to find ways to put these kids in better situations,” SSU offensive coordinator Terance Mathis said. So Mathis decided to move some players around. You might need a scorecard to keep up with all the changes.
Thelmore Jackson (6-foot-5, 291), who was moved to ...
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SSU has surrendered 16 sacks and 45 tackles for losses accounting for 211 lost yards during its first five games. The Tigers rank 101st among the 120 teams in the Football Championship Subdivision with 3.2 sacks allowed per game.
“It’s one of those things where we’ve got to get better, and I’ve got to find ways to put these kids in better situations,” SSU offensive coordinator Terance Mathis said. So Mathis decided to move some players around. You might need a scorecard to keep up with all the changes.
Thelmore Jackson (6-foot-5, 291), who was moved to ...
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Sunday, October 2, 2011
Howard Bison ends Savannah State University's celebration
Savannah, Georgia - A festive weekend for athletics on campus at Savannah State University ended on a sour note Saturday night at T.A. Wright Stadium. A crowd of 5,635 was treated to the amenities of the newly renovated stadium, but didn’t have much else to cheer about in a 34-14 loss to Howard, the first SSU football game on campus in nearly two years.
“We wanted to come out and please the fans. We didn’t get the job done,” said Tigers wide receiver Darren Hunter as fireworks were shot off after the game.
It was Savannah State’s first loss in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play and the Bison’s first win in league play since defeating Norfolk State 17-10 on Oct. 27, 2007. Howard (2-3, 1-1 MEAC) snapped a 29-game conference losing streak.
View Spotted® photos of the game
It ruined the party for the Tigers, who held a stadium dedication celebration on Thursday and their athletic hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday night. The school’s most famous alum, Shannon Sharpe, was in town for some of the festivities and gave the team a pre-game speech.
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“We wanted to come out and please the fans. We didn’t get the job done,” said Tigers wide receiver Darren Hunter as fireworks were shot off after the game.
It was Savannah State’s first loss in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play and the Bison’s first win in league play since defeating Norfolk State 17-10 on Oct. 27, 2007. Howard (2-3, 1-1 MEAC) snapped a 29-game conference losing streak.
View Spotted® photos of the game
It ruined the party for the Tigers, who held a stadium dedication celebration on Thursday and their athletic hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday night. The school’s most famous alum, Shannon Sharpe, was in town for some of the festivities and gave the team a pre-game speech.
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Friday, September 30, 2011
Savannah State Names New Athletic Director
SAVANNAH, GA. -- Sterling Steward, Jr. has been announced as the new Athletic Director at Savannah State University.
Steward worked at Mississippi Valley state, Kentucky State, Eastern Oregon and Xavier of Louisiana and Alabama State before coming to Savannah State.
Steward has been a Senior Consultant for Athletics Administration at Mississippi Valley State University since April. Before that, he was Alabama State's Interim Athletic Director from September 2009 until June 2010.
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Steward worked at Mississippi Valley state, Kentucky State, Eastern Oregon and Xavier of Louisiana and Alabama State before coming to Savannah State.
Steward has been a Senior Consultant for Athletics Administration at Mississippi Valley State University since April. Before that, he was Alabama State's Interim Athletic Director from September 2009 until June 2010.
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SSU followers show support during stadium dedication
Howard (1-3, 0-2 MEAC) at Savannah State (1-3, 1-0 MEAC)
Where: T.A. Wright Stadium, Savannah
When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
TV/radio: No TV/WHCJ 90.3 FM
Savannah, Georgia - Orange and blue balloons decorated the gate leading to the playing surface of Savannah State’s T. A. Wright Stadium. Bands serenaded, dignitaries bowed, cheerleaders cheered and a crowd of 500 on a sunny Thursday afternoon displayed the unity student government association vice president Jesse Fenton suggested when he said: “one mission, one vision, one Savannah State.”
It was a day to show your blue and orange colors as officials cut ribbons to dedicate the $6 million renovation of the Tigers’ football stadium. SSU plays its first game in the spiffed up stadium Saturday night at 7 against Howard University.
“It’s so exciting to break our home in with the community,” said Tigers senior quarterback A.J. DeFilippis. “You know, it wasn’t a day I expected to come. But it’s come and we’re embracing it.”
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Where: T.A. Wright Stadium, Savannah
When: Saturday at 7 p.m.
TV/radio: No TV/WHCJ 90.3 FM
Savannah, Georgia - Orange and blue balloons decorated the gate leading to the playing surface of Savannah State’s T. A. Wright Stadium. Bands serenaded, dignitaries bowed, cheerleaders cheered and a crowd of 500 on a sunny Thursday afternoon displayed the unity student government association vice president Jesse Fenton suggested when he said: “one mission, one vision, one Savannah State.”
It was a day to show your blue and orange colors as officials cut ribbons to dedicate the $6 million renovation of the Tigers’ football stadium. SSU plays its first game in the spiffed up stadium Saturday night at 7 against Howard University.
“It’s so exciting to break our home in with the community,” said Tigers senior quarterback A.J. DeFilippis. “You know, it wasn’t a day I expected to come. But it’s come and we’re embracing it.”
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Savannah State Tigers excited about big week ahead
Savannah, GA - First-year coach Steve Davenport wanted to give Savannah State football fans something to get excited about. So Davenport and the Tigers delivered the ultimate elixir — a 33-30 win over North Carolina Central in their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game.
It was just the positive statement SSU hoped to produce before coming home to display beautifully renovated T.A. Wright Stadium to an expected huge throng for the home opener against Howard University on Saturday night.
The game culminates several days of festivities. An official dedication of the stadium begins Thursday afternoon followed by the school’s athletic hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday night. Excitement for the team started early Sunday morning. Davenport said about 500 supporters and students greeted team buses at 3:30 a.m. after returning home from Durham, N.C.
“It really gave me an eye-opening of how starved these kids and the community are to be successful,” Davenport said.
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It was just the positive statement SSU hoped to produce before coming home to display beautifully renovated T.A. Wright Stadium to an expected huge throng for the home opener against Howard University on Saturday night.
The game culminates several days of festivities. An official dedication of the stadium begins Thursday afternoon followed by the school’s athletic hall of fame induction ceremony on Friday night. Excitement for the team started early Sunday morning. Davenport said about 500 supporters and students greeted team buses at 3:30 a.m. after returning home from Durham, N.C.
“It really gave me an eye-opening of how starved these kids and the community are to be successful,” Davenport said.
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Sunday, September 25, 2011
SSU notches 1st MEAC win, beating N.C. Central, 33-30
Durham, NC - Savannah State could take a liking to its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football surroundings. Playing in their first official game in their new conference, the Tigers scored the first two touchdowns of the second half and held on to beat North Carolina Central, 33-30, as the newest members of the MEAC met in their conference debuts Saturday night at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
“They’ll be able to tell their families they won the first MEAC Savannah State game,” said first-year coach Steve Davenport, who collected his first head coaching victory. “We kind of focused on this game long ago.”
The Tigers (1-3) were potentially in trouble until Byron Leggett — who converted to cornerback during the week — returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown with 45 seconds left to establish a 33-22 advantage. That was followed by Geovonie Irvine’s 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to close the gap, and the Eagles tacked on a two-point conversion.
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“They’ll be able to tell their families they won the first MEAC Savannah State game,” said first-year coach Steve Davenport, who collected his first head coaching victory. “We kind of focused on this game long ago.”
The Tigers (1-3) were potentially in trouble until Byron Leggett — who converted to cornerback during the week — returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown with 45 seconds left to establish a 33-22 advantage. That was followed by Geovonie Irvine’s 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to close the gap, and the Eagles tacked on a two-point conversion.
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011
DeFilippis still No. 1 QB at SSU
Savannah, GA - DeFilippis remains starting QB for Tigers. There’s no quarterback controversy at Savannah State. A.J. DeFilippis is still the starting quarterback, says Tigers coach Steve Davenport.
DeFilippis suffered a chest contusion after getting hit on a blitz in the second quarter during a 41-6 loss to Appalachian State last Saturday. Backup Antonio Bostick, who started seven games a year ago, played the rest of the way and scored the Tigers’ lone touchdown on a 10-yard run.
“We’re looking forward to having (DeFilippis) back this week,” Davenport said. “He’s the starting quarterback and I’m one who believes if the man wins the job in competition, it’s his job. I’m not necessarily going to change that.”
DeFilippis has started all three SSU games this ...
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DeFilippis suffered a chest contusion after getting hit on a blitz in the second quarter during a 41-6 loss to Appalachian State last Saturday. Backup Antonio Bostick, who started seven games a year ago, played the rest of the way and scored the Tigers’ lone touchdown on a 10-yard run.
“We’re looking forward to having (DeFilippis) back this week,” Davenport said. “He’s the starting quarterback and I’m one who believes if the man wins the job in competition, it’s his job. I’m not necessarily going to change that.”
DeFilippis has started all three SSU games this ...
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Sunday, September 18, 2011
Appalachian State Mountaineers Roll Over SSU Under the Lights
BOONE, N.C. - No. 3 Appalachian State University scored on five of its first seven possessions to grab a 27-0 halftime lead and never looked back en route to a 41-6 win over visiting Savannah State on Saturday evening at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
Appalachian (2-1) forced five punts and a turnover on Savannah State’s six first-half possessions and ASU’s offense countered with three touchdowns and two field goals before the break to grab the all-but-insurmountable 27-point advantage at the break.
For the second week in a row, Appalachian made its opponent pay for the decision to defer after winning the opening coin toss. Savannah State (0-3) won the toss but elected to give the ball to the Mountaineers, who marched 68 yards in seven plays and took the lead for good just 2:40 into the ballgame on a two-yard touchdown run by Travaris Cadet.
After ASU tacked on a 41-yard field goal by Sam Martin to make it 10-0, the momentum shifted entirely to the Mountaineers early in the second period, thanks to the play of true freshman defensive end James Robinson. Thanks to four completions by starting quarterback Alfred Defillipis, SSU drove all the way to the Appalachian 23 yard line and was threatening to cut into the Apps’ 10-point lead when Robinson sacked Defillipis on consecutive plays to push the Tigers out of scoring position and force a punt. The back-to-back bone-crushing sacks also knocked Defillipis, who had completed 8-of-13 passes for 81 yards in the first quarter, out of the ballgame.
The Mountaineers went on to score on its final three possessions of the first half, first on a 48-yard touchdown pass from DeAndre Presley to Brian Quick, then on a two-yard scoring dive by Presley and finally on a 51-yard field goal by Martin on the final play of the opening half.
An interception and 14-yard return by sophomore Rodger Walker set up a three-yard touchdown run by Steven Miller that stretched Appalachian’s lead to 34-0 and effectively ended the day for the Mountaineers’ starters less than 10 minutes into the second half. SSU ended ASU’s hopes for its first shutout in more than five years when backup quarterback Antonio Bostick scored on a 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter and Mountaineer backup signal-caller Jamal Jackson closed out the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown jaunt with just over two minutes to go.
Appalachian outgained Savannah State by a 283-97 margin in the first half and 420-285 for the ballgame. Combined with last Saturday’s 58-6 rout over North Carolina A&T, the Mountaineers have held consecutive opponents to fewer than 10 points for the first time in 13 years.
Presley highlighted the dominating performance on offense by completing 11-of-17 passes without an interception for 186 yards and a touchdown in less than three quarters of work. He also ran for 21 yards and a score and, in the process, became only the seventh player in ASU history with 5,000 yards of total offense in his career (5,125).
Five of Presley’s 11 completions were hauled in by Quick, who racked up 81 yards and moved into sole possession of second place all-time at ASU with his 24th career touchdown reception. He needs just one more touchdown catch to match the 43-year old school record of 25, set by Bob Agle from 1965-68.
Miller led ASU with 60 rushing yards on just nine carries, including a highlight-reel-worthy 30-yard gain that set up his three-yard touchdown run. Cedric Baker Boney added 58 yards on eight carries (7.2-yard averaged) and Terrence McLean chipped in with 48 yards on just five rushes (9.6 avg.) to pace the Mountaineers’ 234-yard rushing attack.
Conversely, Appalachian’s defense limited Savannah State to just 41 yards on the ground, including only four in the first half. The Mountaineers tormented the Tigers in the backfield throughout the evening, finishing with 10 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Robinson led the charge with two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. Linebacker Brandon Grier added 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack while true freshman Ronald Blair also had 1.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and was in on a sack. Walker, safety Troy Sanders and linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough paced the Mountaineers with six tackles apiece.
Bostick completed 15-of-33 passes for 136 yards and ran 11 times for 37 yards for Savannah State while SSU’s Vaughn Cornelia led all players with 11 tackles.
After three non-conference games to open the season, the Mountaineers begin Southern Conference play next Saturday with a stern test versus No. 14 Chattanooga (2-1). Kickoff for the SoCon battle is set for 3:30 p.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
NOTES: Appalachian has held back-to-back opponents to fewer than 10 points for the first time since 51-0 and 19-0 wins over VMI and Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, 1998 ... the six points allowed by ASU matches last week’s 58-6 win over N.C. A&T for the fewest points surrendered by the Mountaineers since their last shutout, a 41-0 win over Mars Hill on Sept. 16, 2006 ... ASU has won 12-consecutive regular-season home games (dating back to a 40-35 loss to McNeese State in the 2009 home opener) and is 57-4 in its last 61 home games overall ... in five night games at Kidd Brewer Stadium since 2007, ASU has won all five by an average score of 51-18 ... Appalachian is over .500 through three games for only the second time in the last four seasons ... ASU wore gold alternate jerseys for the first time this season and moved to 6-0 all-time when donning gold tops (all in the past three seasons) ... unlike past years, this season’s alternate jerseys will not be auctioned to fans but will rather become a regular part of ASU’s uniform rotation ... Martin’s 51-yard field goal on the last play of the first half was his second 51-yarder of the season and is tied for the seventh-longest field goal in school history ... Martin, who is also ASU’s punter, downed two punts inside the five yard line giving him five kicks downed inside the five this season ... Quick’s five catches moved him past Agle (146 career receptions) and into fourth place on ASU’s all-time list with 150 career receptions ... defensive back Ed Gainey and linebacker Lanston Tanyi did not participate in Saturday’s game due to a violation of team rules ... senior tight end Ben Jorden was dressed but did not play as he continues to recover from a head injury suffered last Saturday against N.C. A&T ... Jorden is expected to be at 100 percent for next Saturday's SoCon opener versus UTC.
Courtesy: Appalachian Sports Information
Appalachian (2-1) forced five punts and a turnover on Savannah State’s six first-half possessions and ASU’s offense countered with three touchdowns and two field goals before the break to grab the all-but-insurmountable 27-point advantage at the break.
For the second week in a row, Appalachian made its opponent pay for the decision to defer after winning the opening coin toss. Savannah State (0-3) won the toss but elected to give the ball to the Mountaineers, who marched 68 yards in seven plays and took the lead for good just 2:40 into the ballgame on a two-yard touchdown run by Travaris Cadet.
After ASU tacked on a 41-yard field goal by Sam Martin to make it 10-0, the momentum shifted entirely to the Mountaineers early in the second period, thanks to the play of true freshman defensive end James Robinson. Thanks to four completions by starting quarterback Alfred Defillipis, SSU drove all the way to the Appalachian 23 yard line and was threatening to cut into the Apps’ 10-point lead when Robinson sacked Defillipis on consecutive plays to push the Tigers out of scoring position and force a punt. The back-to-back bone-crushing sacks also knocked Defillipis, who had completed 8-of-13 passes for 81 yards in the first quarter, out of the ballgame.
The Mountaineers went on to score on its final three possessions of the first half, first on a 48-yard touchdown pass from DeAndre Presley to Brian Quick, then on a two-yard scoring dive by Presley and finally on a 51-yard field goal by Martin on the final play of the opening half.
An interception and 14-yard return by sophomore Rodger Walker set up a three-yard touchdown run by Steven Miller that stretched Appalachian’s lead to 34-0 and effectively ended the day for the Mountaineers’ starters less than 10 minutes into the second half. SSU ended ASU’s hopes for its first shutout in more than five years when backup quarterback Antonio Bostick scored on a 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter and Mountaineer backup signal-caller Jamal Jackson closed out the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown jaunt with just over two minutes to go.
Appalachian outgained Savannah State by a 283-97 margin in the first half and 420-285 for the ballgame. Combined with last Saturday’s 58-6 rout over North Carolina A&T, the Mountaineers have held consecutive opponents to fewer than 10 points for the first time in 13 years.
Five of Presley’s 11 completions were hauled in by Quick, who racked up 81 yards and moved into sole possession of second place all-time at ASU with his 24th career touchdown reception. He needs just one more touchdown catch to match the 43-year old school record of 25, set by Bob Agle from 1965-68.
Miller led ASU with 60 rushing yards on just nine carries, including a highlight-reel-worthy 30-yard gain that set up his three-yard touchdown run. Cedric Baker Boney added 58 yards on eight carries (7.2-yard averaged) and Terrence McLean chipped in with 48 yards on just five rushes (9.6 avg.) to pace the Mountaineers’ 234-yard rushing attack.
Conversely, Appalachian’s defense limited Savannah State to just 41 yards on the ground, including only four in the first half. The Mountaineers tormented the Tigers in the backfield throughout the evening, finishing with 10 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Robinson led the charge with two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. Linebacker Brandon Grier added 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack while true freshman Ronald Blair also had 1.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and was in on a sack. Walker, safety Troy Sanders and linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough paced the Mountaineers with six tackles apiece.
Bostick completed 15-of-33 passes for 136 yards and ran 11 times for 37 yards for Savannah State while SSU’s Vaughn Cornelia led all players with 11 tackles.
After three non-conference games to open the season, the Mountaineers begin Southern Conference play next Saturday with a stern test versus No. 14 Chattanooga (2-1). Kickoff for the SoCon battle is set for 3:30 p.m. at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
NOTES: Appalachian has held back-to-back opponents to fewer than 10 points for the first time since 51-0 and 19-0 wins over VMI and Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21, 1998 ... the six points allowed by ASU matches last week’s 58-6 win over N.C. A&T for the fewest points surrendered by the Mountaineers since their last shutout, a 41-0 win over Mars Hill on Sept. 16, 2006 ... ASU has won 12-consecutive regular-season home games (dating back to a 40-35 loss to McNeese State in the 2009 home opener) and is 57-4 in its last 61 home games overall ... in five night games at Kidd Brewer Stadium since 2007, ASU has won all five by an average score of 51-18 ... Appalachian is over .500 through three games for only the second time in the last four seasons ... ASU wore gold alternate jerseys for the first time this season and moved to 6-0 all-time when donning gold tops (all in the past three seasons) ... unlike past years, this season’s alternate jerseys will not be auctioned to fans but will rather become a regular part of ASU’s uniform rotation ... Martin’s 51-yard field goal on the last play of the first half was his second 51-yarder of the season and is tied for the seventh-longest field goal in school history ... Martin, who is also ASU’s punter, downed two punts inside the five yard line giving him five kicks downed inside the five this season ... Quick’s five catches moved him past Agle (146 career receptions) and into fourth place on ASU’s all-time list with 150 career receptions ... defensive back Ed Gainey and linebacker Lanston Tanyi did not participate in Saturday’s game due to a violation of team rules ... senior tight end Ben Jorden was dressed but did not play as he continues to recover from a head injury suffered last Saturday against N.C. A&T ... Jorden is expected to be at 100 percent for next Saturday's SoCon opener versus UTC.
Courtesy: Appalachian Sports Information
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Albany State wins a thriller over Savannah State
Macon, GA - The Music City Classic lived up to its billing Saturday. It was indeed a classic. Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings scored on a quarterback draw with 19 seconds left in the game to give the Golden Rams a 37-34 win over Savannah State, which had recovered from an early 19-0 deficit.
“I knew we had enough time to come back,” said Jennings, a rugged 235-pound quarterback. “It was the kind of game that whoever had the ball last was going to have a chance to win, and that’s pretty much what happened. This is the kind of win that shows us two things. The first one is that we have a long way to go if we want to be a good football team. The second one is that we played well when our backs were to the wall. It was a great win against a team that got after us a little bit.”
Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings scored on a quarterback draw with 19 seconds left in the game to give the Golden Rams a 37-34 win over Savannah State, which had recovered from an early 19-0 deficit.
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“I knew we had enough time to come back,” said Jennings, a rugged 235-pound quarterback. “It was the kind of game that whoever had the ball last was going to have a chance to win, and that’s pretty much what happened. This is the kind of win that shows us two things. The first one is that we have a long way to go if we want to be a good football team. The second one is that we played well when our backs were to the wall. It was a great win against a team that got after us a little bit.”
Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings scored on a quarterback draw with 19 seconds left in the game to give the Golden Rams a 37-34 win over Savannah State, which had recovered from an early 19-0 deficit.
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Saturday, September 3, 2011
SSU opens with Division II Albany State
Macon, GA - First-year coach Steve Davenport wants his Savannah State Tigers to look ahead. They certainly don’t want to stare in the rear-view mirror against today’s 5 p.m. season-opening opponent Albany State in the Music City Classic at Henderson Stadium in Macon.
Davenport, an assistant running back coach at Alabama-Birmingham last season, inherits a 1-10 squad playing in its inaugural season in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Eight of the losses a year ago were by 31 or more points. But he says that’s a past that doesn’t need to be revisited.
“We feel good about what we have going on,” said Davenport during a teleconference call with the media. “We have 19 seniors, the most they’ve had here in a while, and they’ve shown tremendous leadership. Obviously, it’s been rough and tough around here, but the day I met those kids, I told them we weren’t going to worry about the past. We’re focused on the present and future.”
Quarterback A.J. DeFilippis, defensive back Darren Hunter and running back Justin Babb have been providing the senior leadership. DeFilippis, a Benedictine graduate, will ...
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Davenport, an assistant running back coach at Alabama-Birmingham last season, inherits a 1-10 squad playing in its inaugural season in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Eight of the losses a year ago were by 31 or more points. But he says that’s a past that doesn’t need to be revisited.
Savannah State (0-0) vs. Albany State (0-0)
When: today, 5 p.m.
Where: Henderson Stadium, Macon
TV/radio: No TV/WHCJ 90.3 FM
“We feel good about what we have going on,” said Davenport during a teleconference call with the media. “We have 19 seniors, the most they’ve had here in a while, and they’ve shown tremendous leadership. Obviously, it’s been rough and tough around here, but the day I met those kids, I told them we weren’t going to worry about the past. We’re focused on the present and future.”
Quarterback A.J. DeFilippis, defensive back Darren Hunter and running back Justin Babb have been providing the senior leadership. DeFilippis, a Benedictine graduate, will ...
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Sunday, August 21, 2011
SSU QB DeFilippis stands out in scrimmage
Savannah, Georgia - Savannah State University’s offense showed improvement during the Tigers’ second preseason scrimmage Saturday night.A crowd of approximately 300 at Memorial Stadium watched as starting quarterback A.J. DeFilippis was 18-of-30 passing for 210 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown to tight end Desmond Gantt; freshman running back Chris Strong ran for 75 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown, on six carries; and senior Derek Williams kicked field goals of 47, 42 and 54 yards.
SSU suffered a setback when backup quarterback Antonio Bostick suffered a ...
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