FVSU Wildcats looking to keep things clean on road

FORT VALLEY, GA — The MUFLY tour is done for Fort Valley State. The Wildcats have made up for last year — aka MUFLY — by avenging 2009’s conference losses with consecutive wins over Benedict, Clark Atlanta and Tuskegee.

Now, for two weeks, the mantra might as well be TCOB — as in take care of business. And that starts with Saturday’s long road trip to Kentucky State. FVSU is 6-1 overall and 5-1 in conference action, sharing second with Morehouse, both a game behind unbeaten (7-0, 6-0) Albany State. The Wildcats will be keeping their ears open to in-game scoring updates at Alumni Stadium, since Morehouse hosts Albany State with the same 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday.

KSU's Derrick Addai proves he's more than Joseph Addai's little brother

Saturday afternoon will be a day of lasts for Kentucky State senior linebacker Derrick Addai. Last game at Alumni Stadium, last day to excite Thorobred nation with a jarring tackle or interception, last pre-game fight with nerves in the KSU locker room. But in spite of all the lasts, it’s the first that may stand out the most.

Football was an unexpected path for the 22-year-old defensive standout. Derrick never played the game until his senior year at Sharptown High School in Houston, Texas. By his second season with the Breds he had become the team leader in tackles. This year he is leading the entire SIAC in the category.

Derrick’s a conference standout, no doubt; one that should get a shot to play on Sundays. Maybe that’s not as surprising considering his cheering section for Saturday’s 1 p.m. Senior Day game against Fort Valley State, which will include his older sister Josephine and older brother Joseph.

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ALBANY STATE-MOREHOUSE: Just about as big as it gets

ALBANY, GA — There are a lot of storylines floating around Albany State’s football game against Morehouse in Atlanta today.

First, there’s the debate about which team is hungrier. Morehouse will be motivated after quarterback Stanley Jennings guaranteed the Rams wouldn’t lose the rest of the season, but ASU (7-0 overall, 6-0 in the SIAC) will be motivated to stay undefeated after its similar winning streak was snapped at this point last year.

Then there’s the ground game. Morehouse and David Carter are tops in the conference in rushing offense (210.9 yards a game), but Albany State has the best rushing defense (67.7 yards allowed per game). And finally, there’s the playoff atmosphere. It’s homecoming for the Tigers (6-1, 5-1), who are No. 19 in the AFCA Division II poll behind the Rams, who are No. 8.

State football capsules

Albany State at Morehouse
When, where: 2 p.m. today, Atlanta

Key matchup: Morehouse defensive tackle Derrin Nettles vs. Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings. Much has been said about both players. They are the best at what they do in the conference and how one gets after the other could determine the outcome of the game. Albany State is 6-0 in the SIAC; Morehouse is 5-1.

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Comeback falls short as Alcorn State drops fourth straight

UAPB Golden Lions  Head Coach Monte Coleman

LORMAN, MS — It was do or die for Alcorn State quarterback Brandon Bridge Thursday night. With his team down 39-35 and time running out, Bridge had successfully driven the ball 70 yards all the way to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3-yard line. A false start knocked them back five yards, but the Braves had gotten back to the 5-yard line with 44 seconds remaining.

It was fourth and goal, and Bridge had one shot to put his team up with less than a minute to play. The ball was snapped, and Bridge scanned the field for a few seconds before attempting to hit tight end Ryan Singleton with the winning play.

SWAC: Golden Lions rally to win

Arkansas-Pine Bluff scored the final 12 points to take a 39-35 come from-behind victory over Alcorn State at Jack Spinks Stadium on Thursday. The Golden Lions (4-3, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) jumped out to a 27-7 lead, only to see Alcorn State (3-4, 2-3) come back and take a 35-27 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Stephen Jones scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with 7:03 left to give UAPB a 36-35 lead. The Golden Lions added a 42-yard field goal by Chris Ewald and then held on for the victory.  Alcorn State’s final drive ended inside Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 5-yard-line with less than a minute to play after Brandon Bridge’s pass fell incomplete on fourth down.

Attendance: 2000

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NSU report: Spartans lose leading tackler for the season

Norfolk State Spartans  Coach Pete Adrian

NORFOLK, VA | Anthony Taylor, Norfolk State's middle linebacker, leading tackler and quarterback of the defense, tore his left ACL during the fourth quarter of last weekend's 7-6 loss to Hampton and is out for the season.

Facing a Florida A&M team Saturday that has utilized a power running game, Taylor's absence will hurt. Through six games, Taylor had 40 tackles. Against Florida A&M last year, he had 14 - his best game during a season in which he finished fourth in the MEAC in tackles and earned second-team all-league honors.

"That takes a toll," fellow inside linebacker Corwin Hammond said. "He's a leader for the defense. With his play and what he did on the field, it's memorable. People want to compete with him, follow him. I definitely miss playing next to him."

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Howard University names Louis "Skip" Perkins Athletic Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Louis “Skip” Perkins Jr., athletics director at University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB), has been named Howard University’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics effective Jan. 1, 2011, University President Sidney A. Ribeau announced today.

“At Howard, we are committed to building and bolstering our intercollegiate program to ensure that student-athletes succeed in the classroom and compete at the highest levels in their respective arenas,” Ribeau said. “We sought a leader who is committed to academic and athletic excellence; we found that in Skip Perkins.”

Perkins will assume responsibility for Howard’s 19 varsity athletic programs, including Division 1 football and Division 1 basketball. Other sports programs include soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field for men and women; and four programs – bowling, lacrosse, volleyball and softball – in which only women participate.

"It’s a truly humbling and exciting experience for me to have the opportunity to return to the Washington, D.C. area to lead Howard University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics,” Perkins said. “I believe Howard’s and President Ribeau’s emphasis on academic and athletic excellence will serve as the foundation for returning Bison Athletics to national prominence. "

During Perkins' three-year tenure, Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Department of Athletics steadily improved. The UAPB athletic program won a total of five championships – highlighted by titles in women’s cross country (2007 and 2009); men’s cross country (2009); women’s soccer (2009) and men’s basketball (2010).

Under his leadership, the UAPB athletic facilities were significantly improved. The newly constructed, state-of-the-art, $5 million J. Thomas May Athletic Field House and football practice field currently serves as one of the premier athletic facilities in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and in the Southeast Arkansas Region.

A.D. Skip Perkins marketing the UAPB program (Archive Video: 8/7/2008)


Prior to his appointment at UAPB, he was the assistant director of Athletics at his alma mater North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He was instrumental in the institution’s transition from Division II to Division I ranks. Perkins’ year-long fundraising campaign yielded $1.8 million to benefit student-athletes.

He also served as the executive director of Communications and External Affairs at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C. He developed and directed communications strategies, which included the development of publications and institutional policies.

Perkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a pair of Masters degrees in public administration and instructional media from North Carolina Central University. He was an Academic All-American in both 1994 and 1995 as a member of the NCCU tennis team, where he was a four-year team captain.

Perkins is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, NCAA Division I Recruiting Cabinet and Athletics Personnel Issues Cabinet, United States Tennis Association, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/20/10
CONTACT:
Kerry-Ann Hamilton
Media Relations Manager
k_hamilton@howard.edu
202.238.2332

Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 12 schools and colleges. Founded in 1867, students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 21 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University’s Web site at http://www.howard.edu/

Rumor mill: Despite whispers of sellout, tickets are still available for Albany State-Morehouse

Fear not, ASU fans: Tickets are still for sale for this weekend's SIAC clash between Morehouse and Albany State in Atlanta.

ALBANY, GA — Let’s clear something up. The rumors are not true no tickets for the SIAC showdown between the undefeated No. 8 nationally ranked Albany State University Rams and the No. 19 Morehouse College Maroon Tigers, set for Saturday are still available, according to Morehouse College athletic administrators Wednesday.

“The game is not sold out,” Morehouse Athletic Director Andre Pattillo told the ASU sports information office. “We will have enough tickets available for sale at the gate for Albany State fans.”

Rams ready for top 25 showdown at Morehouse

ALBANY, GA - One of the biggest games in Division II football takes place Saturday when 8th ranked Albany State heads to Atlanta to face 19th ranked Morehouse. This game will also play a big role in determining the SIAC champion.

The unbeaten Golden Rams lead Morehouse and Fort Valley State by a game in the conference standings. Morehouse is having one of its best seasons in eighty years. The Maroon Tigers are led by the conference's top rusher in David Carter. Albany State has the best defense in the SIAC at stopping the run.

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University of North Carolina - Pembroke contemplating move to CIAA

Winston-Salem State could be playing a future conference opponent Saturday when UNC Pembroke visits Bowman Gray Stadium.

UNC Pembroke officials, including Athletics Director Dan Kenney, continue to explore options about joining a conference for football. UNCP fields teams in 16 sports, and 14 play in the Peach Belt Conference. The football and wrestling teams compete as Division II independents. Kenney said that he and Commissioner Leon Kerry of the CIAA have had several conversations.

WSSU should be tested by UNC Pembroke

Winston-Salem State will have a chance Saturday to do something it has done only once this season — defeat a team with a winning record.

UNC Pembroke (5-2) will visit Bowman Gray Stadium for a 1:30 kickoff. WSSU is ranked 21st in the Division II coaches poll. UNCP is currently unranked but was as high as No. 14 in September.

The Rams are 7-1, with their only loss to St. Augustine’s (4-1 when it played WSSU, now 6-1 and ranked 24th). The seven wins came against teams that were a combined 3-14 when they played the Rams and are now a combined 10-39.

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6:30 p.m. CT- TONIGHT on ESPNU: Alcorn State hungry for a win vs.University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff

LORMAN, MS — After three consecutive losses, the Alcorn State Braves are hungry to get a win. And getting that win on national television would be even sweeter.

The Braves will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6:30 p.m. Thursday night in a game that will be televised on ESPNU. This will be the second year in a row Alcorn State’s game against Pine Bluff will be televised on a Thursday night.

Alcorn seeks to bottle up Pine Bluff's dynamic WR Webber‎

In the national spotlight, the last thing Earnest Collins wants is for his Alcorn State team to be embarrassed. Then the Braves better stop Raymond Webber, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff receiver who leads the conference and the nation in most receiving categories. "That type of kid," Collins said, "you never know when he can explode on you."

When Alcorn (3-3, 2-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) hosts Pine Bluff (3-3, 2-2) at 6:30 tonight in a nationally televised conference clash on ESPNU, the Braves have to stop one of the most prolific receivers in the Football Championship Subdivision.

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Bethune-Cookman to play in MEAC-SWAC game

DAYTONA BEACH -- When the MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game was moved to Orlando two years ago, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference thought nearby Bethune-Cookman would be a natural to represent the conference.

But B-CU turned them down in 2008. The Wildcats and the Florida A&M Rattlers decided they would not be a part of the Labor Day weekend game as long as it was played at the Florida Citrus Bowl, because they thought it could infringe on their own Orlando game -- the Florida Classic -- played annually in late November.

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College football fan passion can go too far

The following article is one that every diehard college football fan needs to read and post as a screen saver on your computer.

The words of wisdom provided by Mr. Lynn W. Thompson, director of athletics at Bethune-Cookman University, for the following Times and Democrat piece is a wake up call for all serious football fans, especially South Carolina State University Bulldog fans and others.

To the wise, no amount of rationalizing can be an acceptable response for a shameful display of disrespect. (beepbeep)

THE ISSUE: College football fans

OUR OPINION: No place for ugliness toward players.

College football brings out all kinds of emotions in fans. The passion for the game can produce a lot of ugliness when things don't go a particular team's way, or a player's way. Coaches and administrators frequently urge fans to be courteous. That only has so much effect.

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Alcorn State heads for more prime time vs. UAPB Golden Lions

Alcorn State gets its second opportunity to play on television this season.

The Braves (3-3, 2-2) plays Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday night in a crucial SWAC contest that will be televised by ESPNU at 6:30. Mississippi State defeated the Braves 49-16 last month in a contest televised by Fox Sports South.

The Braves still control their destiny of reaching the SWAC title game on Dec. 11 in Birmingham. If Alcorn win its remaining games, it will capture the East Division championship.

Jackson State at Texas Southern, noon: The Tigers (5-1, 3-1) must improve their special teams play to stay ahead of Alcorn in the East. Jackson State ranks next to last in the SWAC in extra-point attempts. The Tigers also have given up big yards on punt and kickoff returns.

Game Time: Thursday: 6:30 p.m. EDT.
TV: ESPNU


UAPB's Webber lights up league

Last season, when Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State played on national television, viewers never got to see the end of the game. Nobody did. A three-hour-long lightning storm near Pine Bluff, Ark., forced officials to delay and ultimately cancel the game.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Lorman, Miss., the teams meet again on ESPNU. And this time, if Raymond Webber does what he’s done for much of this season, something else — the scoreboard — might be lighting up instead.

The Golden Lions’ 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior wide receiver has taken over as the league’s best receiver, now that Juamorris Stewart’s stellar career at Southern has ended. Webber leads the SWAC in...



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FAMU to visit USF for football in 2011, 2015

First meeting with FAMU in 2005 attracted 43,122 fans to Raymond James Stadium, the second largest home crowd in USF Bulls history.

TAMPA, FL - Florida A&M will travel to Tampa to play the University South Florida in football in 2011 and 2015. USF announced today it has finalized its 2011 schedule, which also includes a visit by Texas-El Paso.

The Rattlers and Bulls will meet Sept. 17 at Raymond James Stadium, while the Miners will visit Sept. 24. USF will pay $400,000 to Florida A&M for the meeting, while UTEP will receive $650,000, according to contract figures provided by USF. FAMU, an NCAA Division I-AA team (FCS), will get $450,000 for 2015 game.

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View Full Press Conference Video: Bulls Complete 2011 Slate with FAMU and UTEP - GoUSFBulls.com—Official Athletics Web Site of the University of South Florida

Coast Guard, Morgan State Join for Game, Diversity Event

New London, Conn – The Coast Guard Academy men's lacrosse team has partnered with the Morgan State University men's lacrosse team to put together a fall ball scrimmage event. "Bears Lacrosse Showcase and Diversity Open House" will take place Sunday, October 24th at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School in Baltimore. The clinic will begin at 12:00 p.m. with game faceoff at 2:00 p.m.

The goals of the event are to showcase the two lacrosse programs and to celebrate diversity in the sport of lacrosse. Highlights will include a clinic for local U.S. Lacrosse BRIDGE (Building Relationships to Initiate Diversity Growth and Enrichment) affiliates, a Coast Guard recruiting and information booth and, weather permitting, a fly-in and static display by a Coast Guard helicopter.

Morgan State has a rich lacrosse history and tradition that has been vital to the growth and diversity of the game. It was the first and, for a long time, the only historically black college or university to field a lacrosse team. The success of their dominant Division 2 teams of the 1970s was chronicled in the book Ten Bears.

During that era, Morgan State made the NCAA tournament twice and, in 1975, pulled off one of the great upsets in lacrosse history when they beat then-No. 1 ranked Washington & Lee. Today, Morgan State competes in the Chesapeake Division of the National Collegiate Lacrosse League (NCLL) against club teams from Navy, Towson, Washington College, Salisbury, Loyola, Johns Hopkins, and Delaware.

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Thinking Out Loud: Aggie-vation

One of Tuesday's editorials will react to the firing of N.C. A&T Athletics Director Wheeler Brown in the wake of a student's death during an "unofficial" track tryout in August.

A&T didn't require a mandatory physical and sickle cell screening that could have averted the tragedy that claimed the life of sophomore Jospin "Andre" Milandu. Wins and losses are definitely not life-and-death matters.

But there is a lot of grumbling in Aggieland about problems on the field as well. Brown may have been in hot water anyway.

Editorial: Taking account at A&T

This did not have to happen. The N.C. A&T student who died during an “unofficial” tryout for the track team had a potentially life-threatening condition that should have been detected in advance.

Twenty-year-old Jospin “Andre” Milandu collapsed on Aug. 19 during the workout and later died at Moses Cone Hospital. An autopsy revealed that the Knightdale sophomore had suffered from physical exertion and complications from sickle cell trait, a genetic condition that has claimed the lives of other college athletes.

Of all people, A&T athletics officials should have known better. In 2008, an Aggie football player, Chad Wiley, collapsed following a practice and died of complications from heat stroke. He also had carried the sickle cell trait.

Batter up: New Aggies QB has baseball skills

GREENSBORO, N.C. — After a two-month search, N.C. A&T football coach Alonzo Lee has found his quarterback. On the baseball team. George Hines, a redshirt senior and three-year starter in center field for the Aggies, will be A&T's quarterback for the final four games, Lee said Monday.

"He's more than just an athlete who wants it," Lee said. "He's a guy who wants to be a student of the game. The other guys see that, and that leadership made the difference. He's our guy going down the stretch. ... We'll do a little rotation with the wildcat (offense), but he's going to be our main guy."

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Norfolk State Spartan Legion vs. Hampton Marching Force (10/16/10)

Prairie View, Southern set for Classic week

Prairie View head football coach Henry Frazier sees his team's "home" game with Southern at Independence Stadium on Saturday as a good thing.

"That (playing at a neutral site) is pretty much how it is with us," Frazier said. "We only play three games at our stadium. We'll play at Reliant Stadium, at the Cotton Bowl, at the Independence Bowl, and all of those are our home games.

 "It's a good thing and a good problem to have. We have definitely outgrown our little high school stadium that we have. So that's a good thing. We're kind of used to it."

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SU showing signs of improvement

JACKSON, Miss. — It happened just after 9:20 p.m. Saturday night in Veterans Memorial Stadium, very late in the fourth quarter, while Southern’s sloppy, mistake-filled game against Jackson State turned into a bona fide thriller — easily one of the most exciting finishes in the long, proud history of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

It happened just after the Jaguars scored with 15 seconds left, presumably clinching their first signature win of the Stump Mitchell era. It happened while thousands of SU fans overflowed with joy and exhilaration, thinking— no, knowing — their team had pulled off the ultimate Houdini, in a hostile setting no less.

Mitchell bemoans bad play calls

Just minutes after his team lost 49-45 to Jackson State on Saturday in the last minute — quite literally the last minute, which included three touchdowns and three lead changes in a back-and-forth explosion of big plays — Southern coach Stump Mitchell, who calls the offensive plays, said this one was on him.

Even though the Jaguars had season highs in points (45), passing yards (293) touchdown passes (three), and committed no turnovers for the first time all year, Mitchell said his offense should have done even more.

Southern aims to cut down on penalities

Southern University head football coach Stump Mitchell doesn't need a stat sheet to tell him one area his team needs to improve. Still, the numbers jump off the page. Southern was penalized 16 times for 195 yards during the Jaguars' 49-45 loss at Jackson State on Saturday. Southern's 63 penalties are the most in the SWAC. The Jaguars' 119.8 yards in penalties per game also top the SWAC.

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Future is Now -- North Carolina Central replaces Coach Mose Rison

North Carolina Central University
Office of Sports Information
Press Release - October 18, 2010
Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, Director of Athletics

DURHAM, N.C. — Following back-to-back 4-7 seasons and a disappointing 2-4 start to the 2010 campaign, Mose Rison has been replaced as head football coach at North Carolina Central University. Assistant head coach Darryl Bullock will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

“While we appreciate the passion and commitment that Coach Rison has shown, we feel at this time that a change in the leadership and command of our football program is needed,” said NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree.

“As we have moved through the Division I transition process, we have established high expectations for our football program to become one of the best in the MEAC,” Wicker-McCree said. “However, we must continue to improve in all aspects of the football program in order to reach those aspirations. We will begin the process to hire our next head football coach immediately, with a goal of having someone in place by the beginning of next year (January 2011).”

Rison will be reassigned to another position within the athletics department. He has one year remaining on his current contract.

Bullock is in his fourth season as assistant head coach and offensive line coach at NCCU.

The Eagles host undefeated MEAC foe Bethune-Cookman University on Saturday (Oct. 23) at 2 p.m.
--------------------------------------

Fans,

Sorry to see Coach Rison get the ax but it was overdue. It's about time the Eagles get serious about Division I football. First and foremost, it is unacceptable to get beat by a Division II state rival,Winston Salem State, in your home stadium and by a first year football program -- Georgia State. After BCU, the Eagles should run the table with foes Edward Waters, Delaware State, Savannah State and second year program, Old Dominion.

There is never a right time in this economy to lose your employment, but expect to see athletic directors make difficult decisions on head football coaching changes soon at the following schools:

1. Johnson C. Smith University 1-6 (finished 2009 at 3-7)
2. Livingstone College 0-8 (18 straight losses)
3. Lane College 0-7 (18 straight losses)

4. Savannah State University 0-7
5. Stillman College 0-7
6. Saint Paul's College 1-6 (finished '09 at 4-5)
7. Howard University 1-4 (finished '09 at 2-9)
8. Benedict College 0-7

9. North Carolina A&T State University 0-7; has loss 10 straight games- (finished '09 at 4-6)

No doubt, when the shoe drops it will be because expectant revenue from the football program is falling far short of planned budgetary goals. Simply, wins translate into more revenue and gift giving by alumni. Winning is the foundation to any one's successful coaching career.

Thanks for the memories Coach Rison...but it's time to move forward.

-beepbeep
----------------------------------------
Now, the rest of the Story...

RISON OUT

‎

DURHAM, N.C. — Mose Rison, who has served as N.C. Central’s head football coach since 2007, has been reassigned to other duties in the school’s athletic department, according to an announcement on Monday. Assistant head coach Darryl Bullock was named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Rison has one year remaining on his current contract that pays him $135,630 annually. Reached by telephone late Monday night, Rison said he was completely caught off guard by the dismissal.

Interim coach addresses NC Central football team

N.C. Central interim coach Darryl Bullock spoke with the football team on Tuesday morning, a day after the university removed head coach Mose Rison from the program’s top leadership position.

Bullock, an offensive line coach and assistant head coach with the team for four seasons, will serve as interim coach until the university selects a new coach, N.C. Central athletic director Ingrid Wicker-McCree said in a statement on Monday.

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BSU Bulldogs Outlast LU Lions on Homecoming, 24-18

Despite a plethora of offensive errors, Bulldogs find way to finish.

The Bowie State University Bulldogs (4-4 overall, 4-1 CIAA) had to grind out a valuable homecoming victory against conference opponent Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (1-6 overall, 0-4 CIAA), 24-18. The victory came despite several turnovers on offense and not having a lead until early in the fourth quarter.

This game was not for the feint of heart. For all the ambiance of a homecoming game, it was a very scrappy affair marred with turnovers galore for both teams, but in the end Bowie State was able to make more big plays.

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in his hands: Wells counted on to lead Rams in CIAA wars

Marcus Wells’ on-the-job training last season should pay dividends this season at Winston-Salem State. While the Rams’ basketball team has five seniors and two juniors who will make an impact, it’s Wells — a sophomore point guard from Durham — who will be counted on guide them in the CIAA. And Wells, who is sporting a full-length beard these days, says he is up to the task.

The Rams, who began practice Friday night at Ram Madness in a sold-out Gaines Center, expect to compete for the conference title. “The seniors are the leaders of the team, but I’m the leader on the court,” said Wells, who last season started 23 of 29 games and was third on the Rams in assists with 55.

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Southern University Human Jukebox vs. Jackson State University Sonic Boom (10/16/10)

Treatment of QB Long leaves S.C. State coach, players with sour taste

It was the thud heard round the MEAC.

Late in Saturday's game, trailing 14-0, S.C. State quarterback Malcolm Long let fly with a pass across the middle of the field that slammed square into the chest of Bethune-Cookman linebacker Ryan Lewis. Lewis promptly secured the ball and plopped down in the middle of the field.

And, that was the end of the Bulldogs' 21-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference winning streak. Then again, it wasn't so easy to decipher that the Bulldogs had experienced so much success from the sidelines at Oliver C. Dawson because of what was taking place in the stands.



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NSU loses gut-wrenching defensive battle to Hampton

HAMPTON, VA -- Achilles only had one deficiency. Norfolk State has two.

The poor passing and shaky special teams that have marked each of the Spartans' MEAC contests emerged again Saturday in a 7-6 Battle of the Bay loss to Hampton (5-1, 4-0), the most frustrating defeat yet for a Norfolk State team (2-4, 1-3) growing well accustomed to them.

Kicker Ryan Estep missed a game-tying extra point and quarterback Chris Walley had just four completions and 12 yards passing until the final two minutes, another exposition of Norfolk State's most glaring flaws.



Hampton hangs on to beat Norfolk State 7-6 BATTLE OF THE BAY:‎

HAMPTON, VA — For long stretches on Saturday, Brandon Peguese and his Hampton teammates didn't give his grandmother, watching her grandson play football for the first time ever, many reasons to cheer.

That changed on the final drive of the game, when Peguese, the Pirates' senior defensive end, combined with sophomore linebacker Matt Davis to sack Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley on fourth down and preserve Hampton's 7-6 victory in the 48th edition of the Battle of the Bay.

Hampton U. prevails in offensive quagmire

HAMPTON, VA — It seemed fitting that Saturday's offensively-challenged Battle of the Bay was decided by a missed extra point, and that one of the game's crucial plays began with a botched snap. Here's the kind of offensive display Hampton and Norfolk State provided: The Pirates scored one more point than they did a year ago when they got housed by 40. Except that this time, they won.

"It's a win," Pirates head coach Donovan Rose exhaled after the 7-6 affair. "We could win by point-five. I'll take it. That's 4-0 in the conference. I don't know what everybody else does, but I know we're steadily going forward."

PICTURES: Hampton University VS. Norfolk State Battle of the Bands

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Attendance: 11,916

KSU football: Mistakes bury Breds

The Kentucky State football team entered Saturday’s game against Clark Atlanta with the hope that it could score a win for its fans on Homecoming. Four quarters later, KSU coach Wayne Dickens walked off the field thinking things couldn’t have gone much worse for his team. The Thorobreds lost to the Panthers 19-7 under a mountain of fumbles, missed tackles, penalties and blown assignments.

“We took turns today making every conceivable mistake you can make in a football game,” Dickens said. “And it cost us.” Mistakes plagued KSU from its first drive, which ended when junior quarterback Jerrel Noland lost 17 yards on a mishandled snap and the Thorobreds couldn’t recover the yardage.

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UAPB Beverly turns hitch route into game-winning catch

Dezmond Beverly didn’t have a single reception before Saturday night.

And with less than five minutes remaining, Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s freshman receiver had just one catch for 12 yards, which set up UAPB’s touchdown on the opening drive. His second catch proved to be even bigger.

Beverly ran along the Alabama A&M sideline, broke a tackle and sprinted 40 yards to the end zone with 4:09 left to wrap up the Golden Lions’ 21-14 come-from-behind victory over the Bulldogs.

“Had to make a play,” said Beverly, who was forced out of a redshirt year because of injuries to other receivers earlier in the season. “That’s what was going through my head. ... I broke the tackle ...

Golden Lions Outlast Alabama A&M Bulldogs 21-14

PINE BLUFF, Ark.- The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team was able to grind out a critical 21-14 win over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday night at Golden Lions Stadium.

Offensively Arkansas-Pine Bluff tallied 357 yards (103 R, 254 P) while AAMU amassed 338 total yards (235 R, 103 P). T.J. Shelton’s 19 yard reception put UAPB on the board first giving the Golden Lions a 7-0 edge early in the first quarter.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff went on to score a touchdown in the third quarter on a 8 yard Stephen Jones run tying the game at 14 all. A 40 yard Desmond Beverly touchdown reception with 4:09 left to play sealed the victory in UAPB’s favor.

Quarterback Joshua Boudreaux went 18-33 for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Raymond Webber continued to set the mold for Division I FCS receivers as he tallied 8 catches for 110 yards.

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Attendance: 11805