TSU offensive plan seems so simple: get it to Sample

Photo: TSU sophomore Julian Sample can play quarterback, running back and receiver. He can also play in the secondary.

By MIKE ORGAN, Staff Writer, Tennessean
Tigers want ball in sophomore's hands pretty often
Last season Julian Sample was a godsend for Tennessee State's football coaches.

This season Sample's versatility is testing the creativity of the staff.

With the season-opening John Merritt Classic against Alabama A&M on Saturday, the coaches are trying to devise as many ways as possible to get the ball in the sophomore's hands.

"We've been working on a lot of different things," Sample said. "They've been putting me in a lot of different spots to give me a lot of different opportunities to showcase my abilities."

Last year the Las Vegas native got an opportunity when starting quarterback Antonio Heffner injured his shoulder just past midseason. Sample moved from defensive back to help fill in at quarterback until Heffner returned late in the season.

Sample his talents

Though Sample's throwing ability was a bit suspect, the offensive coaches were excited about his ability to scramble and run the ball out of the pocket. Even though he played in four games, Sample did not throw a pass.

The former high school quarterback was given a chance to work on his passing in the spring when he was listed No. 2 on the depth chart.

The Tigers, however, landed Calvin McNairl, one of the state's top high school quarterback prospects from Henry County, and that freed Sample up to display more of his abilities.

McNairl is currently listed as Heffner's backup, meaning Sample, who's 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds, can be moved to several other positions.

"He is a true slash," Coach James Webster said. "Julian can play quarterback/running back/receiver, and if we had to we could move him back to defense and have him play in the secondary."

Webster said the initial plan is to move Sample around depending on the defensive scheme of an opponent or the flow of the game. If there are injuries, however, at a particular position Sample may be called on to settle in as a starter.

"That's why you recruit an athlete like Julian," Webster said.

"At this level (Division I-AA) you don't have the number of players and it's good when you have injuries to have a guy who you can put at several different positions."

Not just a QB

Sample stuck to quarterback throughout his high school career, but always wanted to show off his other skills.

In most cases it is in high school when a player is called on to play more than one position. For Sample that chance will come this season.

"I'm loving this, I love being a slash because I can show all my abilities. All the hidden talent that I had in high school I get to bring it out in college,'' Sample said.

NCCU Eagles Clobbers SCSU

NCCU Eagles Clobbers SCSU, then gets clobbered by Elon and Campbell Universities.

The North Carolina Central University Eagles continued their win streak with a big win over the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University on Saturday afternoon. NCCU defeated SCSU 3-0 (30-13, 30-24, 30-22) in Volleyball.

In a spirited and competitive match, the Eagles withstood a strong challenge from the Bulldogs. The Eagles played consistent volleyball, and managed to put away the Bulldogs in three straight games.

NCCU was led by senior Shari Matthews who collected 12 kills and four services aces, while Jane Murphy had 23 assists on the night.

NCCU recorded a total of 39 kills for the match, and limited SCSU to only 31 kills as a team for the evening.

The Bulldogs were led by Monique Walker who had a team high 12 kills and six digs.

Eagles Drops Two in Final Day of Tournament

The North Carolina Eagles were riding a three match winning streak, but the ride is over. NCCU lost to both Elon and Campbell University Saturday evening in the final day of the NCCU Tournament.

This is the first back to back loss for the Eagles as they were swept by Elon 3-0 (21-30, 19-30, 20-30), at to Campbell 3-0 (22-30, 17-30, 27-30). North Carolina Central was led by Shari Mathews who pounded out 14 kills and three services aces.

NCCU-10, Albany State 16--Bad pass gives Eagles first road loss

From School News Release

ALBANY, GA. - Albany State controlled the line of scrimmage and took advantage of turnovers during a 16-10 season-opening victory over N.C. Central (0-1) on Saturday. It was NCCU's first game in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.

Albany State (1-0) dominated most of the game, but NCCU still had a chance of winning on the last play. Quarterback Stadford Brown's pass into the end zone was swatted away by the Rams' defense.

Brown completed 15 of 29 passes for 139 yards and 3 interceptions.

NCCU suffered its first regular-season loss since Oct. 1, 2005, and the Eagles' first road defeat since Oct. 9, 2004.

DSU bustin' rhymes -- and running backs

Photo: DL Tyron Hurst, Soph, Dover HS, Dover DE

OPINION, Kevin Noonan

DOVER -- Al Lavan listened to it and liked it, even if it wasn't Smokey Robinson, with or without the Miracles.

More than anything, Lavan liked the passion he heard in it, and the pride.

It's a rap called "Feel the Sting,'' and it blared from the loudspeakers at Alumni Stadium last season when the Delaware State football team took the field. It was written, sung and recorded by defensive lineman Tyron Hurst, a DSU sophomore and Dover High graduate.

"You can't believe what a rush that is," Hurst said. "When we ran out on the field and I heard that, my heart was pumping like crazy. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had."

You're in trouble boys, cuz you're playing in our yard now

And we can play anywhere -- just put the ball down.

This ain't 99, boys, this is 95

Hit and watch his helmet roll to the sideline.

When we say one Hornet, that's what we really mean

We take the field and make the other team feel the sting

Hurst saw significant action toward the end of his freshman season, and now he is expected to start and be one of the anchors of the Hornets' line. The 6-foot-2, 308-pounder wants to play in the NFL someday, but he also has entertainment ambitions -- lots of them.

"I want to write and record and produce and I want to get into movies and television," he said. "I want to do it all.

The sky's the limit."

That is music to Lavan's ears. The DSU coach loves the fact that his player is so motivated, on and off the field. And Lavan chuckled when told that Hurst's favorite rapper is Jay-Z, not just for his musical talent, but also for his business savvy.

"He's found something he enjoys and something he's willing to work at and commit himself to," Lavan said. "That's what's important to me, that commitment and work ethic, because you don't always find it in kids his age."

Hurst said he has written 12 or 13 songs, and he has probably added to that total by the time you read this.

"I'm writing them all the time. It just seems to come easily to me," he said. "I can be in my room, in the locker room, walking home, anywhere, and things just come to me. I just love music."

But Hurst's pregame rap in 2006 came about by accident.

"I was goofing around and somebody heard me and said I should record it," he said. "That's what I was waiting to hear, and I ended up finishing it in about 15 minutes."

Hurst recruited teammates Omonigho Imeokparia and Octavius Everett to join him on vocals, and the next thing he knew, his rap was echoing around a stadium filled with thousands of fans, not to mention his coaches and teammates.

We're hungry and we all got the thirst to win

Delaware State moving the ball for first and 10

Don't put the ball in the air -- you're gonna get stopped

And if you run the ball you know you're gonna get rocked

With this type of power, teams don't have a chance

Tell Hampton to move over for the new champs!

Feel the sting!'

Of course, Hurst's football, not his singing, could help the Hornets finally win that elusive MEAC championship and a Division I-AA playoff berth. He was a first-team All-Henlopen selection his senior year at Dover and honorable mention All-State. After playing in six games and making 21 tackles as a freshman, he has worked his way into the starting lineup.

"Tyron has the potential to be one of our better linemen," Lavan said. "He's grown and matured through spring football and I think, in his mind, he's begun to take that next step and realize his potential.

"I see that in him as an athlete, but also as a college student. In both areas, he's matured into a good, hard worker and those are the kind of people who have success in life."

Hurst is already hard at work on a new rap for the new season. Just like in football, there is more pressure now because the expectations are higher.

"But it'll be good, I promise you," he said with a laugh. "I've got plenty of ideas."

DSU Hornets football roster (Aug. 26, 2007)

No. Name Class Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High school (College)

1 Shaheer McBride Sr. WR 6-3 200 Chester, Pa./Chester

2 Vashon Winton Jr. QB 6-2 195 Chicago/Simeon

3 Larrone Moore So. WR 6-0 180 Hyattsville, Md./Northwester

4 Kareem Jones Jr. RB 5-11 200 Lansingburg, N.Y./Lansingburg

5 Eddie Brown Jr. WR 5-10 187 Miami/Carol City (Harper JC)

6 Chris Strother Jr. RB 5-8 170 Miami

7 Stephon Hampton Jr. DB 6-0 186 Washington, D.C./St. Johns

8 Calvin Toliver Jr. QB 6-2 221 Atlanta/North Springs (Northland CC)

9 Jackie Watkins Jr. LB 6-1 238 Woodbridge, Va./C.D. Hilton

10 Ollie Taylor Sr. QB 6-0 190 Wilmington/Howard (Hargrave Military)

12 Alimayo Wilder Jr. DL 6-4 234 Baltimore/Baltimore Poly

13 Jason Randall Fr. FB 5-11 175 Bowie, Md./Bowie

14 Peter Gaertner Sr. K 6-0 193 Berlin/Sahuaro (Pima CC, Berlin Rebels)

15 Octavius Everett Jr. WR 6-1 215 Fort Valley, Ga./Peach Cty. (Ga. Military)

16 John Newman Fr. WR 5-10 146 Wilmington/Howard

17 Micah Brown Fr. QB 6-2 194 Quincy, Fla./East Gadsden

18 Josh Pope So. LB 6-1 230 Philadelphia/Milton Hershey

19 Lamont Kennard Sr. DB 6-1 190 Chester, Pa./Chester (Thaddeus Stevens)

20 Mike Gable So. DB 6-2 200 Bel Air, Md./Bel Air

21 Adam Shrewsbury Jr. FB 6-0 210 Middletown/Middletown

22 Brandon Hudson So. DB 5-10 171 Delmar/Sussex Tech

23 James Romain Jr. DB 5-11 160 Farockaway Queens, N.Y./Farockaway (Hudson Valley)

24 Greg Ligon So. DB 5-9 160 Mitchellville, Md./Good Counsel

26 Phil Morgan Jr. RB 5-8 145 Brielle, N.J./Manasquan

27 Akeem Green Sr. DB 5-9 170 Philadelphia/Bok VoTech

28 Gerald Bouknight Fr. DB 5-11 188 Winnsboro, S.C./Fairfield Central

29 Jerome Strums So. DB 6-0 185 Windsor, Conn./Windsor

30 David Robinson Jr. DB 5-10 190 Orlando, Fla./Joilet

31 Quentin Ferguson N/A DB 5-11 190 Frederick, Md./Frederick

32 Lennox Norville Sr. RB 5-11 201 Freeport, N.Y./Freeport (Alfred State CC)

33 LaVesta Bryant Fr. RB 6-0 194 Dover/Dover

34 Ryan Robinson Sr. DB 6-1 200 Newark/Christiana

35 Reggie McCoy Sr. DB 6-0 195 Washington, D.C./DeMatha Catholic

36 Francis Adjei So. DB 6-2 175 Silver Springs, Md./Springbrook

37 Stan Banks Fr. DB 5-8 180 Wilmington/Howard

38 James Beverly Jr. LB 5-11 215 Baltimore/City College

39 Josh Brite Sr. P/K 5-11 173 Bakersfield, Calif./Centennial (Bakersfield)

40 Eric Sewell Jr. LB 5-11 245 Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack

41 Tavis Tabb Fr. DB 6-1 175 Portsmouth, Va./I.C. Norcom

42 Riley Flickinger Jr. P/K 5-9 235 Gresham, Ore./Sam Barlow

43 Keola Asuega Sr. LB 6-0 215 Los Angeles/Costa Mesa (Orange County)

44 Russell Reeves Sr. LB 6-3 241 Mechanicsville, Md./Chopticon

45 Jaashawn Jones Fr. RB 6-1 210 Asbury Park, N.J./Asbury

46 Rashon Jackson So. RB 5-8 200 Patterson, N.J./Pasiac Co. Tech

47 Reshard Gresham Jr. DB 5-11 175 Stone Mtn., Ga./Stone Mtn. (Eastern Ariz.)

48 Nafis Pickett Fr. WR 5-8 180 Ft. Washington, Md./Bishop McNamara

49 Ryan Willis So. TE 6-2 240 Alexandria, Va./TC Williams

51 Tolbert Mathews Fr. LB 6-2 240 Norfolk, Va/Norview

52 Kevin Conner Jr. LB 5-11 223 Richmond, Va./Manchester (Lackawanna)

53 Johnny Martin So. LB 5-11 198 S. Plainfield, N.J./S. Plainfield

54 Kelly Rouse Sr. DE 6-3 254 Newark, N.J./Westside

56 Joe Mendes So. LB 6-2 215 Montclair, N.J./Montclair

57 Jeremy Breath Sr. OL 6-2 315 Chicago/Joliet Twp

58 Jarin Giesler Sr. LS 5-10 237 Cortez, Colo.

61 Marcus Ponder Fr. OL 6-2 310 Hamilton, N.J./Hamilton West

62 Jermaine Morrison Jr. OL 6-3 330 Brooklyn, N.Y./Canarsie (Nassau)

63 Luke Petion Sr. OL 6-2 280 Union, N.J./Union (Lackawanna CC)

64 Kellen Kemp So. OL 6-3 310 Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty

65 Eric Jackson Jr. DL 6-1 285 Jersey City, N.J./(Dean JC)

67 Mike Maloney So. OL 6-6 329 Chicago/Providence Catholic

68 Nick Richmond So. OL 6-3 318 Lampeter, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg

70 Brandon Purnsley Fr. OL 6-3 275 Wilmington/Howard

71 Chris Sears So. OL 6-6 330 Dover/Dover

72 Douglas Richburg So. OL 6-3 311 Baltimore/Woodlawn

75 DJamal Kirby Jr. OL 6-5 283 Laurel, Md./Springbrook

77 Adrian Brown Jr. OL 6-6 327 Baltimore/(Hudson Valley CC)

80 Blake Covington Sr. TE 6-4 220 Pittsburgh/Central Catholic

81 Jeff Postell Jr. TE 6-5 240 Annapolis/St. Mary's

83 William Griggs So. WR 6-2 180 Pensauken, N.J./Lenape

84 Bryson Roache Jr. DL 6-7 278 Mitchellville, Md./CH Flowers

85 Dennis Savedge Sr. WR 6-4 200 Surry County, Va./Surry County

86 Chris Singh Jr. TE 6-4 240 Virginia Beach, Va./Coastal Christian

88 Erick Jones So. WR 6-3 203 Largo, Md./DeMatha Catholic

89 Derrick McNeil Sr. WR 5-9 180 Petersburg, Va./Petersburg

91 Dashawn Frazier Fr. DL 6-3 287 Patterson, N.J./J.F. Kennedy

92 Fabian Dunn So. DL 6-4 250 Silver Spring, Md./Montgomery Blair

93 James Parker Sr. DL 6-4 265 Shirley, N.Y./William Floyd (Nassau)

94 Ronn Spinner Jr. Jr. DL 6-3 305 Lorton, Va./FUMA

95 Tyron Hurst So. DL 6-2 308 Dover/Dover

97 Akiel Russell Sr. DL 6-4 250 Silver Spring, Md./Springbrook

98 Thomas Threadgill Fr. DL 6-5 270 Frederick, Md./Frederick

99 Andre Carroll Fr. DL 6-2 260 Neptune, N.J./Neptune

Petty brings new look to DSU defense

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

Lavan's defensive guru puts emphasis on stopping run

DOVER -- One of the most proactive offseason coaching additions among NCAA Division I-AA teams could also be the most risky.

Risky if you're Delaware State, at least.

But whether DSU head coach Al Lavan's craftiness in luring former Howard University head coach and defensive guru Ray Petty as his defensive coordinator pays off depends less on X's and O's and more with their ability to put aside their egos.

And both coaches say that's not going to be a problem.

Hiring Petty, who was fired by Howard athletic director Dwight Datcher in January after his fifth losing season with the Bison, appears to be a slam dunk. Even as his teams struggled to compete for championships in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Petty's 4-3 defensive scheme and run-stopping stats won over his peers.

"Maybe I should have called him, too," joked South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough when asked about the hiring.

But it was Lavan who made the call, despite the steadiness on defense the last two seasons under former coordinator Andre Creamer.

Petty said he is fully aware he's no longer the head coach. He's actually looking forward to coaching without the strains of pressure from alumni and administration.

"The one thing you know is that coach Lavan is in charge," said Petty, who was 25-30 in five seasons at Howard and last served as a defensive coordinator at Norfolk State from 2000-01. "I have the opportunity here. But there's never a question of who's in charge."

Coach Ray Petty (blue T-shirt)

Petty, who debuts as the Hornets' coordinator on Sept. 1 against Coastal Carolina at Alumni Stadium at 6 p.m., has had a full offseason to implement his 4-3 defense, a change from the 3-4 scheme the Hornets successfully played under Creamer.

The 4-3 means DSU will have four down linemen, fashioned to primarily stop the run. Howard became synonymous with run defense under Petty.

Lavan said he wants similar results for his team.

"We don't feel extra pressure because of coach Petty," sophomore linebacker Josh Pope said. "But there are expectations. He was No. 1 in the nation, right? That has to bring some sort of expectation."

In 2005, Petty's Howard defense led the nation, allowing 99.4 yards rushing per game. It also allowed an average of 255 yards of total defense, best in the MEAC. That season, DSU was second in the MEAC in rushing defense and total defense.

But those numbers slipped in 2006. Howard fell to fifth overall with 138 yards allowed in the run and 282 yards of total defense.

And Lavan didn't like his team's numbers under Creamer, who ironically landed a job as coordinator at Howard after Petty's dismissal. Last season, DSU ranked fifth in total defense (301 yards) and sixth against the run (140 yards).

"It's a gap-oriented defense, we have to be in the right [areas]," Pope said. "The 3-4 defense relied on us coming from the outside and being in different places. This has been new for a lot of us."

Lavan said he believes Petty's advantage is his head coaching background. Unlike young coaches, Lavan said he doesn't have to be concerned with how Petty is managing his players.

"When I see him out there, I don't have to worry about him," Lavan said. "He's a very good coach. You don't see a lot of guys teaching the 4-3. But when it's done right, it's hard to stop."

New coach at UMES gets past old team

By Tim Brennan, Staff Writer, Delmavanow

Don Metil earns first victory at UMES, over squad he left

PRINCESS ANNE -- When Don Metil was named the new University of Maryland Eastern Shore volleyball coach in February, he made it no secret at his introductory press conference that one of his final acts as coach at his old school was to schedule a match against UMES.

On Friday, the Hawks took on Metil's last employer, Coppin State, in a nonconference match, in what could be called a calculated risk. Before the match, Metil said this could be looked at by the Eagles as their biggest match of the year, with them coming out fired up and ready to take down the Hawks.

That just didn't happen, as the Hawks took care of business in three tidy sets, 30-9, 30-13, 30-17, in a match that took just more than an hour.

"I'm not a big fan of pep talks," Metil said, "but I did tell them that there was some emotional value placed on this match, and I'm happy with the outcome. Obviously, we tried some things. Games one and two were our true starting six. Game three we switched a lot of people into different positions and we put our freshman in to see what she could do out there. So I think the scores were kind of a reflection of that, and going into next week we'll have a true idea of how important it is that we take care of the ball no matter who we're playing."

It was a fun night for Metil, who exchanged glances and smiles with some of his former players and his replacement, Coppin State coach Rich Zwolinski.

"Rich is a good friend of mine, we talk often, and it was a friendly match," Metil said. "I truly love all the girls on that team still. I wish them the all luck during their season, except when they play us."

Earlier in the week, Metil said he put in a new, more complex, faster offense for the Hawks this season, some of the same things he had been doing at Coppin State. He had said that if the new offense was not working, they would ease up a little bit. Slowing down was not necessary, as the returning players and new ones showed they have gelled quite nicely.

"In our minute huddle going out to game two, I asked them to do two things," Metil said. "Improve on our serve receive and try to run our play book, because we knew we were probably going to get a lot of free balls from Coppin. They actually even ran one of our plays off a serve receive, the very first serve, which to me is really impressive, because those are free-ball play. And for us to pass that well that we can run our play book off a serve receive, that makes me really happy."

From the first point on, the Eagles were outmatched, as a pair of newcomers stole the show.

Setter Christina Estabane' finished with 24 assists, even making the play when the pass to her was less than perfect, and she was able to bring the wows from the crowd with her jump serves that led to eight aces.

"My first year that I was jump serving, my freshman year (of high school), it seemed like wow to everybody, because it's freshman volleyball, it's not really that competitive," said Estabane', who's been playing volleyball since she was 2 years old. "Then I started getting good around my sophomore year, I practiced a lot on it."

When she was registering the "routine" assists, the biggest hits came from another transfer, Whitney Johnson. Listed at 6-foot-3, she is the tallest player on the UMES squad, and when she is given a good set, she brings the booming hits from the outside.

"I practice every day, so one day it will be even better," Johnson said.

Johnson finished with six kills, while Holiday Eller and Caylin Woodward led the Hawks with seven a piece. The Hawks hit .367 as a team and held the Eagles to a .161 hitting percentage.

Coppin State, which brought just six players for the match, struggled to come up with many points of their own. Of the 39 points the Eagles scored, 14 came on UMES service errors.

The Hawks now hit a stretch of 12 straight matches away from the Hytche Center, which will keep them away from home until they play host to the UMES Comfort Inn Classic, on Sept. 28-29.

Howard goes 0-2 on Final Day of Liberty Invite

Howard Sports Information

LYNCHBURG, VA. - The Lady Bison volleyball team finished 0-2 on the final day of the Liberty Invitational Saturday afternoon. Howard was downed by Evansville 3-0 (30-10, 30-15, 30-19) in its first match and was later shut out 3-0 (30-23, 30-14, 30-18) by Duquesne in its second decision of the day.

In the contest against the Purple Aces, Howard dropped the first two games before playing even with Evansville in the third stanza. The Bison took advantage of several Purple Ace miscues and tied the score at 18 before Evansville closed the game and the match on an 11-1 run.

Howard's Elyssa Lee had a match-high eight kills while Morgan Maxwell served up a match-high 16 assists to go along with eight digs.

Emily Wandersee and Megan Spurlock paced the Purple Aces with six kills apiece.

The Lady Bison opened up a 5-0 lead in the first game against the Dukes and held a 16-10 advantage midway through the contest before Duquesne pounded out nine consecutive points to take a 19-16 lead.

The Dukes capitalized on three straight Bison attack errors and took a five point lead at 23-18. Howard would get no closer than three points after that.

Keri Partridge led the Bison with six kills while Maxwell finished with 18 set-assists.

Dana McLaughlin had 11 kills for the Dukes. Kristin Garnett added a match-high 22 assists.

Howard returns to action on Tuesday, August 28 with a non-conference match against American University at 7 pm.

South Carolina State Goes 0-2 in the NCCU Volleyball Tournament

Romanda Noble, Asst. SID

Durham, NC—The South Carolina State women’s volleyball today team opened its 2007 season at the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Tournament. Despite going 0-2 on the day, the Lady Bulldogs showed promise for the remainder of the 2007 season.

In its opening game of the tournament SC State fell to NC State, 0-3, (21-30, 27-30, 11-30). Monique Walker and Linnie Garrett each recorded eight kills in the match. Garrett also recorded two block assists while Laura Waters-Brown led the team in digs with four.

Lauren Zanoli had 17 kills while Megan Rehmer picked-up 11 digs to lead NC State.
In their second match of the day, SC State fell to Elon College, 0-3, (16-30, 14-30, 9-30). Although the team output was not as productive, the Lady Bulldogs had some good individual performances in the match.

Garrett, Walker and Brown continued to prove that they are geared up for the 2007 season. Garrett led the team in kills with seven, while Walker and Brown each contributed five kills in the match. Walker also had a good defensive showing with five digs and one block solo.

Mandy Wilson and Emily Lucci each recorded double-digit kills for Elon with 12 and 10 respectively. Shelly MacBean recorded 11 digs in the win.

The Lady Bulldogs will face host NCCU tomorrow at 11 a.m. and will close out the tournament versus Loyola College tomorrow at 5 p.m.

JSU Perri packs powerful punch

By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger

Demonstrative kicker gives Tigers offensive weapon with his foot

There is absolutely no question when Jackson State's Eric Perri is ready to kick a field goal.

Moments before the snap, holder Jimmy Oliver will look back at his kicker and wait for the signal.

That's when Perri gives an exaggerated 'thumbs up' that looks a bit cheesy from the sidelines. Even people in the upper deck at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium can probably see the gesture.

But more often than not, it works, as Perri nails the field goal and JSU notches another three points.

"It's just something that helps keep me loose," Perri said. "The idea is to be as relaxed as possible on the field. That's when I do my best kicking."

Since age 10, Perri has been a superstitious, sticking with the same routine since booting footballs around the pee wee field in his hometown of Miami.

First he takes his left arm and lines up the path for the field goal. Then he backs into position and shakes the nervousness out of his arms.

But the 'thumbs up' is a recent addition. That didn't start until he got to Jackson State and something got lost in translation.

"I used to just do a head nod, but sometimes Jimmy said he couldn't tell if I was ready," Perri said. "I figure that there's no question when I give a thumbs up."

And there's also no question that if Perri continues to improve, he'll leave JSU in three years as the most accomplished kicker in school history.

As a freshman, Perri was 6-for-8 on field goals and 19-of-23 on extra points. Most of the misses came early in the season, when he was adjusting to kicking the ball higher to get it above a college defensive line.

He already has a share of the record for Jackson State's longest field goal, booting a 45-yarder against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the eighth game of his career.

He's got much more potential: In the spring game, he drilled a 52-yarder at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

"I feel extremely comfortable with Eric kicking the ball anywhere up to about 50 yards," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Anything farther than that and it would have to be the right situation. But we know we've got a weapon with Eric."

Still only a sophomore, Perri has the experience of a veteran.

His highest moment last year came against Southern U., when a 19-yard field goal in double overtime gave the Tigers a 31-28 victory front of 40,000-plus fans.

The lowest was on the final play of the season, when a 40-yard game-winning field goal attempt was blocked by Alcorn State as time expired. Jackson State lost 32-31.

"I won't lie, that was a really tough night," Perri said. "I felt like I'd let the team and the city down. But after a few days, I got over it and got back on the field. That's when I started to feel better."

Even though he's easily the smallest player on the roster at 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Perri is also one of the most dedicated in the weight room.

He said the recent death of his 81-year-old grandfather, William Perri, has given him added incentive this season.

"My grandpa was one of my biggest supporters and we were really close," Eric Perri said. "I worked hard before he died, but now I'm trying to do even more."

He often works out with the offensive lineman, doing leg press es and lunges with guys literally twice his weight.

"I like to be challenged and those are the biggest guys on the team," Perri said.

And so far that extra work has paid off during training camp as Perri has been nearly perfect with his leg.

He was 7-for-7 in a recent scrimmage, including a pair of kicks from about 45 yards.

Perri is always one of the first on the field and one of the last to leave - a borderline fanatical approach that doesn't go un-noticed.

"Everybody respects how hard he works and how much he cares," Oliver said. "We've all got confidence he's going to make those field goals every single time. He's earned it."

Defense shines in MSU Bears final scrimmage

MSU Sports Information

Bears defense looked solid in final preseason tune-up.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- The Morgan State Bears football team held their final scrimmage of the preseason Thursday evening at Hughes Stadium. The team worked for a little under two hours and the offense ran a total of 72 plays.

Junior quarterback Mario Melton connected with sophomore wideout Edwin Baptiste in the back corner of the end zone for the Bears only score on the night. Melton completed 14-of-18 passes for 84 yards, while sophomore running back Devan James recorded 10 carries for 25 yards. All-MEAC running back Chad Simpson was relegated to watching the scrimmage from the sideline as a result of the coaching staff wanting him fresh for the Bears season-opener next Thursday night.

Senior linebacker Lamar West finished the night with a game-high six tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. Dakota Bracey recorded the only interception of the night and the defense came away with four sacks to help dominate the offense in the controlled scrimmage.

Morgan State will open the 2007 season when it takes to the gridiron to host non-conference opponent Savannah State. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Hughes Stadium.


NOTES

• The Bears held their last scrimmage of the preseason Thursday evening, working for a little under two hours; the offense ran a total of 72 plays

• There was no tackling of the quarterback in the controlled scrimmage

• Redshirt sophomore Gary Albury continues to impress the coaching staff from his safety position

• Defensive back Chris Williams had a solid showing and finished with five tackles

• Roderick Wolfe recorded two receptions for 11 yards in limited minutes; Edwin Baptiste led all receivers with four catches for 29 yards and a TD, while Terrell White finished with three catches for 29 yards

• Mario Melton finished 14-for-18 for 84 yards including a 15 yard TD pass to Baptiste, while Byron Selby completed 5-for-12 passes for 22 yards

• Junior Johnathan Skeete connected on 1-of-2 field goals, he nailed a 26 yarder and was wide on a kick from 37 yards out

• Senior cornerback Dakota Bracey collected an interception off of an errant throw by Melton

Like it is : Time to read up on Delta Classic-4-Literacy

Wally Hall, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

As the small library became packed with interested, caring people, it was obvious the announcement was about much more than the second annual Delta Classic.

That Grambling will travel to War Memorial Stadium and take on the Golden Lions of UAPB on Oct. 13 was almost secondary.

Actually, you knew it was important the minute you saw the guy standing quietly in the back of the crowd.

He is one of the most soughtafter celebrities for appearances in Arkansas, but this was something that is obviously special to him.

“Broadway” Joe Booker, Power 92 radio personality, was listening to every word intently.

Dr. Fitz Hill, president of Arkansas Baptist, was explaining that the game is the Delta Classic-4-Literacy.

The slogan is: “The Classic with a Purpose.”

By the time all the information had been delivered, there was no doubt that it is Hill’s mission to raise awareness for literacy and funds to battle illiteracy.

It was a great news conference with lots of dignitaries on hand, including Broadway Joe.

It’ll be a great classic between two outstanding universities for a great cause.

Plenty of threats on offense for UAPB

By NOAH TRISTER, Pine Bluff Commercial

LITTLE ROCK - Chris Wallace was the offensive player of the year in 2006 for the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

His top competition for the '07 award might be in his own locker room _ that's how talented Arkansas-Pine Bluff's offense could be.

Wallace threw for 1,978 yards and 19 touchdowns last year, helping UAPB earn a surprising berth in the SWAC title game. This year, a return trip won't be so surprising _ because of Wallace and the skilled players around him. Martell Mallet is back after rushing for 1,104 yards in 2006.

Mallet, of course, only became a star after Mickey Dean was hurt. Dean ran for 712 yards in 2005. Now he's back, too.

"It's a blessing and an honor just to be quarterbacking those guys," Wallace said.

Jason Jones was perhaps the offense's top big-play threat. He caught 34 passes for 867 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Wallace is excited to have him back, too.

About the only thing that's changed on UAPB's offense is the offensive line, which faces a major overhaul. Wallace says he expects blitzes.

"A lot of people think that that's going to be our weakness," Wallace said, referring to opposing teams. "We're preparing for different things."

On defense, linebacker Timothy Turner is a preseason first-team all-SWAC selection. Turner was second on the team with 80 tackles a year ago.

Coach Mo Forte is expected to return to the sidelines this season. He spent most of the time in the press box last year because of a heart ailment.

Forte has overseen an impressive turnaround at UAPB, which last won a SWAC championship in 1966. The Golden Lions lost in the league title game last year to Alabama A&M, but they are a favorite to win the SWAC West again.

Wallace says that's no burden.

"I don't feel like we're pressured at all," he said. "I feel comfortable _ having a year under my belt as a quarterback."

NCCU defeats NCSU in Volleyball

By NCCU Sports Information

North Carolina Central defeats North Carolina State University in Volleyball for a historic win in Division I competition

The North Carolina Central University Eagles Volleyball knocked off the Wolfpack of North Carolina State for their second win in Division I competition in the last match of a two-day tournament hosted by the Eagles in the McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium on Friday night. NCCU defeated NC State 3-2 (22-30, 23-30, 30-19, 30-25, 15-13).

The big guns for NCCU were seniors Shari Matthews (Bridgetown, Barbados) and Anielle DaSilva (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Matthews had a team-high of 19 kills and four services aces. DaSilva contributed 18 kills, two service aces and two total blocks to help the Eagles in their historic victory.

NCCU also got a big night from junior Ashley Shade (Morganton, NC), as she had 28 assists along with seven digs for the evening.

NC State got off to a quick start, before faltering in the third game. However, the Eagles quickly bounced back to put the Wolfpack back in to their den in games three, four and five.

The win gives the Eagles a two-match winning streak in Division I. Earlier in the day, the Eagles defeated a scrappy Spartans of Norfolk State University, 3-0 (30-19, 30-19, 30-21). Head Eagle Volleyball Coach Georgette Crawford-Crooks was ecstatic with the win. “We are moving in the right direction,” stated Crawford-Crooks.

NC State was led by Lauren Zaniboni with had 22 kills for the night.

NCCU returns to action on Saturday morning when they take on South Carolina State at 11:00 a.m. The Eagles will wrap-up the two-day tournament with a match against Elon and Campbell 3:00 and 7:00 p.m..

AA&M relying on newcomers

By REGGIE BENSON, Times Sports Staff

Wilson has worked his way into playing time

When Alabama A&M was on the verge of opening the season against Tennessee State a year ago, Byron Wilson was getting ready to go under the knife. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during preseason practice and underwent season-ending surgery the week of the game.

Fast forward to this season.

Fully recovered and barring injury over the next few days, Wilson will be in uniform when A&M visits Tennessee State in the season opener for both teams Saturday night in Nashville. Kickoff is 6.

"I can't wait," said Wilson, who hasn't played in a college football game since the 2005 season when he was a middle linebacker at Erie Community College in Buffalo, N.Y. "It's my first game ... in the Tennessee Titans stadium. It's going to be exciting."

Wilson, who will back up All-Southwestern Athletic Conference left defensive end Chris Traylor, is one of more than a dozen newcomers that will counted on this season.

Six of those newcomers will be on A&M's defense, which has annually been among the nation's best. In fact, that's what led Wilson here.

"Every time I heard about the school, it was always about the defense," said Wilson, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 248 pounds. "It seems they're always ranked nationally in a number of categories and I want to help uphold those standards."

He appears to be more than capable.

After coming here, Wilson was moved to defensive end. After working there last spring and throughout preseason practice, he believes he's ready.

"I've really settled into the position," said Wilson, who worked out this summer back home in Warren, Ohio, with NFL trainer Nick Sanders and really changed his body. "I've got a little more experience and I'm used to getting down in a three-point stance and coming off the ball."

Defensive line coach Ben Blacknall has been pleased with Wilson's progress.

"Byron has gotten better," he said. "He's made the adjustment from linebacker and has been solid in camp. We believe he'll make some plays for us."

As many as nine newcomers will be counted on on offense. Three of them - linemen Russell Jackson and Xavier Manuel and wide receiver Nate Baxter - will be in the starting lineup.

"We've got new guys all over the place on offense," A&M coach Anthony Jones said. "We're confident with what we've been doing with those guys, but we'll have to wait and see what happens when the lights come on."

Alabama A&M Notebook: Defense still has a ways to go

Reggie Benson, Huntsville Times

Towns says defense still has a ways to go

Defensive coordinator Brawnski Towns isn't pleased with his defense. With eight starters returning, Towns figured his unit would be further along. It's not.

"I don't think our kids are really comprehending what we're trying to do," he said. "We're not filling gaps and doing the things fundamentally sound football teams do.

"We've really got to get it together next week."

Part of the problem could be that Towns hasn't had his full unit together very much during preseason practice.

Tackles David Winston and Justin Harper have missed time along with ends Dominique Cummings and Justin Okpara and cornerback Stephan Tucker.

Harper has surgery: Defensive tackle Justin Harper underwent successful surgery on his left thumb Thursday, line coach Ben Blacknall said.

Harper, a 6-foot-2, 252-pound junior, jammed his thumb a week ago during A&M's third preseason scrimmage.

Athletic trainer John Gaines said Harper could be out up to four weeks. He could return for the Grambling game on Sept. 22, Gaines said.

Concern with numbers: A&M coach Anthony Jones says his biggest concern heading into Saturday's season opener is the number of young players the Bulldogs will put on the field. More than a dozen newcomers will play key roles when A&M visits Tennessee State.

"We're going to have new guys on the offensive line," Jones said. "We're confident with what we've been doing with those guys, but we have to wait and see what happens when the lights come on. The same thing goes in the backfield. We've also got some young receivers. When the game starts, will they be staring in the stands or concentrating on the football?

"Defensively, we've got some young guys up front and we've got a couple of linebackers who will play more than they ever have in their careers. We've got a lot more experience on that side of the ball, but how will our defense come together with new leaders?"

Defense is key to success for Alabama A&M

AAMU Head Soccer Coach Frank Davies

By REGGIE BENSON, Huntsville Times Sports Staff

Scoring won't likely be a problem for Alabama A&M's women's soccer team this season. The Bulldogs, who led the nation in scoring last season at more than four goals per game, return their top six scorers from a year ago.

Unfortunately, stopping other teams from scoring is first and foremost on A&M coach Frank Davies' mind.

The Bulldogs lost goalkeeper Priscilla Mensah, a four-year starter, and Davies was unable to find one with any real experience.

"She was a part of the program for a long time and really captained the team," Davies said. "Filling her shoes has proved to be very difficult."

A&M has appealed to the NCAA for a medical redshirt for senior Perryn Johnson, who played in only three games two years ago, but hasn't received any official word.

"We're hoping she can come back and give us some stability," Davis said.

Daphney Mnewango, a high-level international player from Durban, South Africa, hasn't arrived for school. As a result, Davies has been forced to move Ebonie Johnson, a former defender, to goalkeeper.

If Ebonie or Perryn Johnson comes through, look for A&M to make another run at the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

The Bulldogs return their top six scorers, including Belinda Kanda, who led the nation in both goals per game and points per game. Kanda scored 48 points, finishing with 19 goals and 10 assists. Alberta Annan and Rachel Sepeng, also among the national leaders, scored 32 points apiece, while Brittan Thomas and Ledile Matjekane finished with 16 and 13 points, respectively.

"Belinda has all the tools," Davies said. "She has great speed and ability with the ball. Her willingness to go after people ... to take on defenders really sets her apart."

Kanda and Patricia Ofori will likely miss the first month of the season while playing for the World Cup team of their native Ghana.

"We're going to miss both of them," Davies lamented. "Hopefully, we can hold down the fort in their absence."

LeTisha Davis, the SWAC's Defensive Player of the Year last season, has been moved to offense and her play along with the play of Annan, Sepeng and Metjekane will be important with Kanda out of the lineup.

NSU Volleyball Drops 2 to Start Season in NCCU Tournament

DURHAM, N.C. – The Norfolk State University volleyball team, led by new head coach Jennifer Fry, dropped its first two matches of the 2007 season on Friday in the North Carolina Central Tournament at McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium. The Spartans lost a pair of 3-0 decisions, to Elon and to the host Eagles of NCCU.

Against Elon, the Phoenix hit .471, with 47 kills against just six attack errors, to take a 30-13, 30-11, 30-10 victory. They were led by Britany Westphal with 16 kills and Mandy Wilson with 12. Emily Regan had 37 assists.

Junior Yolanda Roberts (Virginia Beach, Va.) led the way for NSU with seven kills.

In their second match of the day, NSU lost to host N.C. Central, 30-19, 30-19, 30-21. The Eagles, who later in the day defeated N.C. State, got 14 kills from Shari Matthews and hit .393 for the match.

Robert, fellow junior Shardonay Blueford (Chesapeake, Va.) and freshman Heather Quinn (Conyers, Ga.) had six kills apiece for NSU. Sophomore Solange Honore (San Fernando, Trinidad) had 27 assists and junior Abaina Farrell (Charlotte Amalie, U.S.V.I.) led the squad with 11 digs.

The Spartans are scheduled to face Loyola at 9 a.m. and Campbell at 3 p.m. Saturday in the final day of competition in the round-robin event.

Former Hampton Pirates Carter runs for world title

Photo: James Carter (right), the 1999 NCAA third-placer for Hampton University, often has been called the bridesmaid of the men's 400-meter hurdles. After placing fourth at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics, he took the silver at the 2005 worlds in Helsinki, Finland.

Veteran from Baltimore has fastest time this year in 400-meter hurdles.

By Elliott Denman, Special to the Baltimore Sun

Osaka, Japan - Baltimore's James Carter owns the year's fastest time in the 400-meter hurdles, 47.72, which he ran to win the gold medal at the U.S. championships in Indianapolis on June 24.

But that carries no guarantee heading into the world championships at Nagai Stadium.

It will take a flawless performance, possibly the best of the 29-year-old international track veteran's life, to put him on the top rung of the victory platform after Tuesday's final.

A $60,000 check and a gold medal await the winner.

Carter's chances seem as good as any man's here. The former Mervo and Hampton University standout just can't afford any mistakes. One little glitch in his race could keep him away from the first major international title of his life.

"I'm healthy now [after an injury-slowed 2006 season]; I'm ready," he said after winning in Indianapolis. The problem is that other outstanding runners - three of whom happen to be U.S. teammates - and hurdlers from South Africa, Canada, Greece and the Dominican Republic will be ready, too.

Carter will line up in Lane 4 in the second of five qualifying heats tomorrow night. Twenty-four men advance to the semifinal Sunday. The top two in each semifinal, plus the next two fastest runners, qualify for the Tuesday final.

Experience may be a big edge for Carter. He took the silver medal at the 2005 world outdoor championships in Helsinki after placing fourth at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

But the American who finished ahead of him at the 2005 worlds, Bershawn Jackson, is back in the role of defending champion and comes in with a 2007 best of 48.13 which was achieved when he edged Carter in Osaka on May 5.

Not to be discounted are the other two Americans, Kerron Clement, who ran a 47.80 second place in the nationals, and Derrick Williams, third there in 48.26.

South Africa's L.J. Van Zyl and Canada's Adam Kunkel both have 48.24 bests this year, and Greece's Periklis Iakovakis ran a 48.35.

Always dangerous, too, is the Dominican Republic's Felix Sanchez, who won his nation's first Olympic track gold medal in 2004 but has battled injuries the past three years.

In addition to the U.S. championship, Carter has had big wins this year in Lausanne, Switzerland (48.30), New York (48.37) and Paris (48.61.) But he ran second in Osaka and had thirds in Athens (48.25), Rome (48.31) and Carson, Calif. (48.76.)

Carter's all-time best of 47.43 was achieved in 2005. He's the 12th-fastest runner in the history of 400-meter hurdling.

Vikas Gowda and Cleopatra Borel-Brown, a pair of former NCAA champions, are other athletes with Maryland ties competing at the world championships.

Gowda, from Frederick, was an NCAA discus champion for North Carolina. He is representing India at the worlds.

Borel-Brown, a graduate of UMBC, competes in the women's shot put for Trinidad.

Southern looks for turnaround year

Southern coach Pete Richardson went years without a losing season, but now has had two in a row and pressure is mounting on the coach to turn it around.

The Jaguars finished the 2006 season 5-6 overall, 4-5 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Richardson has added a new offensive coordinator, Mark Orlando, who held that same job under Richardson from 1993 through 2001. Also rejoining the coaching staff are Damon Nivens as offensive line coach and Elvis Joseph as running back coach.

Southern returns 45 lettermen from last season's team -- 22 on offense, 18 on defense and three on special teams. The Jaguars will also return 17 starters.

But since the spring, seven players were declared academically ineligible and two left. Also, free safety Randy Thomas and wide receiver Corderious Gregory had knee surgeries in the spring and are likely out for the year.

"It hurts the depth, which is going to be crucial the first two or three games," Richardson said.

The Jaguars will return all three quarterbacks from last season and add Warren Mathews to the battle for starter.

The Southern running game suffered through an injury-filled season in 2006, with quarterbacks Bryant Lee and C.J. Byrd the top returning rushers.

With Orlando in charge, the Jaguars are expected to be a little more balanced on offense this year.

Running back Darren Coates returns for his senior year, and the ground game should receive an additional boost from Southern Illinois transfer Kendrick Smith.

Southern led the SWAC in pass defense last season and ranked second in tackles for losses. The top five tacklers from last season will be back.

Southern's defense will be led by first-team all SWAC selection Jarmaul George. George finished sixth on the team in tackles last season with 51 and led the secondary with five interceptions.

The Southern secondary should be one of the strongest units on the team.

Joining George in the secondary will be the leading tackler on the team from last season, safety Glenn Bell.

Southern to emphasize recruiting in parish

By Eric Narcisse, Daily World

BATON ROUGE - In years past, one of the main constants on Southern University's football team was the presence of players from St. Landry Parish.

But that hasn't been the case in recent seasons and won't be again this year, as the Jaguars have only one player from the parish on their roster, freshman kicker Josh Duran of Eunice.

Jaguars coach Pete Richardson said his program has put a strong emphasis on recruiting again in St. Landry Parish.

"I think the main thing is for us to build a relationship once again with the coaches in that parish," Richardson said. "There has been a lot of turnover with the coaches in the parish, so we just have open up the lines of communication with those coaches again, because there are excellent athletes down there. We need to get out there, sell our program and get those kids to take a strong look at attending Southern University."

Richardson did say his staff has scouted several players, not only from the parish, but around the state and academics are a major concern.

"One of the big misconception's is that if you are an athlete, we can get you into our school," Richardson said. "That's not true. Just like every school, our university has guidelines and things have changed over the years. We have gone from having open enrollment to selective enrollment and that's hindered our ability to recruit."

One of the main changes in Southern's enrollment requirements is that all potential students have taken and passed two years of a foreign language.

"Not only do you have to have a certain GPA and ACT score, but you have to have that foreign language," Richardson said. "That's killing them, because some areas don't even offer foreign languages."

What makes it even tougher for Richardson and the Jaguars, is when they do find a recruit that meets their university requirements, they are forced to battle with some of the bigger schools for their services.

"Everyone is looking for those athletes," Richardson said. "If you have a recruit with the GPA and ACT score, everyone is going to be in on him."

Nevertheless, Richardson and his staff will renew their efforts to find gyms inside the parish.

"The athletes are there," Richardson said. "We're going to get back down there and recruit."

Q&A: Alabama State University offensive coordinator Maurice Harris

By Josh Moon, Montgomery Advertiser

Maurice Harris admits that he doesn't read newspapers and tries to stay away from local news on TV and the Internet. He's found that policy allows him to lead a more peaceful existence as a football coach.

It also led to one of the biggest surprises of his short career.

This past spring, as Harris was sitting at his home in Mississippi, Alabama State head coach Reggie Barlow called. Barlow's first words were, "Well, I guess you know what's going on with (former ASU coach) Charlie Coe."

Harris, of course, had no clue. He knew nothing of Coe's departure to the NFL or of Barlow's hiring as interim head coach.

What he would soon find out, though, is that Barlow, who worked for a season with Harris in 2005 at ASU and was the Hornets' new head coach, needed an offensive coordinator. And Harris, who worked at ASU for two years before leaving in 2006 to become the director of football operations at Ole Miss, was at the top of Barlow's list.

Q So, any hesitation in making the decision to return?

A None whatsoever. I liked my job at Ole Miss, but it wasn't coaching. They gave me a fancy title, but I was just the operations guy. On Saturdays, I felt handcuffed. It was so frustrating. I wanted so much to get back into the coaching side of this, and Reggie gave me that chance. Working with him was a draw as well.

Why is that? I mean, you were a high school guy in Memphis before coming to ASU in 2004. Reggie grew up and played here. You two only knew one another for a season. How did such a quick bond form?

I think it has to do with our personalities and our philosophies. We're basically the same. We're laid back, easy to talk to and nothing gets us riled. We try to stay calm through everything. He believes, like I do, in having only a few plays in your playbook but running a lot of variations. When we worked together, we used to talk a good bit about coaching styles. We just meshed.

Speaking of laid back personalities, there seems to be a lot of those among the offensive coaches. You, Reggie, Richard Moncrief, Derrick Jackson. You guys aren't exactly dominating personalities. Is that a good thing?

Well, I think there's more there than you know. When we're behind closed doors, things can get a little rough sometimes. We don't hold back in those meetings and they can get a little rowdy every now and then. But I'll say this: When the door opens, we're all on the same page. That's what's good about this group. Everyone is a professional. Everyone shows respect to each other. Everyone listens to each other. That's important to have, I think. And I think that attitude starts at the top.


You offensive guys seemed to have meshed really quickly. Why is that?

I think a lot of it has to do with what I said about listening to the other coaches. We don't have that overbearing person on the staff. Now, I'm going to have the final say on offense, but I'm also going to listen to the other coaches. And if those other coaches feel passionately about an idea, you better believe that I'm going to consider it.

This is a young group, though. Do you feel like you're hamstrung sometimes because you don't have an experienced coach to bounce ideas off of?

No. If I need help, I have people I can call. I've made a lot of friends in this business in a short time and I know there are several I can call if I ever need a little help. That's what this business is about -- developing relationships. But really, that hasn't been a problem.

What's the key to the season offensively?

The passing game. Everyone knows that Jay Peck can run the football. Everyone knows that we're going to try and run the football. We've got to develop enough of a passing game to keep defenses from stacking the line on us. If we do that, we'll be OK.

Is Alex Engram better under your offense?

I think so. Alex has really worked hard and really studied. I don't think you can work like that and not be better.

Describe your offensive philosophy.

Basically, it's to keep it simple. We have just a few plays, but from those few plays, we have a bunch of options and run a variety of different looks. We try and confuse the defense with motion and alignments.

It's almost time for the first one. Any nerves?

I'm anxious. I just want it to get here and get the season started. It seems like it's taken forever.

DSU's facilities crowded due to construction

ABA team may not find place to play in Dover

By KRISTIAN POPE, The News Journal

DOVER -- The proposed American Basketball Association franchise in Dover is in danger of losing its home court before it even plays a game.

Washington, D.C., businessman Bob Reed wanted his team to play at Delaware State University. But an ongoing campus renovation project has shut down one of the school's gyms.

Delaware State athletic director Rick Costello called the team's plans to play the 2007-08 ABA season at Memorial Hall "inaccurate," but added he is trying to work out a solution that would allow the franchise to play at the main gym beginning in November.

DSU's construction of a $21 million strength & conditioning center and wellness center recently entered its second phase, which closed the school's auxiliary gym and moved all athletic teams and school activities to Memorial Hall, the only remaining gym, until December 2008 at the earliest.

"It's simply a matter of space," Costello said. "We have men's basketball, women's basketball and they need time in the gym. Then we have intramurals. That's a lot of demand on one gym."

Reed, the franchise's general manager, said Friday he was positive the team would play at Memorial Hall beginning in November. He said he was aware of construction at DSU, but was informed it would not interfere with the ABA's schedule.

The strength complex could open as early as next month. The wellness center recently forced the closure of the school's auxiliary gym. The auxiliary gym served as the school's only playing surface until the 1980s.

Reed said his team will play regular-season games from early November to early March. The league's games are traditionally played at night on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, Reed said, but the Dover team might play some Tuesday night games.

Costello said DSU requires gym space in the fall and winter for home men's and women's basketball games, women's volleyball games and home wrestling matches. Practice times for those teams are needed, as are practice times for baseball and softball on cold-weather days.

DSU's home men's basketball schedule begins Nov. 9-10 in the Hornet Round-Ball Classic. The basketball teams' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games are scheduled as doubleheaders on eight days between Jan. 19 and March 6.

Reed said he initially had discussions with former DSU athletic director Chuck Bell and his associate, Doug Dowdy. Bell retired in July, and Dowdy resigned to accept a similar position at Eastern Michigan University. Costello took over as athletic director in July.

The ABA would pay DSU to use its facility. Costello said they have not agreed to a fee yet. Reed would not comment.

"We'd like to be as entrepreneurial as possible to bring revenue to the university," Costello said. "We're still talking about it."

Reed said he chose Dover after conducting market research, which included Wilmington and Richmond, Va. Wilmington was scratched because it lacks adequate facilities, Reed said.

Reed said eventually he would like to play in the 9,000-seat arena that has been long proposed in Dover by the Delaware Civic Center Corporation off U.S. 13 behind Lowe's. If Memorial Hall cannot accommodate the team, he said Wesley College might be an option. He said he has not made any contact with Wesley yet.

"Delaware State was our first choice," Reed said. "We believed this was the best demographic and market for it."

DSU Volleyball drops third straight

Photo: Ayana Dyette, Outside Hitter, 6-0 Senior, Diego Martin, Trinidad

By Delaware State Sports Information

Dover, DE --- The Delaware State volleyball team couldn’t keep up with host Missouri State in a 3-0 loss to the Bears in the T.J. Sales/Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Tournament in Springfield, MO on Saturday. The scores were 30-14, 30-21 and 30-22. The Hornets fell to 0-3 on the season, while the Bears improved to 3-0.

In the first game, Missouri State scored the first three points and opened up a 16-5 lead on a kill by Jamie Adams.

In game two, Delaware State trailed 4-0 before rallying to tie the game at six. The Bears responded by scoring the next four points to pull away for good.

Game three was knotted at five before Missouri State scored the next four points to open up a 9-5 lead. The Hornets answered by scoring six of the next nine points, and pulled to within 12-11 after a kill by Sarah Wheatcroft. The Hornets could not record back-to-back points the rest of the game.

Missouri State was efficient from the floor, connecting on .434 of its attacks (53-for-9, 10 errors). Delaware State had an attack percentage of .165 (34-for-91, 19 errors).

Adams and Sara Thomas led the Bears with 14 kills each. Katelyn Panzau led all players with 36 assists.

Ayana Dyette led the Hornets for the third straight match with 13 kills. Freshman Erica Tajchman had the best performance of her young career, collecting seven kills and a team-high eight digs. Wheatcroft had seven kills and nine assists.

On Friday, the Hornets volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to tie the match but ran out of gas in the final game of a 30-25, 30-26, 28-30, 25-30, 15-8 loss to Missouri-Kansas City at the Missouri State Tournament Friday night.

Delaware State led 7-4 in the decisive fifth game against UMKC but the Kangaroos ran off 10 straight points en route to the 15-8 win.

The Hornets lost to Sacramento State 30-9, 30-19, 30-27 in their season opener.

DSU will wrap up the tournament today with the final match against Tulsa at 5 p.m.

SU at full go

Photo: WR Del Roberts

By JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, Advocate sportswriter

SU receiver Roberts overcomes numerous injuries

Southern junior wide receiver Del Roberts didn’t want to take the hit to his back and hip a week ago. No way.

Not this way, either. A scrimmage, of all things, not even a real game, just a tune-up.

Here’s the thing, though. He came back the next practice Monday and looked fine running a few routes. Then he participated fully Tuesday.

This all showed the offseason work worked, just as Roberts, whose first three seasons of college football were defined — i.e., limited — by injuries wanted it to.

“I was kind of nervous. It hurt,” Roberts said. “But from being in the weight room and knowing my team needs me, I came right back. It wasn’t as bad as I thought and I was able to keep going.”

Let’s see.

There was the season-ending broken collarbone he suffered as a freshman in North Carolina’s 31-28 upset over then-No. 4 Miami in 2004.

Then, there was the medical redshirt in 2005, which was followed by the transfer to SU.

Then, there was the knee sprain that set him back in the spring of ’06 as he learned the Southern offense.

Then, there was the ankle injury against Prairie View, the third game last season.

Then, there was a shoulder injury that dogged him as well.

“I kept going, even though I maybe could have sat out,” Roberts said. “I fought through it, but it definitely hindered me from being at peak performance.

“This year, I’m at full go.”

Roberts finished with 28 catches (second best on the team last season) for 260 yards and one touchdown and ran for 51 yards and one touchdown.

After making 12 catches in the first three games (when he injured the ankle), he went through a five-game stretch with only five catches. Twice, he didn’t even catch a ball. Keep in mind, he started all 11 games.

Plus, after he caught the touchdown pass in the first game and ran for the other TD in the second game, he didn’t score again.

“That’s what he was looking for,” Southern wide receivers coach Eric Dooley said of the knock in last week’s scrimmage, “because &hellip I know his biggest hurdle is to get past those little injuries.”

Just how well did Roberts bounce back? He began Thursday’s scrimmage — the final one of preseason camp — by taking a reverse, showing off a shimmy or two and blazing for a 90-yard touchdown.

“He’s shifty,” Southern head coach Pete Richardson said. “We have to find a way to get the ball in his hands, because he can make things happen.”

Here, again, is where the offseason work came in.

The work that has so improved Mark Henderson, who muscled up to 175 pounds, and Gerard Landry, who is a shell of his former, whopping 240-pound self, has strengthened Roberts (5-foot-8, 170 pounds) as well.

“The receivers came out with a new mindset: This is going to be our year. We had that feeling,” Roberts said. “We have all the people and we said we’d work each other to death. I worked as hard as I’ve worked since I’ve been playing college ball. I think it’s paying off now.”

After a year-plus, Roberts is also fully adjusted to the Southern offense.

“It’s definitely a big difference from last season to this season,” Roberts said. “I’m acclimated with the whole offense, the whole hurry-up style, the get-up and go.

“I feel more comfortable now. I’m in tune with the quarterbacks. I feel a big difference.”

Like Henderson, Juamorris Stewart and others, Roberts looks so much more comfortable after having had the experience of last season.

“He’s the special player I thought he was,” Dooley said. “He’s not big in size, but he gives you a lot on the field.

“You know something special could happen at any time. I guess that’s why we call him the human joystick, because he can move.”

In an effort to try to keep Roberts healthy, Richardson said Roberts, who returned 10 punts for 70 yards last season, won’t do any returns this season.

“I’m definitely at home now,” Roberts said. “This is definitely my second home. Florida is always going to be home, but this is definitely my home now, and I love it.”