Former Granby star Bobby Rome leads VUL to victory in first game as coach

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Former Granby star Bobby Rome got his college coaching career off to a bang on Saturday as he led host Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL) to a 30-28 win over Louisburg College (N.C.) in his first game as coach.

"It was a wonderful much needed win for our university," said Rome, who is the school's fifth coach since 2011. "I felt we represented the university with pride and integrity."

VUL is a small, private and historically black university is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River.

VUL was a member of the CIAA from 1921-54 before ending its football program. It revived the sport in 2011 and is now in the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Dragons were winless last season and were outscored by more than 300 points.

Rome, 31, said back in January that he was excited about this opportunity.

Rome was a star quarterback and second-team All-Tidewater pick at Granby High, where he helped lead the Comets to the Eastern District title in 2004 . He played college football at the University of North Carolina and moved to fullback, appearing in 49 games. He had brief stints with Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Kansas City in the NFL. He then played in the now-defunct United Football League and then took a leap of faith and played in Russia in 2013.

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B-CU's Brandon Tabb Inks Pro Deal in Denmark

MEAC Player of the Year joins Horsens IC

HORSENS, Denmark – Bethune-Cookman alumnus Brandon Tabb has signed a professional contract with Horsens IC. Tabb was a named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2018 and led the Wildcats to a regular season co-championship.

Horsens is one of the strongest programs in Denmark. Last year, the team finished as a semifinalist in the Danish Cup, and was runner-up for two consecutive years prior.

Tabb finished first in single-season and BCU career history in free-throw percentage, and finished 22nd all-time in Wildcat scoring. He was one of the most prolific scorers and shooters in the MEAC as he averaged 19 points over the course of the regular season. The Hampton, Va. native ranked as one of the top free throw shooters in the nation with a 91.4 clip (127-of-139) from the line while also a major threat from beyond the arc as he ranked second in the MEAC with 97 three-pointers made. Tabb totaled three 30-point performances with highs of 34 against Coppin State and Morgan State and 14 games with 20-plus point outings. Tabb also tied for the MEAC's single-game high in three-pointers made with eight at Georgia Tech.

His 97 made three-pointers were second in Bethune-Cookman single-season history behind his 2016-17 totals of 106 makes.

The 2017-18 edition of BCU basketball finished with new school D1 records in scoring (2622 points and 81.9 per-game), free throws (575), attempts (820), rebounds (1346), rebounding average (42.1 and second nationally behind UNC), and assists (501). The Wildcats were second in both three-pointers made (241) and attempts (759), and finished fourth in single-season history with 123 blocks.

Tabb is the second Wildcat to suit up for Horsens IC, following Antonio Webb (04-06).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Edward Waters Tigers 4th Quarter Rally Comes Up Short; Drops Season Opener 15-13

JACKSONVILLE, Florida -- Despite a valiant fouth quarter comeback and in front of a raucous, standing room only crowd, Edward Waters (0-1) dropped their season opener, 15-13 to St. Andrews (1-0) on Saturday evening at the University Christian Football Complex.

The two teams went scoreless in the first quarter before the visitors from Laurinburg, North Carolina cracked the scoreborard first early in the second quarter. On 3rd & 24, Knights QB Kasey Otto found Kashard Cohens on a crossing pattern for 53 yards and a touchdown to take a 6-0 lead.

After three & outs on the next three series, SAU found the endzone again after a three play, 75 yard drive that ended with a four yard rushing touchdown by Chris Decker to extend the Knights lead to 12-0.

The Knights again padded their lead just before halftime with a 27 yard field goal from Carson Gibbs which gave St. Andrews a 15-0 lead at the break.

The young group of Tigers brought the fight to the Knights throughout the second half and in the fourth quarter, the tide turned in their favor. Freshman quarterback Derrick Jones (FR/Jacksonville, Florida) spelled fellow freshman Roshard Branch (FR/Plantation, Florida) in the second half and operated both scoring drives for EWC in the fourth. On the opening play of the final quarer and on 4th & 9 from the SAU 17 yard line, Jones found freshman WR Tyler Gilbert (FR/Pahokee, Florida) in the corner of the endzone to put the Tigers on the board and cut the lead to eight points at 15-7 with 14:16 left to go in the fourth.

Three more three & outs occured and with under six minutes left to go in the fourth, senior Kennard Mahone (SR/Jacksonville, Florida) put the Tigers in business with a 29 yard punt return to the SAU 41 yard line.

Jones engineered a drive down to the St. Andrews four yard line with under two minutes left to go. A tackle for loss on first down and a fumbled snap on second down pushed the Tigers back to the Knights 10 yard line. Jones threw an incomplete pass to Tyler Gilbert on third down leaving the Tigers with one down left to get the ball in the endzone. On 4th & Goal from the 10, Jones rolled out to his left and found freshman Kamaree Noble (FR/Jacksonville, Florida) in the endzone to bring Edward Waters to within two points of SAU. EWC went for two to try to tie the game, but a pass went through the hands of junior RB Richard Montgomery (JR/Jacksonville, Florida), leaving the score at 15-13 with over one minute left.

An onside kick from the Tigers was recovered by the Knights and St. Andrews kneeled on the ball to preserve the road victory.

SAU's Chris Decker led all rushers on the ground with 13 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. EWC's Jacquez Pelham (FR/Jacksonville, Florida) was not too far behind with 7 carries for 56 yards. Derrick Jones led EWC in passing, going 6-for-12 for 67 yards and two touchdowns all in the second half. Kashard Cohens led the Knights through the air with five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Gilbert led the EWC receiving efforts with three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, freshman LB Aaron Louis (FR/Miami, Florida) had a tremendous open to his college career for EWC, registering 13 total tackles, including four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Edward Waters will have a quick turnaround as they will host #5 Lindsey Wilson on Friday evening at 7:00 The game will be streamed live via the Black College Sports Network at mybcsn.net/ewc.
pm at University Christian.

BOX SCORE

Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters College Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWCAthletics (Twitter), /EWCSports (Facebook) and @EWCAthletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters athletics at EWCTigerPride.com.

Savannah State AD Sterling Steward Jr. Resigns; Chosen as University of Alaska Fairbanks' New Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Alaska Nanooks AD Sterling Steward (center) with women's basketball head coach Kerri Nakamoto (left), swimming associate head coach Becca Weiland (left center), head hockey coach Erik Largen (right center) & men's basketball associate head coach Jesse Brown (right)

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA -- Veteran athletics administrator Sterling Steward has been chosen as the University of Alaska Fairbanks' new director of intercollegiate athletics. Steward replaces Gary Gray, who resigned as head of the Alaska Nanooks in December.

Steward comes to the Nanooks after serving the past seven years as the director of athletics at Savannah State University, an NCAA Division I program in Georgia. Steward will start his new position at UAF on Oct. 8.

"It is my honor and privilege to be selected as the next director of athletics for UAF," Steward said. "I pledge to Nanook nation that I will bring all of the athletic experience and knowledge that I have gained over the past 20-plus years in hopes of continuing the development of student-athletes while simultaneously winning championships. I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life, as well as my career."

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Keith Champagne praised Steward's ethics, experience and commitment to the welfare of student-athletes. Steward's leadership, passion and vision will provide the foundation required for a successful 21st century athletic program, he said.

"My responsibility was to appoint an athletics director who will be the best fit for UAF," Champagne said. "I'll be a strong and collaborative partner with Mr. Steward in the years ahead to realize the high expectations we all share for Nanooks athletics."

Steward was chosen from a nationwide pool of applicants and was among four finalists who visited the UAF campus this summer. Steward earned bachelor's and master's degrees in human performance and recreation at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Steward was responsible for all matters related to managing Savannah State University's sports programs for men and women, including fundraising, marketing, corporate sponsorships, budgeting, NCAA compliance and working with local communities. While at SSU, the Tigers won seven conference championships, including one in golf, four in individual track and field, two in men's basketball, one in softball, one in tennis and one in women's basketball. Additionally, the SSU cheerleading squad won the national championship in 2017.

Steward was instrumental in revenue generation at Savannah State and operated a self-sufficient athletic department for the past seven years. Furthermore, he increased endowed scholarships 25 percent and developed a program for student-athletes that generated aid for summer school and fifth-year eligibility.

Prior to working at SSU, Steward worked in the athletics departments at Mississippi Valley State University, Alabama State University, Kentucky State University, Eastern Oregon University and Xavier University.

UAF is an NCAA Division II institution that sponsors 10 varsity sports. Men's and women's cross-country running, men's and women's basketball, and women's volleyball all compete in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Men's ice hockey is the only Division I sport and competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Women's swimming, men's and women's skiing and coed rifle all compete at a multidivisional level through the Pacific Collegiate Swimming and Diving Conference, the Central Collegiate Ski Association and the Patriot Rifle Conference, respectively.

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks, follow @AlaskaNanooks on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks page on Facebook.

NOTE TO EDITORS: There will be a press conference with Steward and Champagne in the Nanook Lounge at the Patty Center in Fairbanks at 1 p.m. Alaska Time today, Monday, Aug. 27. The press conference will also be available via audioconference. The call-in number is 1-866-832-7806 and the PIN is 1637788.

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

2018 Norfolk State football preview: Storylines, key players, projected starters and more

NORFOLK,Virginia -- How quickly will the offense develop?: For the Spartans to contend in the MEAC, QB Juwan Carter must continue to develop into a pocket passer and the team must see better production at running back from Aaron Savage, Gerald Hulett or Cameryn Brent. NSU scored 14 points or fewer six times last season.

Finishing games well: NSU lost three games by a combined 10 points, indicating that they weren’t all that far away from having a successful season. That young team now starts many juniors, and coach Latrell Scott hopes experience helps finish victories.



Stopping the run consistently: In a running back-heavy conference like the MEAC, NSU’s defensive line , led by veteran Deshaywn Middleton,must get stingier after opponents averaged a robust 5.2 yards per carry last season. Veteran Deshaywn Middleton should be able to help lower that number.

Key players
QB Juwan Carter
The 6-foot, 170-pound sophomore passed for 1,827 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions as a true freshman last season. That provided a solid building block for an offense looking to break out.

LB Nigel Chavis
At defensive end last year, the redshirt junior had 82 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles. Now 6-2 and 230 pounds, the backfield disruptor will aim to be a game-changer at outside linebacker this fall.

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North Dakota Football: Fighting Hawks' Week 1 opponent Mississippi Valley State presents plenty of unknowns

GRAND FORKS, North Dakota -- The Mississippi Valley State football program is known for alums Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones.  As for the 2018 Delta Devils, who knows?

The official website still doesn’t have a 2018 roster and the Southwestern Athletic Conference school in Itta Bena, Miss., has a first-year head coach in Vincent Dancy.

When UND faces MVSU on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Alerus Center to kick off the season, Bubba Schweigert and the Fighting Hawks aren’t going to have a ton of intel on the opponent.

“I’m sure they’ll be really excited to play and it should be a good college atmosphere,” Schweigert said. “The first games are always a little of the unknown. You don’t really know how teams will change or adjust. It’s about keeping the focus on UND, executing our offense, defense and special teams.”

According to the gambling website 5dimes, UND is a 41.5-point favorite over MVSU.

The Delta Devils were 2-9 overall last year and 1-6 in the SWAC East. After the season, MVSU cut ties with head coach Rick Comegy, who was 6-38 in his four years.

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No starter named; What Fobbs needs to see from GSU QBs Hickbottom, Clark in opener

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Let the fully live, game tryouts begin.

As Broderick Fobbs has done during in his five seasons as Grambling State’s head coach and his days as an offensive coordinator before at McNeese State when faced with a new starter at the quarterback position, throw two guys into the fire and see who emerges.

Ushering in a new era at the position after the departure of two-time SWAC Offensive Player of the Year DeVante Kincade, Fobbs isn’t about to rush things now. The Tigers opened fall camp with three guys vying for the audition in the season opener at UL Lafayette Saturday. Since, Fobbs has settled on the two who will have the chance to prove themselves in a pair of redshirt freshmen, Geremy Hickbottom and Aldon Clark.

Hickbottom has the lone collegiate start between the two quarterbacks, stepping in for Kincade in the Chicago Classic last year versus Clark Atlanta, but was pulled after three offensive series. Clark, who signed with Arkansas State out of Edna Karr in 2016, transferred into Grambling this summer.



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TCU Hosts Southern to Open 2018 Season

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 1	TV: FSN
Kickoff: 11 a.m. CT	Radio: WBAP 820 AM, Sirius 113, XM 200
Location: Fort Worth, Texas	Spanish Radio: KFZO 99.1 FM
Stadium: Amon G. Carter Stadium	Series: First Meeting

ABOUT THE GAME
-No. 16 TCU opens its 2018 campaign Sept. 1 with an 11 a.m. home game versus Southern.
-Beginning his 18th season, TCU's Gary Patterson is the nation's second-longest tenured head coach. He trails only Iowa's Kirk Ferentz (20th year).
-Patterson's 160 victories at TCU rank second nationally behind Kansas State's Bill Snyder (210) for most wins by a head coach at his current school. -The Horned Frogs are ranked in the preseason for the 10th time in the last 13 years.
-The Horned Frogs are 82-19 in 17 seasons under Patterson at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
-The Horned Frogs went 6-0 in Amon G. Carter Stadium last season for their third perfect campaign at home in the last four seasons.
-TCU is 11-1, with an 11-game winning streak, versus FCS opponents under Patterson.

SEASON OPENERS
-TCU is opening at home for just the seventh time in Gary Patterson's 18 seasons as head coach. During that stretch, the Horned Frogs will have had nine road games, seven home dates and two neutral-site contests (Arlington, Texas).
-TCU is 13-4 in season debuts under Patterson and 73-39-9 overall in openers.
-TCU has won its last four season openers and 13 of the past 15, including victories over No. 5 Oklahoma in 2005 and No. 22 Oregon State in 2010.

HOME OPENERS
-TCU has won its last 16 home openers, tied for the nation's ninth-longest active streak.
-TCU's 16 straight victories in home openers are under head coach Gary Patterson. In 12 of those wins, the Horned Frogs allowed 17 points or less.
-TCU is 16-1 overall in home openers under Patterson.

SERIES HISTORY
-TCU and Southern are meeting for the first time.
-The Horned Frogs are facing an opponent from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) for just the third time in their history.
-TCU defeated Jackson State, 63-0, last season and Grambling State, 56-0, in the 2012 season opener. The GSU contest marked the first game in the rebuilt Amon G. Carter Stadium as well as the 110th career win for Gary Patterson, making him TCU's all-time winningest coach.

DAVEY DAY
-To commemorate the 80th anniversary of quarterback Davey O'Brien winning the Heisman Trophy in leading the 1938 Horned Frogs to their second national championship in four seasons, TCU will celebrate Davey Day at its season opener.
-The Horned Frogs will wear stickers on their helmet honoring O'Brien, in addition to a field marking for him. Davey O'Brien Jr., his son, will be TCU's honorary captain. During its pregame show, the TCU band will form a No. 8 on the field.
-On game day, a floral arrangement will be placed at O'Brien's statue in front of Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena.

TCU NOTABLES
-TCU is one of just five programs nationally to finish in the top 10 of the final polls at least three times in the last four seasons. The others are Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma.
-Over the last four seasons, the Horned Frogs' 40-13 overall record and 26-10 conference mark both rank second in the Big 12.
-Ten of TCU's 12 regular-season games will be played in the state of Texas. The Horned Frogs will not leave the state until their first flight of the season Oct. 26 for a game at Kansas.
-Gary Patterson's 17 seasons as TCU's head coach are more than the combined tenures of the 11 other FBS head coaches in the state of Texas.
-Following a 45-22 win over Baylor in the 2017 regular-season finale, Patterson announced his contract extension through 2024.
-In 17 seasons under Patterson, TCU has posted seven top-10 finishes and 11 in the top 25. The Horned Frogs have won at least 11 games in 10 of the last 15 seasons.
-Construction is underway, with completion in time for the 2019 season, on the $100 million Amon G. Carter Stadium premium seating expansion. The project calls for two new levels of luxury seating above the current upper deck on the east side of the stadium. The new Legends Club and Suites will include 48 loge boxes with two private clubs, over 1,000 club seats and 22 luxury suites.



TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Southern announces starting quarterback, team captains as Jaguars head into game week vs TCU

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern made it official and named quarterback John Lampley the starter for the season opener on Saturday at TCU, coach Dawson Odums announced.

The move comes with little surprise after Odums named Lampley the frontrunner in the three-person race early last week.

The 6-foot-2 sophomore from Georgia will get his first career start against the No. 16 team in the country.

“We have three very good quarterbacks,” Odums said. “John is just slightly above those guys from a consistency standpoint and that’s really what we look for out of that quarterback position.”

After coming into the program as the No. 4 quarterback on the depth chart last season, Lampley quickly rose through the ranks to take a clear hold on the spot this offseason.

He primarily took snaps with the first-team offense this spring and summer whCONile Bubba McDaniel and Ladarius Skelton went with the twos and threes, respectively.

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ECU capable of exploiting North Carolina A&T Aggies’ vulnerabilities

GREENVILLE, North Carolina -- East Carolina got a sneak preview of its opening week opponent on Saturday when North Carolina A&T played Jacksonville State in the nationally-televised FCS Kickoff Classic.

So what did the Pirates learn about the Aggies from their 20-17 victory?

At least one thing that should make them wary and a couple of others that should help them feel better about their chances for getting the new season off to a better start than the one that opened against a different FCS opponent a year ago.

First the area of concern.



Coming off an undefeated season in which it won the Historically Black Colleges and Universities national championship with an abundance of experienced players on both sides of the ball, A&T is a veteran team that knows how to win. And win on the road.

It showed that against Jacksonville State by twice rallying from deficits in the third quarter. Then, after regaining the lead, the Aggies hung on to win the game by making three big plays — a blocked field goal and two forced fumbles — just when they needed them.

They’re the kind of team that can give ECU trouble if the Pirates let them hang around and give them an opportunity to do what they do best.

That having been said, there’s every reason to believe that if coach Scottie Montgomery’s team doesn’t turn the ball over or find other ways to shoot itself in the foot, A&T won’t be close enough for a few big plays to make a difference in the outcome.

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Predicting Georgia Tech’s Non-Conference Games: Alcorn State Braves

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Alcorn State Braves

Head Coach: Fred McNair
Conference: Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), FCS
Player(s) to Watch: RB, P.J. Simmons
Game Date: September 1, 2018

The Alcorn State Braves finished the 2017 football season with a 7-5 record and lost to Grambling State in the SWAC Championship Game 40-32. The Braves have become the perennial SWAC east division champions – winning the division the previous four seasons. The Braves will look to continue that trend, and running back P.J. Simmons will look to build on his 2017 campaign (687 yards and 7 touchdowns).



Georgia Tech and Alcorn State last squared off on September 3, 2015, with the Yellow Jackets winning easily, 69-6 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Unfortunately that was one of only three wins for Georgia Tech in all of 2015. In contrast, the Braves would go on to win the SWAC Championship and Jay Hopson would go on to accept the head coaching position at the University of Southern Mississippi.

No Georgia Tech football team has ever lost to an FCS opponent. Therefore, Georgia Tech fans should enter this game with a high degree of confidence.

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Alabama State faces daunting road with head coach Donald Hill-Eley

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY
1. Eley era begins: Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley begins his first full season as the head coach, as has 21 returning starters from a team he led to a 5-1 record in his interim role last season. "Our biggest improvement from last year is that we're throwing the ball with more consistency," Hill-Eley said. "Guys are making plays catching the ball and our quarterbacks are more confident with the offense. Defensively, guys are containing everything well, but we have some things to correct." The Hornets finished 5-6, posting their second straight losing season.

2. Championship football: The Hornets may be experienced, but they'll be tested early and often. Alabama State's first five games are all against teams that won a conference or division title last season. Tuskegee (Sept. 1) won the SIAC championship, Auburn (Sept. 8) won the SEC West title and Kennesaw State (Sept. 15) won the Big South crown. Grambling State (Sept. 22) took the SWAC West title, then defeated SWAC East champion Alcorn State (Oct. 6) in the conference championship game.

3. Coach "O" is back: After an eight-month battle with throat cancer, Alabama State offensive coordinator Mark Orlando returns to the sidelines. "(Cancer) is not a fun word, and so many things run through your mind," Orlando said. "You pray every day for the Lord to give you the strength to fight through it, and I was very unfortunate." The Hornets struggled offensively last season, finishing with the SWAC's second-worst scoring offense (14 points per game) and total offense (239.4 yards per game).

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Albany State’s quarterback battle down to Stephon Masha and Kelias Williams

ALBANY, Georgia — With a year of application in the books, Albany State head coach Gabe Giardina now has higher expectations of his offense, particularly his starting quarterback. While he hasn’t officially named who that will be, it’s down to two candidates Giardina is very high on.

Sophomore Kelias Williams is ready to take snaps under center if called upon. Williams made his collegiate debut in one of the biggest games of the season and made the most of it as he was named an MVP of the Fountain City Classic where ASU defeated Fort Valley State 34-9. In that game, Williams finished 12-of-22 for 141 yards, one passing touchdown and two rushing TDs.

Williams is a former Thomas County Central standout.

“All season long I was trying to learn the offense and when I got my chance, I had been soaking it all in and just did what I was taught, basically,” Williams said about his performance.

Graduate transfer Stephon Masha is healthy and also ready to suit up under center for the Rams. Masha transferred from Liberty University and is a graduate of South Cobb in Austell.

Giardina said both bring exactly what the team needs to the table, and he’s confident that no matter who he ultimately decides to go with they will put the team in a position to win.

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Lincoln looks to force turnovers this season

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The Lincoln Blue Tigers have been keying in on their defense this preseason.

One of the areas of improvement coach Steven Smith is zeroing in on is turnovers. The Lincoln defense recorded just six takeaways in 10 games in 2017, tied for second-to-last in NCAA Division II.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

As an incentive, Smith is bringing something to the team that several other programs have gone to, hoping to promote more takeaways: the turnover belt.

"We want to get the turnovers," Smith said.

While big hits on defense can lead to those desired turnovers, Smith said the defense has been showing progress in its tackling and focusing on making the big play, not the big hit.

"The big hit will come when it comes, but if we make the play, we don't bounce off a guy or give a guy another chance," he said. "We just have to make the play."

Lincoln's strength on defense will be at linebacker, where the Blue Tigers return a handful of contributors.

Senior Edwin Durassaint is the team's returning leader in tackles with 54 in 2017.

"He had a 'lights out' year last year, and hopefully he can have a 'lights out' year this year," Smith said.

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Division II: It's Another CIAA Season!

Kris Ferguson - D2Football.com

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Welcome to another year of CIAA football. I am humbled to be here for yet another year as your guide. The 2018 season is shaping up to be a real arms race in both divisions. Here’s what you need to know to start the season:

The CIAA has three new Head Coaches among its schools, and all three schools reside in the North Division. The South Division features two new Offensive Coordinators and a plethora of new quarterbacks. The arms race I mentioned? John Dell of the Winston-Salem Journal put out a nice article that uncovered what CIAA schools are spending in scholarships in 2018. Surprisingly, Shaw took the top spot with 28. The reminder: Fayetteville State with 26, Winston-Salem State, Livingstone, and Virginia Union with 25, Johnson C Smith, Chowan, and Virginia State with 24, Saint Augustine’s with 17, and Lincoln and Bowie State with 12. Elizabeth City State didn’t release a number, though last I remembered in 2015 that number was 17. Despite the scholarship dollars that tilt in the South’s favor, the CIAA North remains the football power center. Last year was the 2nd time in 3 years that the CIAA had two playoff representatives, and both times those playoff teams came from the North Division.

At media day, the coaches voted the following predicted order of finish: 12 Lincoln; 11 Livingstone; 10 Johnson C Smith; 9 Shaw; 8 Elizabeth City State; 7 Chowan; 6 Saint Augustine's ; 5 Virginia Union; 4 Winston-Salem State; 3 Virginia State; Predicted Runner-Up Fayetteville State; Predicted Champion Bowie State

I will say that I do think the top three teams in each division have little margin of effort. Last year’s championship game participants were decided on the divisions’ last regular season game. If that isn’t nerve wracking, I don’t know what is. Fasten your seatbelts, for I think this year will be just as thrilling.

Without further ado, here is my predicted order of finish:

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Bowie State's offense looking dominant once again to start 2018

COURTESY: BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

BOWIE, Maryland -- The Bowie State Bulldogs football team returns several key players from the 2017 squad that rewrote many of the school’s record and produced the third berth into the NCAA Division II playoffs in school history.

The Bulldogs were 9-2 and averaged 54.5 points a game last year, thanks in large part to senior quarterback Amir Hall, whose season earned him a multitude of accolades, including All-CIAA First Team honors, HBCU Athlete of the Year and Black College Football Player of the Year.

The backfield will feature a fresh face in redshirt junior Brandon Abrams, who will get the nod to step in the shoes of graduated running back Robert Chesson. Chesson rushed for 1,350 yards and 21 touchdowns, in addition to three touchdowns and 262 yards receiving, last year.

“Offensively we had quite a few guys graduate on the offensive line, but for the most part our skills guys are back,” Wilson said. “We did lose Chesson and (wide receiver) Brandon Britton to graduation, but all in all, to date, we’re doing well offensively.”

Hall will look to build on his 41 touchdown passes to four interceptions last year with a receiving corps led by senior Lansana Sesay, who hauled in nine touchdowns on 792 yards in 2017.

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Fort Valley State, Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State Football Slated for ESPN3 Showcase

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Division II announced today 19 regular-season football games that will be showcased on ESPN3 or NCAA social media as part of a new media agreement intended to promote the division on several platforms throughout the academic year.

The first 19 games of the football showcase are predetermined games, 17 of which are conference matchups. An additional three flex games — intended to highlight crucial matchups — will be finalized later in the season and played in November.

The new media agreement features two distribution models for football and basketball. For football, 11 games will be streamed on ESPN3, available on the ESPN app. The remaining 11 football games are part of the hybrid model, and they have the flexibility to be distributed on TV and online. The division will work with the TV partners of participating conferences and schools on the opportunity to air games on TV. These games also will be distributed online through NCAA social media accounts — specifically, Division II Facebook (facebook.com/ncaadivisionii) and Twitter (@NCAADII) — and could be distributed through conference or school digital networks.

 “Division II student-athletes will continue to see their successes highlighted on a national stage in the new broadcast agreement,” said Terri Steeb Gronau, vice president of Division II. “We are excited to continue to collaborate with ESPN to promote regular-season games. We are also excited to offer a hybrid model that could include linear and online distribution. Fans will have the chance to watch student-athletes who achieve success both on and off the field and participate in Division II’s Life in the Balance collegiate experience.”

Games included in the scheduled were broadcasts were selected from a pool of conference nominations. Of the 16 football-sponsoring conferences in Division II, 15 will be featured in at least one game. One conference declined to participate due to an existing media rights agreement.

Of the teams competing in the slate of games, 14 appeared in the 2017 Division II playoffs, and 15 begin the 2018 season ranked in the top 25 of the American Football Coaches Association Division II poll.

“The football showcase has an outstanding slate of games,” said Reid Amos, chair of the Division II Football Committee and commissioner of the Mountain East Conference. “We have the opportunity to continue to highlight our exciting brand of football in NCAA Division II, culminating with the championship in December.” 

ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multiscreen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible on computers via ESPN.com and on smartphones, tablets and streaming devices through the ESPN app. The network currently is available nationwide at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. It also is available at no cost to U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

The Division II football showcase kicks off with two games Aug. 30. Texas A&M-Commerce, the defending national champion, will host Texas A&M-Kingsville in the first game at 8:05 p.m. Eastern time, which will be distributed on ESPN3. The second game will feature West Florida, the 2017 Division II runner-up, hosting Carson-Newman, also at 8:05 p.m. Eastern time, which will be distributed as part of the hybrid model.

Full schedule (all times Eastern)

8:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30
Texas A&M-Kingsville at Texas A&M-Commerce (ESPN3)

8:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30
Carson-Newman at West Florida (Hybrid)

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8
Valdosta State vs. Fort Valley State (ESPN3)
7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8
Southern Arkansas at Harding (ESPN3)

1:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15
Southern Connecticut State at New Haven (Hybrid)

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15
Wingate at Carson-Newman (ESPN3)

6:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
Virginia Union at Winston-Salem State (ESPN3)
7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
Ohio Dominican at Findlay (Hybrid)

3:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29
Ashland at Ferris State (ESPN3)

7:05 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4
Notre Dame (Ohio) at Fairmont State (Hybrid)

9:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6
Central Washington at Azusa Pacific (ESPN3)

4:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
Colorado State-Pueblo at Colorado Mesa (Hybrid)

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
West Georgia at West Florida (ESPN3)

3:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Central Missouri at Pittsburg State (Hybrid)

3:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Truman at Southwest Baptist (Hybrid)

12:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
West Chester at Kutztown (Hybrid)

1:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
LIU Post at Assumption (ESPN3)

1:05 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Saginaw Valley State at Northwood (ESPN3)

2:35 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Fort Hays State at Northwest Missouri State (Hybrid)

Saturday, Nov. 3
To be determined

Saturday, Nov. 10
To be determined

Saturday, Nov. 10
To be determined

COURTESY: NCAA.COM

Spring Hill Badger volleyball takes down Division I Alcorn State

BOX SCORE

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Spring Hill College (SHC) picked up its first victory as a full member of NCAA Division II with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-21) win over Division I opponent Alcorn State University on Saturday evening at Reed Green Coliseum at the 2018 University of Southern Mississippi Volleyball Classic.

Freshman middle hitter Kassandra Fairly of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was named to the All-Tournament Team following her 12-kill (12-1-20) performance versus the Lady Braves (0-3) along with a .423 (26-4-52) attack percentage on the three-game weekend.

Junior setter Emmarose Neibert racked up 24 assists and 12 digs while junior libero Cassidi Sterrett served up two aces with 17 receptions and five digs.

Defensively, the Badgers held the Braves to a .170 (35-18-100) attack percentage with six aces and 43 digs.

The Badgers (1-2) will next travel to New Orleans, La., on Tuesday night to face non-conference foe the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Lady Knights at The Castle beginning at 6 p.m.

SPRING HILL COLLEGE BADGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Central State travels to Elizabeth City State to kick off 2018 season

Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 1
Kickoff: 1 pm 
Venue: Roebuck Stadium - Elizabeth City, NC
 
Home Team: Central State Marauders
Conference: SIAC
2017 Overall Record: 1-9
2017 Conference Record: 0-7
Roster
2017 Statistics

Visiting Team: Elizabeth City State Vikings
Conference: CIAA
2017 Overall Record: 4-6
2017 Conference Record: 3-6
Roster

Coverage
Listen - http://www.ecsu.edu/about/communications-and-marketing/radio-and-tv-service/listen-live.html
Live Stats - http://www.sidearmstats.com/ecsu/football/
 
Admission
To purchase tickets, visit - https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3176

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Prairie View Soccer Captures First Season and Overtime Win Against Nicholls

THIBODAUX, Louisiana – Sophomore Jojo Bernal scored the first season goal in overtime period that lifted the Prairie View A&M University soccer team past Nicholls, 1-0, on Sunday at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

This is the first victory for first year head coach Sonia Curvelo.

In the 94th minute, Bernal to advantage of the Colonel's players miscue and sent the shot toward the back of the net. The goal marked her second collegiate and first career game-winner.

Seven different players paced the Lady Panthers with one shot each. Junior Gina Zavala De Rojas, senior Reina Cruz, freshman Kalia Brown, junior Mila Bustos, freshmen's Kaelyn Carnahan and Sonia Feuntes all had shots. Bernal and Bustos had shots on goal.

Quinn Josiah made nine saves to earn her first career clean shut-out of the season.

Prairie View A&M soccer team will return to action on Friday, August 31 against Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. at the PVAMU Soccer Field, and then host Texas State on Sunday, Sept. 2 for a 1 p.m. first kick.

BOX SCORE

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Langston Women's Basketball Adds Six for 2018-19 Season

LANGSTON. Oklahoma -- Langston University head women's basketball coach Elaine Powell is pleased to announce the six signees for the upcoming 2018 -19 season as they embark in their new conference affiliation in the Sooner Athletic Conference.

The class is comprised of three transfers in Alicia Castleberry, Alexia Levenston, Orionna Shirley with three freshmen Khayjah Jack, Kaylie Mitchell and Aujunnae Smith. The Lady Lions are looking forward to capitalizing on last season's late win streak as well as meld team chemistry for a successful inaugural season in a new conference.

"All of these young ladies are solid student athletes who have high aspirations on and off the court," Powell noted. "They come from successful programs, exhibit quiet confidence, and understand that gaudy stats or numbers by any one or two players will make us a winner but a hearty dose of camaraderie and togetherness will be a definite necessity in our goals."

Alaisha Castleberry | 5-6 | Combo Guard | Midwest City, Okla. | Seminole State CC

"Alicia is a very resourceful and competitive guard who can play on or off the ball. She has good quickness on the defensive end, consistent range on the perimeter, as well as the ability to create offense for herself. "




Alexia Levenston | 5-11 | Forward | Madisonville, Texas | Hill College

"Alexia is a very talented and athletic forward that is comfortable on the perimeter as well as in the paint. She is very multidimensional with range from 3 pt line or facing up attacking the basket or posting up. Her athleticism will help bolster our rebounding and defensive switches."




Orionna Shirley - 5'7 - Combo Guard - Los Angeles, Calif. - LA Trade Tech

"Ori is a dynamic and athletic guard who can fill a stat sheet in various ways both offensively and defensively. Very crafty at creating offense for self and unselfish to finish with a pass to an open teammate. For her size Ori is a very good rebounder and aggressive on the defensive side of the ball."

Khayjah Jack - 5'10 - Forward - Lake Charles, La. - Jack Barbe HS

"Khay is a very disciplined player on both sides of ball who picks up concepts very quickly. A natural rebounder who gets to the ball early and often she will be a welcome addition to our young frontcourt. On Offense she is capable of making the midrange shot,  and solid with post ups as well as putbacks. Defensively she is aggressive and vocal which will help her adjustment period."


Kaylie Mitchell - 5'11 - Forward - Shreveport, La. - Southwood HS

"Kaylie is a very aggressive and physical post player that doesn't mind mixing it up in the paint areas. Strong, with a soft touch Kaylie has the ability to be a contributor on both ends of the floor. She has nice shooting range but is very effective at the basket. Her ability to rebound her area on the floor will be paramount for our success."




Aujunnae Smith - 5'10 - Forward - Killeen, Texas - Ellison HS

"Aujunnae is very versatile offensive player that can shoot from 3pt line, make short aggressive, drives to the basket, as well as post up defenders for baskets. Defensively she has the potential to be able guard various positions but will need to maintain her aggressiveness on both sides of the ball to maximize her abilities."

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UAPB football holds mock scrimmage game Friday, off Saturday

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Before getting the day off on Saturday, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team held a closed mock-game scrimmage on Friday at Simmons Bank Field.

UAPB Head Coach Cedric Thomas understands that time is winding down until kickoff for the first game, so he decided to have a scrimmage that was as game-like as possible.

According to Thomas, he was OK with how things went overall. Having the day off Saturday gave the team an ample amount of opportunity to be fresh and ready to lock in on their upcoming first game against Morehouse on Sept. 1 at home.

“We hit on every situation,” Thomas said. “It was really more of a dress rehearsal. We wanted to go over every practical situation in football so the kids can have a general idea. We had the scout team give us looks from Morehouse and what they’ve done in the past. We had coaches on headsets and in the press box.

“Now, when the situation arises again, the kids can remember that particular scenario. I think we got everything done we needed to do. We got about 140 plays in. Now it’s about using the next couple hours to get our legs under us and get refreshed. We’ll come back with Morehouse on our minds.”

CONTINUE READING

UDC Men’s Soccer Tops East Coast Conference Preseason Poll

Head Coach Matt Thompson enters his 7th season as head coach at UDC.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After earning the program's first-ever East Coast Conference and NCAA Division II Championship berths a season ago, the University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team starts 2018 atop the ECC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

UDC received six of 10 first-place votes to top the coaches' survey with 93 points. The Firebirds posted the most successful season in program history in 2017 with a 15-7 record, a runner-up finish in the ECC Championship, and a first-ever NCAA Championship berth and victory.

Expectations are high for UDC due in part to the return of six All-Conference honorees, including the ECC Offensive Player of the Year, Gabriel Torres.

With four first-place votes and 88 points, LIU Post comes in at No. 2 in the poll, marking the first time since 2011 the Pioneers have not started the season as the favorite to capture the league's championship. The Pioneers, who won their 5th ECC title in six years and 3rd NCAA East Region Championship in four years last season, will take to the pitch under new head coach, Michael Mordocco. LIU Post lost five All-Conference honorees from last year's roster, but ECC Goalkeeper of the Year, Oliver Hessner Hansen, and Rookie of the Year, Lukas Ostermann, return for the Pioneers.

Mercy College and New York Institute of Technology come in at No. 3 and No. 4 with 75 and 74 points, respectively, to round out the teams expected to make the ECC's postseason tournament.

2018 ECC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

School	Pts.	2017 Record
1. Dist. Columbia (6)	93	15-7-0 (6-3-0 ECC)
2. LIU Post (4)	88	18-1-2 (8-0-1 ECC)
3. Mercy	75	13-5-0 (7-2-0 ECC)
4. NYIT	74	9-9-1 (5-4-0 ECC)
5. Queens	50	8-6-2 (4-3-2 ECC)
6. Bridgeport	43	4-10-1 (3-5-1 ECC)
7. Molloy	42	5-12-0 (3-6-0 ECC)
8. St. Thomas Aquinas	38	5-9-1 (3-6-0 ECC)
9. Daemen	34	7-11-0 (3-6-0 ECC)
10. Roberts Wesleyan	13	4-13-0 (1-8-0 ECC)

( ) - first place votes

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