Jacksonville Jam settles with players, coaches

Photo: Jacksonville Jam head coach Mike Gillespie is seeking his paycheck along with Jam players, or the nets on the franchise will be cut down.

The minor-league team hadn't been paid this season, Gillespie says.

The Jacksonville Jam will play on, as players and coaches for the Premier Basketball League team reached an agreement with owner Felix Krupczynski on Thursday to continue their season.

According to head coach Mike Gillespie, players and coaches received a partial salary payment, their first of the season. Gillespie said the team had played without pay since official practices began Dec. 15.

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We really don't like to see this type of situation happening to players and coaches of so-called professional leagues. Where was the PBL Commissioner, former NBA star and TNT analyst Kenny Smith in the resolution of this important matter?

The fallout of this mess is former Florida A&M University player and starting point guard Tony Tate decided to leave the Jam. Forward Napoleon Rhodes also decided to leave due to this payment issue. All work and no pay is not a good situation.

Former FAMU players Brian Greene, forward and Terrence Woods, guard will remain with Gillespie and the team. Clear case of breach of contract by the Jam owners and the PBL.

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Son of ex-NBA/Alcorn State guard, Phelps now a headline act

The phone rang and the caller politely identified himself to a reporter. "This is Michael Phelps, Jonathan's father."

Man, have times ever changed.

Michael Phelps, the former Vicksburg High and Alcorn State star and NBA guard, is no longer the most-recognized basketball star in his own family. Not that it bothers him even a little bit. "Just watching him play, putting the team on his shoulders and doing whatever it takes kinds of puts me back in those days," Michael said. "But one of the reasons we named him Jonathan was because we wanted him to have his own identity,"

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Schools like Alcorn, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Grambling and Western Kentucky have shown interest in Phelps, who may play for a junior college next season.

Jackson State releases '08 football schedule

Photo: Jackson State University Head Football Coach Rick Comegy is ready to take the Tigers to a repeat of their '07 SWAC championship.

The Jackson State football program has released its 2008 tentative football schedule - highlighted by home games against Southern, Mississippi Valley State and Alabama A&M. The Council of Presidents voted to change to a seven-game schedule where schools will play each team within their division and rotate three games against teams in the opposing division.

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JSU 2008 football schedule:

Aug. 30 - at Northwestern State, 6 p.m.
Sept. 6 - Stillman College, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 - at Tennessee State at Memphis, 6 p.m.
Sept. 20 - at Grambling State, TBA
Oct. 4 - Southern, 3 p.m.
Oct. 11 - at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 4 p.m.
Oct. 18 - at Texas Southern, TBA
Oct. 25 - Mississippi Valley State, 3 p.m.
Nov. 8 - at Alabama State, 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 - Alabama A&M, 3 p.m.
Nov. 22 - Alcorn State, TBA, 3 p.m.
Dec. 13 - SWAC Championship at Birmingham, TBA.

Southern University picks up two commitments

Southern University’s football team took a significant step toward addressing two of its more pressing needs for this year’s recruiting class. The Jaguars picked up commitments from defensive back Tim Berry of West Feliciana and offensive guard Rodney Ewing of Independence (Kan.) Community College.

Ewing finished his final season at Independence Community College after opening his career at Butler (Kan.) Community College. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder played tight end and offensive guard and was an all-state selection in track at Junction City (Kan.) High but signed with Butler after receiving no Division I-A scholarship offers.

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Ewing, chose Southern over East Carolina and Southeastern Louisiana. Ewing said he also has an offer from North Alabama where he plans to visit this weekend. His ICC team was 2-7 this past season.

Hampton U. to finish '08 football season against FAMU

Photo: Hampton University Head Football Coach Jerry Holmes looks forward to facing mentor Joe Taylor and FAMU in '08 in rivalry game.

Could Hampton University's hopes of a fourth Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in five seasons hinge on a win against Florida A&M and former Pirates coach Joe Taylor? That's possible by the looks of Hampton's 2008 schedule, released Thursday.

The Pirates close their regular season Nov. 15 against FAMU in Tallahassee.

"Not looking over all of the other games, but the last game against Florida A&M is going to be a very good game,"Coach Jerry Holmes said. "I know that when the team looks at the schedule, the first thing they are going to look for is to see when we play Florida A&M because they want to square off against Coach Taylor and some of the other former coaches."

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2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Virginia Union
Sept. 06 at Southern Illinois
Sept. 13 Howard
Sept. 20 North Carolina A&T
Sept. 27 at Morgan State
Oct. 04 at Delaware State
Oct. 18 Norfolk State
Oct. 25 at South Carolina State
Nov. 01 Winston Salem State (homecoming)
Nov. 08 Bethune Cookman
Nov. 15 at Florida A&M

Borrowed instruments allow NCCU band to compete in Atlanta

DURHAM - The band will play on. By the time you read this, N.C. Central University's marching band and more than a dozen borrowed instruments will be well on the way to Atlanta for the prestigious Battle of the Bands, an invitational showcase for marching bands from historically black colleges and universities.

The band was scheduled to load up the bus this morning at 3 and head south. Its ability to perform came into question last week with the discovery that more than a dozen instruments -- including 14 massive sousaphones -- had been stolen from the band room in two break-ins in November and December. Since then, band officials worked to rescue the excursion with instruments borrowed from various sources.

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Winston Salem State games are back on radio

Winston-Salem State’s basketball games should be back on the radio this weekend, when the Rams play N.C. A&T. The past two WSSU games, against Howard and Hampton, weren’t broadcast because the announcers, Alan Chavous and Kim Spears, had not been paid.

“There was some confusion, and that’s all been cleared up,” said Aaron Singleton, the director of news and media relations at WSSU. “They are going to be paid and will be back on the air.”

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Shameful! Shameful! Shameful! What's to get confused over--you either prepared a pay check for the hired contractors, or you did not. This is six transistor radio stuff, which may shed some light on why most HBCU and MEAC basketball games are not broadcasted over the Internet or by satellite radio services. No pay--no services is the American way.

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MEAC/SWAC Basketball latest RPI rankings

Photo: Hampton University Head Basketball Coach Kevin Nickelberry (Virginia Wesleyan '86) is building the Pirates program into a MEAC and Mid-Major powerhouse.

The Rating Percentage Index (RPI) has been used by the NCAA since 1981 to supplement the selection of at-large teams and the seeding of all teams for the NCAA basketball tournament.

This is the official list of rankings, as released by the NCAA for games through January 20, 2008.

The RPI is derived from three component factors: Div. I winning percentage (25)%, schedule strength (50)%; and opponent's schedule strength (25)%. Games against non-Division I opponents are not used in calculating the RPI. Beginning with the 2004-05 season, road wins are weighed at 1.4; road losses at .6; home wins at .6; and home losses at 1.4. Neutral-site games are valued at 1.0. The NCAA provides only rankings without calculations.

CLICK ON BLOG TOPIC TO SEE ENTIRE NCAA RPI LISTING.

Hampton University has the highest RPI ranking of all the historical black colleges and universities, with a rank of #99. The teams that are ranked above and below the HU Pirates are #98 Davidson College, SoCon and #100 Western Kentucky, Sun Belt, respectively.

Grambling State University, SWAC is currently the lowest ranked HBCU at #336; however, North Florida, NJIT, Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State and Eastern Illinois are the bottom five in the RPI rankings.

Independents, Savannah State University is ranked at #249 and North Carolina Central University is at #291.

Tennessee State University, OVC is holding a ranking at #251.

The complete rankings of the HBCUs to January 20, are as follows :

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
#99, Hampton
#163 North Carolina A&T
#168 Delaware State
#199 Morgan State
#226 Florida A&M
#243 Coppin State
#283 South Carolina State
#299 Bethune-Cookman
#309 Howard
#314 Winston Salem* (playing MEAC schedule)
#317 Norfolk State
#334 Maryland Eastern Shore

HBCU Independents
#249 Savannah State
#291 North Carolina Central
#314 Winston Salem State*

Ohio Valley Conference
#251 Tennessee State University

Southwestern Athletic Conference
#239 Southern University
#262 Mississippi Valley State
#265 Alabama State
#281 Arkansas Pine Bluff
#289 Jackson State
#304 Texas Southern
#307 Prairie View A&M
#333 Alabama A&M
#335 Alcorn State
#336 Grambling

There are two ways to interpret this data--take it as a grain of salt or blow your own horn until you get beat by the team with a lesser RPI ranking.

-Compiled by beepbeep

South Carolina State University hoops adds commitment

With highly-touted Mojave, Nev. high school point guard Darian Norris on the way and College of Charleston transfer forward Josh Jackson sitting out this year, the Bulldogs have added another Port City transplant to the fold. Brandon Smalls, a 6-5 swingman out of North Charleston currently playing for Harcum College in Bryn Marr, Penn., announced his intentions to enroll at SCSU next season.

A graduate of North Charleston High School, Smalls is averaging 19 points, 5.33 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.93 steals per game for the 16-1 Bears, who are ranked fourth in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association Division II poll.

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Two Defenders and Star RB make Verbal Commitments to NSU

Photo: Norfolk State Head Football Coach Pete Adrian is making his mark in Tidewater region with topnotch recruits for 2008.

NORFOLK - A pair of defensive players from Indian River High School made verbal commitments to Norfolk State on Wednesday. First-team All-Tidewater defensive end Terrence Pugh and outside linebacker Frank Clemmons said they will play for the Spartans this fall.

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NSU has struck gold in the commitment of Central Virginia's all-time rushing leader, Takeem Hedgeman, Monticello High School (Virginia) star running back. He is a 5-10, 195-pounder with speed, durability and great vision. (See Takeem profile below and view his highlights video.

WARNING: This posted video has offensive Rap music lyrics and you should TURN OFF your computer speakers if you do not want to hear the negativeness and profanity in the audio. The audio/video highlights were prepared and distributed by the player and his advisers and is not the product of MEAC/SWAC Sports Main Street, Norfolk State University, the MEAC and The Virginian-Pilot. This audio is highly offensive to some listeners and to children. So, just turn off the music/audio!!

The player's video highlights are awesome.

Video Hightlights-- Running back Takeem Hedgeman, 8 minutes 30 sec.


Norfolk State pipeline is doing a great job in getting information out to the press on their football commitments. If you have noticed, only a few schools have allowed their commitments to speak with the press, alerting us who is on the radar for the respective programs. However, some in the MEAC are silent on this issue until National Signing Day, February 6.

So far, here are the commitments and transfers the have been documented for NSU Spartans:

1. Michael Alphonse LB 6-0 233 Miami, FL (Rivals 1 star)- Transfer from Akron
2. Dennis Brown QB 6-3 196 Miami, FL (Rivals 2 stars)- Transfer from UConn
3. Devon Lesesne OL 6-2 313 5.2 - Washington, D.C.
4. Marquis Cuffee DB 5-10 170 4.55 Virginia Beach, VA
5. Eric Hitch FB/LB 6-2 235 4.75 Virginia Beach, VA
6. Marcus Cooperwood 5-foot-10 175 4.6 Hampton, VA
7. Joey Christine, 6-2/300 OL/DL, Stephen City, VA
8. Blake Matthews, 6-4/295 OT, Manassas, VA
9. Terrence Pugh, 6-4/205 OLB, Chesapeake, VA
10.Frank Clemmons, 6-3/210 LB, Chesapeake, VA
11. Takeem Hedgeman, 5-10/195, Charlottesville, Virginia

Takeem Hedgeman, a.k.a. "The Dream," a.k.a. "Sonic," finished the 2007 season with 400 carries for 2,992 yards and a state-record 51 touchdowns. He holds two VHSL state football records -- 51 touchdowns in a season; and 310 points scored. Hedgeman is said to be a patient, smooth, durable running back and is Central Virginia's all-time rushing leader. He has Division I football talent and the speed to run away from tacklers as showed on the highlight video.

Norfolk State was selected over offers from Hampton University and Rhode Island.

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Hampton University Langford brings excitement to Senior Bowl practice

Photo: Hampton defensive end Kendall Langford, 6-6/294 defensive end.

Senior Bowl Update, Mobile, AL:

The practice had a little extra excitement when a fight broke out between defensive lineman Kendall Langford, Hampton University, and 332-pound offensive lineman Heath Benedict of Newberry College. Action on the field stopped and their teammates watched, with no one stepping in to break it up. It didn't last long and both were wise enough not to take off their helmets.

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Photo: Heath Benedict, Newberry College/Tennessee, 6-6/335 OL.

This would be a rumble of major proportion--we'll take Langford in two rounds to drop the 335 pound tackle.

A Howard Bison's fast track to the Super Bowl

Photo: Former Howard University Bison Geoff Pope will play in the Super Bowl for the NY Giants as a rookie cornerback, 6-0/186, from Detroit, MI.

How was it that, he, Geoff Pope, cornerback from Howard University, undrafted by every NFL team, cast away by the worst club in the league, told years ago by the football coach at Eastern Michigan that he wasn't even good enough to play there, wound up on the New York Giants? On the field? Going to the Super Bowl?

"It's certainly a rush," Pope said that evening as he sat in a Starbucks near downtown Bethesda, Maryland. He wore a gray pinstripe suit, purple tie and a Giants playoff cap. Across the table sat his business manager, Omar Sillah. And they had put together an ambitious agenda for this first Tuesday of his Super Bowl life with the stock exchange visit in the morning, then some television interviews in New York, a flight to Washington and more television appearances before resting here while a car service waited on the street outside.

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Pope has his head screwed on correctly--"Yesterday, he planned to stop by Howard University and meet with school officials to figure out how he could finish the 20 credits he needs to complete his degree in advertising."

Great motivational story and outstanding advertising for Howard University and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. We only wish that more of us would take the initiatives of Pope when someone tells us--"You will never be good enough to play or perform at this level."--just prove them 100% wrong!

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Dover, Delaware Civic Center backers push statewide tax

DOVER -- Since June 2005, the Kent County Levy Court has had the blessing of the Delaware General Assembly to issue $20 million in bonds to help pay for construction of a $61 million civic center.

Sullivan, board chairman of the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, said he supports the concept of a civic center that would host local events and serve as a venue for Delaware State University athletic events. He said, though, such centers should be "stand-alone, break-even" facilities that would not have an impact on people who visit Dover for other reasons.

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This facility will be the primary venue for Delaware State University basketball and other indoor sport programs. It would be great if this facility is built with shared costs of county and state funding. If it has to come to DSU campus, the project size and costs will be downsized.

I-A Transfers gives Delaware State Hornets depth at quarterback and wide receiver

Photo: RS-Freshman quarterback transfer (Bowling Green State University) Anthony Glaud, 6-3/212, Winslow Township H.S., Sicklerville, New Jersey.

Glaud leaves Bowling Green to join MEAC champs

DOVER -- In November, there was little doubt about who was the starting quarterback at Delaware State. It was three-year starter Vashon Winton, a Chicago native who would lead the program to its first-ever NCAA Division I-AA playoff game against the University of Delaware.

Whether Winton is the starter in 2008 has suddenly become a question with the team's addition last week of Bowling Green transfer Anthony Glaud. Glaud has enrolled at DSU and will be able to play next season. Coming with Glaud is his teammate at Bowling Green, sophomore wide receiver Zach Charles, who also transferred to DSU. Charles can also play immediately.

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Photo: Sophomore transfer wide receiver (Bowling Green State University) Zach Charles, 5-10½/179, Winter Haven H.S., Winter Haven, Florida.

DSU Coach Al Lavan is not making it easy for the traditional MEAC powers, which is great for the growing positive reputation of the conference. We are not surprised by these latest developments, especially with the Hornets expectations of playing two Division I-A opponents in Kent State and Akron or Pittsburgh. This is the way to go if you are going to raise capital and improve your strength of schedule for an at-large bid to FCS playoffs. There is not much difference in the lower level of the MAC and the top level of the MEAC. Smart move by DSU to schedule a Division 1-A program that they can possible beat and be competitive.

The wire is reporting DSU has the following players in the commitment pipeline.

1. Anthony Glaud - RS-Freshman QB transfer, Bowling Green
2. Zach Charles - Sophomore WR transfer, Bowling Green
3. Jamil Heath - DE, Dover, DE
4. Carl Hinton - LB/DE, Georgetown, DE
5. Keith Hunt DE 6-1 225 - 5.1 Paterson, NJ (Rivals 2 stars)

For Delaware State, playing in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge may be a great experience for a program that highest attended games are at the opponents facility. Jackson State would have much difficulty in beating a Delaware State in this game. Go for it!

The skinny on Glaud ( pronounced: GLAWD)

In 2007, he was 23-of-36 for 266 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Glaud passed for 10-of-15 for 126 yards and a score versus Boston College and was 3-of-5 for 67 yards and a touchdown versus Miami. He redshirted in 2006.

Glaud is a 2006 graduate of Winslow Township High School in New Jersey ... a three-year letterwinner for the Eagles ... named Elite Recruits' #2 Quarterback in New Jersey ... elected to play in the New York/New Jersey Governor's Bowl ... compiled 2,349 passing yards with 23 touchdown passes as a senior ... also rushed for 386 yards and three touchdowns in 2005 ... coached by Felton Jones.

The skinny on Zacharri "Zach" Charles

Zach Charles grew up and attended school in same county in Florida as Coach Al Lavan.

2007: Played in all 13 games ... had seven catches for 52 yards at Minnesota and three receptions for 50 yards at Boston College ... had a career-long 49-yard reception at BC as well.

2006: Played in and started the first five games as a freshman before suffering a season-ending injury ... totaled 14 catches for 50 yards on the season ... recorded at least two receptions in all five games ... snagged four balls in back-to-back games against Buffalo and at Florida International ... also returned a punt for nine yards against Buffalo.

High School: A 2006 graduate of Winter Haven High School in Florida ... a three year letterwinner for the Blue Devils ... named All-State, All-District and All-County in 2005 ... selected to participate in the Florida-Cali All-Star game ... led the Blue Devils to the regional finals and a 9-4 record as a senior ... caught 26 passes for 550 yards in 2005 ... gained 450 yards on 20 catches in 2004 ... was a captain in 2005 ... coached by Charlie Tate ... also earned letters in track ... named track captain as a junior and senior ... was a regional track participant in the 100 meter and 4x100 meter relay in 2004.

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Hampton U. women prepare to host pair of MEAC basketball contests

Photo: Hampton University Head Women Basketball Coach Walter Mebane (North Carolina '81) and Assistant Coach Tiffany Gwynn (Liberty '98) during first half of FAMU game.

Hampton University's women's basketball team's bench will become more important as the Lady Pirates try to stay undefeated in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

HU (10-6, 4-0 MEAC) takes a five-game win streak into Saturday's home game with Coppin State (8-10, 3-2) and hosts Morgan State (10-6, 4-1) Monday. Hampton coach Walter Mebane is playing between 10 and 12 players a game, saying pressing for most of the game dictates that he use his reserves more.

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Photo on right: Assistant Coach Lashondra Dixon (Hampton '03) and Assistant Coach Keith McCray (Belford,'05) are the second half of the women basketball brain trust at Hampton University.

Norfolk State football racks up player commitments

Sherando’s Christine commits to Spartans

Norfolk State received verbal commitments from two linemen on Tuesday.

Joey Christine, a 300-pound guard from Group AA Division 4 runner-up Sherando High School in Stephens City, and Blake Matthews, a 295-pound tackle from Osbourn High in Manassas, said they will sign with the Spartans on National Signing Day in early February. Christine was all-state as an offensive guard and was selected first-team all-region on both the offensive and defensive lines. Matthews was a three-year starter at Osbourn and was a key player on the team that won the Group AAA Division 6state championship in 2006.

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It is much too early to give the top MEAC recruiting class trophy to the Spartans, but based on the verbal commitments from these players, it does appears that they will be near the top of the MEAC heap. Let's just watch and see how many players stay true to their word and sign the national letter of intent on February 6.

Here are the names of the eight players that have committed and are expect to sign with Norfolk State University:

1. Michael Alphonse LB 6-0 233 Miami, FL (Rivals 1 star)- Transfer from Akron
2. Dennis Brown QB 6-3 196 Miami, FL (Rivals 2 stars)- Transfer from UConn
3. Devon Lesesne OL 6-2 313 5.2 - Washington, D.C.
4. Marquis Cuffee DB 5-10 170 4.55 Virginia Beach, VA
5. Eric Hitch FB/LB 6-2 235 4.75 Virginia Beach, VA
6. Marcus Cooperwood 5-foot-10 175 4.6 Hampton, VA
7. Joey Christine, 6-2/300 OL/DL, Stephen City, VA
8. Blake Matthews, 6-4/295 OT, Manassas, VA

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FAMU Ernest Williams to play in American Heritage Bowl

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Who is this player--Florida A&M University #25 Ernest Williams?

For starters, Williams is a 5-11/205 red shirt senior defensive back from Tallahassee (FL) Lincoln High School, who has been selected for the American Heritage Bowl All-Star game. This game is for potential NFL draftees and preferred invitees to showcase their talents for NFL scouts.

The American Heritage Bowl is the first football game ever to assemble the HBCU's top senior players in an all-star event. Rick Comegy of Jackson State University will serve as head coach of the Southwest Marines team pitted against the Northeast Navy all-stars coached by Delaware State's Al Lavan. Former Los Angeles Rams great Leroy Irvin will act as honorary coach.

Williams played strong safety for the Rattlers last season and finished with 58 tackles (30 solos, 28 assists), three and one-half tackles for a loss of seven yards, one forced fumble, two fumble returns, and one interception return for 19 yards.

During the Rattlers 2006 season, he recorded a season high 11 tackles against Morgan State and had 10 tackles against Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T and Bethune-Cookman. Williams finished his career at FAMU with 171 career tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss of 39 yards, seven pass breakups, one forced fumbles and three fumble returns.

Williams is the lone Florida A&M University invitee that will play in this year's American Heritage Bowl. The game is to be played at Cal State Fullerton Titan Field on January 26 at 6:15 p.m. Pacific Time in Fullerton, Califorinia. The game itself will not air live, but will be taped to air on the ESPNU networks on February 8, 1 p.m. PST.

Playing in the game is a tremendous honor for Ernest Williams and FAMU. Williams get to play one more time and prove what he can do out there on the field against other equally talented players. He is our only hope this year to prove that FAMU has athletes that are worthy of playing in the NFL or any other league beyond college.

Williams selection reaffirms the fact that if you have football talent, the NFL will find you at Florida A&M University or at any HBCU. The game and its practices give professional scouts another chance to take a look at prospective talent. Players were selected by a committee that looked at the player's stats and made the selections.

Williams is assigned to the Southwest Roster with players from the SWAC and SIAC schools located in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma. He will be playing under Coach Comegy and the Jackson State University football staff.

CLICK ON BLOG TITLE TO VIEW AMERICAN HERITAGE BOWL ROSTERS AND WEBSITE.

Lavan Shaping Delaware State Into a Winner

Photo: Delaware State University head football coach Al Lavan (center).

Polk County, Florida native thriving as college football coach.

You don't have to have a family lineage such as Hilton or even be from a big city to be successful in life.Delaware State head football coach Al Lavan is a perfect example. Al Lavan has helped Delaware State improve in each of his four years as its head coach. The Hornets posted a 10-2 record in 2007.

Born in Bartow and raised in Pierce just south of Mulberry, Lavan was a success in the NFL, making it as a player and an assistant coach. Lavan has a Super Bowl ring as a member of the 1990 San Francisco 49ers' staff.

Now, having just completed his fourth season as head coach of the Hornets of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M are also members of the MEAC), Lavan is still enjoying success.

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WSSU miss gives Hampton University the win

Photo: Senior guard Rashad West scored 17 points and hit two free throws with 13 seconds left to help Hampton hold off Winston-Salem State. The 6-1 play maker is from Raleigh, N.C./Maine Central Institute.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Despite recording the first 30-point game in the Rams' Division I era, WSSU senior forward Darrell Wonge's three-point try fell just short of the mark on Monday afternoon as Hampton escaped the Joel Coliseum with a 64-62 victory in men's collegiate basketball action between two bitter rivals.

Despite the coach speak from both head coaches leading up to Saturday's meeting, the action on the court spoke volumes about just how important a victory on Monday meant to both programs as the game would feature two intentional fouls and a pair of technical fouls in a highly emotional contest.

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NCA&T Lady Aggies defeat MEAC champs DSU

Photo: Aggies 6-0 forward Brittanie Taylor-James #22, plays clamp down defense on DSU.

DOVER, Del. – While an hour from her hometown of Philadelphia Monday night in Dover, Del., sophomore forward Lamona Smalley helped the Aggies secure a big win for the folks back in Greensboro, N.C.

She scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team to a 64-57 win over defending MEAC Champion Delaware State at Memorial Hall. Smalley’s double-double was the fifth of her career.

It followed her 15-point, 14-rebound performance against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday. The Aggies (11-5, 5-0) handed the Hornets (7-10, 2-1) their first MEAC loss.

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Prairie View survive Grambling State for win

A 14-0 second half run by Prairie View A&M broke open a deadlocked contest as the Lady Panthers handed Grambling State a 66-50 loss in SWAC action on Monday evening in the Assembly Center.

Grambling State put together one its best halves of the year on both ends of the court as they nailed 12 baskets en route to shooting 48 percent from the field. Defensively, GSU was a thorn in PV’s side as they forced the defending SWAC Champions into committing 10 turnovers along with holding them to only nine baskets as both teams were tied at 29 entering halftime.

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Prairie View Lady Panthers are (10-7, 5-0 SWAC) and Grambling State (1-15, 0-6 SWAC) on the season.

Coppin State Lady Eagles set records against FAMU Lady Rattlers

Photo: 5-8 senior shooting guard Rashida Suber had a birthday blowout with a career 33 points over the Lady Rattlers. She is from Reading H.S., Reading, PA.

BALTIMORE -- Seniors Rashida Suber and Shalamar Oakley combined to score 58 points and Coppin State set a school record for shooting percentage as the Eagles defeated Florida A&M 90-62 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game on Monday in the Coppin Center.

Suber celebrated her birthday by pouring in a career-high 33 points, which eclipsed her previous best of 32 set last season against Florida A&M. Suber finished the game 12-of-18 from the floor and 5-of-8 from three-point territory and came up two points shy of tying the Coppin Center record of 35 points held by Kiesha Brooks.

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The Lady Rattlers simply left their defense in Tallahassee for this East Coast trip. That 9-0 Lady Rattlers start has turned into a 9-7, 1-4 MEAC drop in the standings. What is wrong with our Rattlers?

HU Lady Pirates defeat Winston Salem State Lady Rams

Photo: #42 Quanneisha Perry, 5-10 freshman forward, Decatur, Georgia -Towers HS and #24 Mikki Clayton, 5-6 freshman guard, Tallahassee, FL - North Florida Christian School received valuable playing time in rout of Lady Rams.

Winston-Salem, NC – The Lady Pirates of Hampton University scored 35 points off the bench on their way to a 58-38 victory over the Lady Rams of Winston-Salem State University.

Ashlee Finley scored 14 points while Stephanie James and Quanneisha Perry both scored 10 points as the Lady Pirates improved to 10-6 on the season, while the Lady Rams fell to 1-13.

Hampton led 40-20 at halftime while shooting 53 percent from the field, hitting 18 of 30 shots. The Lady Rams were held to just 23 percent shooting in the first half, connecting on just six of 26 shots. The Lady Pirates scored 22 of their first half shots off WSSU turnovers.

Five from Grambling head to California for all-star game

GRAMBLING — Five departing Grambling State senior football players have been invited to participate in Saturday's American Heritage Bowl. Receiver Tim Abney, the Neville High product, joins receiver Reginald Jackson, offensive tackle Randall Bennett, center Tavarus Cockrell and defender Jason Banks.

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Check out updates on Grambling State University football commitments (see right side of column).

Byrd propel UAPB over Alcorn State

PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- William Byrd and Marcelle Goins each had 17 points to lead Arkansas-Pine Bluff to a 74-68 win over Alcorn State on Monday. Byrd added 13 rebounds and six blocks for the Golden Lions (7-9, 3-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference).

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