Sunday, October 24, 2010

KSU Thorobreds' rally falls just short in home finale‎

Frankfort, KY - One yard and a missed extra point. Combined, those two things cost the Kentucky State football team a victory on Saturday against Fort Valley State. The Thorobreds lost 14-12 despite a rally in the final minute that gave them a chance to tie with no time left on the clock.

Trailing 14-6 with 1:05 left in the game, KSU recovered a fumble on the FVSU 45-yard line. After stalling on the first three downs, KSU got new life with a pass interference call on a fourth down Hail Mary pass. Taking over at the 11-yard line, quarterback Martez James (who took over for Jerrell Noland) flipped a pass out to Jamaree Gordon in the right flat. Gordon spun around and shed two tackles before making a final dive at the pylon.

FVSU holds off Kentucky State

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said Kentucky State was scary. Defensive coordinator Haskel Buff expected the Thorobreds to give the Wildcats a test. FVSU almost failed it.

The Wildcats gave up a touchdown on the game’s final play, but the defense came through with the stop on the two-point conversion as FVSU avoided the upset and nipped Kentucky State 14-12 on Saturday afternoon. FVSU improved to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC, while Kentucky State fell to 3-6 and 2-5.

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Southern Jaguars let one slip away

SHREVEPORT, LA — Henry Frazier III wasn’t worried. Saturday night at Independence Stadium, even when his Prairie View football team came up empty on a handful of great chances to score against Southern in the second half, Frazier felt good. His team had momentum. His team was in good shape.

Ultimately, by the end of the Panthers’ 30-16 victory, he was right. “I told (the players), ‘We’ll be OK,’ because our defense was playing so good,” Frazier said. “When your defense is playing that well ... I mean, we stayed on their side of the field the whole second half. So I was OK with it. Normally, I’m conservative, but I took a couple of gambles tonight.”

Panthers defense stiffens

SHREVEPORT — In the first half, the Prairie View A&M defense allowed 218 yards to Southern. The second half was a different story. The Panthers limited the Jaguars to 41 yards in the second half en route to a 30-16 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory in Saturday’s Shreveport Classic at Independence Stadium.

Prairie View defensive coordinator Heishma Northern said the Panthers made a few adjustments at halftime, but it was mostly about playing better. “We just talked to the guys about doing their job,” said Northern, a Baton Rouge native who played football at Southern and played and coached at Glen Oaks High School.

Prairie View breaks through in 4th quarter

SHREVEPORT — Through much of the second half of Saturday’s game at Independence Stadium, when Southern’s offense failed to move the ball and Prairie View kept threatening to take control, the Jaguars’ defense did everything it could to hold the fort. Or, in the words of defensive tackle Jordan Miller, the defense did almost everything.

Eventually, the Panthers broke through. “Our offense delivered. Sixteen points should be enough to win,” Miller said. “We can’t keep giving up so many touchdowns.” Really?

Panthers continue recent dominance over SU

SHREVEPORT — Another year. Another win. Another round of notable achievements for the Prairie View football program. The Panthers defeated Southern 30-14 on Saturday at Independence Stadium, their third consecutive victory over the Jaguars. It had been a while since Prairie View could claim that kind of dominance over Southern.

The Panthers hadn’t won three straight games in this series since 1962-64, when legendary William “Billy” Nicks still coached at Prairie View. Saturday’s game also marked the first time this season that Panthers quarterback K.J. Black — the reigning offensive player of the year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference — threw for more than 300 yards this season.

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ATTENDANCE: 19,979


Final: Prairie View, 30; Southern, 16

HOW THEY SCORED
First quarter
Prairie View – Donald Babers 3 run (Kyle Mathews kick) at 8:11. DRIVE: 10 plays, 83 yards, 4:25. KEY PLAYS: Prairie View converts on a third-and-10 with a throw from quarterback K.J. Black to tailback Devin Brown. Black throws to wideout Shaun Stephens for a 32-yard gain. SU safety Demetric Rogers is flagged for holding on an overthrown pass. Babers runs on the final five plays of the drive. Prairie View 7, Southern 0.

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Grambling Tigers grind out win over MVSU Delta Devils

GREENVILLE, Miss. — Grambling State's performance against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday was far from perfect, but it was more than enough to get the job done.

The Tigers were plagued by penalties, turnovers and a general lack of focus, but still notched a comfortable 35-14 victory over the winless Delta Devils and remained perfect in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. "We didn't play like we're capable of playing, and we didn't make the progress I thought we would make, but a win's a win," Grambling head coach Rod Broadway said. "We still beat 'em by 21."

Grambling burns winless Valley 35-14

GREENVILLE, MS — Frank Warren rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns, and Grambling State rumbled past Mississippi Valley State 35-14 on Saturday. Warren carried 29 times and sealed the win for the Tigers (6-1, 6-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference) with 85- and 39-yard touchdown runs in the fourth quarter. Danny Reyes passed for two TDs and ran for another as Grambling piled up 516 yards of total offense.

Oliver Hughes completed eight of 22 passes for 194 yards and two TDs for the Delta Devils (0-7, 0-5).

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ATTENDANCE: 3,197

FAMU Rattlers Defeat Norfolk State 17-13

NORFOLK, Va. – The Florida A&M University Football played the role of spoiler as they defeated Norfolk State, 17-13 on their homecoming, here Saturday afternoon at Dick Price Stadium.

Trevor Scott would give FAMU a 3-0 lead as he connected on a 28-yard field goal with 13:09 remaining in the first quarter as the Rattlers recovered a NSU’s Dwight Fluker-Berry fumble on the kickoff. Dante Barnes gave the NSU a 7-3 lead as scored on a 68-yard interception return with 5:54 to go in the first quarter, after the Ryan Estep PAT.



Mistakes doom NSU in 17-13 loss to Florida A&M

NORFOLK, VA - The Norfolk State football team found a new way to reach the same, tired, result. Betrayed by their defense and penalties, rather than offense and special teams, the Spartans surrendered the winning touchdown with 5:21 left and lost 17-13 to Florida A&M (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) on Saturday.

This one, the fourth straight defeat for NSU (2-5, 1-4), came before 21,118 fans on homecoming, a second straight kick in the gut after a one-point rivalry game loss to Hampton. "This one hurts a lot," senior running back DeAngelo Branche said. "You'll never understand. It's your last homecoming. To lose a game like that..."

Snake Bitten


Even with the excitement and festivities surrounding homecoming, the Norfolk State Spartans were unable to keep the Florida A&M Rattlers at bay, losing in yet another close game, 17-13.

Both teams came into the game in a must-win situation. NSU was trying to break their three game losing streak; Florida A&M needed a win to stay in the race for the MEAC Championship. The opening kickoff was fumbled by Spartans defensive back Dwight Fluker-Berry, the Rattlers recovered the ball and turned it into a 28-yard field goal by Trevor Scott. Two possessions later, cornerback Dante Barnes returned an interception 68 yards to put the Spartans up 7-3.

Photo Gallery:
NSU notes: It's 3000 yards and counting for Branche

Norfolk State running back DeAngelo Branche, who needed 42 yards to reach the 3,000-yard mark for his career, finished with 89 yards on 26 carries. The Maury graduate is just the second Spartan to hit the milestone and the first to do it at the FCS level.

"It was one of my goals," Branche said. "You can enjoy it a little. Even after a loss, an achievement is still an achievement. My name's in the record books. When I leave here, it'll still be here." Doing it on homecoming made it extra special.

Former NFC QB Walley doing well in Norfolk


NORFOLK, Va. — He didn't get a response from Florida A&M, or any other school that he sent film to in hopes of making their football team. Chris Walley, who piled up all sorts of impressive accolades just a few years ago at North Florida Christian, had all but resolved to just spending the spring semester at home. Pete Adrian, head coach at Norfolk State University, saw something he liked on Walley's video, though.

"He's able to do what he has to do," Adrian said. "He gets his checks on and off and that's a good thing." The call came and Walley had just enough time to get into classes a few days before the spring session began. He won the quarterback job.

Rattlers rally to victory

NORFOLK, Va. — With just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Florida A&M football team trailing by three points, the situation became one of mind over matter for running back Philip Sylvester and quarterback Martin Ukpai.

What transpired for the next 5:13 Saturday afternoon was a remarkable performance with Sylvester rushing for 42 yards during a 98-yard drive that propelled the Rattlers past Norfolk State 17-13 in a must-win game at Dick Price Stadium. The Spartans had scored the go-ahead points on a field goal near the end of the third quarter, creating a desperate situation for FAMU.

Taylor on recruiting trail for local talent

NORFOLK, Va. — For the second consecutive weekend, Florida A&M faced a team that has a Big Bend quarterback under center. Of course, FAMU coach Joe Taylor has been paying attention to the talent of Antonio Bostick and Chris Walley. Bostick is quarterback at Savannah State, while Walley plays the same position at Norfolk State.

Taylor talked as if he doesn't want to make those kinds of misses in the future. His recruiters are already on the trail of some of the top players in the area, Taylor said, with some of them making early commitments. "We are just trying to make sure we get ours," said Taylor, who is prohibited by NCAA rules from naming names any players who have committed to join the program next season.

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ATTENDANCE: 21,118

'D' rules for Rams - WSSU's defense shuts down UNC Pembroke

No. 21-ranked Winston-Salem State has plenty of glitz and glamour on offense, but it can also grind it out on defense. The Rams, thanks to their defense’s best game of the season, shut down UNC Pembroke 21-7 in front of a homecoming crowd of around 18,000 at Bowman Gray Stadium.

With the victory, the Rams (8-1) improved their chances for a Division II playoff berth and along the way proved that their defense can also win games.

“To finish my last home game of my career with an interception and to get a win is great,” said senior defensive back Marvin Bohannon, a former star at North Forsyth. “Pembroke’s a great team and their defense is ranked nationally and that let us know we can play with the best.”

» Gallery: 10-23-2010 WSSU vs UNCP football

UNCP Braves Fall At No. 21 Winston-Salem State

By UNCP Sports Information

WINSTON-SALEM – Kameron Smith threw for 207 yards and two first half touchdowns, and then used his legs to add the final score of the game in the second half, to help lead the 21st-ranked Winston-Salem State Rams to a rousing 21-7 Homecoming victory over visiting UNCP on Saturday afternoon at Bowman-Gray Stadium.

The Rams (8-1) amassed more than 350 yards of total offense, including 248 in the first half alone, to take a 14-7 lead into the locker rooms, and then capitalized on a turnover on the opening drive of the second half to put the game away. Despite being limited to just 106 yards of total offense in the opening half, UNCP (5-3) had its chances to post a second half comeback, but fumbled away its opening possession of the third quarter and turned the ball over on downs on three of its final four possessions of the game.

Kameron Smith completed 14 of his 21 pass attempts with an interception to open up holes for the ground game which got 108 yards on 19 carries from Nicholas Cooper. Jahuann Butler contributed three catches for 84 yards and both first half touchdowns for the Rams as well.

Rashon Kennedy ran for a team-best 55 yards for the Braves, who also got 30 rushing yards and their lone touchdown from Keith Gore. St. Anthony Lloyd matched a school record with eight catches for the second-straight game and paced the air game with 62 receiving yards. Quarterbacks Cory Smith (13-of-24) and Garrett Sutphen (9-of-19) each tallied 92 passing yards, but both threw interceptions in the opening stanza as well.

"We had our opportunities in the second half to make this a good game, and we let them slip away," said UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick. "Winston-Salem State did a good job of executing what they wanted to do. We made a couple of mistakes and gave up a couple of long balls but, other than that, I thought our defense played very well. We got going late offensively, but didn't get any points. The name of the game is to score points and we didn't score enough."

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Attendance: 18,000

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Homecoming 2010: WSSU puts on a grand parade

Winston Salem, N.C. - Musicians, dancers, beauty queens and fire trucks marched, strutted, waved and rolled through downtown yesterday in celebration of Winston-Salem State University’s homecoming.

WSSU’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band helped kick off the 10 a.m. parade that drew a throng of people along the Fourth Street route.

Bobbietta Adams was there with her daughter Cameron, 4, who was having fun dancing to the music and waving to the band’s members as they marched by. Bobbietta Adams has been a WSSU fan all her life.

» Gallery: 10-23-2010 Homecoming Parade for Winston-Salem State University

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Grounded: JSU's vaunted passing attack stymied by TSU's attacking D‎

HOUSTON, TX - Air what? For the first time this season, Jackson State's Air Raid offense met its match. And then some.

Hounded, hassled and harassed, quarterback Casey Therriault and his prolific passing attack stood no chance as Texas Southern beat Jackson State 21-18 on Saturday, grounding the Air Raid with a swarming secondary and a pass-rushing defensive front.

The Football Championship Subdivision's leaders through the air, Therriault and JSU's new pass-happy offense walked out of Houston's Butler Stadium with a black eye of a day that included one offensive touchdown.

Clock ticks down on Jackson State's decisions


HOUSTON, TX - Jackson State fans let the boos reign during the final 2 minutes of the Tigers' 21-18 loss to Texas Southern on Saturday. The reason for it stemmed from some questionable game management that may have cost JSU a chance to get a final possession with the team down by three points. Here's a retake of the events:

Notebook: Banged-up defense melts down in second half

How about this for a tale of two halves in Jackson State's 21-18 loss to Texas Southern on Saturday? JSU's defense allowed 97 yards and 0 points in the first half. And in the second? 260 yards and 21 points.

The Tigers allowed a total of 295 yards rushing, most of those coming in the final two quarters and many of them coming on long third-down scampers from TSU QB Arvell Nelson.

Texas Southern holds off Jackson State

Marcus Wright ran for 139 yards and a touchdown and Arvell Nelson added 115 rushing yards and two scores as Texas Southern held off Jackson State 21-18 Saturday. Wright rushed 26 times while Nelson scored on a 12-yard run and a 1-yarder and passed for 62 yards.

Texas Southern (4-3, 4-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) finished with 295 yards on the ground while holding Jackson State (5-2, 3-2) to minus-6.

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Attendance: 8,767




No. 24 Saint Augustine's Falcons spoil JCSU Bulls' homecoming

Saturday was J.C. Smith's homecoming, but Walter Sanders' big day.

St. Augustine's tailback became the first Falcon to run for 1,000 yards since the program was revived in 2002 in a 34-24 CIAA South win against the Golden Bulls at McGirt Field. Sanders, Division II's third-leading rusher, ran for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries to help No. 24 St. Augustine's (7-1, 5-0) win its sixth straight and remain tied for first in the division with Raleigh crosstown rival Shaw.

"Our offensive linemen came out ready to play because it was Johnson C. Smith's homecoming and we wanted to set an example ...

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SC State Pulls Out Tough 10-7 Victory Over Hampton

ORANGEBURG, SC—The South Carolina State Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1 MEAC)turned things around with a hard fought 10-7 victory over the Hampton University Pirates (5-2, 4-1 MEAC), Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The Bulldogs celebrating “Homecoming 2010” took advantage of every option in front of a home crowd 22,000 students, alums, and former Bulldog athletes to preserve the victory.

“We are happy to get a win and it wasn’t easy beating a team like Hampton,” stated SC State head coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough. “We kind of got things together and turned our week around after a tough loss to Bethune-Cookman a week ago.”

Bulldogs boot the Pirates, 10-7


ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Scott’s Erickson’s 48-yard field goal with 7:32 to go in the fourth quarter lifted South Carolina State to a 10-7 conference victory against Hampton on Saturday before a homecoming crowd of 22,010 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The win allowed the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1) to stay in the running for at least a share of the MEAC title and a spot in the FCS playoffs. Hampton (5-2, 4-1) saw its five-game winning streak end.

“That was a win that we had to have, and we found a way to get it done against a real good team,” Bulldogs coach Buddy Pough said. “Scott’s been hitting them pretty good for us all season, so I was pretty confident when I sent him out. He’s as good as you’ll find in the country.”

Hampton University's five-game winning streak ends with 10-7 loss at South Carolina State

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — In a game dominated by defense, Hampton's MEAC showdown with two-time defending South Carolina State on Saturday came down to special teams.

The host Bulldogs received a decisive 48-yard field goal from Scott Erickson with 7:23 remaining in the fourth quarter, while Hampton freshman Rodrigo Hernandez was 0-for-2, including a botched-snap mishap that doomed a potential game-tying bid from 37 yards out with 3:14 to go.

Erickson's 10th straight successful kick was the longest of his career, and lifted the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1 MEAC) to a 10-7 win that kept their conference championship hopes alive. For the Pirates (5-2, 4-1), it was the end of a five-game winning streak and the fifth straight loss to S.C. State.

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ATTENDANCE: 22,010

Albany State comes back, edges Morehouse

Albany State scored a touchdown with 18 seconds to play Saturday for a come-from-behind 13-12 win over Morehouse.

The Golden Rams’ Ronnie Childs caught a 6-yard pass from Stanley Jennings in the corner of the end zone to keep Albany State undefeated. Morehouse players -- and fans who were congregated just off the field -- protested loudly that Childs’ foot was out of bounds on the catch. A scuffed foot mark on the end line was Morehouse’s claim as evidence. The back official saw it and called the head referee over to see the mark, but the head referee was having none of that. The play stood.

“It hurts really bad,” Morehouse coach Rich Freeman said. “I thought we were one first down away from getting the win, and we took a...

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Morehouse junior Lewis Eichelberger wowed the audience attending the Dedicatory Performance in the Emma and Joe Adams Concert Hall in the new Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College. Lewis was accompanied by professor Dr. Jefferson Ethridge on piano. Director Spike Lee took film classes from young Eichelberger's father, Dr. Herb Eichelberger, a professor at Clark Atlanta University.

Week 8: Pretenders vs. Contenders

My heart goes out to the players at Lane College. After 19 straight losses, you would think the Dragons (0-8, 0-7 SIAC) could hold onto a lead to beat the equally bad Stillman College Tigers (1-7, 1-6). No Sir! The Dragons allowed Coach L.C. Coles Tigers to come from behind scoring 9 points in the 4th quarter to squeak past Lane 26-25 on the final play of the game.

For Lane College first year Coach Derrick Burroughs, who was the defensive backs coach at Stillman in 2007, its another bad pill to swallow. With SIAC powers Fort Valley State and Tuskegee remaining on the Dragons schedule, it looks like an 0-10 season for Lane. It was pure joy for L.C. Cole who coached at Lane with his brother, Johnnie Cole (Texas Southern) a few years ago.

Does anyone have any ideal why Livingstone is not competitive? Fayetteville State romped 59-6 on the Blue Bears like they were playing their own "pit team." And Saint Paul's Tigers offense finally showed up scoring 28 points on Virginia Union, but the Panthers offense was 11 points better for a 39-28 VUU win. Enough with the pretenders....

Now to the contenders... Hampton botched a late field goal attempt in the 4th quarter to hand S.C. State a gift 10-7 homecoming win. Bethune Cookman conducted another coaching clinic, this time at North Carolina Central, and walked away with a 23-10 win to move to 7-0, 4-0 MEAC on the season.

Florida A&M is no cupcake and Norfolk State's homecoming party got squashed by the Rattlers 17-13. The Rattlers remain in contention for the MEAC championship with a 3-1 record, tied with S.C. State. Coach Joe Taylor is not looking ahead, but we are. Up next are Morgan State (homecoming), at North Carolina A&T, Hampton and the November 20, Florida Classic with league leading Bethune-Cookman.

Better get your tickets now for the Florida Classic. This B-CU/FAMU clash will be a sellout with 74,000 partying fans at the somewhat refurbished (new field turf) Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. But it won't mean a thing, if the Rattlers don't stop Morgan State next week. Taylor says, one game at a time, but the Rattlers offense has looked anemic since week 3 of the season.

FAMU's defense and special teams play is consistently good enough to help the Rattlers run the table and stay in title contention. It appears that the Rattlers are beginning to believe in their slogan -- " Don't take no for an answer!"

If the B-CU Wildcats continue to steamroll the conference, they will make the greatest one season turn-around in recent FCS memory. The 'Cats finished last season at 5-6 under former Coach Alvin Wyatt, and have a chance to go undefeated in their first season under Coach Brian Jenkins with the Speedway O spread offense.

What can you say about Grambling State other than they own the SWAC and the MVSU Delta Devils. The G-Men(6-1, 6-0 SWAC) won 35-14 without breaking a sweat.

Defense rules! Just ask Jackson State Tigers No. 1 ranked offense. Coach Johnnie Cole's Texas Southern Tigers defense proved again why they are the No. 1 ranked defense in the SWAC -- holding the "Air Raid" offense to -6 yards rushing, 5 sacks and holding the FCS leading passer, Casey Therriault in check.


TSU has two tune-up games next with Mississippi Valley and Southern before the November 11, Thursday night Clash of the Titans with Grambling State for the SWAC West Division title. This home game will be televised by ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com to the nation.

What more can you say about the No. 8 ranked Albany State Golden Rams other than their quarterback is backing up the talk. Junior quarterback Stanley Jennings, 2-times SIAC Offensive Player of the Week, guaranteed that the Golden Rams would not lose the remainder of the season.

It took a superman effort, but ASU scored a touchdown in the final18 seconds of the game on an 84 yard drive. The Golden Rams keep the promise alive with the come from behind 13-12 win to spoil Morehouse homecoming. Jennings was responsible for 92 yards rushing and 202 yard passing, to move ASU record to 8-0, 7-0 SIAC. No. 18 ranked Morehouse drops to 6-2, 5-2 SIAC.

-beepbeep



SIAC
Fort Valley State 14, Kentucky State 12
Albany State 13, Morehouse 12
Tuskegee 37, Clark Atlanta 10
Stillman 26, Lane 25
Benedict 20, Miles 14

MEAC
South Carolina State 10, Hampton 7
Bethune Cookman 23, North Carolina Central 10
Florida A&M 17, Norfolk State 13
North Carolina A&T 52, Howard 32
Morgan State 34, Delaware State
Alabama State 24, Savannah State 0

SWAC
Arkansas Pine Bluff 39, Alcorn State 35 (Thurs.)
Texas Southern 21, Jackson State 18
Alabama State 24, Savannah State 0
Grambling State 35, Mississippi Valley 14
Prairie View A&M 30, Southern 16

CIAA
Bowie State 20, Elizabeth City State University 12
Winston Salem State 21, North Carolina - Pembroke 7
Shaw 35, Chowan 14
Saint Augustine's 34, Johnson C. Smith 24
Virginia State 42, Lincoln (Pa.) 0
Fayetteville State 59, Livingstone 6
Virginia Union 39, Saint Paul's 28

OVC
Tennessee Tech 21, Tennessee State 10

OTHERS
Peru State 41, Lincoln (Mo.) 33
North Greenville 42, Edward Waters 0
Glenville State 42, West Virginia State 27
Shippensburg 50, Cheyney

LeMoyne-Owen closer on football

Committee favors starting in 2012; president, board still must approve.

A feasibility committee will recommend that LeMoyne-Owen College field a football team starting in 2012.

The recommendation, based on expectations that football will drive up enrollment, will be made to president Johnnie B. Watson -- who seems inclined to approve it and send it to the Board of Trustees for the final OK. Watson said Wednesday afternoon that he had not received the recommendation. But he said he would support a plan, if fiscally sound, that would return football to the school, which last fielded a team in 1951.

"I think any college president would love to have a football team because of all the people that it brings to the campus," Watson said. "The primary question I would raise is how are we going to fund it? How are we going to sustain the funding of it?

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

Preview: Week 8 - CIAA, SIAC, SWAC, MEAC Football Games

EXCITING CIAA DIVISIONAL RACES ENTER STRETCH RUN!

GAME OF THE WEEK: ELIZABETH CITY STATE AT BOWIE STATE: The winner of this contest has won the Division four of the past five seasons. This season, however, both teams trail Virginia State after prior losses to the Trojans. Consequently, BSU and ECSU must take care of their business and wish for a Virginia State stumble. The question for the Vikings is....



This Week in the SWAC for Oct. 20, 2010

THE RATING GAME

1. GRAMBLING

Another week, another big game from RB Frank Warren.

2. TEXAS SOUTHERN

Tigers play four of last five regular-season games at home.

3. JACKSON STATE

Nov. 20 game against Alcorn could decide Eastern Division.

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FVSU Wildcats looking to keep things clean on road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

State football capsules


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

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

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Friday, October 22, 2010

Comeback falls short as Alcorn State drops fourth straight

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

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

SWAC: Golden Lions rally to win


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

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

Attendance: 2000

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NSU report: Spartans lose leading tackler for the season

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

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

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

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Howard University names Louis "Skip" Perkins Athletic Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rams ready for top 25 showdown at Morehouse

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

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

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University of North Carolina - Pembroke contemplating move to CIAA

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

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

WSSU should be tested by UNC Pembroke

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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Bethune-Cookman to play in MEAC-SWAC game

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

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

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

College football fan passion can go too far

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

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

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

THE ISSUE: College football fans

OUR OPINION: No place for ugliness toward players.

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

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