LONDON GROVE, Pennsylvania – With a prime opportunity to notch its first back-to-back victories in 57 years and solidify a spot near the top of the CIAA Northern Division standings, Lincoln faded down the stretch and fell to visiting Bowie State, 22-10, in college football action on Friday evening at Avon Grove High School.
Lincoln (2-3, 2-5) hardly had the football in the first half as the Bulldogs (3-2, 4-3) controlled the clock and ran 45 plays to just 17 for the Lions. And even though LU moved the football much more effectively the rest of the way, second half turnovers sabotaged several critical scoring chances.
“This loss is very disappointing. This hurts,” said linebacker Brandon McElwee, who is a member of the program’s first four-year senior class since football was reinstated after a hiatus from 1961-2007. “We’ve already experienced the lowest we can possibly go, so we can only go up. And I feel like we are moving up. I even feel like we gained something from this loss.”
Despite it all, Lincoln pulled to within three, 13-10, early in the second half, but was outscored 9-0 the rest of the way, including a safety and a late touchdown following the ensuing free kick.
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Saturday, October 15, 2011
XU's Didavi, Taylor grab third place in NAIA doubles
MOBILE, Alabama -- Xavier University of Louisiana's second-seeded Loic Didavi and Zach Taylor defeated Oklahoma Christian's fourth-seeded Bruno Tiberti and Martin Poboril 6-7 (4), 7-5, 1-0 (10-7) Friday in the NAIA men's doubles third-place match of the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships.
Didavi, unseeded in singles, upset fourth-seeded Vladislav Khudziy of Huntington (Ind.) 6-4, 6-3 in the consolation semifinals.
Didavi and Taylor lost 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals to Fresno Pacific's third-seeded Cledson Carvalho and Nathan Martinet.
XU's doubles tandem finished the fall semester 7-2. Taylor is 22-10 at Xavier in two seasons of doubles.
"That third-place match started right after both teams lost in the semifinals," Xavier coach Alan Green said. "Both teams were given a 40-minute break, but they decided to stay on court and play. Oklahoma Christian was coming off a tough loss in a super-tiebreaker.
"At first it looked like all four guys did not want to be on the court, but they eventually warmed up to it. It was a back-and-forth match. Loic and Zach did a great job taking control in the second set, then they got a good lead early in the super-tiebreaker and held on."
Didavi, 9-1 in singles this season, broke Khudziy's serve to take a 4-2 lead in the second set.
"Loic's first set of singles was ugly," Green said. "He almost lost serve a couple of times but pulled it out.
"Loic's opponent was really good but deceptive. It was a mental challenge for Loic because his opponent looked like he was coasting at times, and at other times he'd produce great shots. It was hard for Loic to get into a rhythm, but he did what he had to do to win."
Didavi will play Graceland's Laurentsi Arakhamiya at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for fifth place.
Graceland's first-year coach is Xavier graduate Monroe Walker, who played for the Gold Rush from 2001-05.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: GCAC
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| Loic Didavi |
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| Zach Taylor |
Didavi and Taylor lost 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals to Fresno Pacific's third-seeded Cledson Carvalho and Nathan Martinet.
XU's doubles tandem finished the fall semester 7-2. Taylor is 22-10 at Xavier in two seasons of doubles.
"That third-place match started right after both teams lost in the semifinals," Xavier coach Alan Green said. "Both teams were given a 40-minute break, but they decided to stay on court and play. Oklahoma Christian was coming off a tough loss in a super-tiebreaker.
"At first it looked like all four guys did not want to be on the court, but they eventually warmed up to it. It was a back-and-forth match. Loic and Zach did a great job taking control in the second set, then they got a good lead early in the super-tiebreaker and held on."
Didavi, 9-1 in singles this season, broke Khudziy's serve to take a 4-2 lead in the second set. "Loic's first set of singles was ugly," Green said. "He almost lost serve a couple of times but pulled it out.
"Loic's opponent was really good but deceptive. It was a mental challenge for Loic because his opponent looked like he was coasting at times, and at other times he'd produce great shots. It was hard for Loic to get into a rhythm, but he did what he had to do to win."
Didavi will play Graceland's Laurentsi Arakhamiya at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for fifth place.
Graceland's first-year coach is Xavier graduate Monroe Walker, who played for the Gold Rush from 2001-05.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorVISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: GCAC
SSU tries to rebound at home against FAMU
Savannah, Georgia -- After having five of his first six games on the road, Savannah State football coach Steve Davenport is looking forward to being close to home the rest of the season. Four of the Tigers’ last five games are in SSU’s T.A. Wright Stadium, beginning tonight at 7 against Florida A&M. State’s lone road game during the season-ending stretch is Nov. 12 in Daytona Beach against Bethune-Cookman.
“We spent 12½-13 hours on the bus going to and coming back from Morgan State last week, so we’re looking forward to getting some normalcy around here,” Davenport said.
The Tigers (1-5, 1-2 MEAC) may be at home, but they’ll be playing probably the most difficult part of their conference schedule. Three of SSU’s remaining five opponents — FAMU, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State — shared the league title last season.
Norfolk State is 5-1 (the only loss at West Virginia) and atop the MEAC with a 3-0 league record this season.
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“We spent 12½-13 hours on the bus going to and coming back from Morgan State last week, so we’re looking forward to getting some normalcy around here,” Davenport said.
The Tigers (1-5, 1-2 MEAC) may be at home, but they’ll be playing probably the most difficult part of their conference schedule. Three of SSU’s remaining five opponents — FAMU, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State — shared the league title last season.
Norfolk State is 5-1 (the only loss at West Virginia) and atop the MEAC with a 3-0 league record this season.
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Morehouse heads to Albany State with title in sights
Albany, Georgia -- The victory against Tuskegee last weekend didn’t secure a championship or set any kind of milestone for Morehouse. Instead, the traditional water-cooler dousing that Morehouse players gave coach Rich Freeman after their 17-14 victory symbolized washing away what Freeman had called the “curse” of Tuskegee.
The Maroon Tigers ended a seven-game losing streak to Tuskegee. Now Morehouse can stay on track for its second SIAC title since 1923 with a victory at Albany State on Saturday.
The Golden Rams won the 2010 SIAC championship after a come-from-behind victory over Morehouse. Albany State or Tuskegee has won every SIAC title since 2000, but Morehouse has a chance to break through.
The Maroon Tigers (5-1, 3-0) are assured of a spot in the SIAC championship game at Lakewood Stadium if they beat East division-rival Albany State (4-2, 2-1) and then win their final three games.
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The Maroon Tigers ended a seven-game losing streak to Tuskegee. Now Morehouse can stay on track for its second SIAC title since 1923 with a victory at Albany State on Saturday.
The Golden Rams won the 2010 SIAC championship after a come-from-behind victory over Morehouse. Albany State or Tuskegee has won every SIAC title since 2000, but Morehouse has a chance to break through.
The Maroon Tigers (5-1, 3-0) are assured of a spot in the SIAC championship game at Lakewood Stadium if they beat East division-rival Albany State (4-2, 2-1) and then win their final three games.
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ECSU Vikings finally coming home
Elizabeth City, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State’s football team will not only be celebrating the school’s annual homecoming today, it be celebrating an actual homecoming — its own. When the Vikings kick off against Virginia State today, it will be their first game on campus since Sept. 3, a span of six weeks.
“When I looked at the schedule, I felt we had a long stretch there, but it’s just dawned on me how long it’s really been,” ECSU coach Waverly Tillar said. “It’s good to be home. As a matter of fact, I finally unpacked my bag the other night.
“It will be good to be back at home and give some of the people that haven’t had a chance, a chance to see us.”
There is little time for Tillar and the Vikings (4-2, 2-1) to enjoy the comforts of home, though. A victory over the Trojans will push them one step closer to a third division title in six years, a spot in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship game on Nov. 12 and a chance at a title that has eluded them.
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“When I looked at the schedule, I felt we had a long stretch there, but it’s just dawned on me how long it’s really been,” ECSU coach Waverly Tillar said. “It’s good to be home. As a matter of fact, I finally unpacked my bag the other night.
“It will be good to be back at home and give some of the people that haven’t had a chance, a chance to see us.”
There is little time for Tillar and the Vikings (4-2, 2-1) to enjoy the comforts of home, though. A victory over the Trojans will push them one step closer to a third division title in six years, a spot in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship game on Nov. 12 and a chance at a title that has eluded them.
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Bluefield State tabs Jackson as interim head coach
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| Coach Jamaal Jackson |
No wonder. Jackson arrived at Bluefield State from Alabama on Thursday afternoon, having been selected to become the interim men’s basketball coach for the Big Blues. Practice begins on Saturday, less than 48 hours after meeting with a few members of his new team.
Jackson, who will replace Jimmy Voight — who was fired after one season at Bluefield State — will take over a struggling program with little time to even get to know his personnel. He may not even a permanent place to live by the time preparations can officially begin for the 2011-12 season on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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VISIT: BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE
VISIT: BLUEFIELDATHLETICS
Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White
Alabama A&M University performance on ESPNU vs. Texas Southern, Oct. 13, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Hampton, Norfolk State to renew 'Battle of the Bay'
Norfolk, Virginia – Hampton football coach Don Rose is headed to his native Norfolk on Saturday, but he laughs nobody will be giving him a homecoming. He knows Norfolk State is not in the giving mood this season. The Spartans have surrendered the ball only three times this season, which is tied for the fewest turnovers in the FCS.
Not surprisingly, Norfolk State is off to a 5-1 start and sits atop the MEAC with a 3-0 conference record. That factor adds to the Spartans' 49th meeting with neighboring Hampton in the "Battle of the Bay" at Dick Price Stadium.
Hampton (3-2, 1-1) risks falling out of the MEAC title race if it doesn't pull an upset. The meeting features an excellent showdown of two of the conference's top quarterbacks, Hampton's David Legree and Norfolk State's Chris Walley. Each signal-caller went over 300 passing yards last weekend to set a career high.
"The conference standings, that's fine. And the rivalry, that's fine," Rose said. "You know it comes down to you've got two teams and there's only one that's going to come out victorous. The team that executes the best (in) the six inches between the ears will take care of that battle."
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Not surprisingly, Norfolk State is off to a 5-1 start and sits atop the MEAC with a 3-0 conference record. That factor adds to the Spartans' 49th meeting with neighboring Hampton in the "Battle of the Bay" at Dick Price Stadium.
Hampton (3-2, 1-1) risks falling out of the MEAC title race if it doesn't pull an upset. The meeting features an excellent showdown of two of the conference's top quarterbacks, Hampton's David Legree and Norfolk State's Chris Walley. Each signal-caller went over 300 passing yards last weekend to set a career high.
"The conference standings, that's fine. And the rivalry, that's fine," Rose said. "You know it comes down to you've got two teams and there's only one that's going to come out victorous. The team that executes the best (in) the six inches between the ears will take care of that battle."
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Alabama A&M football: Defense turns back Texas Southern as Bulldogs extend winning streak
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Texas Southern came to town Thursday night with arguably the nation's best defense. The Tigers were first in total defense, third in pass defense and sixth in rushing defense.
Alabama A&M inside linebacker Willie Fuller was tired of hearing about Texas Southern's defense. The Bulldogs, Fuller said, had a pretty good defense, too. Fuller and company, before a national television audience on ESPNU, went out and showed it.
The Bulldogs forced four turnovers, sacked Texas Southern quarterback Riko Smalls three times, blocked a field goal and stopped the Tigers five times on fourth down and Reshaad DeJarnett hauled in a short pass from quarterback Deaunte Mason and raced 70 yards for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 4:15 remaining to lift A&M to an important 24-21 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory before an announced crowd of 5,386 at Lous Crews Stadiium.
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Alabama A&M football: Mason, Smith connect for big play (Notes)
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M quarterback Deaunte Mason and wide receiver Montaurius Smith combined for the Bulldogs' longest play of the season Thursday night against Texas Southern.
On A&M's first offensive play of the game, Mason rolled out to his right and found Smith streaking down the field for a 72-yard gain before he was dragged down at the Tigers' 17-yard line.
Unfortunately, running back Kaderius Lacey fumbled two plays later to stop the drive.
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Alabama A&M inside linebacker Willie Fuller was tired of hearing about Texas Southern's defense. The Bulldogs, Fuller said, had a pretty good defense, too. Fuller and company, before a national television audience on ESPNU, went out and showed it.
The Bulldogs forced four turnovers, sacked Texas Southern quarterback Riko Smalls three times, blocked a field goal and stopped the Tigers five times on fourth down and Reshaad DeJarnett hauled in a short pass from quarterback Deaunte Mason and raced 70 yards for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 4:15 remaining to lift A&M to an important 24-21 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory before an announced crowd of 5,386 at Lous Crews Stadiium.
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Alabama A&M football: Mason, Smith connect for big play (Notes)
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M quarterback Deaunte Mason and wide receiver Montaurius Smith combined for the Bulldogs' longest play of the season Thursday night against Texas Southern.
On A&M's first offensive play of the game, Mason rolled out to his right and found Smith streaking down the field for a 72-yard gain before he was dragged down at the Tigers' 17-yard line.
Unfortunately, running back Kaderius Lacey fumbled two plays later to stop the drive.
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Late surges give Loyola three-set sweep against Xavier
NEW ORLEANS — Freshman O'Neal McMullan had 12 kills and two aces Thursday, and Loyola pulled away late in each set for a 25-17, 25-19, 25-21 women's volleyball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at The Den.The Wolfpack (14-8) snapped a three-match losing streak and are 9-0 all-time against the Gold Nuggets (14-5).
Four second-set kills by Moira Kirk led Xavier to a 14-11 advantage, but Loyola closed with a 7-1 run, which McMullan ended with a kill.
Three consecutive Wolfpack errors gave Xavier a 15-14 lead in the final set, but Loyola answered with an 8-2 run to take the lead for good. Kills by Kailey Tuthill and Lauren Brand ended the match.
Tuthill had eight kills, 10 digs and two aces, and Sabrina Stansberry had seven kills, five digs, three blocks and two aces.
Loyola outhit Xavier .155 to .073 and had advantages of 34-29 in kills and 8-1 in aces.
Kirk had 12 kills and three blocks for Xavier. Taylor Reuther had seven kills and 12 digs, Jenay Butler had six kills and eight digs, and Celeste Poe had 10 digs.
Xavier will travel to Marion, Ala., to play Judson at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Gold Nuggets' next home match will be Oct. 28 against Faulkner.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
Alabama A&M: Redemption and Reshaad DeJarnett make this one must-see TV
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Mabel Lawrence, sitting up there in the early-fall chill at Louis Crews Stadium, had a sinking feeling. "Oh, Lord, my baby done dropped the ball," she said to herself, watching son Reshaad DeJarnett, an Alabama A&M freshman, botch a punt return.
"Then," she continued, "they (Texas Southern) made a touchdown and it was like, 'Oh, Lord, they're going to win because my baby done dropped the ball."
Only moments later, Lawrence, the executive director of the public housing authority in Eclectic, was on her feet instead of having head in hand.
"When he caught the ball and was running down the field, I was 'Go Reshaad! Go Reshaad! Go Reshaad! "That's my baby!"
Alabama A&M vs. Texas Southern Football Oct. 13, 2011 gallery
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"Then," she continued, "they (Texas Southern) made a touchdown and it was like, 'Oh, Lord, they're going to win because my baby done dropped the ball."
Only moments later, Lawrence, the executive director of the public housing authority in Eclectic, was on her feet instead of having head in hand.
"When he caught the ball and was running down the field, I was 'Go Reshaad! Go Reshaad! Go Reshaad! "That's my baby!"
Alabama A&M vs. Texas Southern Football Oct. 13, 2011 gallery
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Xavier's Didavi, Taylor advance at small college championships
MOBILE, Ala. -- Xavier University of Louisiana's second-seeded Loic Didavi and Zach Taylor defeated Olivet Nazarene's Sebastian Esquetini and Diego Gonsalvez 6-4, 6-2 Thursday in the opening round of doubles in the NAIA division of the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships.
Didavi, however, suffered his first loss in nine singles matches for the Gold Rush when top-seeded Chris Freeman of Embry-Riddle (Fla.) defeated him 6-3, 2-6, 7-5.
Didavi and Taylor broke Esquetini and Gonsalvez to take a 4-2 lead in the first set. The XU tandem has won six of seven matches this fall.
"Loic and Zach were steady," Xavier coach Alan Green said. "Then they picked up their intensity in the second set and got a couple more service breaks."
Didavi-Freeman was the only one of four singles matches in the NAIA division to go three sets.
"It was a pretty close match," Green said. "Freeman made a couple of big shots in the last set which made the difference. He broke Loic to go up 6-5 in the third."Didavi and Taylor will play Fresno Pacific's third-seeded Cledson Carvalho and Nathan Martinet in the semifinals at 1 p.m. Friday. Didavi will play fourth-seeded Vladislav Khudziy of Huntington (Ind.) in the singles consolation semifinals at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorVISIT: XULAATHLETICS
Whitehurst takes long journey to reach pros
VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia —— If it weren't for shaky grades, no college scholarship, a transfer, a lack of interest from NFL scouts, a bum ankle during arena league tryouts and the Hartford Colonials folding, former Bethel High standout Kyle Whitehurst believes he would been a pro football player a long time ago.
None of that matters now. At 29 years old, all the Virginia Destroyers cornerback knows is he's a pro football player now.
"I get guys come up to me and they're like, 'Oh, you play for the Destroyers, huh? Can I try out?' " Whitehurst said. "And I'm like, 'Yeah, if you want to be embarrassed.' I'm in a meeting the other day and I'm looking around and it's like all these guys played in the NFL. And all I needed was a chance."
For much of the past decade, circumstances seemingly left Whitehurst with a better chance of winning the lottery. But he's always kept the football faith, dating back to when no colleges came calling when his Bethel career ended, forcing him to endure two walk-on years — one as a Proposition 48 academic casualty — at ...
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None of that matters now. At 29 years old, all the Virginia Destroyers cornerback knows is he's a pro football player now.
"I get guys come up to me and they're like, 'Oh, you play for the Destroyers, huh? Can I try out?' " Whitehurst said. "And I'm like, 'Yeah, if you want to be embarrassed.' I'm in a meeting the other day and I'm looking around and it's like all these guys played in the NFL. And all I needed was a chance."
For much of the past decade, circumstances seemingly left Whitehurst with a better chance of winning the lottery. But he's always kept the football faith, dating back to when no colleges came calling when his Bethel career ended, forcing him to endure two walk-on years — one as a Proposition 48 academic casualty — at ...
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Georgetown Football Travels Across Town to Howard to Play for Mayor's Cup
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Georgetown University football team (4-2, 1-1 Patriot League) travels across town to face Howard University (3-3, 2-2 MEAC) in the third meeting for the Mayor's Cup, on Saturday, at 1 p.m., at Greene Stadium. The Hoyas and Bison have split its prior two games, with Howard winning the last meeting, 14-11 in 2009.
BROADCAST INFORMATION: Fans can listen to the game live on HoyaVision, broadcast on Georgetown's official athletic website - http://www.guhoyas.com/ - with Chuck Timanus providing the call. A live game day blog featuring all of the action and notes from Greene Stadium will also be available on GUHoyas.com. Fans can also receive live updates by following Hoyas_Football on Twitter.
LAST WEEK: The Hoyas overcame five turnovers, as the defense held one of the nation's top running backs to half of his season average in a 24-10 victory over Wagner. Brett Weiss hit a 49-yard field goal the longest in the PL this season, helping him earn Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Junior SLOT Max Waizenegger (Fairfax, Va./W.T. Woodson) hauled in a 71-yard touchdown pass from junior QB Isaiah Kempf(Glendale, Calif./Bridgton Academy), the Hoyas longest scoring play since 2006 to help seal the victory.
NO SHORTAGE OF WEAPONS IN THE PASSING GAME...Junior SLOT Max Waizenegger (Fairfax, Va./W.T. Woodson) was the second different GU pass-catcher to eclipse the 100-yard mark in consecutive weeks, as his late fourth quarter 71-yard touchdown catch got him to 104 yards against Wagner. One week earlier, against Bucknell, sophomore WR Jamal Davis (North Lauderdale, Fla./Coral Springs) 10 catches and 102 receiving yards. Georgetown quarterbacks have had a wealth of other options. Georgetown has 11 players with at least five catches, and freshman Kevin Macari (New Canaan, Conn./New Canaan) has 161 yards on the season and senior Patrick Ryan(Westlake,Ohio/St. Ignatius) has 123 yards to join Waizenegger and Davis with over 100 yards receiving on the season.
CONVERTING IN THE REDZONE...The Hoyas converted on both trips inside Wagner's 20 yard line, scoring two touchdowns last week, as sophomore running back Nick Campanella(Roselle, Ill./Montini Catholic) picked up his fifth rushing TD. GU has the second best red zone offense efficiency in NCAA Division I FCS and the best in the Patriot League, converting on 20-of-21 trips with 17 touchdowns. Only UT-Martin has been better. Patriot League rival Holy Cross is just behind GU at third in the nation.
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BROADCAST INFORMATION: Fans can listen to the game live on HoyaVision, broadcast on Georgetown's official athletic website - http://www.guhoyas.com/ - with Chuck Timanus providing the call. A live game day blog featuring all of the action and notes from Greene Stadium will also be available on GUHoyas.com. Fans can also receive live updates by following Hoyas_Football on Twitter.
LAST WEEK: The Hoyas overcame five turnovers, as the defense held one of the nation's top running backs to half of his season average in a 24-10 victory over Wagner. Brett Weiss hit a 49-yard field goal the longest in the PL this season, helping him earn Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Junior SLOT Max Waizenegger (Fairfax, Va./W.T. Woodson) hauled in a 71-yard touchdown pass from junior QB Isaiah Kempf(Glendale, Calif./Bridgton Academy), the Hoyas longest scoring play since 2006 to help seal the victory.
NO SHORTAGE OF WEAPONS IN THE PASSING GAME...Junior SLOT Max Waizenegger (Fairfax, Va./W.T. Woodson) was the second different GU pass-catcher to eclipse the 100-yard mark in consecutive weeks, as his late fourth quarter 71-yard touchdown catch got him to 104 yards against Wagner. One week earlier, against Bucknell, sophomore WR Jamal Davis (North Lauderdale, Fla./Coral Springs) 10 catches and 102 receiving yards. Georgetown quarterbacks have had a wealth of other options. Georgetown has 11 players with at least five catches, and freshman Kevin Macari (New Canaan, Conn./New Canaan) has 161 yards on the season and senior Patrick Ryan(Westlake,Ohio/St. Ignatius) has 123 yards to join Waizenegger and Davis with over 100 yards receiving on the season.
CONVERTING IN THE REDZONE...The Hoyas converted on both trips inside Wagner's 20 yard line, scoring two touchdowns last week, as sophomore running back Nick Campanella(Roselle, Ill./Montini Catholic) picked up his fifth rushing TD. GU has the second best red zone offense efficiency in NCAA Division I FCS and the best in the Patriot League, converting on 20-of-21 trips with 17 touchdowns. Only UT-Martin has been better. Patriot League rival Holy Cross is just behind GU at third in the nation.
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Thursday, October 13, 2011
Plenty at stake as Alabama A&M hosts TSU on ESPNU
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- As the calendar winds toward November and the Southwestern Athletic Conference reaches the midway point, the games get bigger and bigger.
For Alabama A&M, none is bigger than tonight's game with defending SWAC champion Texas Southern.
GAME: ALABAMA A&M vs. TEXAS SOUTHERN
DATE: THURSDAY, OCT. 13, 2011
TV: ESPNU
GAME TIME: 6:30 p.m. CT
SITE: Louis Crews Stadium, Huntsville, Alabama
The Bulldogs, who already have one league loss, are trying to stay within striking distance of East Division-leading Alabama State. If A&M wins tonight and Alabama State beats Prairie View on Saturday, first place in the Eastern Division will be on the line when the Bulldogs and Hornets collide in the Magic City Classic on Oct. 29 in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Texas Southern is trying to keep West Division-leading Prairie View in its sights.
2011 - AAMU Field Show at the Southern Explosion BOTB
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For Alabama A&M, none is bigger than tonight's game with defending SWAC champion Texas Southern.
GAME: ALABAMA A&M vs. TEXAS SOUTHERN
DATE: THURSDAY, OCT. 13, 2011
TV: ESPNU
GAME TIME: 6:30 p.m. CT
SITE: Louis Crews Stadium, Huntsville, Alabama
The Bulldogs, who already have one league loss, are trying to stay within striking distance of East Division-leading Alabama State. If A&M wins tonight and Alabama State beats Prairie View on Saturday, first place in the Eastern Division will be on the line when the Bulldogs and Hornets collide in the Magic City Classic on Oct. 29 in Birmingham.
Meanwhile, Texas Southern is trying to keep West Division-leading Prairie View in its sights.
2011 - AAMU Field Show at the Southern Explosion BOTB
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Kante Can Take FAMU to the Next Level
Senegal, West Africa native a former JUCO No. 1
Tallahassee, FL - Salif Kante grew up immersed in the game of tennis. His dad taught him the game in his native Senegal and when he was named the top junior college player in the country last year, it wasn't much of a surprise. Now, Kante is trying to put FAMU on the national map.
"That's why I came here. To win the title," Kante said with a chuckle. A couple of weeks ago, Kante won the single title at the Florida State University Invitational.
"If I go to a tournament I'm just gonna play my game," he said. "I don't care who plays. I'm just gonna play."
That's how he was taught thousands of miles away with the rest of his siblings. His older brother and younger sister were mentored by their father, who is a coach and owns a tennis club back in West Africa.
When Kante was finishing high school, he wanted ...
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Tallahassee, FL - Salif Kante grew up immersed in the game of tennis. His dad taught him the game in his native Senegal and when he was named the top junior college player in the country last year, it wasn't much of a surprise. Now, Kante is trying to put FAMU on the national map.
"That's why I came here. To win the title," Kante said with a chuckle. A couple of weeks ago, Kante won the single title at the Florida State University Invitational.
"If I go to a tournament I'm just gonna play my game," he said. "I don't care who plays. I'm just gonna play."
That's how he was taught thousands of miles away with the rest of his siblings. His older brother and younger sister were mentored by their father, who is a coach and owns a tennis club back in West Africa.
When Kante was finishing high school, he wanted ...
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A Look at Georgia's HBCU Week 6
Macon, Georgia -- Div II 12th ranked Albany State Rams were upset over the weekend 26-24 by the Lane Tigers. ASU QB Stanley Jennings was sacked three times and couldn't get the passing game going in this one. Albany State was the superior team from the jump, but seemed to lose focus as the game went on.
Lane QB Mckinsley Marbury put on a clinic scoring 6 total touchdowns (3 passing, 3 rushing) in this game. This was very much a trap game for Lane and it goes to show how much you cannot take a team lightly.
This week Albany State will return home to face the Morehouse Tigers. This game will all but decide the Eastern Division in the SIAC. Look for Albany State to bounce back and play a much better game, but I don't think they have the horses to compete with the 'House.
The Morehouse Maroon Tigers traveled to Columbus, Ga to take part in the 76th Annual Morehouse-'Skegee Classic. It was a game in which Tuskegee led at the half, and it appeared ...
Lane QB Mckinsley Marbury put on a clinic scoring 6 total touchdowns (3 passing, 3 rushing) in this game. This was very much a trap game for Lane and it goes to show how much you cannot take a team lightly.
This week Albany State will return home to face the Morehouse Tigers. This game will all but decide the Eastern Division in the SIAC. Look for Albany State to bounce back and play a much better game, but I don't think they have the horses to compete with the 'House.
The Morehouse Maroon Tigers traveled to Columbus, Ga to take part in the 76th Annual Morehouse-'Skegee Classic. It was a game in which Tuskegee led at the half, and it appeared ...
Undefeated WSSU Rams say they will stay focused
Winston Salem, North Carolina -- Even though 13th-ranked Winston-Salem State will be playing perennial loser Livingstone on Saturday, in some respects this week will be one of the toughest for coach Connell Maynor.
His task is convincing the Rams (6-0) that they still must perform at a high level to beat the Blue Bears (1-5), who have just six wins in the past seven seasons.
Maynor, however, said he senses that his team understands what's in front of it. A victory will clinch the CIAA's Southern Division title and that will get the Rams a spot in the conference-championship game on Nov. 12 in Durham.
"You have to stay focused," Maynor said. "We have bigger goals of winning the CIAA and winning playoff games and the guys understand that. We have to be prepared every week because everybody wants to beat us."
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His task is convincing the Rams (6-0) that they still must perform at a high level to beat the Blue Bears (1-5), who have just six wins in the past seven seasons.
Maynor, however, said he senses that his team understands what's in front of it. A victory will clinch the CIAA's Southern Division title and that will get the Rams a spot in the conference-championship game on Nov. 12 in Durham.
"You have to stay focused," Maynor said. "We have bigger goals of winning the CIAA and winning playoff games and the guys understand that. We have to be prepared every week because everybody wants to beat us."
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Gov. Robert Bentley to honor first responders at Alabama A&M football game
Huntsville, Alabama -- Gov. Robert Bentley will help Alabama A&M University honor local first responders during a "Community Night" football game Thursday at Louis Crews Stadium, the university said in a news release.
Bentley will be on hand to help honor emergency workers who responded during the April 27 tornadoes and beyond. The emergency workers are invited to come to the game against Texas Southern University free of charge. The game will be televised on ESPN-U at 6:30 p.m.(C.T.).
Emergency management staff, fire and medical personnel, National Guard, soldiers and marines stationed at Redstone Arsenal, members of the print and broadcast media, and other first responders with the proper credentials can present work ID at the "Heroes Gate" located on the visitors' side of Louis Crews Stadium. Special recognition will be made to the honorees during the half-time observance.
AAMU Band - 2011 Homecoming On Campus Parade & Pep Rally
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Bentley will be on hand to help honor emergency workers who responded during the April 27 tornadoes and beyond. The emergency workers are invited to come to the game against Texas Southern University free of charge. The game will be televised on ESPN-U at 6:30 p.m.(C.T.).
Emergency management staff, fire and medical personnel, National Guard, soldiers and marines stationed at Redstone Arsenal, members of the print and broadcast media, and other first responders with the proper credentials can present work ID at the "Heroes Gate" located on the visitors' side of Louis Crews Stadium. Special recognition will be made to the honorees during the half-time observance.
AAMU Band - 2011 Homecoming On Campus Parade & Pep Rally
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XU's Didavi, Taylor take aim at national event for small colleges
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana will take another significant step in its modern era of men's tennis when Loic Didavi and Zach Taylor compete Thursday in the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships at Copeland-Cox Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala.
It's the first time that Xavier has competed in this event. Didavi will play Embry-Riddle's top-seeded Chris Freeman in the opening round of NAIA men's singles. Didavi and Taylor are seeded second in NAIA men's doubles and will play their first match against Olivet Nazarene's Sebastian Esquetini and Diego Gonsalvez.
Also competing are men's and women's regional singles and doubles winners and at-large selections from NCAA Division II and III and the junior colleges. Survivors of all the brackets will meet this weekend to determine overall champions.
"It's like a Super Bowl of small-college tennis," Xavier coach Alan Green said.
All singles players and doubles teams will play a minimum of three matches, and Green says he wouldn't be surprised if Didavi and Taylor spent all their time in the winners bracket.
"Loic has a great shot to win in singles because he's left-handed and because it's humid down here," Green said. "When left-handers hit, the ball spins in the opposite direction compared to a right-hander's hit. Right-handers have to really be careful when playing a left-hander. In doubles Loic and Zach's chemistry is not 100 percent yet, but what's making it work is that they're both talented. Both have pretty good hands around the net. The more familiar they become with each other, the more lethal they'll be."
Didavi, a junior from Cotonou, Benin, and a transfer from Auburn Montgomery, is 8-0 in singles and 5-1 in doubles through two fall tournaments. Both he and Taylor, a senior from Monroe, La., were second-team NAIA All-Americans this past season, and both had top-10 NAIA doubles rankings.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
It's the first time that Xavier has competed in this event. Didavi will play Embry-Riddle's top-seeded Chris Freeman in the opening round of NAIA men's singles. Didavi and Taylor are seeded second in NAIA men's doubles and will play their first match against Olivet Nazarene's Sebastian Esquetini and Diego Gonsalvez.
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| Zach Taylor |
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| Loic Didavi |
Also competing are men's and women's regional singles and doubles winners and at-large selections from NCAA Division II and III and the junior colleges. Survivors of all the brackets will meet this weekend to determine overall champions.
"It's like a Super Bowl of small-college tennis," Xavier coach Alan Green said.
All singles players and doubles teams will play a minimum of three matches, and Green says he wouldn't be surprised if Didavi and Taylor spent all their time in the winners bracket.
"Loic has a great shot to win in singles because he's left-handed and because it's humid down here," Green said. "When left-handers hit, the ball spins in the opposite direction compared to a right-hander's hit. Right-handers have to really be careful when playing a left-hander. In doubles Loic and Zach's chemistry is not 100 percent yet, but what's making it work is that they're both talented. Both have pretty good hands around the net. The more familiar they become with each other, the more lethal they'll be."Didavi, a junior from Cotonou, Benin, and a transfer from Auburn Montgomery, is 8-0 in singles and 5-1 in doubles through two fall tournaments. Both he and Taylor, a senior from Monroe, La., were second-team NAIA All-Americans this past season, and both had top-10 NAIA doubles rankings.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information DirectorVISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Turnovers help Alabama State stay atop conference
Montgomery, Alabama -- As a native of Montgomery, Ala., and an Alabama State alumnus, fifth-year coach Reggie Barlow knows full well that times have rarely been higher at his alma mater.
A new field house is up and running. Steel beams are rising on a state-of-the-art on-campus football stadium, which is scheduled to open late next year.
And right now, the Hornets haven’t lost a game in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Yet as the next game approaches, Barlow is concerned. He usually is. Such is life in the SWAC.
“I don’t think there’s one team in this league to where you can say, ￔOh, they’re so much better than everybody else,’” Barlow said. “So everybody has to play.”
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A new field house is up and running. Steel beams are rising on a state-of-the-art on-campus football stadium, which is scheduled to open late next year.
And right now, the Hornets haven’t lost a game in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. Yet as the next game approaches, Barlow is concerned. He usually is. Such is life in the SWAC.
“I don’t think there’s one team in this league to where you can say, ￔOh, they’re so much better than everybody else,’” Barlow said. “So everybody has to play.”
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Both XU teams receive vote in NAIA national polls
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana received one point Wednesday in each of the NAIA Cross Country Coaches' Top 25 polls.The Gold Nuggets collected their first national vote since Sept. 18, 2008, and the Gold Rush gained its first vote since the 2010 preseason poll. It's the first time since the '08 preseason polls that both teams received votes the same week.
Both XU teams closed the regular season Saturday by winning team championships at the University of Dallas Invitational in Irving, Texas. The victories gave the Gold Rush a 35-16 record and the Gold Nuggets s 36-14-1 record entering the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships at Clinton, Miss., on Oct. 22.
Xavier is the five-time defending GCAC men's and women's champion, and both teams are aiming for their third berth in four years in the NAIA National Championships. Both GCAC team champions will earn automatic berths in the national meet, and the top five men and women not on the winning teams also will qualify.LINK TO NAIA COACHES TOP 25 POLLS
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
Southern University secondary a bright spot
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- In the past four weeks, the Southern football team is 1-3, its three losses coming by four points, five points and three points. It’s been a disappointing month for the Jaguars, who at times have faltered in almost every area - passing offense, rushing offense, special-teams units, run defense and the like.One area, however, has been rock-steady: pass defense.
“Not bad at all,” second-year coach Stump Mitchell said, referring to his secondary. Last season, Southern gave up a conference-high 25 touchdown passes. Through six games this season, the Jaguars have allowed three. They rank second in the SWAC in pass defense, allowing 181.3 yards per game, and opposing quarterbacks have completed only 47 percent of their throws.
What’s made the difference?
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
VUL Dragons torch West Virginia Tech for second win
Lynchburg, Virginia -- It took until the fourth quarter, but Virginia University of Lynchburg’s offensive line eventually wore down West Virginia Tech’s defense, Saturday afternoon at Liberty University’s Williams Stadium.
The Dragons took full advantage, as they started gashing the Golden Bears with a running attack that led to 28 unanswered points in the second half of a 34-6 victory.
"This was a big win," VUL coach Willard Bailey said. "We started out so flat, but our kids seemed to get some confidence. We are talented. It’s just spread all over the place. We just have to get synchronized, organized and better able to communicate with each other."
VUL (2-4) rushed for 290 yards on 45 attempts, despite having just 68 yards on the ground in the first half. The Dragons’ massive offensive line, consisting of junior left tackle Dion Howze (6-foot-6, 325 pounds), freshman left guard James Lewter (6-3, 345), sophomore center DeAngelo Lucas (6-7, 360), freshman right guard Mike Pearson (6-3, 315) and junior right tackle Ronnie Dixon (6-5, 360) really threw their weight around in the fourth quarter.
VUL at Coppin State Eagles, Oct. 1, 2011
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The Dragons took full advantage, as they started gashing the Golden Bears with a running attack that led to 28 unanswered points in the second half of a 34-6 victory.
"This was a big win," VUL coach Willard Bailey said. "We started out so flat, but our kids seemed to get some confidence. We are talented. It’s just spread all over the place. We just have to get synchronized, organized and better able to communicate with each other."
VUL (2-4) rushed for 290 yards on 45 attempts, despite having just 68 yards on the ground in the first half. The Dragons’ massive offensive line, consisting of junior left tackle Dion Howze (6-foot-6, 325 pounds), freshman left guard James Lewter (6-3, 345), sophomore center DeAngelo Lucas (6-7, 360), freshman right guard Mike Pearson (6-3, 315) and junior right tackle Ronnie Dixon (6-5, 360) really threw their weight around in the fourth quarter.
VUL at Coppin State Eagles, Oct. 1, 2011
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Norfolk State Volleyball vs. Howard Lady Bison -- Highlights
LADY BISON CAPTURE FIRST CONFERENCE GAME
NORFOLK, Virginia – The Howard University Lady Bison (2-17, 1-2 MEAC) defeated fourth-place, Norfolk State (5-10, 1-2 MEAC) in five sets on Sunday night.
"This was a great win for us," said head coach Dawn Barnes. "It was a group effort and well deserved. Norfolk State did a great job offensively and defensively and did not make this easy at all. You had two teams that really played hard."
Howard started the game with a 25-21 victory in set one. Sets two and three were tough for the Lady Bison coming up short 21-25 and 24-26. The Spartans put up a tough crowd and technique, but the Lady Bison put up some solid points that gained momentum. Assistant Coach Russ held down the strategy for the Lady Bison. "We watched film and studied these girls, technically we were ready, all we had to do was go out there and shut them down," says Russ.
The Lady Bison highlighted on the Spartans' weaknesses and it showed in the match taking sets four and five 26-24 and 15-12 to win the match. Freshman Stephanie Shultis had a major solo block to win the fourth set making it harder for the Spartans to capture the Lady Bison.
Set five was rolling for Howard as they kept the ball away from the Spartans the first six points. The Spartans showed signs of aggression as they tried to make a come back, but HU held on strong to their lead finishing the match with a win. Spartan fans left empty handed as the Lady Bison cheered and showed school spirit.
Outside hitter Tosin Elebute finished with a game high of 25 kills and 16 digs charting a double-double. Freshman, middle blocker Assata Conway put down seven balls for the Lady Bison. Heather Long had a game high of five kills hitting a perfect game. Both setters, Jasmine King and Stephanie Shultis had 21 assists a piece. Riana Cain picked up 20 balls.
Defensively, both teams had 66 digs, but the Spartans out blocked the Lady bison 13 to 9. On the other hand, the Lady Bison finished with better hitting percentages after each set than the Spartans. "I knew [Norfolk State] were all waiting to block me, but I wasn't having it," says Elebute, "I was going to play my game for my team because I realize I play a major role."
For NSU, Charlotte Armstead put down 17 balls. Adriana Ramos had 11 kills and 14 digs finishing with a double-double. Beatriz Ferreira had 12 kills followed by Jasmine Frazier with ten kills. Setter Kristen Burt finished with 44 assists.
The Lady Bison split the weekend and will look to carry the momentum as they head to face Coppin State on Fri. Oct. 14.
By Jasmine King, Volleyball, Public Relations 2013
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
NORFOLK, Virginia – The Howard University Lady Bison (2-17, 1-2 MEAC) defeated fourth-place, Norfolk State (5-10, 1-2 MEAC) in five sets on Sunday night.
"This was a great win for us," said head coach Dawn Barnes. "It was a group effort and well deserved. Norfolk State did a great job offensively and defensively and did not make this easy at all. You had two teams that really played hard."
Howard started the game with a 25-21 victory in set one. Sets two and three were tough for the Lady Bison coming up short 21-25 and 24-26. The Spartans put up a tough crowd and technique, but the Lady Bison put up some solid points that gained momentum. Assistant Coach Russ held down the strategy for the Lady Bison. "We watched film and studied these girls, technically we were ready, all we had to do was go out there and shut them down," says Russ.
The Lady Bison highlighted on the Spartans' weaknesses and it showed in the match taking sets four and five 26-24 and 15-12 to win the match. Freshman Stephanie Shultis had a major solo block to win the fourth set making it harder for the Spartans to capture the Lady Bison.
Set five was rolling for Howard as they kept the ball away from the Spartans the first six points. The Spartans showed signs of aggression as they tried to make a come back, but HU held on strong to their lead finishing the match with a win. Spartan fans left empty handed as the Lady Bison cheered and showed school spirit.
Outside hitter Tosin Elebute finished with a game high of 25 kills and 16 digs charting a double-double. Freshman, middle blocker Assata Conway put down seven balls for the Lady Bison. Heather Long had a game high of five kills hitting a perfect game. Both setters, Jasmine King and Stephanie Shultis had 21 assists a piece. Riana Cain picked up 20 balls.
Defensively, both teams had 66 digs, but the Spartans out blocked the Lady bison 13 to 9. On the other hand, the Lady Bison finished with better hitting percentages after each set than the Spartans. "I knew [Norfolk State] were all waiting to block me, but I wasn't having it," says Elebute, "I was going to play my game for my team because I realize I play a major role."
For NSU, Charlotte Armstead put down 17 balls. Adriana Ramos had 11 kills and 14 digs finishing with a double-double. Beatriz Ferreira had 12 kills followed by Jasmine Frazier with ten kills. Setter Kristen Burt finished with 44 assists.
The Lady Bison split the weekend and will look to carry the momentum as they head to face Coppin State on Fri. Oct. 14.
By Jasmine King, Volleyball, Public Relations 2013
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
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