Montgomery, Alabama -- Tyrone Leavett, a former standout player with the Notasulga Blue Devils and the Alabama State University Hornets, was a recent first-round draft choice of the London Lightning of the National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada.
Leavett’s 1998-2002 collegiate career with the Hornets saw him finish as the 11th leading scorer in the history of the ASU program with 1,552 points. He also had 944 rebounds, made 83 three-point shots, and hit 74 percent (477-641) of his free throws. He started 115 of the 118 games he played in over the course of his career.
He was a member of the first ASU squad to win a Southwestern Athletic Conference outright. Leavett has spent the past several years playing in Europe and was the third overall pick in the first round. “Hearing my name called Sunday night during the draft was ...
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Saturday, October 15, 2011
A&T defensive challenge awaits Delaware State Hornets
DOVER, Delaware -- Delaware State's football team did not make its last scheduled trip to North Carolina A&T. Instead, the Hornets forfeited the 2009 game because they scheduled a trip to play at the University of Michigan that same weekend. DSU lost that game 63-6 but earned more than $500,000 in the process.
Since those days, DSU has added a new athletic director in Derek Carter, a new head football coach in Kermit Blount and a renewed commitment to being a member of the MEAC. This afternoon, Delaware State (2-4, 0-3 in the MEAC) tries to stop a four-game losing streak when it visits North Carolina A&T (3-2, 2-0) at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, N.C.
"I've been saying all along that this thing is going to turn and we're just not an inch, a half-inch, a quarter-inch, we're maybe a 16th-of-an-inch from being able to flip it around and make something real positive happen," Blount said.
DSU Hornets (2-4, 0-3) at North Carolina A&T (2-0, 3-2)
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
RADIO: WWTX-1290, WDOV-1410
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Since those days, DSU has added a new athletic director in Derek Carter, a new head football coach in Kermit Blount and a renewed commitment to being a member of the MEAC. This afternoon, Delaware State (2-4, 0-3 in the MEAC) tries to stop a four-game losing streak when it visits North Carolina A&T (3-2, 2-0) at Aggie Stadium in Greensboro, N.C.
"I've been saying all along that this thing is going to turn and we're just not an inch, a half-inch, a quarter-inch, we're maybe a 16th-of-an-inch from being able to flip it around and make something real positive happen," Blount said.
DSU Hornets (2-4, 0-3) at North Carolina A&T (2-0, 3-2)
TIME: 1:30 p.m.
RADIO: WWTX-1290, WDOV-1410
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Former Central standout leading the way for Jackson State
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Marcellos Wilder is having a big season for the Jackson State University football team. He also has big dreams of one day playing in the National Football League and has a big influence to help him accomplish those goals.
His influence is his brother, Olympic medalist Deontay Wilder, who has become a role model for his younger brother and his football career.
“My brother and my family have always been encouraging people in my life.” Wilder said. “I really appreciate the things he tells me about working hard. Those things have gotten him where he is today. He tells me to work hard, earn people's respect and be a great teammate. He really stresses that.
“I have learned a lot from watching my brother come from a regular guy in Tuscaloosa to an Olympic boxer and a great role model. He motivates me. I see what he has done, and that makes me want to accomplish my goals and my dreams and do what he has done. He has set a good example for me.”
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His influence is his brother, Olympic medalist Deontay Wilder, who has become a role model for his younger brother and his football career.
“My brother and my family have always been encouraging people in my life.” Wilder said. “I really appreciate the things he tells me about working hard. Those things have gotten him where he is today. He tells me to work hard, earn people's respect and be a great teammate. He really stresses that.
“I have learned a lot from watching my brother come from a regular guy in Tuscaloosa to an Olympic boxer and a great role model. He motivates me. I see what he has done, and that makes me want to accomplish my goals and my dreams and do what he has done. He has set a good example for me.”
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SIAC Battle Of The Bands Week 5
The CAU Mighty Marching Panthers face off against the Morehouse Machine Marching Band
Fort Valley State Wildcats hoping to get on track on road at B-CU
Daytona Beach, Florida -- Fort Valley State is sputtering, and Bethune-Cookman isn’t exactly operating as finely tuned as hoped for. And they will battle each other Saturday in a game being billed as the inaugural “Biker Classic” in Daytona Beach, part of the weekend’s Biketoberfest.Both groups of Wildcats hope to avoid turning in a moped performance in front of the bikers.
FVSU is 1-5 and Bethune-Cookman is 2-3, and both are out of their respective conference races, Bethune-Cookman in the FCS Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
It’s the second game against an FCS opponent this season for FVSU, and a fair amount of success in the first game -- a 28-22 loss to Florida A&M -- has given the struggling Wildcats some confidence.
“They might have more talented players, but I think if we get after it, we’ll be OK,” defensive end Emanuel Williams said, citing Bethune-Cookman having more scholarship players as a Division I program. “As long as we don’t make mental mistakes.”
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Game preview: Tuskegee at Lane College
When: 2 p.m. today
Where: Jackson, Tenn.
Records: Tuskegee (1-4); Lane (3-3)
On the air: None
FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY
1. Close. That's where Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater believes his program is, despite its 1-4 start. "I think we're getting better every week," Slater said. A big part of the Golden Tigers' struggles so far, Slater said, has been their youth. After a knee injury sidelined starting quarterback Jeremy Williams for four weeks, Slater was forced to insert freshman Justin Nared at QB. Three freshmen on the offensive line and an inexperienced backfield adds to the mistake-prone offense.
2. Slater said Williams' knee injury won't keep the junior quarterback out of the lineup much longer. "He was out here running steps today, so I think he's a little ahead on his rehab," Slater said. Williams was injured in the first half of Tuskegee's loss to Alabama A&M three weeks ago.
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Where: Jackson, Tenn.
Records: Tuskegee (1-4); Lane (3-3)
On the air: None
FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY
1. Close. That's where Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater believes his program is, despite its 1-4 start. "I think we're getting better every week," Slater said. A big part of the Golden Tigers' struggles so far, Slater said, has been their youth. After a knee injury sidelined starting quarterback Jeremy Williams for four weeks, Slater was forced to insert freshman Justin Nared at QB. Three freshmen on the offensive line and an inexperienced backfield adds to the mistake-prone offense.
2. Slater said Williams' knee injury won't keep the junior quarterback out of the lineup much longer. "He was out here running steps today, so I think he's a little ahead on his rehab," Slater said. Williams was injured in the first half of Tuskegee's loss to Alabama A&M three weeks ago.
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WSSU can lock up division today at Livingstone
Winston Salem, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State will try to remain undefeated today with a game at last-place Livingstone. The Rams (6-0, 5-0 CIAA), ranked No. 13 in the NCAA Division II poll, can clinch the Southern Division title with a win over the Blue Bears (1-5, 0-3). Game time is 6 p.m.
After doing just enough in a 35-28 win over St. Augustine's last week, the Rams should have an easier time against the Blue Bears, who average a CIAA-worst 10.8 points a game. The Rams allowed 464 passing yards last week. Of course, the Falcons did throw the ball 65 times, something that coach Connell Maynor of the Rams pointed out.
"We have to address it," Maynor said about the pass defense. "But they threw the ball 65 times. Most teams don't throw it that much in two games. When you throw the ball that many times and have 37 completions, you should have 400-something yards. "But we still won the game."
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After doing just enough in a 35-28 win over St. Augustine's last week, the Rams should have an easier time against the Blue Bears, who average a CIAA-worst 10.8 points a game. The Rams allowed 464 passing yards last week. Of course, the Falcons did throw the ball 65 times, something that coach Connell Maynor of the Rams pointed out.
"We have to address it," Maynor said about the pass defense. "But they threw the ball 65 times. Most teams don't throw it that much in two games. When you throw the ball that many times and have 37 completions, you should have 400-something yards. "But we still won the game."
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Johnson C. Smith vs. Virginia Union
Freshman Wallace leads Golden Bulls
Charlotte, North Carolina -- Keahn Wallace isn't wasting time making a difference for J.C. Smith football.
The Golden Bulls' quarterback leads the CIAA in passing yards (1,426) and total offense (1,752) and is on pace to break the school's season passing mark of 2,129 yards set last year by Harding High graduate Ryan Carter. The Golden Bulls (3-3), who play Virginia Union at 1 p.m. today at McGirt Field, have already eclipsed last year's two-win campaign.
"I couldn't have done it without my (offensive) line and defense giving me opportunities and (tailback) Dedrick Anderson coming out of the backfield helped me a lot," said Wallace, a freshman from Homestead, Fla. "Without them and the receivers, none of this would be possible."
The freshman debuted with a bang, completing 16-of-25 passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns in the Golden Bulls' 64-27 win against West Virginia State.
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Charlotte, North Carolina -- Keahn Wallace isn't wasting time making a difference for J.C. Smith football.
The Golden Bulls' quarterback leads the CIAA in passing yards (1,426) and total offense (1,752) and is on pace to break the school's season passing mark of 2,129 yards set last year by Harding High graduate Ryan Carter. The Golden Bulls (3-3), who play Virginia Union at 1 p.m. today at McGirt Field, have already eclipsed last year's two-win campaign.
"I couldn't have done it without my (offensive) line and defense giving me opportunities and (tailback) Dedrick Anderson coming out of the backfield helped me a lot," said Wallace, a freshman from Homestead, Fla. "Without them and the receivers, none of this would be possible."
The freshman debuted with a bang, completing 16-of-25 passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns in the Golden Bulls' 64-27 win against West Virginia State.
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Lincoln fades late, falls to Bowie State
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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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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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 ...
READ MORE
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 ...
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