PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Grambling State overcame an early deficit as the Tigers roared back in the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship race, taking a 27-20 road win at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday at Golden Lions Stadium.
The win evened Grambling's record at 4-4 and put the Tigers in the thick of the SWAC's Western Division race at 3-3. Prairie View A&M leads the SWAC West after losing Saturday at Jackson State, while UAPB is also 3-3.
"Give this whole team credit," GSU coach Doug Williams said following the contest. "The offense struggled but never gave up and finally got things moving for the comeback while the defense did the things it needed to do to help us get this win.
"And this was a big win in an emotional game and puts us right back in the SWAC race."
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Monday, October 31, 2011
409 Wins? The Coach Who Has Paterno Beat
COLLEGEVILLE, Minnesota - Joe Paterno continues to make history.
On Saturday, Paterno, the 84-year-old Penn State football coach, passed Eddie Robinson for the most victories in the history of Division I college football. Penn State’s victory over Illinois was the 409th of a head-coaching career than spans more than four decades — all of them at one institution. In an emotional presentation after the game, Paterno accepted congratulations and praised the memory of Robinson, the Grambling State coach who died in 2007.
While Paterno stands alone among Division I football coaches, there is one coach whom he stands behind: John Gagliardi at St. John’s University in Minnesota. As Paterno celebrated a high-profile accomplishment at Penn State, Gagliardi was adding to a victory total that Paterno, in all likelihood, will never surpass. With a 47-14 victory over Carleton College on Saturday, Gagliardi has won 482 games in a head-coaching career that covers more than six decades.
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On Saturday, Paterno, the 84-year-old Penn State football coach, passed Eddie Robinson for the most victories in the history of Division I college football. Penn State’s victory over Illinois was the 409th of a head-coaching career than spans more than four decades — all of them at one institution. In an emotional presentation after the game, Paterno accepted congratulations and praised the memory of Robinson, the Grambling State coach who died in 2007.
While Paterno stands alone among Division I football coaches, there is one coach whom he stands behind: John Gagliardi at St. John’s University in Minnesota. As Paterno celebrated a high-profile accomplishment at Penn State, Gagliardi was adding to a victory total that Paterno, in all likelihood, will never surpass. With a 47-14 victory over Carleton College on Saturday, Gagliardi has won 482 games in a head-coaching career that covers more than six decades.
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
Paterno passes Eddie Robinson on career victories list; acknowledges impact of Jake Gaither (FAMU) and Coach Rob
STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania -- If it's Joe Paterno's final season -- one spent mostly away from the field on game day, sitting high up in the press box -- fans might see a coach out of touch with his players. He doesn't stand on the sidelines. He doesn't wear headphones. He doesn't call plays.
But his staff -- particularly his son -- sees it differently.
"This might be one of the best jobs Joe's done of coaching, getting kids to buy into team-first, just win, the whole 9 yards," Penn State assistant Jay Paterno said. "Don't worry about personal accolades, personal statistics. Don't worry about playing time. Just (concentrate on) we're going to continue to win. We've got plain uniforms. This is vintage Joe Paterno. "And you know what, if it keeps working, why mess with it?"
Paterno picked up another honor, passing former Grambling State University coach Eddie Robinson by recording his 409th career victory and becoming the all-time victories leader in NCAA Division I football. Paterno held the distinction of winning more games than any coach in major college football before the season began, but Robinson's teams -- although not considered major -- went 408-165-15 from 1941 through 1997. Paterno's teams improved to 409-136-3 during his 46 seasons as a head coach.
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But his staff -- particularly his son -- sees it differently.
"This might be one of the best jobs Joe's done of coaching, getting kids to buy into team-first, just win, the whole 9 yards," Penn State assistant Jay Paterno said. "Don't worry about personal accolades, personal statistics. Don't worry about playing time. Just (concentrate on) we're going to continue to win. We've got plain uniforms. This is vintage Joe Paterno. "And you know what, if it keeps working, why mess with it?"
Paterno picked up another honor, passing former Grambling State University coach Eddie Robinson by recording his 409th career victory and becoming the all-time victories leader in NCAA Division I football. Paterno held the distinction of winning more games than any coach in major college football before the season began, but Robinson's teams -- although not considered major -- went 408-165-15 from 1941 through 1997. Paterno's teams improved to 409-136-3 during his 46 seasons as a head coach.
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Mississippi Valley State 12, Texas Southern 9
ITTA BENA, Mississippi - The Delta Devils built a 12-2 lead and then held on to snap their 19-game losing streak and hand Karl Morgan his first victory during his second season as the MVSU coach.
A stout defense and effective special teams sparked the Delta Devils, who won despite gaining just 101 total yards.
With the scored tied 2-2, Garrick Jones capped off a five-play, 36-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Thurman to give Valley (1-8, 1-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference) a 9-2 lead at halftime.
Carlos Sanchez added a 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter to extend the Delta Devils' lead to 12-2.
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A stout defense and effective special teams sparked the Delta Devils, who won despite gaining just 101 total yards.
With the scored tied 2-2, Garrick Jones capped off a five-play, 36-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to J.J. Thurman to give Valley (1-8, 1-7 Southwestern Athletic Conference) a 9-2 lead at halftime.
Carlos Sanchez added a 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter to extend the Delta Devils' lead to 12-2.
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Alabama State wins Battle of the Bands at the Magic City Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Alabama A&M may have beaten Alabama State 20-19 in the 70th annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field today, but Alabama State claimed the Battle of the Bands title.
AT&T sponsored a contest in which game attendees could vote to decide who won the Battle of the Bands, and the Marching Hornets came away the victors. The prize was $1,500 for the school.
The 70,000-seat Legion Field was nearly full at halftime as the crowd roared for the two bands. The crowd appeared to be bigger at halftime than for the game itself.
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AT&T sponsored a contest in which game attendees could vote to decide who won the Battle of the Bands, and the Marching Hornets came away the victors. The prize was $1,500 for the school.
The 70,000-seat Legion Field was nearly full at halftime as the crowd roared for the two bands. The crowd appeared to be bigger at halftime than for the game itself.
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Alabama A&M trips up Alabama State in classic Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Alabama State entered today's 70th annual Magic City Classic as the No. 1 team in black college football. When the new polls come out Monday, Alabama A&M may find itself there. The Bulldogs, behind the play of running back Kaderius Lacey, an inspired defense and a couple of huge special teams plays, knocked off the Hornets 20-19 before an announced crowd of 66,473 at Legion Field.
"I'm very proud of my football team," said A&M coach Anthony Jones, who ran his record to 8-2 against Alabama State. "We had to come up with a terrific effort to beat the No. 1 team in black college football and we did that. "We punished them running the football and jumped out on top. Our defense took over after that, but they made some plays, but we were able to hang on for the victory."
A&M, which has won six straight games after starting 0-2, improved to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division. Alabama State fell to 6-2 and 6-1. It was the Hornets' first loss since a 14-7 setback at Eastern Michigan on Sept. 10.
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Lacey leads the way for A&M in narrow Classic victory
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The question isn't if Kaderius Lacey is hurting today. The question is where isn't Kaderius Lacey hurting today. However, as the lights surrounding Legion Field dimmed and the party outside the venerable stadium shifted into high gear early this evening, the Alabama A&M junior running back didn't feel much of anything. Other than pure elation.
"I have so much adrenaline right now," said Lacey, "it's all good."
Speaking of which, so are the Bulldogs, who defeated rival Alabama State 20-19 at the 70th Magic City Classic in front of a crowd announced at 66,473, although it required the usual educated guesswork given the tens of thousands roaming Graymont Avenue and beyond.
The 6-foot, 230-pounder was the primary mover and shaker in sending everyone in A&M maroon home happy in this de facto for-first-place-in-the-SWAC-East game, dishing out continual blunt force trauma on the Hornets defense.
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Alabama State notebook: Andrews breaks record
BIRMINGHAM -- Nick Andrews did all he could to win the 70th Magic City Classic, but it wasn't enough. Andrews, the senior from Maplesville, who hasn't dazzled fans in his past three games with Alabama A&M, put on a spectacular show for the 66,473 fans at Legion Field, hauling in nine passes for 134 yards.
The nine catches were one shy of his single-game high and marked the fifth time this season he has recorded nine of more receptions in a game. His 134-yard performance was his third-best showing this season, but it was enough to help him pass head coach Reggie Barlow on the school's career receiving yardage mark.
Andrews now has 187 receptions for 2,563 yards and 26 touchdowns. All three are school records.
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Hornets try to handle loss
BIRMINGHAM -- Alabama State senior defensive tackle Kynjee Cotton walked around in circles for several minutes outside the locker room, trying to get his emotions in check after a gut-wrenching 20-19 loss to Alabama A&M here Saturday afternoon. He talked softly, paused a few seconds and tried to find just the right words.
"It's tough," he said. "For the last four years to work this hard and to come this close, no words can describe it."
The Hornets, ranked No. 1 in all three of the Black College Football national rankings, had their six-game winning streak snapped and fell to 6-2 overall, 6-1 in the SWAC. More importantly, they lost to A&M for the sixth time in the past seven years in the Magic City Classic.
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Magic City Classic Bests and Worsts
Best way to revive Legion Field's glorious past -- Fill the stands with Magic City Classic fans. Fill the air with delicious smells of food. For two days a year -- don't forget the BBVA Compass Bowl -- the Old Lady on Graymont looks to be in her prime again.
Best homecoming -- Kaderius Lacey grew up in Calera and came back to Birmingham, leaving Legion Field with the Offensive MVP trophy after bulling his way for nearly 200 yards rushing.
Best way to end the Magic City Classic -- How do you top a day of tailgating, barbecuing, good football and greater marching bands? With a postgame concert that drives away the funk on a chilly night.
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"I'm very proud of my football team," said A&M coach Anthony Jones, who ran his record to 8-2 against Alabama State. "We had to come up with a terrific effort to beat the No. 1 team in black college football and we did that. "We punished them running the football and jumped out on top. Our defense took over after that, but they made some plays, but we were able to hang on for the victory."
A&M, which has won six straight games after starting 0-2, improved to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division. Alabama State fell to 6-2 and 6-1. It was the Hornets' first loss since a 14-7 setback at Eastern Michigan on Sept. 10.
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Lacey leads the way for A&M in narrow Classic victory
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The question isn't if Kaderius Lacey is hurting today. The question is where isn't Kaderius Lacey hurting today. However, as the lights surrounding Legion Field dimmed and the party outside the venerable stadium shifted into high gear early this evening, the Alabama A&M junior running back didn't feel much of anything. Other than pure elation.
"I have so much adrenaline right now," said Lacey, "it's all good."
Speaking of which, so are the Bulldogs, who defeated rival Alabama State 20-19 at the 70th Magic City Classic in front of a crowd announced at 66,473, although it required the usual educated guesswork given the tens of thousands roaming Graymont Avenue and beyond.
The 6-foot, 230-pounder was the primary mover and shaker in sending everyone in A&M maroon home happy in this de facto for-first-place-in-the-SWAC-East game, dishing out continual blunt force trauma on the Hornets defense.
READ MORE
Alabama State notebook: Andrews breaks record
BIRMINGHAM -- Nick Andrews did all he could to win the 70th Magic City Classic, but it wasn't enough. Andrews, the senior from Maplesville, who hasn't dazzled fans in his past three games with Alabama A&M, put on a spectacular show for the 66,473 fans at Legion Field, hauling in nine passes for 134 yards.
The nine catches were one shy of his single-game high and marked the fifth time this season he has recorded nine of more receptions in a game. His 134-yard performance was his third-best showing this season, but it was enough to help him pass head coach Reggie Barlow on the school's career receiving yardage mark.
Andrews now has 187 receptions for 2,563 yards and 26 touchdowns. All three are school records.
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Hornets try to handle loss
BIRMINGHAM -- Alabama State senior defensive tackle Kynjee Cotton walked around in circles for several minutes outside the locker room, trying to get his emotions in check after a gut-wrenching 20-19 loss to Alabama A&M here Saturday afternoon. He talked softly, paused a few seconds and tried to find just the right words.
"It's tough," he said. "For the last four years to work this hard and to come this close, no words can describe it."
The Hornets, ranked No. 1 in all three of the Black College Football national rankings, had their six-game winning streak snapped and fell to 6-2 overall, 6-1 in the SWAC. More importantly, they lost to A&M for the sixth time in the past seven years in the Magic City Classic.
READ MORE
Magic City Classic Bests and Worsts
Best way to revive Legion Field's glorious past -- Fill the stands with Magic City Classic fans. Fill the air with delicious smells of food. For two days a year -- don't forget the BBVA Compass Bowl -- the Old Lady on Graymont looks to be in her prime again.
Best homecoming -- Kaderius Lacey grew up in Calera and came back to Birmingham, leaving Legion Field with the Offensive MVP trophy after bulling his way for nearly 200 yards rushing.
Best way to end the Magic City Classic -- How do you top a day of tailgating, barbecuing, good football and greater marching bands? With a postgame concert that drives away the funk on a chilly night.
READ MORE
SU comes through with homecoming win over Alcorn Braves
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- With one last chance to win at A.W. Mumford Stadium, a group of seniors on Southern’s football team held an impromptu meeting. This homecoming game against Alcorn State, they said, was a gift. It was senior night. It was the home finale.
Saturday night, the seniors didn’t want to blow it. “We gathered up and said, ‘We’re not going to lose our homecoming,’” receiver LaQuinton Evans recalled. “It was up to the players, whether or not we were going to win tonight.” And win they did.
The Jaguars got a steely performance from their defense, scored three lightning-quick touchdowns and overcame a sloppy second half en route to an easy 30-14 victory over the Braves.
“I’m glad we came out with the victory,” Evans said. “Nobody wants to lose on homecoming and on senior night. So I’m glad. I’m glad.” Of course, Evans had a big hand in the win.
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Miscues doom Alcorn State
It took just less than 11 minutes before Alcorn State dug itself into an enormous hole, en route to a 30-14 defeat against Southern University on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. On Alcorn’s first three drives, the Braves had three three-and-outs. It was a different story for SU. The Jaguars converted their first three drives into touchdowns.
J.P. Douglas scrambled 50 yards for the Jaguars’ first score, followed by his touchdown passes to Mike Berry from 59 yards out and a 25-yard toss to LaQuinton Evans.
On all three scores, the Braves made mistakes defensively that could have been avoided. First, it was missed tackles against Douglas, then broken coverage against Berry and tangled feet by cornerback Jamison Knox on Evans down the sideline.
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Southern defense steps up
Southern University’s defense was missing three key players Saturday night against Southwest Athletic Conference rival Alcorn State, but the Jaguars turned in an effort that was anything but short-handed.
Behind Southern’s best defensive performance of the Stump Mitchell era, the Jaguars dominated Alcorn’s offense on the way to a 30-14 homecoming win at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Southern held Alcorn to 219 total yards, well below its 315-yard average. Most importantly, Southern’s defense pitched a “shutout” as both Alcorn touchdowns came off of special teams miscues.
“The defense played well,” Mitchell said. “They didn’t give up any points, so that’s definitely a bright spot. I don’t think (Alcorn State) had too many big plays against us.”
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Southern gets 30-14 homecoming win over Alcorn
J.P. Douglas threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Southern scored the game's first 30 points and held on for a 30-14 win over Alcorn State Saturday in Southern's homecoming at Mumford Stadium.
Douglas threw touchcown passes of 25 yards to LaQuinton Evans and 60 yards to Mike Berry as SU (3-5, 3-3) snapped a two-game losing streak. Alcorn dropped to 2-5, 1-5.
Sylvester Nzekwe added a 58-yard touchdown run for Southern, which led 23-0 at halftime and increased the lead to 30-0 in the third quarter.
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Saturday night, the seniors didn’t want to blow it. “We gathered up and said, ‘We’re not going to lose our homecoming,’” receiver LaQuinton Evans recalled. “It was up to the players, whether or not we were going to win tonight.” And win they did.
The Jaguars got a steely performance from their defense, scored three lightning-quick touchdowns and overcame a sloppy second half en route to an easy 30-14 victory over the Braves.
“I’m glad we came out with the victory,” Evans said. “Nobody wants to lose on homecoming and on senior night. So I’m glad. I’m glad.” Of course, Evans had a big hand in the win.
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Miscues doom Alcorn State
It took just less than 11 minutes before Alcorn State dug itself into an enormous hole, en route to a 30-14 defeat against Southern University on Saturday at A.W. Mumford Stadium. On Alcorn’s first three drives, the Braves had three three-and-outs. It was a different story for SU. The Jaguars converted their first three drives into touchdowns.
J.P. Douglas scrambled 50 yards for the Jaguars’ first score, followed by his touchdown passes to Mike Berry from 59 yards out and a 25-yard toss to LaQuinton Evans.
On all three scores, the Braves made mistakes defensively that could have been avoided. First, it was missed tackles against Douglas, then broken coverage against Berry and tangled feet by cornerback Jamison Knox on Evans down the sideline.
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Southern defense steps up
Southern University’s defense was missing three key players Saturday night against Southwest Athletic Conference rival Alcorn State, but the Jaguars turned in an effort that was anything but short-handed.
Behind Southern’s best defensive performance of the Stump Mitchell era, the Jaguars dominated Alcorn’s offense on the way to a 30-14 homecoming win at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Southern held Alcorn to 219 total yards, well below its 315-yard average. Most importantly, Southern’s defense pitched a “shutout” as both Alcorn touchdowns came off of special teams miscues.
“The defense played well,” Mitchell said. “They didn’t give up any points, so that’s definitely a bright spot. I don’t think (Alcorn State) had too many big plays against us.”
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Southern gets 30-14 homecoming win over Alcorn
J.P. Douglas threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Southern scored the game's first 30 points and held on for a 30-14 win over Alcorn State Saturday in Southern's homecoming at Mumford Stadium.
Douglas threw touchcown passes of 25 yards to LaQuinton Evans and 60 yards to Mike Berry as SU (3-5, 3-3) snapped a two-game losing streak. Alcorn dropped to 2-5, 1-5.
Sylvester Nzekwe added a 58-yard touchdown run for Southern, which led 23-0 at halftime and increased the lead to 30-0 in the third quarter.
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Therriault's running reopens JSU passing game
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault had enough of defenses dropping five and six defensive backs 30 yards or more down the field. They respect my arm, he said. But they don't respect my feet. Maybe now, they will.
Therriault showed his wheels in JSU's 44-14 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Independence Stadium, gaining 91 yards on 17 carries. "It kind of offended me when people try to drop that deep into coverage," Therriault said. "That was my plan, to go ahead and get them to start respecting me as a runner."
Defenses this season - especially two weeks ago in a 17-16 victory over Mississippi Valley - have dropped up to four defensive backs 15 to 30 yards downfield, stifling JSU's vertical passing game. So, the quarterback, not known much for running, ran.
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The case for No. 1
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy hoisted the 3-foot high, gold-and-green trophy high above his head. Players gathered around, each wanting a touch of the inaugural Shreveport Classic prize.
Outside of the raucous gathering, Jackson State offensive lineman Rodrick Gladney knew an even better reward for the Tigers' 44-14 trouncing of Prairie View A&M on Saturday.
"We're No. 1!" he yelled. "We're No. 1!" Black college football, meet your new No. 1 team.
While JSU was rolling up 722 yards - while quarterback Casey Therriault was accounting for six touchdowns, while JSU defenders were hounding a pair of Prairie View quarterbacks - Alabama State, No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network poll, was losing.
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Tigers make State-ment in Classic
The way Jackson State played the first 30 minutes of Saturday's Shreveport Classic against Prairie View, the Tigers didn't seem to lack for motivation. Just for good measure, coach Rick Comegy gave them some at halftime when he told his team Alabama State, the Southwestern Athletic Conference East leader, was losing to Alabama A&M.
That was enough to make sure the Tigers didn't coast in what turned out to be an easy 44-14 victory over Prairie View at Independence Stadium.
"We didn't know about the loss until our game was over, but we heard they were losing," Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault said. "A couple of us (knew), but we didn't talk about it. We tried to keep it on the down low and play our game. Coach told us at halftime just to re-motivate us."
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Therriault showed his wheels in JSU's 44-14 victory over Prairie View A&M on Saturday at Independence Stadium, gaining 91 yards on 17 carries. "It kind of offended me when people try to drop that deep into coverage," Therriault said. "That was my plan, to go ahead and get them to start respecting me as a runner."
Defenses this season - especially two weeks ago in a 17-16 victory over Mississippi Valley - have dropped up to four defensive backs 15 to 30 yards downfield, stifling JSU's vertical passing game. So, the quarterback, not known much for running, ran.
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The case for No. 1
SHREVEPORT, Louisiana — Jackson State football coach Rick Comegy hoisted the 3-foot high, gold-and-green trophy high above his head. Players gathered around, each wanting a touch of the inaugural Shreveport Classic prize.
Outside of the raucous gathering, Jackson State offensive lineman Rodrick Gladney knew an even better reward for the Tigers' 44-14 trouncing of Prairie View A&M on Saturday.
"We're No. 1!" he yelled. "We're No. 1!" Black college football, meet your new No. 1 team.
While JSU was rolling up 722 yards - while quarterback Casey Therriault was accounting for six touchdowns, while JSU defenders were hounding a pair of Prairie View quarterbacks - Alabama State, No. 1 in the Sheridan Broadcasting Network poll, was losing.
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Tigers make State-ment in Classic
The way Jackson State played the first 30 minutes of Saturday's Shreveport Classic against Prairie View, the Tigers didn't seem to lack for motivation. Just for good measure, coach Rick Comegy gave them some at halftime when he told his team Alabama State, the Southwestern Athletic Conference East leader, was losing to Alabama A&M.
That was enough to make sure the Tigers didn't coast in what turned out to be an easy 44-14 victory over Prairie View at Independence Stadium.
"We didn't know about the loss until our game was over, but we heard they were losing," Jackson State quarterback Casey Therriault said. "A couple of us (knew), but we didn't talk about it. We tried to keep it on the down low and play our game. Coach told us at halftime just to re-motivate us."
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Central State Marauders shut out KWC Panthers
Owensboro, Kentucky -- The lack of numbers is starting to catch up to Kentucky Wesleyan College's football team. The Panthers had no answer for Central State in a matchup of winless teams on Saturday at Steele Stadium.Jeffrey Brooks ran for two touchdowns and threw for a third as Central State broke an eight-game losing streak and beat the Panthers 36-0.
“I thought we would be very competitive in this game, but it didn't work out that way,” KWC coach Brent Holsclaw said. “We're having huge lack of depth issues.” The Panthers are having to patch holes along the offensive line and in their linebacking corps.
“Guys are injured and out there playing,” Holsclaw said.
Brooks hit Chris Murray-Towns with a 42-yard touchdown pass to put Central State up 14-0 with 10:49 left in the first half. Brooks scored on a 15-yard run and a 2-yard run in the third and fourth quarters, pushing Central State to a 29-0 advantage.
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Realignment hits Division II — KWC leaving Great Lakes Valley, will form own conference with Central State (Ohio), others
Owensboro, Kentucky -- It’s not just the big schools shuffling conferences. Kentucky Wesleyan College is leaving the Great Lakes Valley Conference to form its own conference in and around the Ohio River valley, along with Notre Dame College, Ursuline, Cedarville University, Central State University (Ohio) and Urbana University.
KWC officials in recent months had been discussing whether to remain in Division II or consider moving to non-scholarship Division III status over financial concerns, eventually choosing this middle road, of forming a new conference of comparably sized schools and athletic departments.
“We believe that this is the best fit at this moment for Kentucky Wesleyan,” athletic director David Williams said. “Academically, socially, athletically and budgetarily. . . . We are striving for teams that support their programs at similar levels to what we plan to do in the future.”
KWC, a charter member of the GLVC which will remain a GLVC member through next season, is taking a leading role in the conference, planning to have the documents drawn up by Dec. 1 of this year. Unlike in Division I, where schools are looking to step up to bigger arrangements, this was a search aimed at stepping away from escalating athletic budgets.
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VISIT: CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY (OHIO) MARAUDERSPORTS
Central State University Marauders are currently playing football this season as a NCAA Division II Independent member. The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced on October 13, 2010 that the associate membership applications of Central State University and Urbana University in the sport of football had been accepted for competition in 2012.
Central State, located just 18 miles east of Dayton in Wilberforce, Ohio, was established in 1887 and currently has an enrollment of over 2,100 undergraduate students. The athletic department, led by athletics director Kellen Winslow, currently participates as an NCAA Division II independent.
CSU reinstituted their football program in 2005 following a nine-year hiatus. Central State is led by head coach E.J. Junior and plays its home contests in McPherson Stadium which seats 7,000. The Marauders began football in 1947 and have a storied history with three NAIA national championships to their credit in the last 20 years.
The GLVC was established in 1978 and is the largest NCAA Division II conference in the country with 17 member institutions in five Midwestern states. With the addition of football in 2012, the GLVC sponsors championships in 18 sports that also includes men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field and volleyball.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Kentucky Wesleyan leaving Great Lakes Valley Conference, plans to form conference with Ohio schools
KWC Staying D2, Leaving GLVC
KWC officials in recent months had been discussing whether to remain in Division II or consider moving to non-scholarship Division III status over financial concerns, eventually choosing this middle road, of forming a new conference of comparably sized schools and athletic departments.
“We believe that this is the best fit at this moment for Kentucky Wesleyan,” athletic director David Williams said. “Academically, socially, athletically and budgetarily. . . . We are striving for teams that support their programs at similar levels to what we plan to do in the future.”
KWC, a charter member of the GLVC which will remain a GLVC member through next season, is taking a leading role in the conference, planning to have the documents drawn up by Dec. 1 of this year. Unlike in Division I, where schools are looking to step up to bigger arrangements, this was a search aimed at stepping away from escalating athletic budgets.
READ MORE
VISIT: CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY (OHIO) MARAUDERSPORTS
Central State University Marauders are currently playing football this season as a NCAA Division II Independent member. The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced on October 13, 2010 that the associate membership applications of Central State University and Urbana University in the sport of football had been accepted for competition in 2012.
Central State, located just 18 miles east of Dayton in Wilberforce, Ohio, was established in 1887 and currently has an enrollment of over 2,100 undergraduate students. The athletic department, led by athletics director Kellen Winslow, currently participates as an NCAA Division II independent.
CSU reinstituted their football program in 2005 following a nine-year hiatus. Central State is led by head coach E.J. Junior and plays its home contests in McPherson Stadium which seats 7,000. The Marauders began football in 1947 and have a storied history with three NAIA national championships to their credit in the last 20 years.
The GLVC was established in 1978 and is the largest NCAA Division II conference in the country with 17 member institutions in five Midwestern states. With the addition of football in 2012, the GLVC sponsors championships in 18 sports that also includes men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s indoor track & field, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field and volleyball.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Kentucky Wesleyan leaving Great Lakes Valley Conference, plans to form conference with Ohio schools
KWC Staying D2, Leaving GLVC
XU Gold Nuggets beat SUNO, win GCAC championship outright
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| Coach Christabell Hamilton |
The Gold Nuggets (18-6, 9-0) won their first volleyball championship in four intercollegiate seasons. They were 11-26 in 2010 in their first season since 2004.
Kirk hit .533 in 30 attacks and had five blocks. She had four kills during a 10-0 run which gave Xavier a 11-2 lead in the fourth set.
Chinedu Echebelem and Taylor Reuther had seven kills apiece for Xavier, which won its third straight, and Jeanay Butler had five. Reuther had 16 digs, Celeste Poe 12, and Butler and Kia Smith had six apiece. Patrice Hightower assisted on 32 of the Gold Nuggets' 44 kills.
Xavier hit .579 in the first set, then hit .130 in the next to help SUNO (13-9, 7-3) even the match. But the Gold Nuggets, with Kirk collecting five kills, four blocks and an ace, regained control in the third.
"We were too relaxed in the second set and lost our focus," Hightower said. "We didn't make the necessary adjustments, especially with blocking.
"But in the third set we came back out and forgot the second set. I just thought we wanted it more, and we made the adjustments we didn't make eariler."
Senior Iva Bobkova, an All-GCAC performer a year ago but a reserve for the majority of this season, was part of the adjustments.
"We put Iva in the match in the third set to give us a bigger blocker," Xavier coach Christabell Hamilton said. "That allowed us to get in front of some balls we weren't getting to earlier."
SUNO aided Xavier in the final set with errors on eight attacks and two serves. Reuther ended the match with a kill.
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| 2011 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Regular Season Champions Xavier University of Louisiana Gold Nuggets Record: 18-6, 9-0 GCAC Roster - click here (click picture to enlarge) |
"It's frustrating for me to not play as much, but we always think about the team. I'm definitely happier this year."
Hamilton, hired in mid-June, is the third first-year XU coach to win a conference championship. Giles Wright won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's basketball championship in 1937-38, and Alan Green won the GCAC women's tennis title in 2002-03.
"From the very beginning in August I knew we had a lot of work to do," Hamilton said. "After the first home match I knew I had a good team. I just had to put them all on the same page."
Xavier will close the regular season at 2 p.m. next Saturday against city and GCAC rival Dillard at The Barn, the travel to Nashville, Tenn., for the GCAC Tournament on Nov. 10-12. The tournament winner will receive an automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship.
"We're still not done," Hamilton said. "There's lots more to do. We can celebrate Sunday, but Monday it's back to work."
NOTES: Xavier never had a winning season before this year and won 30 percent of its matches the first three seasons . . . Kirk's kills were her second most this season. She recorded 23 kills Friday in a five-set victory against Faulkner . . . The Nuggets had two service errors -- none until the middle of the third set -- after committing 10 Friday . . . Xavier swept both regular-season matches against SUNO after losing all four, two in the league tournament, to the Lady Knights in 2010 . . . All three XU fall teams won GCAC Championships. The men's and women's cross country squads won their league titles for the sixth straight time this past Saturday.Box score
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| Ed Cassiere |
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
SIOUX NICKNAME: Alcorn State still home of the Braves
Grand Fork, North Dakota -- As a student at Alcorn State University in Mississippi from 2000 to 2004, Latoya Shields was a devoted fan of Alcorn Braves athletics. As the school’s sports information director today, she still is. “Once a Brave, always a Brave,” she said. Except in the post-season.
Alcorn State is a small, historically black college, and it boasts among its alumni the civil rights figure Medgar Evers, “Roots” author Alex Haley, the late NFL quarterback Steve McNair and Leslie Frazier, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.
Except for UND, still home of the Fighting Sioux, Alcorn is the only NCAA member school resisting the association’s 2005 ban on use of American Indian names, mascots and imagery.
Vigorously backed by its alumni, Alcorn chose to keep its nickname and accept NCAA sanctions. Thus, its athletic teams still take the field as the Braves — until a Braves team reaches post-season play. Then, the only symbol identifying Alcorn State athletics is a brave capital A — a symbol that bears no small resemblance to a teepee.
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KSU Thoroughbreds thwart Lane Dragons' efforts
Jackson, Tennessee -- Lane went into Saturday's game with Kentucky State with a skeleton crew defense in some areas, but the Dragons helped the Thoroughbreds to three points after halftime.
The problem was Kentucky State scored two touchdowns in the first half en route to a 17-6 win at Lane Field.
"We're just not very good offensively right now," said Lane head coach Derrick Burroughs. "A lot of teams had scored a lot of points on their defense, and I thought we would have a chance to do so, too. "To only get one offensive touchdown, that's not good at all."
Lane was the first team to score as Evan Yabu ran 49 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter, but that was the only time the Dragons would cross the goal line. The Dragons had their opportunities as well.
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The problem was Kentucky State scored two touchdowns in the first half en route to a 17-6 win at Lane Field.
"We're just not very good offensively right now," said Lane head coach Derrick Burroughs. "A lot of teams had scored a lot of points on their defense, and I thought we would have a chance to do so, too. "To only get one offensive touchdown, that's not good at all."
Lane was the first team to score as Evan Yabu ran 49 yards for a touchdown late in the first quarter, but that was the only time the Dragons would cross the goal line. The Dragons had their opportunities as well.
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WSSU Rams holds on to defeat Shaw Bears
Winston Salem, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State's unbeaten season is alive, but barely. The Rams, ranked No. 9 in the Division II coaches' poll, needed a key defensive play in the fourth quarter to secure a 21-14 victory against the Shaw Bears in front of about 3,500 at windy Bowman Gray Stadium.
An interception by defensive back Cameron Demps with 8:21 left turned the momentum in the favor of the Rams, who improved to 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the CIAA — and posted their first unbeaten conference finish since 1999.
Coach Connell Maynor of WSSU preached all last week that the Bears, last season's CIAA champs but now 2-7, would come at the Rams hard.
"These guys are the ex-champions, and I knew they wouldn't have any quit in them," Maynor said. "We knew they would come out and fight us. And they gave us their best shot. And it was a good test, and we needed that."
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An interception by defensive back Cameron Demps with 8:21 left turned the momentum in the favor of the Rams, who improved to 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the CIAA — and posted their first unbeaten conference finish since 1999.
Coach Connell Maynor of WSSU preached all last week that the Bears, last season's CIAA champs but now 2-7, would come at the Rams hard.
"These guys are the ex-champions, and I knew they wouldn't have any quit in them," Maynor said. "We knew they would come out and fight us. And they gave us their best shot. And it was a good test, and we needed that."
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24-3 Tuskegee victory a bright spot on difficult year
Tuskegee, Alabama -- The 2011 campaign has been difficult in many ways for Willie Slater and his program. Tuskegee isn't comfortably resting atop the conference standings like in seasons past and Slater will finish with his worst record as head football coach since taking over in 2006. Saturday afternoon, however, brought some normalcy and smiles back to the Golden Tigers in the form of a 24-3 victory over Clark Atlanta.
"I think we've been getting better all year," said Slater, whose worst season at TU was last year's 9-2 mark. "We've gotten better every week, but we're still making a lot of mistakes. We needed this win, so we'll take whatever we can get and any way we can get it right about now."
It was the fifth consecutive win over the visiting Panthers (2-7, 1-5 SIAC), who trail 58-15-3 all-time in a series that dates back to 1902. Tuskegee's last loss in the series came during Slater's inaugural campaign. Tuskegee (3-5, 3-3) aims to string together its first pair of wins when Miles College visits Abbott Memorial Stadium next week.
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"I think we've been getting better all year," said Slater, whose worst season at TU was last year's 9-2 mark. "We've gotten better every week, but we're still making a lot of mistakes. We needed this win, so we'll take whatever we can get and any way we can get it right about now."
It was the fifth consecutive win over the visiting Panthers (2-7, 1-5 SIAC), who trail 58-15-3 all-time in a series that dates back to 1902. Tuskegee's last loss in the series came during Slater's inaugural campaign. Tuskegee (3-5, 3-3) aims to string together its first pair of wins when Miles College visits Abbott Memorial Stadium next week.
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Home sweet home: Albany State Rams trample Tigers in rout
Albany, Georgia -- One win away. Albany State's 37-13 Homecoming victory against Benedict on Saturday has the Rams one win away from an SIAC East Division Championship. One win away from extending their season. One win away from Rams coach Mike White getting a Gatorade bath. On Saturday, ASU defensive leader Justin Blash almost jumped the gun on that Gatorade bath.
"I was standing beside (White at the end of the game), and I was acting like somebody was getting ready to hit coach White with the Gatorade," said Blash, a 320-pound defensive tackle. "I said, 'Watch out, they have the Gatorade!' He tensed up for it. But I was just playing."
Blash may have been joking at the end of the game, but the No. 22 nationally ranked Rams were all business early in the game Saturday. They held Benedict to zero offensive yards in the first half and scored about every way possible to take an insurmountable 31-0 lead into intermission.
Even though the Rams (7-2, 5-1) came out with little ...
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"I was standing beside (White at the end of the game), and I was acting like somebody was getting ready to hit coach White with the Gatorade," said Blash, a 320-pound defensive tackle. "I said, 'Watch out, they have the Gatorade!' He tensed up for it. But I was just playing."
Blash may have been joking at the end of the game, but the No. 22 nationally ranked Rams were all business early in the game Saturday. They held Benedict to zero offensive yards in the first half and scored about every way possible to take an insurmountable 31-0 lead into intermission.
Even though the Rams (7-2, 5-1) came out with little ...
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Morehouse, Carter take care of FVSU
Fort Valley, Georgia -- Morehouse’s David Carter wears No. 32 on game days. The running back, however, might as well have had a question mark embroidered on his jersey Saturday at Wildcat Stadium. Fort Valley State simply had no answer for the SIAC’s leading rusher. Carter needed merely a half to break the Morehouse single-game program record for rushing yards, finishing with 351 on 32 carries. The junior also scored on touchdown runs of 60, 45, 22 and 2 yards as Morehouse throttled FVSU 49-12.
Morehouse rang up 536 of its 662 yards on the ground.
“We couldn’t tackle the big running back,” FVSU head coach Donald Pittman said. “Defending the run has been our Achilles’ heel. “We gave them a short field a lot of times to work with, and we had some key people that did not make plays. That kept the defense out on the field.”
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Stillman Tigers falls in close one against Miles Golden Bears
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Oct.27, 2011) | The Miles College Golden Bears squeaked by rival Stillman College to claim the Southern Intercollegeate Athletic Conference Western Division title with a 9-7 victory, one year after going 3-8 and finishing in near the bottom in the conference.
The Golden Bears (6-3) won with a suffocating defense, holding the Tigers (6-3) to just 210 yards of offense and forcing three interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter. They also got just enough offense, led by quarterback David Thomas who went 17 of 25 for 180 yards.
“It’s been a long time coming for Miles College,” first-year coach Reginald Ruffin said. “I asked these guys to just to buy, and these guys have bought in.”
The Golden Bears got off to a fast start, starting the game with a trick play. Quarterback David Thomas threw a 50-yard bomb to D.J. Fife on a flea-flicker pass on the first play from scrimmage. Several plays later, running back Jordan Lewis took a pitch in from four yards out for the score, diving into the end zone to cap off the scoring drive. The extra point was blocked.
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The Golden Bears (6-3) won with a suffocating defense, holding the Tigers (6-3) to just 210 yards of offense and forcing three interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter. They also got just enough offense, led by quarterback David Thomas who went 17 of 25 for 180 yards.
“It’s been a long time coming for Miles College,” first-year coach Reginald Ruffin said. “I asked these guys to just to buy, and these guys have bought in.”
The Golden Bears got off to a fast start, starting the game with a trick play. Quarterback David Thomas threw a 50-yard bomb to D.J. Fife on a flea-flicker pass on the first play from scrimmage. Several plays later, running back Jordan Lewis took a pitch in from four yards out for the score, diving into the end zone to cap off the scoring drive. The extra point was blocked.
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Saturday, October 29, 2011
Seniors eye another upset in FVSU home finale
Fort Valley, Georgia -- Senior night is always an emotional one for a team, regardless of how a season has gone. The players preparing for their final home game start thinking about how fast their career has gone and how their lives have changed.
It’s no cakewalk for coaches, for similar reasons. They’ve watched players grow from green, wide-eyed freshmen who were either timid or arrogant upon arrival turn into young men. The Wildcats will honor 16 seniors before the home finale, and it will be a little painful for the FVSU coaches to watch.
Nine position players are basically starters, and one position player, wideout Demario Barber, is one of the nation’s top punt returners. Nearly all in the group are regulars who get substantive snaps. Head coach Donald Pittman noted how many played only on special teams as freshmen and can only wonder about if they had been redshirted.
“If those guys would be able to play next year?” Pittman said. “Wow. What an impact.”
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It’s no cakewalk for coaches, for similar reasons. They’ve watched players grow from green, wide-eyed freshmen who were either timid or arrogant upon arrival turn into young men. The Wildcats will honor 16 seniors before the home finale, and it will be a little painful for the FVSU coaches to watch.
Nine position players are basically starters, and one position player, wideout Demario Barber, is one of the nation’s top punt returners. Nearly all in the group are regulars who get substantive snaps. Head coach Donald Pittman noted how many played only on special teams as freshmen and can only wonder about if they had been redshirted.
“If those guys would be able to play next year?” Pittman said. “Wow. What an impact.”
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Maynor, WSSU Rams have sights set high
Winston Salem, North Carolina -- Coach Connell Maynor approaches a familiar football intersection driving a John Deere utility vehicle that resembles a golf cart as it climbs the rocky hill from the Winston-Salem State practice field to Bowman Gray Stadium.
The green cart, adorned with a tiny Rams decal on the front, matches the recreational tastes of a former quarterback who shoots around par during golfing months.
On October's final Saturday afternoon, though, golf takes a back seat beside bags of workout footballs while Maynor strives to scratch out a win against Shaw. The Rams, 8-0 and No. 9 in the NCAA Division II coaches' poll, look perfectly situated, having clinched a spot in the CIAA title game.
Despite routing the field by an average score of 48-16 thus far, the Rams could still blow their NCAA ride. Cruise control remains a dangerous illusion, which WSSU discovered last season when St. Augustine's and Shaw derailed the roaring red revivalists. Shaw intercepted a disastrous screen pass and converted a short touchdown drive for the second defeat.
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The green cart, adorned with a tiny Rams decal on the front, matches the recreational tastes of a former quarterback who shoots around par during golfing months.
On October's final Saturday afternoon, though, golf takes a back seat beside bags of workout footballs while Maynor strives to scratch out a win against Shaw. The Rams, 8-0 and No. 9 in the NCAA Division II coaches' poll, look perfectly situated, having clinched a spot in the CIAA title game.
Despite routing the field by an average score of 48-16 thus far, the Rams could still blow their NCAA ride. Cruise control remains a dangerous illusion, which WSSU discovered last season when St. Augustine's and Shaw derailed the roaring red revivalists. Shaw intercepted a disastrous screen pass and converted a short touchdown drive for the second defeat.
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Kirk's work helps Xavier Gold Nuggets defeat Faulkner in five
EW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Freshman Moira Kirk had 23 kills, the most by a Xavier University of Louisiana player this season, to rally the Gold Nuggets in a 25-19, 14-25, 17-25, 25-20, 15-12 women's volleyball victory Friday against Faulkner.
Kirk had three kills in the final seven rallies to help the Gold Nuggets (17-6) rally from a 17-14 deficit in the fourth set, then she closed the match with consecutive kills after Xavier trailed 3-0 and 9-5 in the fifth.
"I wish I had a team full of Moira Kirks," Xavier coach Christabell Hamilton said. "I say that because of her heart. She plays hard every day, whether it's a match or practice. She always gives me 100 percent, and sometimes she exceeds that. She's a leader by example."
Kirk also had four blocks and an ace and hit a team-best .364 in 44 attacks. Chinedu Echebelem had 10 kills, eight digs and three blocks, and Taylor Reuther had eight kills, 16 digs and a career-best five blocks. Xavier also got 11 digs from Celeste Poe and a career-high 17 digs from Kia Smith, whose dig set up Kirk's winning shot.
"Kia Smith played a great match," Hamilton said. "She's continued to fight for playing time. She's gotten more time recently, and today she stepped up."
Neysa Hernandez had 14 kills, 10 digs, two blocks and two aces for Faulkner (18-17), which dropped its fourth straight. Kelsey Bell had 10 kills and 23 digs, and Abbie Melvin had 19 digs.
Xavier took the lead for good in the deciding set with a 7-1 run. Echebelem and Jeanay Butler blocked Brittnay Renfroe's attack to tie the score at 10, and Reuther's lone ace put the Nuggets ahead to stay.
"Man, we were in some trouble in the fifth," Hamilton said. "I just told them that we've got to stay together and keep fighting."
It's the second time in the program's four seasons that Xavier won after trailing two sets to one, and it's the first time in five tries that the Gold Nuggets defeated Faulkner. This is the first Xavier team with three five-set victories in a season.
Both teams committed 48 errors. Xavier outhit Faulkner .155 to .154 and had a 71-67 advantage in digs, but the Lady Eagles had advantages of 54-48 in kills, 8-4 in aces and 9-7 in blocks.
Xavier will travel to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival SUNO for a 6 p.m. match Saturday. The Gold Nuggets have clinched a share of the GCAC regular-season championship and need a victory against SUNO or Dillard to win the title outright. SUNO and Dillard are both 7-2 in conference, and they're the only teams which can catch Xavier.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Kirk had three kills in the final seven rallies to help the Gold Nuggets (17-6) rally from a 17-14 deficit in the fourth set, then she closed the match with consecutive kills after Xavier trailed 3-0 and 9-5 in the fifth.
"I wish I had a team full of Moira Kirks," Xavier coach Christabell Hamilton said. "I say that because of her heart. She plays hard every day, whether it's a match or practice. She always gives me 100 percent, and sometimes she exceeds that. She's a leader by example."
Kirk also had four blocks and an ace and hit a team-best .364 in 44 attacks. Chinedu Echebelem had 10 kills, eight digs and three blocks, and Taylor Reuther had eight kills, 16 digs and a career-best five blocks. Xavier also got 11 digs from Celeste Poe and a career-high 17 digs from Kia Smith, whose dig set up Kirk's winning shot.
"Kia Smith played a great match," Hamilton said. "She's continued to fight for playing time. She's gotten more time recently, and today she stepped up."
Neysa Hernandez had 14 kills, 10 digs, two blocks and two aces for Faulkner (18-17), which dropped its fourth straight. Kelsey Bell had 10 kills and 23 digs, and Abbie Melvin had 19 digs.Xavier took the lead for good in the deciding set with a 7-1 run. Echebelem and Jeanay Butler blocked Brittnay Renfroe's attack to tie the score at 10, and Reuther's lone ace put the Nuggets ahead to stay.
"Man, we were in some trouble in the fifth," Hamilton said. "I just told them that we've got to stay together and keep fighting."
It's the second time in the program's four seasons that Xavier won after trailing two sets to one, and it's the first time in five tries that the Gold Nuggets defeated Faulkner. This is the first Xavier team with three five-set victories in a season.
Both teams committed 48 errors. Xavier outhit Faulkner .155 to .154 and had a 71-67 advantage in digs, but the Lady Eagles had advantages of 54-48 in kills, 8-4 in aces and 9-7 in blocks.Xavier will travel to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and city rival SUNO for a 6 p.m. match Saturday. The Gold Nuggets have clinched a share of the GCAC regular-season championship and need a victory against SUNO or Dillard to win the title outright. SUNO and Dillard are both 7-2 in conference, and they're the only teams which can catch Xavier.
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Savannah State meets Hampton on homecoming Saturday
Savannah, Georgia -- There are still four games to go in the football season for the Savannah State Tigers. After losing six of the first seven, you might think first-year coach Steve Davenport would be looking at younger players.
But Davenport isn’t using the final part of the season as an audition for next year. Particularly today on the Tigers’ homecoming.
“We’re not at that point,” said Davenport, whose squad meets Hampton University at 2 p.m. at T.A Wright Stadium. “I don’t want to toss the seniors aside just for the sake of looking at young kids. We’re going to play the best players. The guys we have playing are the older guys and they’re the best players.
“Our mentality the whole time is we’re going to play the best players. If the results aren’t good enough, then we have to go out and get better players.”
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But Davenport isn’t using the final part of the season as an audition for next year. Particularly today on the Tigers’ homecoming.
“We’re not at that point,” said Davenport, whose squad meets Hampton University at 2 p.m. at T.A Wright Stadium. “I don’t want to toss the seniors aside just for the sake of looking at young kids. We’re going to play the best players. The guys we have playing are the older guys and they’re the best players.
“Our mentality the whole time is we’re going to play the best players. If the results aren’t good enough, then we have to go out and get better players.”
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Friday, October 28, 2011
Scouting report: Morgan State vs. Delaware State
Morgan State (4-3, 3-1 MEAC) vs. Delaware State (2-5, 0-4 MEAC)Time: 1 p.m.
Radio: 88.9 FM
Series: Morgan leads series 30-23
MSU Gamenotes
What's at stake: Morgan State, which is tied for first place in the MEAC, will face the struggling Hornets on the road as both teams are coming off bye weeks. Before the break, the Bears had won two straight, including a dominant 52-3 victory at North Carolina Central on Oct. 29. Meanwhile, the Hornets have plummeted in the standings. After winning its first two games of the season, Delaware State has lost five straight under first-year coach Kermit Blount. The Bears have not won at Delaware State since 2003, when they claimed a 53-36 victory.
Key matchup: Morgan State running back Travis Davidson rushed for a game-high 142 yards and three touchdowns in the Bears' rout of N.C. Central two weeks ago. The junior leads the team with 455 rushing yards this season and five touchdowns. Running backs have had no problem against the Hornets, who have allowed more than 200 rushing yards per game this season. The Delaware State defense has allowed a MEAC-worst 441 yards per game.
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Spears makes return to SU as Alcorn coach
Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- This weekend's game will be a homecoming of sorts for so many more than the Southern University faithful. Sure alums, former faculty members, administrators and fans from all over will converge on the Baton Rouge campus on Saturday in anticipation of seeing old friends, watching a little football and hearing the SU band, also known as the Human Jukebox perform.
But as Southern (2-5, 2-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) prepares to host Alcorn State (2-4, 1-4) Saturday at 5:30 p.m. inside A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Jaguars are also aware it will be a homecoming for several players and coaches from the visiting team.
Alcorn first-year head coach Melvin Spears, a Clinton native, grew up a short drive away from the SU campus.
Michael Roach, a Baton Rouge native and a 1985 graduate of SU, is Alcorn's assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Roach played football at SU and later coached at the school after graduation. Until last year, he was also the head coach at Southern Lab, which is located on the SU campus.
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But as Southern (2-5, 2-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) prepares to host Alcorn State (2-4, 1-4) Saturday at 5:30 p.m. inside A.W. Mumford Stadium, the Jaguars are also aware it will be a homecoming for several players and coaches from the visiting team.
Alcorn first-year head coach Melvin Spears, a Clinton native, grew up a short drive away from the SU campus.
Michael Roach, a Baton Rouge native and a 1985 graduate of SU, is Alcorn's assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. Roach played football at SU and later coached at the school after graduation. Until last year, he was also the head coach at Southern Lab, which is located on the SU campus.
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Andrews aims for history: Receiver set to break ASU career mark
Montgomery, Alabama -- He's humble by anyone's standards, so it wasn't easy for Nick Andrews to stand in front of teammates and announce his individual goals.
The Alabama State senior receiver was one of a handful head coach Reggie Barlow called on after an August practice, asking the player to step forward and tell teammates of his personal goals for 2011 as well as hopes for the Hornets this season.
Andrews spoke of returning to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game and completing the mission after losing to Texas Southern in 2010.
"At the end, I was like, 'My individual goal is to break his record,' " he said, referring to Barlow's career receiving yard standard at Alabama State. "He told (offensive coordinator Fred) Kaiss, 'If he breaks my record, this is your senior year, too.'
"We joke about that all the time."
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The Alabama State senior receiver was one of a handful head coach Reggie Barlow called on after an August practice, asking the player to step forward and tell teammates of his personal goals for 2011 as well as hopes for the Hornets this season.
Andrews spoke of returning to the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Game and completing the mission after losing to Texas Southern in 2010.
"At the end, I was like, 'My individual goal is to break his record,' " he said, referring to Barlow's career receiving yard standard at Alabama State. "He told (offensive coordinator Fred) Kaiss, 'If he breaks my record, this is your senior year, too.'
"We joke about that all the time."
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