Southern longing to recapture SWAC swagger

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Although the Stump Mitchell era at Southern is off to a rocky start, there are signs of improvement.

After going 2-9 in Mitchell's first season, the Jaguars went 4-7 in 2011, with four of their losses coming by five or fewer points.

Now Southern has more experience at key spots and looks to recapture its traditional role as a Southwestern Athletic Conference contender.

Quarterbacks Dray Joseph and J.P. Douglas, who split time last season and combined for more than 2,800 yards passing, are both back to contest for the No. 1 job. Whoever starts the opener at New Mexico on Sept. 1 will have a slew of talented targets at their disposal including receiver Charles Hawkins and tight end Michael Berry.

Southern has to improve the worst rushing offense in the SWAC and hopes it can with a more experienced line blocking for Sylvester Nzekwe and Jerry Joseph.

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Grambling expects momentum to carry over from 2011

GRAMBLING, Louisiana - Grambling put together a late surge to win its 18th Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2011 and is hoping for a carry-over effect this season.

The Tigers return four all-conference players, three statistical leaders and 15 starters from last season's squad, which won its last seven games after losing four of the first five.

"Even with the slow start we had, our guys stayed confident and focused," said Doug Williams, entering the second year of his second stint as head coach. "They really stayed together and kept working hard and remaining confident that they could finish up the year in a good way. And they were able to do just that. Now, we have to start all over. It's a new season."

Returning All-SWAC players include 2011 league rushing leader Dawrence Roberts, as well as offensive linemen Sanford Banks and Clint Marsh and defensive lineman Jomarcus Savage.

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Florida A&M Rattlers get out the vote

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - It seemed like a game-planning meeting for the Florida A&M football team Sunday night inside the Galimore Fieldhouse. The attentiveness was that intense.

This gathering wasn’t about X’s and O’s, though. The players were there registering to vote. For some it was a first-time experience; others took the opportunity to make changes to their existing registration.

Invited by coach Joe Taylor, members of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church’s Steel-Brooks Institute guided the players through the registration process.

“Many of them voted in 2008 and they are very energetic about voting again,” said Rev. Richard Mashburn, who headed up the group. “We are here today to register people regardless of which (political) party they might be affiliated with; Republican, Democrat or independent.”

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Miles College, second-year coach Reginald Ruffin out to defend SIAC crown

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- After going 26 years without a conference championship, the Miles Golden Bears are embracing the challenge of defending their 2011 SIAC crown.

"We've got a big 'X' on our backs," sophomore safety Tyrrell Kinder said Saturday during Miles' media day at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium. "Everybody will be trying to come at us strong, but it's time for Miles to begin a winning tradition."

Senior running back Jordan Lewis from Fairfield also acknowledged that the Bears will be tested each week, but said they are not backing down.

"Every week is going to be a dogfight," Lewis said. "But to get to a certain level as a team, as a unit, we've got show we're not the Miles of old."

The SIAC Football Coaches Association likes the Bears' chances of making it back to the league championship game, picking Miles to finish first in the SIAC West.



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FSU Welcomes the Class of 2016

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - FSU Welcomes the Class of 2016. Common Cause North Carolina helps Fayetteville State University freshman register to vote for the 2012 elections.

Fayetteville State hopes to cut down on turnovers this season

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina - Fayetteville State has taken the field for its first football practice on a cool, overcast morning, and coach Kenny Phillips is already in midseason form.

Wearing sunglasses and a bucket hat with the front bill flipped up, Phillips stands with a laminated schedule dangling from the lanyard that's around his neck. A whistle is in his mouth, but it doesn't stay there for very long.

Not surprisingly, FSU's defensive players are learning how to properly force fumbles, and it's a work in progress. "Don't fall on it," Phillips says. "Scoop and score."



Another group arrives at his station, and the results are similar. A defender falls on a bouncing ball, and Phillips stops the drill.

"That's not how it works in Broncoland," he yells. "Out in the open field, please don't fall on that football."

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2012 CIAA football at a glance

Favorite: Winston-Salem State. Rams aim to surpass last year’s school-best 13-1 season and Division II semifinal berth.

Contender: Elizabeth City State. Vikings return CIAA’s offensive player of the year and school all-time rushing leader Daronte McNeil.

Sleeper: St. Augustine’s. Falcons return 18 starters, including record-setting quarterback Teddy Bacote.

5 PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kameron Smith, RB, Winston-Salem State (Sr., 6-0, 180): Passed for school-record 2,706 yards and 33 touchdowns last year.

Robert Holland, WR, Chowan (Sr., 6-3, 190): Led the league in receptions (69) and yards (914) with 13 TDs.

Derrick Johnson, DE, J.C. Smith (Sr., 6-2, 265): Hopewell High grad produced breakout season with 11.5 sacks.

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QB Keahn Wallace wants to prove JCSU football critics wrong

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Keahn Wallace insists on being a better quarterback.

The J.C. Smith sophomore spent the offseason gaining a more thorough understanding of the Golden Bulls’ attack after accounting for 2,478 total yards and 24 touchdowns to earn the CIAA’s offensive rookie of the year award. The result is more comfort in reading and exploiting defenses.

“I’m looking for the matchup we want and go right at it,” he said.

Wallace made an immediate impact as a freshman by leading the Golden Bulls to a surprising 6-5 season and Pioneer Bowl win against Miles College (Ala.). He was especially adept in J.C. Smith’s spread offense, connecting on 167 of 300 passes for 2,005 yards and 16 scores, but bulked up to become a more effective runner.

“I need to get in the ...

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Cheyney, RB Jones Preparing for Lincoln

CHEYNEY, Pennsylvania -- Marcus Jones knows the start of football season is right around the corner. Jones, a brilliant running back for Cheyney University’s football team, is preparing for his season opener. And it’s a big one.

Cheyney University will visit arch rival Lincoln University on Sept. 1 in the “Battle of the Firsts.” The kickoff will be at 1 p.m.

Cheyney and Lincoln are two of the oldest Black colleges in the country. Both of these HBCUs (Historically Black College and University) will battle each other in what should be a real classic. It certainly was an exciting contest last year with Cheyney edging Lincoln, 21-19. Of course, this is a new year, and Jones is looking forward to the matchup.

“It’s a big game,” said Jones, a Washington, D.C. native. “We had a great attendance with the fans. We had a lot of people there. I was surprised with how many people were there. I’m glad we were able to come away with a win.”

Jones, a 5-foot-8, 225-pound junior, has been a real bright spot for the Wolves’ offense. He has consistently been one of the best running backs in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Jones has 275 rushing attempts in his first two seasons combining for more than 1,500 yards. He has been tackled for a loss of just 10 yards. He’s set on having another big season carrying the football.

“I’ve been working on my quickness,” Jones said. “I’m trying to build speed. Last year, I could have scored a lot of runs. I got tackled a few times from behind. This year I’m just trying to get faster. I’ve been running hills, sprints, hitting the weights and everything. I want to get stronger and faster.”

Ken Lockard, Cheyney head coach, has been very impressed with Jones. Lockard knows the Wolves have a running back who can pick up good yardage and move the chains.

“Everybody knows Marcus,” Lockard said. “He gained 1,500 plus yards in two seasons. We’re looking for some great things from him again. The thing I’m looking for the most is leadership. He’s not a vocal guy. But he does everything he’s asked to do. He does what he’s supposed to do. He’s a leader by example.”

The Wolves finished with a 1-10 record last year. Cheyney’s record is a little misleading. They had a chance to win at least two other games. They dropped a couple tough decisions to Millersville (10-7) and East Stroudsburg (10-6). The Wolves are hoping to be a lot more competitive in the PSAC.

“We’re getting better,” Jones said. “We had a lot of guys come out in the spring. We brought in a lot of recruits. We have some good players returning, too. Our roster looks a lot better than it did in previous years.”

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VISIT: CHEYNEYWOLVES.COM
VISIT: CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Far from USC, Garrett chases titles at Oklahoma's Langston U.

MICHAEL "MIKE" GARRETT
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY
(Photo Courtesy LU Athletics)

LANGSTON, Oklahoma - Mike Garrett's next stop after being forced out at Southern California might as well be an entirely different world.

Instead of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on his way to work leading the Hollywood of college athletic programs, his commute now includes a twisting drive past cow pastures and grazing areas for his new school's research on goats.

The 1965 Heisman Trophy-winning tailback who started bringing USC back to national prominence by hiring Pete Carroll to lead the football program is taking on another transformation project far away from the glitz and glamour.

His new job is to lead the athletic department at tiny Langston University, a historically black college in rural Oklahoma that competes in the NAIA. Just like at his old home, Garrett has set the same expectations: win national championships.

At his last stop, Garrett oversaw the creation of the "it" team of the last decade in college football. The Trojans won two national championships and three Heisman Trophies, with celebrities turning the L.A. Coliseum into a great place to see and be seen.

Garrett's tenure ended when the football and men's basketball teams were sanctioned for breaking NCAA rules - although the football team emerged from the penalties to grab the No. 1 ranking in The Associated Press' preseason poll Saturday.



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Texas A&M Aggies schedule breakdown: South Carolina State

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Game 4: South Carolina State

Texas A&M’s first cream puff opponent comes four weeks into the season when the Bulldogs from South Carolina State come to Kyle Field.

The Aggies and Bulldogs have never played each other with South Carolina State being an FCS school. The last time they played an SEC school they were handed a 38-14 loss by South Carolina in 2009.

South Carolina State returns quarterbacks Richard Cue and Derrick Wiley as well as a solid ground game. But nothing the Bulldogs throw at A&M can stop the advantage the Aggies will have offensively. Look for big games out of freshman running back Trey Williams and receiver Ryan Swope as starters are rested when A&M gets a comfortable lead behind the 12th Man.

The Aggie turnover margin gets a boost from the interception prone Bulldogs as A&M wins handily.

Prediction: W 35-7





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NOTE: Circle this game on your calendar. Texas A&M is in for a major surprise. Bad move by this journalist to characterize the SCSU Bulldogs as a cream puff opponent. The Bulldogs may be outnumbered in scholarship players, but they are not going to rollover and become a cream puff for any BCS program.  Aggies, get ready!  This will not be a easy win.

Marching 101 Band, just do it!  (beepbeep)

QB Smith sharp in WSSU scrimmage

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Winston-Salem State's first football scrimmage went the way first scrimmages tend to go, and coach Connell Maynor saw about what he expected to see Saturday morning.

"Without looking at the film, it was just an average scrimmage," Maynor said. "It was our first one, and we had people watching, and we had officials. It was a little different pressure for the players, and some guys responded, and some guys didn't."



One of the largest WSSU teams in 20 years — about 110 players — took part in the controlled two-hour session.

Maynor saw some good, including sharp play from quarterback Kameron Smith. He threw for four touchdowns — all to senior receiver Jamal Williams — and ran for another score.

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2012 MEAC/SWAC Challenge - More Than Just A Game

ORLANDO, Florida - The eighth installment of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney – featuring Bethune-Cookman of the MEAC against Alabama State of the SWAC – will be Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012, at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla. (noon ET on ESPN). The yearly event features teams from two prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conferences.

The game marks the first time that one school, Bethune-Cookman, which beat Prairie View 63-14 in 2011, has appeared in back-to-back years. Alabama State returns having last played in the event in 2005, the first year of the annual game. At stake, as usual, is conference supremacy as the MEAC has won five of the previous seven games.

Alabama State finished with an 8-3 record in 2011, recording the most program wins since the 2004 season when the team went 10-2 and won the SWAC Championship. Bethune-Cookman also secured an 8-3 record last season and highlighting the team’s schedule was a 14-6 win over No. 24 Norfolk State on Oct. 20. Bethune-Cookman holds a 10-3 lead in the series against Alabama State.

Several events will take place around the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, including a high school career panel and the halftime Battle of the Bands.



“Disney has a long history of supporting the African-American community and we're proud to build on this legacy by supporting the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Mid-Eastern and Southwestern Athletic Conferences,” said Eugene Campbell, vice president of Domestic Minority Business Development for the Walt Disney Company. “The MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney showcases football but it celebrates so much more. Our sponsorship of the event is just one way Disney demonstrates its commitment to diversity and inclusion, which benefits everyone.”

“Our team is excited about the opportunity to play on national television and we hope they take away what a blessing it is to be chosen to represent the SWAC in a game that will be watched all over the country,” said Reggie Barlow, head coach at Alabama State. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we measure up against a great team like Bethune-Cookman, who has Division I transfers and great recruits. I'm also looking forward to our student-athletes traveling to a great city and experiencing a great venue.”

“The overall experience last year was great for the team because it was aired on a national level and put on in a special way; it caused our team to really have to focus. It helped our young men understand preparation and how to stay in the moment,” said Brian Jenkins Sr., head coach at Bethune-Cookman. “Everything was done in a first-class manner and being invited back for a second time and as the first team to appear in back-to-back years is great. We are very thankful for this opportunity and hope we have continued success with this event.”



Tickets for the 2012 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $30 for reserved seating and $20 for general admission, plus applicable taxes and fees.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is owned and operated by ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN. For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, or to join the event’s following on Facebook and Twitter, please visit the event’s official Web site at www.meacswacchallenge.com or at www.espnplus.com/msc.php.



Travel options including discounted hotel accommodations, game tickets and specially-priced Theme Park Tickets are available through Anthony Travel, the official travel provider of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Please visit AnthonyTravel.com or call (888) 632-6951.

Grambling and Alcorn Rivalry Has a Long History in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, Louisiana - Since the inception of the Port City Classic in 2010, the Grambling State Tigers' football team has continued to wow crowds and bring the tradition of playing regular season football games back to Shreveport. This year will be no different as Grambling will face Alcorn State September 1st at Independence Stadium and will add to the history of the Port City Classic. While the Port City Classic has a history of its' own, the Tigers have a history of playing in Shreveport dating back to the 1940s.

Grambling State played their first regular season game in Shreveport in 1947. The G-Men defeated Bishop College, who was an original member of the SWAC, by the score of 20-6. Since then the Tigers have played 13 different teams and 42 regular season games in the Northwest Louisiana City and have a record of 32-10-1. They have faced teams such as SMU, Tennessee State and Louisiana Tech since they started playing regular season games in Shreveport.

The Tigers and Braves first game goes back to the 1940's and they have a long history of playing in Shreveport, dating back to 1981. The Tigers won the first game played against the Braves in Shreveport by the score of 13-10 under the leadership of legendary head coach, the Late Eddie Robinson. Grambling has played Alcorn in Shreveport more than any other team and currently leads the series against the Braves with a 7-4 record.



Fans have been treated to some fantastic football as the two teams have played some epic battles in Shreveport. The games between the two teams in Shreveport have been known for their offense. The winning team has scored at least 21 points 9 out of the 11 years. In 1992 the two teams combined for 68 points. Most of the games have been very close. The last three games between the two foes have been decided by a touchdown or less, including a 21-14 victory by the G-Men last year.

General Admission tickets for the game this year are available for purchase at Super 1 and Brookshire grocery stores in Shreveport. Ticket vouchers may be purchased at the checkout counters and redeemed at the Will Call window on game day at Independence Stadium. General admission is $15 and $20 for reserved seating. Club level tickets are also on sale for $125.



Tickets are also on sale at all branches of Shreveport Federal Credit Union (Shreveport, Grambling and Bastrop) Independence Bowl offices, the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport or by going to http://www.ticketmaster.com. The ticket offices of Grambling and Alcorn State also have tickets available.

For more information on tickets or group sales contact the GSU ticket office at 318-274-2625.

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Duke vs. NCCU: 2012 Bull City Classic brings unique match-up

Durham, North Carolina — For Durham native Desmond Scott the upcoming Bull City Classic between Duke and North Carolina Central means a lot more than just another football game.

"The saying on the other side of the track that's kinda what this game is, you have the Duke community and then you have the North Carolina Central community. It's a beautiful thing, it's helping the Durham community grow and intertwine," said Scott, who is a running back for Duke.

The game brings Durham’s two Universities together but the teams themselves are already well-acquainted. Scott and Central star Geovonie Irvine were high school teammates at Hillside.

"Some of these guys date the same girls, some of those things go on," joke head Duke football coach David Cutcliffe. "When you're five miles apart, okay, that's what you call a pretty good rivalry starting there."

This will be the second meeting between the two football teams, with more planned for later this decade. And it continues a long tradition between the two athletic programs. One that dates back to the 1940’s and John McClendon’s secret game, and the groundbreaking work between the two schools’ legendary track coaches, Al Buehler, and the late Dr. Leroy Walker.

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Howard vs. Morehouse: 2012 AT&T Nation's Football Classic

Basketball camp at A.L. Davis Playground a success for Retired Players Association

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana - New Orleans native Bruce Seals hasn’t laced up his sneakers to play in an NBA game in 34 years, but you couldn’t tell it had been that long during Saturday’s National Basketball Retired Players Association’s basketball camp at A.L. Davis Playground. Seals, 59, was energetic, tossing passes to youth camp participants, making a few shots and stopping several times for autographs from fans that remembered him when he was a star at Booker T. Washington High School and Xavier University of Louisiana, before playing three seasons in the NBA with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1975 to 1978.

The clinic was part of the retired players association’s World Sports Conference in New Orleans, which began Friday and has involved former players speaking to students at schools, visiting with patients at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and taking part in a life skills clinic.

Former New Orleans city councilman Arnold Fielkow is the CEO of the retired players association and is responsible for bringing its three-day conference to the Crescent City.

Along with Seals, a number of former players participated in Saturday’s clinic, including New Orleans natives Aaron James, Jaren Jackson and Eldridge Recasner, who played for the Charlotte Hornets from 1998 to 2001.

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HBCU Sports Nation with Howard Bison AD Skip Perkins

WASHINGTON, D.C. -  A conversation with the Howard University Athletics Director Louis "Skip" Perkins regarding the Bison athletics program and the upcoming Labor Day, AT&T Nations Football Classic with Division II powerhouse, Morehouse College

Positives, negatives from DSU's first scrimmage

DOVER, Delaware - There were no points glowing on the scoreboard at Delaware State’s Alumni Stadium. The only grades that were being kept on this day were locked in the minds of Hornets head coach Kermit Blount and his assistants.



All in all, Blount thought it was a pretty successful first preseason scrimmage for DSU this morning. The Hornets ran a “situational” offense against the defense in a scrimmage that featured about 70 plays from pre-determined spots on the field.

Though only one touchdown was recorded, when quarterback Nick Elko connected with wide receiver Bo Ceravolo on a fourth-and-short situation, there was plenty for the Hornets to be optimistic about – and also lots of areas of concern.

“We knew what to expect out of the older kids, we wanted to get our younger kids some reps since this is ...

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2012 Labor Day Golden Classic: Miles College vs. UNA

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - 10th Annual Labor Day Golden Classic, Miles College vs University of North Alabama, Sunday, September 2, 2012 @6:00pm, Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Call for Tickets: 205.929.1732. Get Tickets Online: www.labordaygoldenclassic.com.

Lane expects to make 2012 SIAC Year of the Dragons

JACKSON, Tennessee  -  Media Day 2012 at Lane College said a lot about the growth the Dragons made in 2011. After a winless 2010 campaign, Lane went 4-6 last year.

At this year’s Media Day, there was no talk about simply hoping to compete or trying to win a couple games.

Entering his third year in charge, coach Derrick Burroughs expects Lane to climb up from near the bottom of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings, where it sat for too long.

Burroughs, who played defensive back in college and the NFL, said it’s hard not to take it personally when a defensive back on his own team gets beat.

In much the same way, seeing Lane’s name down low on the list of SIAC teams gets old quickly.

“If I told you that didn’t bother me, I’d be lying,” Burroughs said.

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Lane football has learned how to win

JACKSON, Tennessee - Lane senior running back Evan Yabu remembers the bad days. In 2010, Lane football failed to win a game.  “When you lose over and over, you get used to riding the bus home sad,” Yabu said.

Last year, the Dragons got to celebrate four times as they left the field. They won two non-league games early in the season. They also beat conference foes Albany State at home and Benedict College on the road.  Conference wins were signs of major progress.

“Albany State was probably the best feeling I ever had in football, period,” said Lane coach Derrick Burroughs, who played football at the University of Memphis and for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Still, Lane’s offense was not always effective last year. The passing game was unreliable. As of the team’s media day August 11, Burroughs and his staff were hoping to decide soon who will start at quarterback.

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Taylor likes effort by Florida A&M Rattlers in scrimmage

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The officiating crew that worked Saturday’s scrimmage on FAMU’s practice field was just as busy along the sidelines as it was covering plays. That’s because the offense and defense each had a few big plays of their own.

With every one of those plays, players from both sides crossed the line to congratulate the playmakers.

Early on, running back Eddie Rocker caused most of the rah-rah along the line. Then, as the 66-play scrimmage winded down to end the second week of preseason practice, the defense came alive.

Just before special teams wrapped up the simulated game, the offense was turned away on consecutive drives with stops at the 2- and 11-yard lines.

Coach Joe Taylor seemed pleased with the two-and-a-half-hour scrimmage.

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TSU Tigers Defense Shines in Saturday’s Scrimmage

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - An unseasonably cool Saturday had the Tennessee State football team practicing on the outside field.

The scrimmage provided an opportunity for coaches to gauge the team’s progress and evaluate some of the younger players. For the coaches, one side really stood out.

“I thought the defense flew around today,” head coach Rod Reed said. “It was total domination today by our defense, which you like to see.”

The defense played with reckless abandonment for most of the practice, forcing a handful of turnovers. However, the offense was able to complete a few passes and break a couple of long runs.

“We are going to get big plays out of our offense. [Quarterback] Mike German has a big arm, and we have some backs that can break it at any time,” Reed said.

With two weeks of practice under their belts the TSU football team switches their focus to just one thing.

“FAMU.”



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Former SU coach watches scrimmage

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Among the crowd of family, friends and fans at Southern’s football scrimmage on Saturday, there stood another familiar face. Former Jaguars coach Pete Richardson showed up to take in the lightning-shortened practice, which he said was his first in nearly 21/2 years.

Richardson was fired in 2009, opening the door for current coach Stump Mitchell’s hiring, and both men said they maintain a good relationship.

“We’ve always been together,” Mitchell said. “There’s nothing between coach Richardson and myself but friendship.”

Added Richardson: “I see him every now and then. I tried to step out of it and give him his chance to do his program, and I think that’s the way it should be.”

That hasn’t always been easy for Richardson, especially not with a handful of players still suiting up whom he recruited.

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2012 Labor Day Classic: Prairie View A&M vs. Texas Southern

HOUSTON, Texas  -  Tickets for the highly-anticipated 2012 State Farm Labor Day Classic (http://labordayclassic.wordpress.com/) football contest featuring Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern are now on sale. The Prairie View A&M Panthers will face SWAC foe Texas Southern on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. in Houston's Reliant Stadium.

Prairie View A&M is the home team for the 28th edition of the State Farm Labor Day Classic and is seated on the west side of Reliant Stadium while TSU will sit on the east side.

In addition to all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com, tickets can also be purchased at Reliant Stadium, the Prairie View A&M University on-campus bookstore, TSU's on-campus bookstore, Wolf's Department Store (2701 Dowling Street, Houston, TX) and online at www.PVPanthers.com.