TSU Tigers open season vs. Florida A&M Rattlers

NASHVILLE, Tennessee - On Saturday, the Tennessee State football team hosts the Rattlers from Florida A&M at LP Field. The Tigers take on their rivals in the fourteenth annual John A. Merritt Classic in honor of legendary TSU coach John A. Merritt.

This year's game will be the 51st meeting between the two schools and the first since 2010's Atlanta Football Classic. The Tigers won the last contest, 29-18 to tied the all-time series at 25-25 dating back to 1944.

For Tennessee State, the Tigers are looking to build upon last year's 5-6 record with a season opening victory. TSU returns a total of 14 starters, including nine on the offensive side of the ball. They also return six specialists from a year ago - everyone except punter Matt Moseley.

On offense, the Tigers will feature an offensive line that boasts three all-conference selections in tackle Rogers Gaines, center Sherman Carter and guard Kadeem Edwards. Tennessee State will count on those three plus the rest of its line to help protect quarterback Michael German and open up running lanes for running back Trabis Ward.

Last season, German passed for 1,899 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to being named the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year. German accomplished the feat after only starting eight games last season.

Tennessee State loses its leading receiver in terms of yards from a year ago, but junior wideout Devin Wilson looks to build upon his sophomore campaign where he caught a team-high 48 passes, two of which went for touchdowns.

Ward was 23 yards shy of 1,000 last season after carrying the ball 193 times. He also scored 11 touchdowns on the ground.

	Rod Reed Weekly OVC Teleconference - Talks about upcoming John Merritt Classic and FAMU.
	TSU Game Notes
	FAMU Game Notes

Defensively, the Tigers lose their leading tackler from a year ago in Rico Council, but do return all-conference selection Antonio Harper. Harper will start for TSU at one of the defensive ends after leading the squad in sacks last season with 6.5. The Memphis, Tenn. native also recorded nine tackles-for-loss and 44 total tackles.

Another key returnee from last season is defensive back Steven Godbolt. Godbolt is coming off of freshman campaign that saw him grab All-OVC Newcomer honors and a team-high two interceptions.

On special teams, the Tigers welcome back return man Weldon Garlington who accumulated 544 return yards including a 100-yard scamper that went for a touchdown. This preseason, Garlington was named an All-American by Boxtorow.

Last year, FAMU sported a 7-4 record, but the Rattlers will have to find a way to replace 13 starters from a year ago.

The key returnees for the offense are quarterback Damien Fleming and left guard Steven Robinson. As a freshman last year, Fleming threw for 1,622 yards and 11 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Robinson was vital in padding Fleming's numbers, as the 300 pound senior earned First Team All-MEAC honors last season.

Defensively, the Rattlers must find replacements at both defensive ends and at three linebacker positions. FAMU does return one linebacker in Brandon Hepburn and First Team All-MEAC safety John Ojo. Last season, the duo combined for 105 tackles, and Ojo recorded a team-high four interceptions.

This year's John A. Merritt Classic honors all the players that were coached by "Big John". The game starts at 6 p.m. at LP Field.

Follow TSU Athletics on Facebook.com/TSUTigers and Twitter @TSU_Tigers.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

3 former SCSU Bulldogs cut from NFL rosters; 4 remain for Week One

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina - A trio of former South Carolina State players was among the casualties of NFL cuts.

On Monday, the Washington Redskins released free agent signee offensive lineman James Lee. The move came after the weekend saw Jacksonville Jaguars’ linebacker Donovan Richard and Kansas City safety Dominique Ellis get the notice from “The Turk.”

In the case of Richard, this marked the second time in three months he was released by the Jaguars.

There are currently four Bulldogs on NFL rosters heading into Week One: cornerback Phillip Adams (Seattle Seahawks), safeties Rafael Bush (Denver Broncos) and Christian Thompson (Baltimore Ravens) and linebacker Marshall McFadden (Pittsburgh Steelers).

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Finally, Harvey gets his big shot at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The last three football seasons have been difficult for receiver Travis Harvey on the FAMU campus. He always had some explaining to do.

“Everybody knew I played football but when the game came I wasn’t playing,” he said. “To say I was ineligible was hard because I’m not a dumb person. I wasn’t as focused as I needed to be.”

After taking a redshirt in his first season as a walk-on from Inglewood, Calif., Harvey came up ineligible for the next two seasons. Last season, he started a turnaround and ended up in four games.

He showed enough to restore FAMU coach Joe Taylor’s faith in him. A strong spring solidified him as the replacement for Brian Tyms.

At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he’s shown ...

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Junior QB Darius Smith ready to lead Alcorn into 2012 opener

LORMAN, Mississippi — Last season, Alcorn State quarterback Darius Smith was thrown into the fire when he took over for departed starting quarterback Brandon Bridge midway through the Braves' season.

This year, Smith knows that he is the man under center from Day 1, but he said he is not letting the lessons he learned last season be forgotten.

"Last season I was kind of thrown into it, but it definitely helped me get ready for the upcoming season," Smith said. "I wasn't expecting to play, and I didn't study like I should have. But now I know I'm the guy and am taking the time out (to prepare)."

Saturday, Smith and the Braves will take the field for the first time under a new coaching staff led by head coach Jay Hopson when they face Grambling State University in the Port City Classic. Smith said he is ready for the challenge and ready to show how his game has improved.

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Q&A with UMES men's basketball coach Frankie Allen

COACH FRANKIE ALLEN

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -  After four seasons in Princess Anne, UMES coach Frankie Allen  admits that he thought his program would be further along by now.

The Hawks went 7-23 during the 2011-12 season, giving Allen a record of 34-89 at UMES. But Allen, the former Virginia Tech, Tennessee State and Howard coach, is optimistic that things will be better for the Hawks starting this year.

UMES returns two starters in junior guard Louis Bell and junior forward Ron Spencer, and three reserves in senior center T.J. Kosile, senior forward Pina Guillaume and sophomore guard Ishaq Pitt.

Joining those five veterans will be an “infusion of new blood.” Allen has added six players to his roster: Jarrod Davis, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound freshman forward from Lakewood, N.J.; Kevin Mays, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound freshman forward from Brooklyn, N.Y.; Troy Snyder, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound junior forward from Chicago who transferred last year from Wisconsin-Green Bay; Donald Williams, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior guard from Hyattsville who played at Prince George’s County Community College; Kyree Jones, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound sophomore guard from Indianapolis who comes from Kankakee (Ill.) Community College via Northern Illinois; and Francis Obumneme, a 6-foot-10 junior center from Nigeria who played at Monroe (N.Y.) Community College.

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SU's Stump Mitchell says Dray Joseph earned starting QB job

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - After Southern coach Stump Mitchell settled on a starting quarterback, he brought candidates Dray Joseph and J.P. Douglas in for a meeting. There, Mitchell pulled out a piece of paper that listed the facts.

Joseph had won the quarterback battle. The numbers said so.



“I gave them a sheet that showed exactly what both of those guys did,” Mitchell said. “There’s no sense in me having closed-door meetings. We’re all family. We should be able to talk. We should be able to discuss. I didn’t want one guy to think I was telling him something and another guy something different.”

Mitchell told them both that this season will be a very different scene from the last one. Joseph will be the man in charge, Douglas will be his backup, and the only way they’ll switch roles is if Joseph gets injured.

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New position, more plays for WSSU Rams DeGeare

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Athletes often have trouble giving up a position they've played most of their lives, but Jamie DeGeare knew he wanted to see more action in his final football season at Winston-Salem State.

So when coaches asked him about switching from quarterback to fullback, DeGeare needed to think about it. But after remembering how little fun he had as backup quarterback in 2011, he figured he'd enjoy the season much more if he played more.



"In the spring, I was able to get prepared for all the contact that's involved," DeGeare said Saturday, after catching a short touchdown pass from Kameron Smith in a scrimmage. "It's actually coming along pretty well right now, and I'm excited about the season starting."

DeGeare starred at Glenn High School and ...

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Strike Up the Band, Talladega College has started a Marching Band Program

TALLADEGA, Alabama — Talladega College, it’s the home of the famous Amistad Murals, championship men’s and women’s basketball teams, an illustrious list of graduates that became university presidents, the first meeting place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Andrew Young, alumni in business, science, education, healthcare and industry world-wide; and now adding to its current list is a new marching band. Talladega College started a marching band program this summer.

Over 100 prospective and current students expressed an interest in participating in the College band. Activities were set with a Band Camp which was held on the campus July 29 through the first week of August. The new band will perform at sports events, parades, celebrations, concerts and make special guest appearances. Following the summer camp, the band students will continue with instruction and begin performance in the fall.

“We are looking forward to this new program at the College. With music, you have the ability to inspire, unite and uplift an audience and community. Our program is attracting students from across the southeast. They are excited to come and be a part of the ‘first-ever’ Marching Band at Talladega College,” remarks President, Dr. Billy C. Hawkins.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Evelyn White also adds, “I think the Band is a tremendous asset. It will boost the level of excitement and enjoyment at our sports events and other occasions on the campus.”

The College is eager to launch and increase the ‘Dega sound’ as we touch others with music and more.

Talladega College Band members marched and danced their way through New Orleans streets on August 22, 2012, in their first on-the-road performance, after holding the school’s first-ever band camp only three weeks ago. The 100 plus member band was on the roster as a part of the Prince Hall Shriners’ parade in New Orleans.

According to a release from the college, most of the band students are from New Orleans and surrounding areas. They had a chance to perform for their home crowd and national visitors in a parade that in the past has taken four hours to complete.






ABOUT TALLADEGA COLLEGE

Talladega College, with the assistance of the American Missionary Association, was founded in 1867, by the descendants of the slaves who helped to build its first building, Swayne Hall-now a national historic site. Talladega College was the first institution in the state of Alabama to admit qualified persons of any race or ethnic origin.

The private, four year, co-educational, liberal arts college offers 17 majors grounded in the liberal arts. Its athletic programs are members of the States Collegiate Athletics Association, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) and the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.). Talladega College offers seven intercollegiate sports teams: for women, basketball, softball and volleyball; for men, baseball, basketball, golf, and soccer.

The college is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

COURTESY TALLADEGA COLLEGE MEDIA RELATIONS

ASU Hornets prepares for MEAC/SWAC Challenge

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - It's gameweek on the gridiron, as Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow met with the media on the SWAC Coaches Teleconference Monday morning.

The Hornets will take on Bethune-Cookman in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge Sunday in Orlando, Fla. at 11 a.m. CT/Noon ET live on WVAS 90.7 FM/HSRN.com/ESPN.

Barlow previewed this week's matchup with the Wildcats, the first time the teams have met since 2008. And while this is the Hornets second time playing in the Challenge, it will be first experience in the game in Orlando.

“We're really excited about an opportunity to represent the SWAC in this game,” Barlow said. “It's a blessing to have that platform and take our guys to Orlando, which is a great city. It's almost like a bowl game from all I've heard about the things they'll have the kids do. Also, we're getting the opportunity to play a good team in Bethune-Cookman. Coach (Brian) Jenkins has done a great job over the last two years. So it'll be a challenge; they have a lot of great players coming back.”

Excerpts from the SWAC Conference Call:

On being picked to win the SWAC's Eastern Division: “Whenever you recognized and picked by your peers, that says our coaches have gone out, got talent, brought it in, and coached 'em up. However, I'm not sure any of us have been accurate on (predicting) who's going to finish first. I understand we have to do it and it's a prediction, but in our conference there's so much parity. On the East, you have good teams and all of them have really good players, so there's no telling what's going to happen. Being picked to finish first in anything is a good thing, but you still have to play the game in the rectangle.”

On what concerns him the most about Bethune-Cookman: “One, they have about 15 Division I transfers on their team. That doesn't always transfer to success, but obviously the guys they have that transferred there, he coached them at Rutgers and other schools. They have a big, big offensive line. I imagine if you put their line and size up against any team in NCAA football, they'll measure up well. They have two real solid running backs. They run the ball well (with a pair of players that combined to rush for nearly 1,800 yards)…They have Eddie Poole, who's a big-time receiver. He has nice size and runs great routes. The other factor is the unknown. We haven't played them since (Coach Jenkins) has been there, and they also have a new (offensive) coordinator. It's kind of hard to know what you'll get. There will be a lot of adjusting on the fly after the first quarter or so.”

On playing on national television representing the SWAC in the game: “There's a lot of notoriety that comes with this game and an opportunity for people to see us all over the country. For our guys, our team, and our school, we're blessed. We're not just playing for Alabama State. That's our approach for this game. This is about Walter Payton and Jerry Rice and all those wonderful Grambling players like Doug Williams and all these guys that have represented the SWAC. That's what we're going to do, be a representation of the SWAC. It's a blessing to be a part of it.”



COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Alabama A&M football: Bulldogs have 2 main goals this year

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Alabama A&M reported for preseason practice back on July 30. Now, after practicing for almost a month, game week has arrived and the Bulldogs couldn't be happier.

A&M takes on Tuskegee in the season opener for both teams Saturday night at 7 at Legion Field in Birmingham. It is the second game of a four-year deal between the two schools.



"It's a big game because it's our season opener and we want to set the tone for the way we're going to play," running back Kaderius Lacey said. "We've set some lofty goals and in order to reach them we need to come out and beat Tuskegee."

A&M's senior class has put together a number of goals this season, but the biggest ones include winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and the Black College National championship.



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Howard football preview: Bison try to keep building amid eligibility issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As its 2011 home opener against Norfolk State moved into the second half, Howard University tackle Cory Gwinner couldn’t help but steal glances at the Greene Stadium stands between offensive series. Usually, this would be the point in the contest when the crowd started to thin, fans heading toward the exits with another Bison loss assured.

But this time, Howard continued to hang tough into the second half against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference power, and the stands remained mostly filled with the promise of a rare conference victory. The upset bid crumbled into a 23-9 loss with a lackluster final quarter, but even in defeat, Gwinner left the field with a refreshing blast of hope.

“That showed me that [the fans] wanted to be here,” said Gwinner, now a fifth-year senior. “They’ve seen the improvement and the change in the athletes here. They gave us more pride in playing for them, and it hasn’t always been like that.”



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Five things we know about NSU

NORFOLK, Virginia - The Norfolk State football team won its first MEAC championship in Chris Carlson's second season on the beat. Coincidence? Absolutely. Either way, this is the place to keep up-to-date on the latest NSU football news.

1. Everett Goldberg gives Norfolk State a better kicking game than any MEAC team. By miles.

Goldberg made 6 of 10 field goals last year, a decent effort by MEAC standards. All of them came from 47 yards or more, nearly unheard of by MEAC standards. Hampton’s Taureen Durham was named All-MEAC Second Team in the preseason. His long last year was 37 yards, and he connected on 10 of 17, a worse percentage than Goldberg.

Don’t believe my words? Believe your eyes. Have you seen this video? He’ll win the Spartans a game this season.



2. Xavier Boyce is either going to draw double teams or light up the MEAC. And probably both.

Former offensive coordinator Joe Blackwell heaped a lot of the credit for last year’s offensive success on Boyce’s ability to draw double teams. Despite constant doubles, he still caught 68 passes for 750 yards. His receptions set a Division I record at NSU. His yardage was second in the MEAC.

All that came despite constant double teams, or at least safety help, that opened lanes for teammates. The MEAC isn't going to adjust its strategy. It's not going to matter.

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SSU hoping to take bigger steps toward competitiveness

SAVANNAH, Georgia - The record didn’t change from 2010 to 2011, but the process ultimately to make Savannah State competitive with the rest of Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference has begun, Tigers second-year coach Steve Davenport said.

“Some times it takes baby steps,” Davenport said. “Even last year when we were 1-10, there were steps taken in a positive direction. The kids’ mental approach to practice was different from what I had heard (about the past).”

Savannah State may have been encouraged by defeating North Carolina Central in the fourth week of the season for its first victory against a MEAC opponent in its first conference game.

The Tigers opened their renovated stadium the next week against Howard.

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Albany State Focused on Fundamentals

ALBANY, Georgia  -  One week away from the first Saturday of college football looking at the basics shouldn't be the top priority for Albany State.

But that's where ASU Head Coach Mike White and his Golden Rams are stuck. The secondary and offensive line are still working through the fundamentals of the Golden Rams system.

Only a week away from the North Greenville opener, that's a concern for Coach White especially with the offense the Crusaders are bringing to Albany.

“Playing a team who's going to come in here with a lot of speed, a lot of returning guys...you're going to have to have your A,B,C's and your 1,2,3's down and right now we seem to be kind of struggling with that,” Coach White said. “That's why we're going to keep it here and see how much we can improve.”

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Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Names Carpenter as Commissioner

HAMPTON, Virginia - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) today announced the appointment of Jacqie Carpenter as Commissioner of the conference, effective in early September.

“The CIAA Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Jacqie Carpenter as our new Commissioner. She is a very talented athletics leader who brings rich and varied experience and skills from years at the NCAA. We welcome her tremendous enthusiasm for the future of the CIAA. These are the principal reasons that the Board chose her to lead our conference to a higher level of excellence” said Dr. Mickey L. Burnim, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Carpenter is the first appointed African-American female Commissioner of the CIAA. The CIAA, celebrating the Centennial of its founding in 1912, is comprised of predominantly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) spanning the east coast from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.


Jacqie Carpenter, Director of Division I Men's Basketball, speaks at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome about the coming NCAA Men's Final Four (1/24/12).

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work closely with the CIAA Board of Directors and staff to develop a forward-looking strategic plan. We will provide effective, stable management reflective of the CIAA’s remarkable history. Our focus will be to deliver a successful second century to the CIAA within a culture that assures the highest quality experience and opportunities for our student-athletes and membership” said Carpenter.

Carpenter comes to the CIAA from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), where she was promoted from assistant to associate director in her initial championship assignments. In more than nine years with the NCAA, she served as Director, Championships and Alliances, Director of the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship and finally, on the leadership team of the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship managing one of the largest events in the country, with annual viewership exceeding 150 million. Carpenter’s various responsibilities included oversight of tournament external operations and lodging, collaboration with corporate partners and champions, and the development of an industry leading community relations program for the championship.

Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hampton University in 1991 while participating in volleyball and basketball and was a member of the 1988 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship team. Continuing her education, she earned a Master of Arts in Sports Management and Administration from Temple University in 1993. Carpenter also was the head volleyball coach and assistant women’s basketball coach at Virginia Union University and is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Women in Athletic Administration (NACWAA) and the Black Women in Sport Foundation (BWSF).


COURTESY CIAA MEDIA RELATIONS

Phillip Teamer, Brandon Turman help Edward Waters Tigers trample Point University in opener

Edward Waters finishes with 515 yards of total offense in 66-34 victory

JACKSONVILLE, Florida - An offensive juggernaut or a weak opening foe’s defense? It’s too early to tell, but one thing is certain: Edward Waters College appears capable of scoring a lot of points this season.

The Tigers rolled up 515 yards of total offense and overwhelmed Point University 66-34 at Raines High School in the opener for both teams Saturday.

Seven of EWC’s 10 scoring drives took less than three minutes. And all but three scoring drives were of at least 58 yards. The short drives came on gifts from the Tigers’ defense or special teams. Ja’Tavius McCardell’s interception return went to the 4-yard line, the Tigers sacked Point’s punter on his own 12 and a Tony Goodman kickoff return of 56 yards gave EWC a short field of 40 yards.

But the day belonged to the offense. Running back Phillip Teamer and quarterback Brandon Turman combined for 267 rushing yards, most coming on option plays that Turman ran to perfection.

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SIAC Approves Central State University (Ohio) For Conference Membership

Atlanta, Georgia - The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Council of Presidents, by unanimous vote, approved the application of Central State University to become a football member of the SIAC, effective July 1, 2013.

“Central State University is so pleased, and excited to be received as an associate member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference,” Central State University Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said. "The affiliation for our football program will promote great enthusiasm and energy for our alumni, students, and the entire CSU family! We look forward to participating as a SIAC member with "sister" SIAC institutions.”

Starting in 2013, the Marauders will compete against cross-state rival Kentucky State, Lane College, Stillman College, Tuskegee University, and 2011 SIAC Champion Miles College in the West Division. Albany State University, Benedict College, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State, and Morehouse will continue to compete in the East Division.

“We are pleased to add Central State University as an associate member of the SIAC,” SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore added. "As the perennial NCAA Division II football attendance leader, I am certain that SIAC fans will welcome the addition of Central State University as we expand our footprint into Ohio.”

In its storied football history, Central State has won three NAIA Football National Championships and produced numerous players drafted or signed as free agents by the National Football League. The list includes former Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champion offensive lineman Eric Williams, New Orleans Saints defensive back Vince Buck, and Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Hugh Douglas.

COURTESY SIAC MEDIA RELATIONS

NY Jets won't lose HU's Kenrick Ellis to suspension; NFL will not penalize nose tackle

NEW YORK, New York - For all the questions surrounding the Jets’ offensive struggles in the preseason, Gang Green received some good news on the other side of the ball. The Daily News first reported Tuesday on Twitter that second-year nose tackle Kenrick Ellis won’t be suspended by the league for an incident stemming from a 2010 fight in college.

Ellis, a 2011 third-round pick, was sentenced to a 45-day split sentence in June for a misdemeanor assault and battery conviction. He served 23 days in jail before the start of training camp and will finish the remaining 22 days beginning March 1, 2013.

Ellis entered an “Alford” plea that maintained his innocence, but acknowledged that there may be enough evidence to convince a jury otherwise. He was initially charged with felony assault and battery stemming from a fight on the Hampton University campus.

The NFL concluded a review of the case and decided not to dole out any suspension.

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Opener Is All About OSU, Not Savannah State

STILLWATER, Oklahoma - It's game week and the Oklahoma State Cowboys are practicing on Sunday evening. They went through a mock game on Saturday, the annual opportunity for a dress rehearsal that is scripted to include all kinds of scenarios. The new Cowboys went through their first warm-ups just like they will on game night. They also put on game uniforms for the opener, a very closely guarded secret.

Now it's time to snap into the game week routine that they will use for 12 of the next 14 weeks.

The opener brings Savannah State to town. After watching video of the Tigers, I can tell you that they are likely going to be just as advertised -- an FCS team that is trying to build itself back from tough circumstances and the bottom of that level.

On offense. they struggle with blocking for the run and in protecting quarterback Antonio Bostick. A lot of times they have to max protect and only run two receiver routes.

Defensively, they are a four-man front team that seems to prefer cover three and cover four on the back end of the defense. They did not give up a massive number of

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West Virginia State University ready for season

INSTITUTE, West Virginia - The bullets fly for real next week when West Virginia State University opens up their season against CIAA power Johnson C. Smith University.

Sunday, the team met the media. The Jackets have been down the past few seasons, but head man Earl Monroe liked what he saw during fall camp.

"We're excited about the season because camp actually went really well," said Monroe. "We had fierce competition at every single position. The guys worked hard. They are starting to believe in the offense and the defense. They are starting to catch on to our techniques and reads, so we're really excited."

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WSSU seeks new heights

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina - Coming off the best season in school history, Winston-Salem State hopes the encore is better.

The Rams, who set school and CIAA records for victories by finishing 13-1 in 2011, made it to the NCAA Division II semifinals before losing 21-14 to Wayne State.

So close, but yet so far.

"We can go further," said the ultra-confident Connell Maynor, who is entering his third season at WSSU. "But it's not going to be easy, and guys have to work and realize the price that you have to pay to get back there again and go one step more. We have the team and the players and everything is in place, but now we have to go out and execute….."

The Rams are loaded again — they lost just six starters — and are intent on not being a one-hit wonders.



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The Howard School documentary packs Tivoli in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee - The Tivoli Theatre was packed with viewers for a locally filmed documentary of The Howard School.

The movie, “Build Me a World: The Story of Howard School,” was created by Fancy Rhino through a MakeWork grant. The story followed several Howard seniors through the last school year as they moved toward graduation and parts of the filming was done by students that participated in the movie.

The audience, which full of Howard students, local boosters and civic and nonprofit leaders, gave the film a standing ovation.

Alexis Walton, who stared in the movie and plans to attend Tennessee State University this fall, said she has been thrilled by the response the film has received.

“I’m just speechless,” she said after seeing it for the first time at the premier. “It’s overwhelming, seeing where I was at the beginning of last school year.”

Howard Principal Paul Smith said he hopes the film will draw attention to the need at Howard and raise finally and moral support for students. Last year, the school was part of the state’s achievement school district and was named a failing school because of its poor graduation rate.



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A Milestone For Chattanooga's Howard School

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee - The new school year begins with plenty to celebrate at Chattanooga's Howard School, which is "making the grade" and exceeding other schools in several key areas.

Howard has been on several unflattering lists over the years because of poor grades and attendance. But you will be hearing and reading a lot about Howard School's remarkable turnaround for quite some time. It's all about having the right team in place to inspire young minds.

English teacher Kelly Greene is part of the right team. Executive Principal Dr. Paul Smith calls her and others "superstars."

"We have some of the best instructors in the district at this school and you have to have the best when you have the toughest population of kids in the schools," Dr. Smith said.

Dr. Smith and his leadership team challenged teachers like Ms. Greene by developing their skills above and beyond what's expected. So this year Howard School is no longer a "priority" or "focus" school -- words the state uses to describe chronically poor performing schools.

"It's wonderful because you see one of your lifelong dreams come true, you see that light bulb come on in front of your eyes, you see that child seeking knowledge wanting to learn more," Greene said.

TCAP scores are through the roof considering where they were and where they are now. The graduation rate is up from 24% to 88%. Students are so proud of what they've achieved they produced a 90-minute documentary titled "Build Me A World," highlighting the history, legacy and successes at Howard.



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History: The Howard School of Academics and Technology (Grades 9-12) was the first public school in the Chattanooga area. The name is drawn from Civil War General Oliver O. Howard, as is Howard University.  The Howard School was established in 1865.

The film, "Build Me A World" was created by Fancy Rhino with a MakeWork grant. The experiences of three seniors through their final year at Howard comprise the storyline. "Build Me a World" was produced in order to call attention to the school's historical significance as one of the oldest public schools for African-Americans in the US (1865), to the turnaround in the graduation rate from 20% to 88% over the last six years, and to the particular needs of the school for help as it seeks to prepare students from difficult circumstances for better academic and professional opportunities in the future.

Over 90% of the student body lives in poverty, and incoming freshmen typically enter with a third-grade reading level.  Students were not only subjects in the project but also participated in the filming process.  

Most notable alumni are:

• The late Reggie White - NFL Football star and College and Pro Football  Hall of Fame member
• Johnny Taylor - Chattanooga Mocs and National Basketball Association player
• Roland Carter - Composer-Arranger and Conductor, member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
• Rashad Jones-Jennings, professional basketball player

Howard school is split up into four academies. First, there is the 9th Grade Academy, in which all freshmen are automatically placed. At the end of a student's freshman year, they are required to pick an academy. They may choose between an Engineering/Vocational-focused academy, a IT-focused academy, or a Health/Human Services academy.

Another measure of that success is 94% of graduating Howard School students are now being accepted to a college or university.

There is hope for a better world in public education ...  (beepbeep)

Former Gov. Charlie Crist: Here's why I'm backing Barack Obama

Former Florida Governor Charlie Christ endorses
President Barack Obama in 2012 presidential race.
 

TAMPA, Florida - I’ve studied, admired and gotten to know a lot of leaders in my life. Across Florida, in Washington and around the country, I've watched the failure of those who favor extreme rhetoric over sensible compromise, and I've seen how those who never lose sight of solutions sow the greatest successes.

As America prepares to pick our president for the next four years — and as Florida prepares once again to play a decisive role — I'm confident that President Barack Obama is the right leader for our state and the nation. I applaud and share his vision of a future built by a strong and confident middle class in an economy that gives us the opportunity to reap prosperity through hard work and personal responsibility. It is a vision of the future proven right by our history.

We often remind ourselves to learn the lessons of the past, lest we risk repeating its mistakes. Yet nearly as often, our short-term memory fails us. Many have already forgotten how deep and daunting our shared crisis was in the winter of 2009, as President Obama was inaugurated. It was no ordinary challenge, and the president served as the nation's calm through a historically turbulent storm.

The president's response was swift, smart and farsighted. He kept his compass pointed due north and relentlessly focused on saving jobs, creating more and helping the many who felt trapped beneath the house of cards that had collapsed upon them.

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Alabama A&M analysis: SWAC title may be what Jones needs

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - There's no disputing the terrific job Anthony Jones has done as the football coach at Alabama A&M the last 10 years.

He has won 72 games while losing only 46. He has posted two nine-win seasons, the only two in school history, and has won eight or more games on six other occasions.

That had happened only seven times prior to Jones' arrival, including four times under lengendary coach Louis Crews, the Bulldogs' all-time winningest coach.

His players have stayed out of trouble for the most part and done well in the classroom. They have represented themselves and the university well.

Jones is 22 wins away from surpassing Crews' record ...

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Concordia-Selma looks to coach's fast tempo

SELMA, Alabama - When the Concordia-Selma football team takes the field, whether it's for practice or games, the players are expected to play at the "Skanes Tempo." That's the name Hornets head coach Shepherd Skanes branded his style.

"It's fast-paced football," Skanes said. "They have to play fast in all three phases of the game for four quarters. I preach that to the team all the time."

In 2011, the "Skanes Tempo" produced a 6-4 record and NAIA Concordia was tabbed the co-independent program of the year among historically black colleges and universities by TSPNsports.com.  Skanes was named coach of the year.  With nine starters returning on offense and seven on defense, Skanes believes the Hornets will have another successful season in 2012.

"We have got to stay focused," he said. "If we do that and keep the tempo I want, I think this could be another big year for our football program."

A big part of Skanes' optimism is centered on the return of junior quarterback Keith Ray. Skanes calls the Hornets leader "Mr. Everything."

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