Belhaven Blazers Kickoff 2013 Season with 36-26 Win over Texas College Steers

JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Belhaven football team opened up the 2013 season on Saturday night with a 36-26 win over Texas College at H.T. Newell Field. The Blazers, ranked 21st in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Coaches' Poll, had their hands full with an athletic Texas College team that stayed with them the whole night.

Texas College (0-1) jumped out to a 6-0 lead after one quarter thanks to a 15 yard touchdown run by quarterback Vincent McNeil. The Steers defense also chipped in and stymied the Blazers high powered offense until late in the half.

Late in the second quarter, the Belhaven (1-0) offense began to find its rhythm and put some points on the board. On a nine play 80 yard drive, freshman kicker Alonso Acosta broke the scoring drought with his first collegiate field goal from 24 yards out. Acosta would add another trey from 42 yards away with 14 second to play in the half.

Sandwiched in between the two field goals was a two yard touchdown run by senior Rashad Wynes that gave Belhaven a 10-6 lead. The defense helped setup the score when senior Darrius Wren picked up a Steers fumble to give the offense prime real estate at the five yard line.



Earlier in the half, the defense slammed the door on Texas College by keeping the Steers out of the end zone. At that point, the Blazers trailed 6-3 and Texas College had the ball first and goal on the one. However, Belhaven pushed the Steers backwards on four straight plays with the result being a turnover on downs. That sequence was arguably the turning point in the game. Had Texas College scored, the contest could have taken on an entirely different complexion.

With a 13-6 lead, Belhaven's offensive momentum carried over into the third quarter on a pair of touchdowns and another Acosta field goal. The defense had a hand in the first TD when junior Brennan Dunklin picked off a McNeil pass and returned it to the Texas College six yard line. On the very next play Wynes was stripped of the football, but full back Patrick Wilson was in the right place at the right time to pick up the loose ball at the one and carry it in.

Another fumble by Texas College on the ensuing kickoff setup an Acosta 27 yard field goal with 12:00 minutes left in the third quarter followed by a 50 yard touchdown pass by Brian Ensminger to Jesse Gibson, Jr. to make it 29-6. Ensminger caught the Steers defense in an all out blitz and put the ball perfectly into Gibson's hands without him breaking his stride.

However, Texas College would not go quietly and began to mount a comeback of its own by reeling off the next 20 points. McNeil carried the Steers on his shoulders by firing two touchdown passes while running for another. A 22 yard pass to Jamaal Johnson with 7:04 to play cut the Blazers lead to 29-26 and at that point things got really interesting at H.T. Newell Field.

All teams face adversity during the course of the season and the Blazers certainly responded well late in the game Saturday. Junior running back Laderick Turner answered the Texas College touchdown with a 49 yard kickoff return that set Belhaven up at the Steers 23 yard line. Eventually Turner finished what he started by carrying the ball four yards to the house for a touchdown. The scoring burst capped a four play 23 yard drive that sealed the game at 36-26.

"Coach told me mainly just focus, you know the plays and you know what to do," Turner said. "Our line is outstanding and I came in with no worries. We really needed that (touchdown) and our offensive line was big for us tonight."

Belhaven Head Coach Joe Thrasher was pleased with how his team persevered for the win. "I told the team earlier a win is a win and I'm proud of those guys," Thrasher said. "Our defense came through when we needed them and at the end of the day it's about winning football games. Obviously there are things we are going to correct, but I'm proud of these guys because they fought and won the football game."

Turner led the offense with 53 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while quarterback Brian Ensminger completed 14 passes for 197 yards and a TD. The scoring strike landed in the hands of Gibson, Jr. with 8:03 to go on the clock in the third quarter. Senior Justin Kenyon caught six passes for 104 yards.

Senior Ben Chapman and junior Shawn Paul each turned in eight tackles while junior Victor Byers collected seven tackles and two sacks. Dunklin also made an impact defensively with a pair of interceptions.

As a team, Belhaven's offense generated 287 yards on 70 plays from scrimmage and had a slight edge in time of possession at 30:10. Both defenses were active as evidenced by a combined seven fumbles between the two teams with an additional three interceptions.

McNeil ran the ball 21 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns for Texas College. McNeil also passed for 216 yards and an additional two touchdowns. The Steers were led on defense by Luis Castro with nine stops. Overall, the Steers outgained Belhaven in yardage by a margin of 441 to 287.

Belhaven will be back on the field next Saturday at Louisiana College for a 7:00 PM kickoff. Fans can listen to all the live play-by-play on the Blazers Sports Network starting with the pregame show at 6:45 PM.

Texas College Steers next game is Saturday at University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Texas) with a 6 p.m. kickoff.

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MEAC/Challenge Battle of the Bands: MVSU vs. FAMU (9/1/13)

Central Florida players help lead FAMU to 27-10 win over Mississippi Valley State

ORLANDO, Florida  --  Several Florida A&M players from Orlando celebrated a homecoming Sunday at the Florida Citrus Bowl, but the party centered around three running backs and a linebacker.

James Owens, Omari Albert and Al-Turek McBurse carried the offense, and Michael Ducre helped lead the defense as the Rattlers jumped on Mississippi Valley State early and then held on for a 27-10 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

"We knew we had to finish the game. Last year that was our problem. We kept letting teams come back in the second half and so this year our focus is on finishing strong," said McBurse, a former Winter Springs running back, who played his first two seasons at Purdue before transferring to FAMU.  McBurse missed last season with a torn ACL.

McBurse, who was the Rattlers' leading ball carrier with 55 yards on six carries, teamed with Albert on a fourth-quarter drive that ate nearly seven minutes off the clock. The Rattlers sealed the win with McBurse's 14-yard touchdown run with 1:11 remaining.

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Season Opener: South Carolina State University Marching 101 Band (8/31)

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Frazier appeals firing as football coach at NC Central

DURHAM, North Carolina  — A week after former N.C. Central head football coach Henry Frazier III was fired, he’s appealing to get his job back, accusing the university of violating his civil rights.

Thursday, Frazier’s new lawyer Linda Kenney Baden of New York City, hand-delivered a letter to NCCU Chancellor Deborah Saunders-White to appeal the firing. Baden represented Casey Anthony in the trial involving the death of her child, Caylee Anthony. She also delivered the closing arguments in the case against record producer Phil Spector, who was accused of killing a woman he was romantically involved with in 2003.

“A lot of people request that I review their cases for representation,” Baden said in an email. “I refuse most. Here, I was immediately taken by the clear injustice of Coach Frazier’s matter.  Frazier was fired on Aug. 22 after being charged with ...

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Ram Ramblings: Showcase for local baseball players will be at BB&T Ballpark

WINTON-SALEM, North Carolina  --  When Coach Kevin Ritsche took over to rebuild the Winston-Salem State baseball program in 2010 he had an advantage thanks to the local high-school talent at his disposal.

Because of that wide range of talent that he’s openly recruited the Rams are the three-time defending CIAA champions. It’s no coincidence that the Rams had their best season in school history (39-13) last spring thanks to 19 local players on the 33-man roster.

“I think that the guys that first got here from this area have to get credit because they kind of started that pipeline in wanting to come here to play,” Ritsche said. “And now, three years later, we are getting even better local talent.”

To help foster that relationship even more with local high-school players WSSU is holding a showcase on Sept. 14 for anybody in grades ...

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FAMU Band Back at Football Game After Suspension

ORLANDO, Florida  --  Nearly two years after a drum major's hazing death silenced the music at Florida A&M football games, the famed Marching 100 band returned to the field Sunday with its familiar booms, drum rattles and other tones for the school's season-opener.

It was the band's first game appearance since a season-long suspension. The scrutiny following Robert Champion's 2011 death thrust the school into the national spotlight and led to the more than a dozen arrests and the resignation of top officials.

As the band marched into the Florida Citrus Bowl, fans stood and cheered, and some had tears in their eyes. Alumni said they celebrated the reappearance of a school symbol whose absence caused a core of its fan base to stay away on game days.

"They did have to be punished — if you want to say that," 1985 FAMU graduate Cedric Crawford said. "But it's great to have them back.

"It's almost not football season without the band — especially at FAMU," he said.



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Trayvon Martin's father leads FAMU football team onto Citrus Bowl field before opener

ORLANDO, Florida -- Trayvon Martin’s father led the FAMU football team onto the field before the Rattlers’ season opener Sunday at the Citrus Bowl, embracing his role as honorary captain this season.

Tracy Martin, whose son Trayvon was shot and killed in Sanford last year, has been working to raise funds in support of families scarred by violence. He welcomed the opportunity to spend time with the young Florida A&M team. Tracy Martin ran out of the Orlando Citrus Bowl tunnel with the Rattlers shortly before the start of their game against Mississippi Valley State, part of the 9th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

“It feels good just to be a part of that, man. I had a son that used to go to FAMU and Trayvon wanted to go to FAMU,” Martin said immediately after taking the field. “I’m good friends with coach [Earl] Holmes, the coaching staff . . . some of the kids on the team I even coached them in little league football, so it felt good to run out there with them.”

Martin and Holmes spoke during the summer and they decided it would be a good idea for Martin to be an honorary captain for this year’s squad to help bring more attention to the Trayvon Martin Foundation. The foundation’s purpose, according to the website trayvonmartinfoundation.org, is to raise awareness about ...

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Baker's seven TD passes fuel ACU Wildcats' 84-6 rout of Concordia-Selma

ABILENE, Texas  –  Quarterback John David Baker threw for 322 yards and a school-record seven touchdowns as Abilene Christian University opened its inaugural season as a member of NCAA Division I with an 84-6 romp over Concordia College (Selma, Alabama) Saturday night in Shotwell Stadium.

Baker, a senior seeing the first significant action of his career after watching Mitchell Gale throw for more 12,000 yards the last four seasons, completed nine of 11 passes for three TDs in the first quarter as ACU built a 27-0 lead, then added three others in the second quarter. He completed 16 of 19 passes before half as the Wildcats rolled to a 61-0 advantage.

Baker's seven TDs broke the ACU single-game record of seven held by Clint Longley (1973) and Billy Malone (2006 and 2008, both against West Texas A&M). For the night, Baker completed 17 of 20 passes and was not intercepted.

The 84 points were the second most in ACU history, behind a 93-68 win over West Texas A&M in the 2008 Division II playoffs, and in front of an 81-0 shutout of Daniel Baker College in 1920. The game was the Wildcats' first as a Division I FCS independent. ACU begins football play in the Southland Conference in 2014.
Darian Hogg caught 10 passes for 208 yards and two TDs, Charcandrick West ran for 125 yards and a score, and Darrell Cantu-Harkless ran for 99 yards and two TDs. The Wildcats scored 12 consecutive TDs and intercepted Concordia quarterbacks five times.

After senior wide receiver DeMarcus Thompson returned the opening kickoff 35 yards to the Hornets' 40-yard line, ACU's first drive was all West – three straight runs capped by his 21-yard scoring sprint. Freshman placekicker Nik Grau's PAT put the Wildcats up 7-0 at the 13:41 mark.



Baker hit sophomore tight end Jamie Walker for a 15-yard TD pass on the second possession to give ACU a 14-0 lead with 6:53 left in the quarter.

He struck again on the next drive, turning a bad snap and busted play into a 30-yard TD pass to junior wide receiver Drew Peters, who eluded a tackle and slipped into the end zone to pad ACU's lead to 21-0.

Baker's third TD of the first quarter was a 6-yarder to a sliding Thompson in the right corner of the end zone. The PAT was not successful, but the Wildcats moved out to a 27-0 advantage as time expired in the opening quarter.

Corcordia's first sustained drive of the game ended with an interception by senior linebacker Thor Woerner at the Wildcat 23-yard line. Baker was sacked on the first play following the turnover, but bounced back on the next play to hit wide receiver Darian Hogg in stride on an 88-yard TD pass-run. Grau's PAT gave ACU a 34-0 lead with less than three minutes gone in the second quarter.

Baker's fifth TD pass of the game was a 7-yard toss to Walker with 8:09 remaining, upping the ACU score to 41-0. He connected with Thompson again on a 34-yard scoring pass at the 4:29 mark to pad the Wildcat lead to 48-0.
Abilene Christian's sixth TD of the game was supplied by senior running back Darrel Cantu-Harkless, who ran three yards with 1:26 remaining to set a school record for most points scored in a first half. The old mark was 51 points scored Oct. 6, 2007, in a 58-7 rout of Northeastern State.

Cantu-Harkless added a 54-yard scoring run with 44 seconds left, and Grau's seventh PAT of the game pushed ACU's lead to 61-0.

The ACU defense stifled the Hornets to complete the first-half dominance, holding Concordia to 88 yards and five first downs. Meanwhile, the Wildcats rolled up 518 yards of offense and 21 first downs in scoring on all of its drives.

Sophomore ACU cornerback Tyler Chapa intercepted quarterback Matthew Rowser's first pass of the second half and returned it 31 yards for a TD with 43 seconds gone in the third quarter. Grau's PAT made the score 68-0.

ACU's advantage grew to 75-0 with three-and-a-half minutes gone in the third quarter when Baker threw his seventh TD pass of the game to Hogg, a 17-yarder. The Wildcat lead became 82-0 when Jeremiah Williams, a running back enrolled in the ACU Graduate School, ran 4 yards for another TD.

Concordia scored its first TD of the night when Cameron Mayfield hit David Hampton on a 21-yard play with 5:43 left in the third quarter. The PAT, however, was blocked and returned by Wildcat senior linebacker Jesse Harper for another two points that extended ACU's lead to 84-6.

DeMarcus Thompson caught three passes for 51 yards and two TDs. Grau was good on 10 of his 12 PAT kicks.

ACU returns to Shotwell Stadium next Saturday to play crosstown rival McMurry University at 6 p.m. CST.

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Note: For MEAC/SWAC fans, the Wildcats will closeout the 2013 season at Prairie View A&M University on November 16, 2013, in Prairie View, Texas. But, who's looking ahead, Panthers?

Duke Cruises to Shutout Win Over NCCU in Bull City Gridiron Classic

DURHAM, North Carolina  --  North Carolina Central University's lone trip to the end zone against Duke University, a second-quarter fumble return for a touchdown by senior linebacker Tazmon Foster, was overturned by instant replay.  It was that kind of day for the Eagles.

NCCU's offense crossed midfield just once with Duke earning its first shutout since 1989, as the Blue Devils cruised to a 45-0 win during the Bull City Gridiron Classic inside Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday.

Six different Blue Devils scored touchdowns as Duke amassed 488 yards of total offense, including 257 rushing yards on 49 carries.  NCCU posted 184 yards of total offense with 103 yards coming through the air. Duke moved the chains 27 times, while the Eagles managed nine first downs.

In NCCU's best drive of the game, the Eagles pushed the ball 51 yards in 11 plays to the Duke 24-yard line at the end of the second quarter, but junior kicker Oleg Parent missed the 41-yard field goal try wide left.  Duke led 28-0 at halftime.

NCCU senior quarterback Jordan Reid completed 11-of-22 passes for 87 yards. Sophomore running back Idreis Augustus rushed for 50 yards on nine carries, while senior receiver Marvin Poole caught four passes for 27 yards.



PHOTO GALLERY

Foster topped the Eagles' defense with a game-high 13 tackles, including two assisted hits for a loss. Fellow senior linebacker Tyriqe Williams collected eight takedowns, while senior lineman Aaron Wallace and redshirt-freshman linebacker Jordan Miles contributed seven stops each. Sophomore linebacker Neil Williams accounted for NCCU's lone turnover with an interception to go along with two tackles.

"We kept fighting," said NCCU interim head coach Dwayne Foster. "Although we did not come out on top, we didn't hang our heads and quit. I thought we played extremely hard. We are going to use that as a positive and build off of it."

NCCU returns to action on Sept. 7 by hosting former CIAA foe Saint Augustine's University inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium at 2 p.m.

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Big plays help lead Northern Colorado Bears to season opening victory over Langston

GREELEY, Colorado – On the first play from scrimmage in the second half, Northern Colorado senior quarterback Seth Lobato (Eaton, Colo.) hit junior wide receiver Dimitri Stimphil (Homestead, Fla.) for a 60-yard touchdown that extended the Bears lead to 17-3 and two drives later the pair connected on an 80-yard strike to lift the team to a 31-10 victory over Langston in the season opener for both teams.

"When you talk about football," Head Coach Earnest Collins Jr. said. "It is about a play here and a play there – just ask K-State. That's why you don't bring an opponent in and say 'this is an easy victory.' You can't do that anymore. We have players that can play at any level and they have players that can play at this level, so it evens out the pot. You can't go into a game believing that just because it's a lower level school you're going to win."

Stimphil caught five passes for a career-best 219 yards and two touchdowns, shattering his previous career-high of 76 yards from the 2011 game at Eastern Washington. His total of 219 receiving yards is also the eighth-highest total in school history and the second-highest since the Bears joined the Big Sky Conference in 2007.

Lobato ended the afternoon 17 for 30 for 314 yards, throwing three touchdowns and he connected with five other players besides Stimphil.

The Bears' defense also intercepted the Lions three times and forced a turnover on downs, which set up the 80-yard TD strike. Two of the three picks came from senior linebacker Conor Sparacio (Aurora, Colo.), who started the second game of his career and tallied seven tackles.



Junior college transfer Max Flores (Yuba City, Calif.) led the team with 15 tackles, while sophomore linebacker JaQueal Walker (Plaquemine, La.) added 14 stops and a pass breakup.

True freshman running back Darius Graham (Lawton, Okla.) made quite a splash in his collegiate debut, carrying the ball 17 times for 93 yards and one touchdown. "The kid has a lot of natural ability," Collins said. "We just have to teach him he can't bounce everything to the outside because they're as fast as you are now. He's 230 pounds and sometimes you've got to run some people over and keep going and we got him doing a little of that in the second half. He's going to be a special player for us and it's going to be good to have a 1-2 punch."

Langston scored first, making a 25-yard field goals with 9:05 on the clock in the first quarter. The Bears answered with a 41-yarder off the foot of senior kicker Dave Eden (Westminster, Colo.) with 13:20 to play in the second quarter to knot the score.

Lobato connected with senior wide receiver Will Jefferson Jr. (Moreno Valley, Calif.) from 11-yards out 1:42 before halftime for the 10-3 advantage at the break.

After Stimphil's back-to-back long touchdowns, Langston quarterback Jac'Quon Miles from Cedrick Jackson from 10 yards out for the 24-10 score early in the fourth quarter and Graham scored from 18-yards out with 6:38 remaining for the 31-10 final.

"They kind of drove me nuts in the beginning," Collins said. "To our guys credit, they hung with it and figured out. We knew there were going to be some issues coming out because of the crazy things (Langston does). A new head coach and a new team so you really don't know -- you can practice what you think you're going to see and I think our kids think too much, especially on the offensive side, trying to make the perfect check. Once we calmed them down they started to play better in the second half."

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Georgia Southern rolls past Savannah State 77-9

STATESBORO, Georgia  -- STATESBORO — Georgia Southern got started slowly Saturday night. Savannah State never seemed to get started.

The ninth-ranked Eagles scored touchdowns on seven straight full possessions from the first to third quarters and rolled to a 77-9 season-opening victory over the Tigers before 16,528 fans at Paulson Stadium.

Click here to view Spotted® photos

Southern, a semifinalist in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs last season, established offensive control after missing two field goal tries on its first two possessions.

The 77 points and the 68-point margin of victory were the largest in GSU’s Jeff Monken’s head coaching career and ruined the coaching debut of SSU coach Earnest Wilson.

It was the second most points scored in school history. The Eagles set a scoring mark with 84 points against Johnson C. Smith in 2004.

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Shorthanded UAPB Lions Fall in Opener to Arkansas State

JONESBORO, Arkansas  --   With several key players sidelined, including a handful of starters, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions went into battle against defending Sun Belt Conference champions Arkansas State a bit shorthanded. It made for a very long, hot night as UAPB fell 62-11 at Liberty Bank Stadium.

A-State running back Michael Gordon broke off a 91-yard touchdown run and the Red Wolves had four different rushers with over 100 yards.avid Oku led the Red Wolves with 124 yards and two touchdowns. Sirgregory Thornton had 112 yards and two touchdowns. Fredi Knighten also scored two touchdowns and finished with 101 yards. Gordon had just four carries, but ended with 102 yards for Arkansas State, which won its ninth consecutive game, dating back to the 2012 season.

The Red Wolves piled up 672 yards of total offense, 509 rushing. Meanwhile, the Golden Lions, who averaged close to 400 total yards in 2012. Was held to just 173 total yards.

"Arkansas State is a very good football team. They are well coached and they did a lot of good things out there," said UAPB head coach Monte Coleman. "We didn't execute like we did in practice. Even being without some of the guys we needed, we just didn't execute."



"We have to be ready and we didn't do it. We can't look over anybody. We can't under judge anybody and we can't expect folks to have pity on us because we don't have all of our guys playing. It's the game of football and when you're down, you kick'm and that's what they did."

"The thing we have to do is go back and rebuild. We have to play harder than what we really played in this particular ballgame," Coleman continued. "This is just one game. It's not the end of the season, it's not even a conference game. The thing we have to do is go back and play hard and practice hard getting for McNeese State."

Although much of the evening was a nightmare for the Golden Lions, there were some bright spots to build on. "We actually had some guys that actually played well. It didn't look like it, but we actually had some guys that played well," Coleman pointed out. "There were several guys that normally wouldn't have played a certain position played and played well."

"Julian Morgan came in, he's an undersized linebacker, we had to put him at the defensive end position and he actually played well. Morgan finished the evening with four tackles (3 solos), a tackle for loss and a forced fumble that was returned for the only touchdown of the night for UAPB.

The Lions also hit the road without a punter or placekicker, but Tyler Strickland stepped into that role well. "Tyler Strickland came in and kicked the ball extremely well," said Coleman. "He punted the ball well, he kicked the ball well, they didn't have an opportunity to get a return because he kicked the ball out of the endzone. Then he came in and bailed us out punting the football. Strickland averaged 41.6 yards on 10 punts with three over 50 yards. He also hit a 39-yard fieldgoal that banged in off of the uprights.

There was one more bright spot for the Golden Lions' head coach. Coach Coleman had an opportunity to speak with son Kyle leading up to Saturday's game. However, during the postgame, the two met on the field in a moment caught by the ESPN3 cameras. "I gave him a hug and a kiss, told him I love him and that I didn't have any money for him," Coleman said with a chuckle. "I told him that I hope he has a great season."

Next up: The Golden Lions head to Lake Charles, La. to face McNeese State at Cowboy Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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Jacksonville State 24, Alabama State 22: Hornets fall short again

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  --  Two hard-fought games in ASU Stadium. Two games that would come down to a two-point conversion. Once again, the Hornets came up short.

Receiver Jarrett Neely’s pass for quarterback Daniel Duhart was short, and so was the Hornets’ comeback as Jacksonville State held on for a 24-22 win in the season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon.

“Last season, we had a play we believed in and this season it was a play we believed in when we went for two, we just weren’t able to complete it,” Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. “There have been some nail biters in this (stadium). Hopefully, we can change the fortunes on that.”

The Hornets would get one last chance, driving to a first down at the Jacksonville State 20-yard line with 1:32 remaining, but a delay-of-game penalty turned into another negative play when Duhart was slammed for a five-yard loss on a quarterback draw. On second down, his slant-in pass for Jamel Johnson turned into a Brenton Tolson interception that killed the rally.

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Photo Gallery: 1st half action Alabama State vs Jacksonville State
Photo Gallery: Second half action ASU vs Jax State

Alabama State notebook: Biggest plays recorded by ASU running back Cyrus

The biggest plays in Alabama State’s game with Jacksonville State were recorded not by heralded tailback Isaiah Crowell or quarterback Daniel Duhart, but by reserve tailback Malcolm Cyrus.

The Autaugaville native had just 38 yards rushing but was in the game in the fourth quarter because of an injury to Crowell and added 58 yards on punt returns.

His biggest play, a 54-yard reception for an apparent touchdown on a screen pass, was called back for a personal foul penalty of left tackle Matthew Bates, drawing a loud protest from head coach Reggie Barlow.

“They called a block in the back, I guess,” Cyrus said. “It really wasn’t a flag. It was really a bad call because we practice that play every day in practice.”

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Alabama State quick hits

Crowell injured again
Everyone wants the job as ASU offensive coordinator to figure out the best way to get 200 yards out of Isaiah Crowell every game. But Crowell, for the second straight season, couldn’t finish the season opener, complaining of an injured foot, then an injured knee as he spent the fourth quarter on the sideline.

WRs overcome slow start
The Hornet receivers had more than their fair share of drops in preseason practice and that trend continued into the game as Earl Lucas and Jamel Johnson each dropped catches that would have resulted in first downs. Those were the only two drops, however, as the receiver corps did their job in the final three quarters.

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No. 23 B-CU Cats Open Season with ESPN3 Broadcast

No. 20/23 Bethune-Cookman at Tennessee State
September 1, 2013  |  8 p.m. (ET)
Nashville, Tenn. | L.P. Field

TV:  ESPN | Watch ESPN3
Radio: WELE 1380 AM  | CatEye Network
Webcast:  WELE1380.com | CatEyeNetwork.tv
Twitter: @BCUGridIron
Instagram: /BCUathletics

Series: Bethune-Cookman trails, 1-6
Last Meeting:   Sept. 22, 2012. Tennessee State won, 21-14, in Daytona Beach.

Bethune-Cookman 0-0 (0-0 MEAC)
Roster | Coaches | Schedule & Results | Game Notes

The Game 
No. 23 Bethune-Cookman opens the 2013 season visiting Tennessee State for the John Merritt Classic at L.P. Field in Nashville, Tenn. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 at 8 p.m. (ET).

 

The Series
Tennessee State leads the all-time series against Bethune-Cookman by a 6-1 advantage. The Tigers claimed a hard-fought 21-14 decision a year ago in Daytona Beach, with both teams unable to connect on the scoreboard in the second half. B-CU’s only win came on the heels of a 16-13 victory Nov. 7, 1987, in Nashville. Saturday’s match up marks the first meeting between th two schools at L.P. Field.

The Broadcasts
Catch the game on ESPN3 with Kevin Ingram and Bob Belvin making the call. Also check out the game on WELE 1380 AM Radio with Joe LaBarbera (play-by-play) and Larry Wesley, as well as B-CU's CatEye Network.

The Coach
Head coach Brian Jenkins is in his fourth season as head coach of the Wildcats in Daytona Beach. He has an overall record of 27-8 with Bethune-Cookman.

 

The Weather
Projected temperatures on game day: Nashville - 93/73. Thunderstorms expected late in the day/early evening.

The Rankings - RPI/SOS
As of September 1, 2013: The Sports Network:  23 / Coaches: 20

The Notes
• Senior RB Isidore Jackson and Junior LB Jarkevis Fields were each named Preseason MEAC Players of the Year. Jackson was voted Co-Offensive POTY, while Field was Defensive POTY.
• The Cats were voted to repeat as Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions, as voted on by head coaches and sports information directors.
• B-CU dropped a spot to No. 23 in The Sports Network poll during the preseason after ending the 2012 campaign No. 22.
• Saturday will mark the first season-opening game outside the state of Florida since 2004, when traveling to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
• Jackson and SR DL LeBrandon Richardson are on the College Football Performance Award (CFPA) FCS National Player of the Year Trophy Watch List.
• Bethune-Cookman has scored 10 or more points in 18 straight games, the longest active streak in the MEAC of 10-plus points.
• The Wildcats have scored in double-figures in 34-of-35 games under head coach Brian Jenkins. The lone game without 10 or more points was a 22-3 setback at North Carolina A&T on Oct. 8, 2011.

#IKECANFIXIT
Senior running back Isidore Jackson is heading up the walls of the B-CU record books at a fast pace. He enters the season needing just 449 yards to put himself atop the all-time list for career rushing yards in B-CU history. Additionally, he needs just three touchdowns to match Jimmie Russell (2004-07) at fourth place all-time for career rushing scores in school history.

I DON’T MEAN TO PRY, BUT...
Offensive coordinator Jim Pry has several ties around the nation, not to mention with Vanderbilt. His son, Brent Pry, serves as Vanderbilt’s Assistant Head Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator. In addition, Franklin coached current Vandy head coach James Franklin while he was at East Stroudsburg in Pennsylvania.

RETURN MEN
The 2013 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats return 50 letterwinners, including 13 players who were starters last season – six on offense and seven on defense. B-CU also welcomes back long snapper Andrew Ferris, after losing place kicker Sven Hurd and punter Kory Kowalski.

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29th Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands: PVAMU vs. TSU

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Prairie View beats TSU 37-13 in Labor Day Classic

HOUSTON, Texas  --  Though the rhythmic dance motions and renditions of popular music during the halftime battle of the bands attracts many to the Labor Day Classic, Prairie View A&M’s dominating performance may have stolen the show.

Prairie View defeated Texas Southern 37-13 before a crowd of 18,361 in the teams’ Southwestern Athletic Conference opener Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

“Anytime Prairie View can beats Texas Southern, it’s a good day for the university,” Prairie View coach Heishma Northern said. “It’s all about the effort that our guys played with.”



The rivalry game took so much out of Northern that he needed an IV after the game ended. The third-year coach can rest easy after pushing his record to 2-1 in the Labor Day Classic.

The game started with an offensive flourish — each team scored touchdowns on its opening drive.
TSU made big plays in the running game, while Prairie View drove down the field with its quick-passing attack.

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ASU Braves Express Edward Waters Back Home in 63-12 Victory

LORMAN, Mississippi  --  Senior Arnold Walker scored a single game career-high, three rushing touchdowns, as the Braves thump Edward Waters 63-12 in today's season opener at Spinks-Casem stadium.

It was all about the "Run Game" in the Braves victory this evening totaling 280 yards and 6 total touchdowns. Led by Walker's 75 yards and three scores, the Braves were able to pound the ball the entire game.

The Braves scored first on the only passing touchdown of the game when sophomore, John Gibbs, Jr. connected with senior wide receiver Tavoris Doss for a 28-yard touchdown giving the Braves a 7-0 lead.

Alcorn State Braves Arnold Walker Runs Over Edward Waters Tigers
Courtesy ASU Braves Athletics

But Edward Waters drove right back down the field on the Braves and kicked a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3.

The very next possession, Gibbs hit Zerick Rollins, Jr. on a 30-yard pass to put the Braves in scoring position. A few plays later Walker marched in for his first touchdown of the day extending Braves lead to 14-3.

A little over a minute later, Carrington Aloese recovered a fumble forced by Deion Roberson inside the Tigers 30 yard line giving the Braves a golden opportunity to extend their lead. Walker walked into the end zone for the second time in the game to give the Braves a 21-3 with 2:54 to play before the end of the first quarter. The Tigers came away with a 27-yard field goal before the first quarter ended making the score 21-6.

Gibbs found senior Felando Warr for an 18-yard pass across the middle of the field en route to Gibbs scoring on a 34-yard scamper increasing the Braves lead to 28-6.

Within the next 45 seconds the Braves were right back on offense after sophomore free safety intercepted a pass with 10:19 to play in the second quarter. Sophomore LaDarrien Davis snagged a 19-yard pass thrown by Gibbs to put the Braves in good position to put more points on the board. Anthony Williams III breezed through traffic to find himself in the end zone to boost the Braves lead to 35-6.

It was all about the defense from there for the Braves. Linebacker Jestin Williams intercepted a pass in traffic and took the ball down inside the Tigers territory. Walker once again would find his way to the end zone two plays later to make the score 42-6.

The defense wasn't done just yet. Junior Kenry Tolbert picked up a fumble and scored with .40 seconds to go into the half with a 40-point lead, 49-6.

Edward Waters struck first in the second half on a 31-yard field goal by Jerry Martin but Braves continued to hammer the ball when Anthony Williams III scored on a 17-yard run giving the Braves a 56-9.

Freshman quarterback Khadarel Hodge got into the action finding his way to his first career touchdown on three plays with 9:39 to play in the game.

The Braves defense forced 4 turnovers (2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries) against the Tigers in today's win. John Gibbs completed 75 percent of his passes going 15-20 for 184 yards and one touchdown. Freshman kicker Haiden McCraney set a freshman record for most made PATs in a game posting a perfect eight for eight.

Next up for the Braves is a trip to Starkville, Miss. to face the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Go Braves!!!

Box Score

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Tennessee State Tigers Defeat Southern Utah for First Win

Mobile, Alabama  –  The Tigers charged back in their final game of the Jaguar Invitational in Mobile, Ala. to earn their first win of the season. After dropping the first game to Southern Utah, Tennessee State won the next three to claim a 3-1 decision.

TSU (1-2) defeated SUU (0-3) by the scores of 24-26, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20.

Sherryce Butler and Naomi Wells led the way with 17 kills each, but it was Butler who sparked the Tigers with her .464 hitting percentage. The junior committed just four errors in 28 attempts. Erika Moss recorded 48 assists and added eight kills against one error in 14 attempts.

In game one, Taylor Swayzer tried to single handedly keep the Tigers close as she recorded five of her ten kills during the first half of the set. Her fifth kill brought TSU to within two points at 13-15. The Thunderbirds went on a four point run to put space between the two teams at 20-14, but the tigers would fight back to catch SUU at 24-24. Southern Utah would hold on and escape with a 26-24 win and take a 1-0 lead.

SUU used a .306 hitting percentage (12k-1e-36a) to pace the win. The Tigers committed ten errors opposed to 18 kills in 51 attempts for a .157 percentage.

The Tigers were trailing 14-12 in game two when they exploded with nine kills, two aces and a block to close out SUU with a 13-3 run. Wells started the winning stretch with a kill and an ace that fueled two kills each for Swayzer, Butler and Jordon Piper. Katie Burnett delivered her fourth ace of the weekend as Wells and Moss closed out the 25-17 win with kills.

With the score tied 11-11 in game three, the Tigers took charge of the game jumping out to a 22-18 lead. The Thunderbirds rattled off four straight points to tie the game back up at 22-22. Piper delivered her third kill of the match to regain the lead, while Wells and Swayzer scored kills to secure the 25-23 win.

In the fourth game, TSU enjoyed an 11-4 lead before SUU stormed back to within one point at 14-13. The Big Blue continued their balanced attack as four separate players earned kills and Moss teamed up with Shauntia Carr on a block to extend the lead to 21-15. The Thunderbirds could only get as close as three points at 22-19 before Butler would end the match with her 17th kill.

Wells was named to the all-tournament team after posting 44 kills averaging 4.00 kills per game. Wells finished the weekend with 32 digs and two aces.

The Tigers are off until they travel to Bloomington, Ind. for the University of Indiana Tournament on Sept. 13-14.

    TSU-Southern Utah Stats

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Montana Tech defeats Xavier for UST tournament title

Xavier University of Louisiana's 2013 women's volleyball team
ROSTER
Coaching Staff 

HOUSTON -- Sydney Norris had three kills during a closing run Saturday which clinched Montana Tech's 21-25, 25-21, 25-20, 23-25, 15-7 women's volleyball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana in the championship match of the UST Labor Day Tournament.

The Lady Diggers (8-2) won their eighth in a row, including four matches in this event. The Gold Nuggets (5-3) were 3-1 in the tournament.

The teams were tied at 6 in the fifth set before Montana Tech scored eight consecutive points. Norris' third kill of the run, off a free ball, gave the Lady Diggers a 12-6 lead. Montana Tech had a 9-4 advantage in kills during the fifth.

Taylor Reuther had 19 kills and a career-high 25 digs for Xavier and recorded her seventh consecutive double-double. Chinedu Echebelem had 13 kills and 13 digs, and Moira Kirk had 11 kills and four blocks. Jodi Chatters had 19 digs and CeCe Williams 12.

Kirk's block gave Xavier its only lead of the third set, 18-17, before Jordan Danz produced three kills to give the Lady Diggers a 2-sets-to-1 advantage. But Echebelem had four kills, and Kirk and Reuther had three apiece to force a fifth set.

Earlier Saturday, the Gold Nuggets defeated Columbia (S.C.) 25-27, 25-20, 25-20, 25-15. It was the second time this season that Xavier won after dropping the opening set.

Reuther had 15 kills, 14 digs and a season-high four aces against Columbia. Kirk had 11 kills, and reserve Claudia Haywood had seven kills and three blocks in two sets. Chatters had 20 digs,
Franziska Pirkl had 32 assists and 12 digs in her fourth double-double of the season, and Echebelem had nine digs and a career-high-tying three aces.

"This was progress," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "It was a very productive weekend for us. We learned how it feels to be successful, not only individually, but as a team. We are taking steps in the right direction and growing as a team."

Xavier must play five more times on the road -- 6 p.m. Tuesday at Spring Hill, then four times next week in the Rumpke Invitational at Georgetown, Ky. -- before playing its home and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opener at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 against Voorhees at the Convocation Center.


By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Alabama A&M defense dominates as Bulldogs win opener at Grambling

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- The hump on the question marks didn't quite straighten themselves out all the way to become exclamation points for Alabama A&M, but there were some answers provided in an opening-game cauldron for the Bulldogs.

In mid-90s temperature at the sunken pit that is Grambling State's Robinson Stadium, Alabama A&M opened the season - and quarterback Brandon Wells began his career - in impressive fashion in a 23-9 throttling of the Tigers.

Alabama A&M's defense was ferociously effective, holding Grambling to a mere 165 yards on 55 plays, limiting the Tiger quarterbacks to eight-for-25 passing.
Meanwhile, Wells, the redshirt freshman from Calera, was 15-for-28 for 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

"Our young people played really well," said Alabama A&M coach Anthony Jones, whose lineup featured 15 new starters, plus a new punter and kicker.

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Alabama A&M notebook: Running back 'committee' of Eldemire, Scott works well

GRAMBLING, Louisiana - Alabama A&M's "running game by committee" didn't take long to unfold.

After Kaderius Lacey had 182 of the 263 carries by a running back last season, Bulldogs coach Anthony Jones promised the load would be shared by Brandon Eldemire, who started the game, and transfer Barrington Scott, who entered the game on the third series.

Scott, who played at Ball State before coming to A&M, rushed 16 times for 77 yards. Eldemire had 10 carries for 21 yards.

RECEIVING DIVERSITY: Quarterback Brandon Wells had plenty of targets in his debut. Seven different receivers caught passes. Tight end Toriono Upshaw had six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. G'Alonzo Milton had three catches for 46, Montaurius Smith two for 32 yards and a touchdown
 
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2-Minute Drill: Alabama A&M 23, Grambling 9

WHY ALABAMA A&M WON: Alabama A&M's defense set the tone with its second-quarter safety, when Robert Nelson tackled Grambling quarterback D.J. Williams in the end zone. While Williams had a few significant completions, the A&M defense consistently pressured him. The defense and the punting game - the latter a surprise - gave the A&M offense convenient field position. Rookie QB Brandon Wells had his moments where accuracy was lacking, but he was able to pick apart the Grambling secondary on occasion.

KEY MOMENT: Senior cornerback Tremaine Shepherd made a diving interception with just over a minute to play in the second quarter, putting Alabama A&M on the Grambling 38. It might have been more prudent for a struggling Grambling to have run out the clock to regroup. Instead, it gave A&M good field position and ample time to score another TD seconds before halftime. As a bonus, the Bulldogs would also have the ball to open the second half.

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Second Half Offensive Push Propels Eastern Michigan Eagles to Victory Over Howard Bison

YPSILANTI, Michigan (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University kicked off its 122nd season on the gridiron Saturday, Aug. 31 at Rynearson Stadium against the Howard University Bison.  The effort proved to be a successful one as the Eagles took down the Bison 34-24 after an aggressive home opener.

The first quarter played out quickly with just two possession changes in the first 15 minutes. EMU's early offensive efforts were quickly slowed by running into the stone line of the Bison defense before redshirt-junior quarterback Tyler Benz (Park Ridge, Ill. / Maine Township South) was able to help the Eagles break through into Howard territory at the 12:30 mark.  Eastern's offense suffered a setback at 11:17, when a long pass from Benz was intercepted by Howard's Amedola Olantuji at the Howard 12-yard line.

EMU's defense answered back with forceful aggression to defend their territory as a sack by junior defensive lineman Cy Maughmer (Glendale, Ariz. / Glendale C.C.) on a Howard third down forced a punt by the Bison to return the ball to the Eagles.

The Eagles were able to complete 12 plays and gain 55 yards within the remaining 6:04 of the first quarter, but as the time expired the matchup remained scoreless.

Box score.

Photo Gallery.

The Green and White came out in full force with the start of the second quarter, as a three-yard rush was followed up by an 18-yard throw into the end zone to junior tight end Tyreese Russell (Chicago, Ill. / Walther Lutheran) at 14:17 plus an extra point thanks to sophomore kicker Dylan Mulder (Saline, Mich. / Saline) gave the Eagles the 7-0 lead over the Bison.

Where the Howard offense could not seem to make a play happen, their defense proved to be reliable, as their defenders were able to shed the EMU blockers and force another possession change at 10:43.

After what should have been a challenging start on the Howard five-yard line, the Bison offense jumped into gear with a 16-yard pass straight down the middle and a touchdown at 8:34 thanks to a 65-yard sprint by Howard's William Parker.  The Bison were able to gain 95 yards within six plays and knot the score at 7-7.

A short punt from John Fleck gave the Bison an advantage as they started their possession within Eagle territory.  Sophomore defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (Chicago, Ill. / St. Rita) was able to lead the defense with two consecutive tackles to take the Bison to a third down.  An incomplete attempted touchdown pass by Greg McGhee brought Fleck out onto the field, which produced a 43-yard field goal to push Howard to a 10-7 lead with 3:17 left in the half.

With 2:55 remaining and the opposition in the lead, the Eagles started off their final possession of the half with a solid 25-yard return from Allen.  Benz completed a series of 10-yard plays, moving the ball from sideline to sideline.  With 31 seconds left in the half Benz connected with Demarius Reed (Chicago, Ill. / Simeon Academy) on a 33-yard touchdown play to give the Eagles a 13-10 lead heading into the locker room.

Howard came out strong in the second half, showing that they were not content with relinquishing their lead as McGhee moved the ball up the field smoothly with five-yard gains before throwing to Jonathan Booker. A 32-yard sideline run from Booker would give the Bison their second lead of the contest over EMU.

The Eagles were unable to create any opportunities with their next possession, gaining only 17 yards in five plays before having to give the ball back over to Howard.



McGhee proved to be the sparkplug of the Howard offensive front as he sprinted toward the Eagle end zone at 6:22 before being stopped by junior defensive back Darius Scott (Chicago, Ill. / Simeon Academy) on the EMU two-yard line.  A series of attempts to run the ball in for a touchdown was seemingly the end of Bison's scoring opportunity, but a penalty on an incomplete fourth-down touchdown attempt gave Howard another chance to run the ball in.  McGhee was able to take advantage of the call to complete a 1-yard rush at 4:20 and extend the Bison lead.

Despite the 14-0 scoring run by the Bison, the Eagles' offense returned to the field with intensity and determination as the Eagles traveled 60 yards along the gridiron within four plays.  At 1:29, Eastern was able to quench their scoring drought thanks to junior running back Bronson Hill (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Catholic Central), who rushed the ball in two yards for the Eagles' third touchdown of the evening.  EMU began to close the scoring gap after a Mulder extra point, bringing Eastern within four of the Bison.

The fourth quarter began with the ball in the hands of the Howard offense, but less than 45 seconds into the final frame senior middle linebacker Sean Kurtz (Anaheim, Calif. / Canyon Santa Ana C.C.) nabbed his first career interception from Howard's McGhee and ran a 25-yard return.  Four plays after Kurz's electric play, Hill found himself in the end zone once more with 12:31 left to play, giving the Eagles a 27-24 lead over the Bison.

The EMU offense was unable to produce the success on their next possession despite a valiant effort, and the ball was once again returned to Howard's side.  Senior defensive end  Kalonji Kashama (Brampton, Ont. / Canada Brampton) produced a huge defensive play by taking down Anthony Philyaw at the Howard 21-yard line, and after only gaining one yard in three plays, the Eagles found themselves with a fantastic opportunity to add more to their growing scoring run.

With 3:54 left in the game, sophomore running back Darius Jackson (Sparta, Ill. / Sparta) showcased his wheels with a 28-yard rush to take the line of scrimmage to the Howard 20-yard line.  Just 40 seconds later, Jackson found himself with the ball gripped tightly under his arm again, despite having Howard's Tabrian Resby latched on to his jersey, as he barreled through the field with to end his 19-yard rush with another Eagles touchdown.

With the addition of the fourth completed extra point attempt of the evening, the Eagles found themselves with a 34-24 lead, a 21-0 scoring run in over fifteen minutes of play.

Despite an aggressive effort by the Bison, the Eagles were too powerful of a force to be overcome.  As the clock ran down, the Bison gave one last effort to score but were intercepted in the end zone by Willie Creear (Seattle, Wash. / Lingbergh (Butte J.C.)).  The Eagles closed out the beginning of the 2013 campaign with a 34-24 victory over Howard as the EMU rushing effort was led by Hill, who ran 101 yards in 28 carries.  Hill also added two touchdowns, while Jackson added 64 yards and one touchdown.  Benz connected on 19 passes in 26 attempts for 210 yards and two touchdown passes. 

On the defensive side, Kurtz added 13 total tackles and one interception, while Maughmer and O'Conner each added a sack to the effort.

The Howard offense was led by McGhee, who totaled 75 yards and one touchdown.  Half back William Parker had 82 yards on seven carries and one touchback.  McGhee was 19-for- 32 with 182 yards and one touchdown pass. 

On the defensive front, Cameron Alston and Tabrian Resby led the Bison with 14 and 12 tackles, respectively.

The Eagles improve to 1-0 on the 2013 season while Howard falls to 0-1.  Eastern Michigan football will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 7, at noon when they travel to Penn State.

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Trio from Pensacola part of new chapter for Florida A&M band

PENSACOLA, Florida  --  Most dreams of collegiate sports heroics begin at the end of regulation: A buzzer-beating three-pointer, a walk-off home run in extra innings, a game winning touchdown in overtime.

However, for three recent high school graduates from Pensacola — Cleveland Brown, Austin Conner Jr. and Tatiana Hughes — the biggest on-field moments of their college careers will happen at halftime today at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

The 18-year-old Washington High grads were all awarded music scholarships to join the nationally acclaimed Florida A&M University band, the Marching 100.



“This is surreal,” Hughes said. “I never thought I’d be here. I’ve been such a fangirl for the band ever since I first saw them.”

The Marching 100 has been performing since the 1890s and is famous for its elaborate, rollicking, stadium-rocking halftime shows. The 400-member band has performed at multiple Super Bowls, college bowl games and even at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration.

But the fame turned to infamy in ...

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Pough, SCSU Bulldogs suffer disappointing 27-20 loss to ranked Coastal

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough believed his team showed vast improvement in effort and overall play when compared to last season in Saturday’s season opener at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

To his disappointment, it was still not enough to defeat a nationally ranked opponent. In stunning fashion, the Bulldogs went from being poised to take a double-digit lead against the #21/25 Chanticleers to falling short 27-20 before 10,048 fans at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.



“I can honestly say that we gave this football game away tonight,” a disappointed Pough said. “We didn’t execute at the times we needed to execute. We didn’t do a good job and that’s on me. We didn’t do a good job of putting us in the right places to be able to accomplish what we needed to accomplish to win the football game.”

Trailing 20-12 with seven minutes left in the third quarter, Coastal Carolina scored 15 unanswered points. It started when LaDarius Hawthorne blocked Nick Belcher’s field goal attempt and Big South Defensive Player of the Year Quinn Backus returned it 56 yards for a touchdown.

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Bingo: UMaine football opens with victory over Norfolk State

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Now we know why the University of Maine calls the play “Bingo.”

Norfolk State’s Spartans found out, too, just in time to see the back of Zedric Joseph’s jersey as the senior dashed 85 yards for the decisive touchdown in the Black Bears’ 23-6 victory Saturday night in the season opener for both schools at Dick Price Stadium.

As expected, the defense led the way for the Black Bears, who had their way with two first-time NSU quarterbacks and bottled up the Spartans attack most of the night. But with a sputtering Maine offense squandering several scoring opportunities, the Black Bears’ lead was just 13-6 midway through the third quarter when the offense lined up at its own 15-yard line for a second-down call.



That’s when Joseph faked receiving a handoff and circled out of the backfield.

The Spartans sold out on the run action, and when Joseph collected Marcus Wasilewski’s pass, there wasn’t an NSU defender within 10 yards of him. It stayed that way as Joseph streaked into the end zone for his first career touchdown.



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