St. Aug's Falcons Dominate Stillman 35-7

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Quarterback A.J. Gilford (R-Fr./Savannah, Ga.) threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as Saint Augustine's University enjoyed a satisfying 35-7 non-conference football victory over Stillman College at John H. Baker Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2013.

The Falcons (1-2 overall) were impressive against a strong team from the traditionally tough SIAC conference in winning their home opener. Stillman (2-1 overall) received a vote in the latest AFCA Division II Coaches Top 25 poll after two impressive victories but were no match for the high-flying Falcons, whose win erased the sting of two previous defeats in which they were competitive in both games.

"We knew they were a good football team," said St. Aug Head Coach Michael Costa, whose Falcons are 2-0 against SIAC teams since 2010. "We didn't want to blow it or give them the opportunity where they would have any momentum. We were able to take them out of their comfort zone."

Meanwhile, the Falcons were in their comfort zone. Playing at home for the first time this season, the Falcons were sharp. Gilford tossed touchdown passes to Brian Richards (R-Sr./Waldorf, Md.) and Herman Reaves (R-Jr./Miami, Fla.) for 32 and 15 yards, respectively, in addition to scoring on a three-yard run. Roderick Davenport (So./Orangeburg, S.C.) was a workhorse for the Falcons as he churned out 74 yards including a one-yard touchdown run.

Defensively, the Falcons kept the high-scoring Tigers out of the end zone for the first time in three games. The Tigers returned the first of four St. Aug interceptions for their only score.

NCAA Division II tackles leader Chaz Robinson (Sr./Hampton, Va.) recorded 10 tackles and blocked two punts, the second which Carlton Butts (Jr./Thomasville, Ga.) scooped up for a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter for the final margin. Standout defensive end Javarous Faulk (Sr./Macon, Ga.) made an immediate impact in his first action this season, adding 10 tackles and a sack. The defensive line, led by defensive tackle Shonquez Nelson (Sr./Lake City, S.C.) harassed the Stillman quarterbacks all day. Nelson had three of the Falcons' six sacks. Linebacker Elijah Evans (R-So./College Park, Ga.) compiled seven tackles.

The Falcons held Stillman to 192 total offensive yards while amassing 353 yards.

"It was a good performance," Costa said. "We played as a team. We played smart."

The Falcons struck first on Davenport's short run and padded their lead to 14-0 in the first quarter when Gilford connected with Richards. The Tigers cut the lead to 14-7 after scoring on a pick-off.

The Tigers threatened again before halftime, but the field goal attempt was short, and the ball ricochet off a player and in the hands of Dezmon Hopkins (Fr./Manassas, Va.), who ran 53 yards in Stillman territory. The Falcons capitalize on the play when Gilford found Reaves near the goal line, and the wide receiver stretched in the end zone for a 21-7 halftime lead.

Gilford helped the Falcons pad the lead to 28-7 on a short run in the third quarter. The Falcons iced the game on Robinson's blocked punt which led to Butts' touchdown in the fourth quarter. Michael Lima (R-Jr./Miami, Fla.) kicked all five extra points for the Falcons.

After a challenging non-conference schedule, the Falcons enter CIAA play next Saturday. They visit Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. at 1 p.m.

"We gotta be ready," Costa said. "Bowie is going to be ready because they are at home. We have to make sure we do what we are supposed to do."

Box Score

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

No. 17 UNCP Moves To 3-0 With 41-20 Win Over Shaw in Cape Fear Classic

WILMINGTON, North Carolina  -- Senior Luke Charles turned in his ninth career 300-yard passing game and matched a 5-year old school record with five touchdown passes to help lead No. 17 UNC Pembroke to a 41-20 victory over Shaw in the inaugural Cape Fear Classic on Saturday afternoon at Wilmington's Legion Stadium.

Charles threw for 361 yards on 28-of-41 passing to lead the Braves (3-0), while sophomore wide receiver John Rich matched a school record with three touchdown receptions for the second-straight week. Senior Te'Vell Williams hauled in eight catches for 148 yards, including a game-sealing 42-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, as well.

The Black & Gold racked up 533 yards of total offense on the day – its most since accumulating 539 yards in a win at Charleston (W.Va.) on Oct. 15, 2011. Williams's 148 receiving yards were the second-most of his career and ranks fourth all-time (tie) in school history.



L.J. Stroman was UNCP's defensive leader for the second-straight outing, tallying a career-best 11 tackles (11 solo), while also grabbing an interception that set up UNCP's first quarter touchdown. Senior all-American Fred Williams added nine tackles (seven solo), as well as a fumble recovery, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry.

"I am just really proud of our guys," said UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick. "Except for a few plays here and there, we played a great first half. Luke has played fantastic these first three games. He works his butt off and spends a lot of time watching film and it is paying off for him."
T
he Braves took a 24-7 lead on Charles's 7-yard touchdown pass to Rich with 3:50 to play in the second quarter, but the Bears climbed back into the contest on Marquise Grizzle's (21-97, 2 TD) 46-yard scoring gallop 99 seconds later, and then cut their deficit to just four points, 24-20, with Grizzle's 4-yard run on the first possession of the second half.

UNC Pembroke would put the game away in the fourth quarter, however, as Rich scored his third touchdown of the game on a 7-yard reception with 12:53 to play, and the Braves capitalized on a costly fumble by Shaw on the ensuing possession when Charles found Williams on a 42-yard touchdown strike down the near sideline on the following play.

Michael Doss's first career field goal – a 21-yarder with 4:59 left on the clock – would provide the final.

The Braves will be in action again on Saturday when they return home to tangle with region and U.S. 74 nemesis Wingate (1-0) in a 2 p.m. contest at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.

Shaw opens CIAA play next week when they travel to Murfreesboro, N.C. for a 6:00 p.m. contest against Chowan.

 

"We've got to step it up and play some big time defense," said Massey.  "This was not a conference loss, and next week becomes more important because it is conference play."

Box Score

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA PEMBROKE AND SHAW UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

#15 Coastal Carolina Cruises to a 50-17 Victory Over Hampton

CONWAY, South Carolina  --    The Chanticleers improved to 4-0 on the season with a 50-17 victory over Hampton University in front of 9,386 fans on Family Weekend at Brooks Stadium, the second largest crowd in CCU's history and the largest since adding the north end zone seats for the 2010 season.

Coastal did most of its damage in the first half, rolling up 385 yards of total offense and taking a 40-0 lead. The CCU defense was just as dominant by forcing a punt on each Hampton's six first-half possessions and holding the Pirates to 66 yards.

Chanticleer quarterback Alex Ross, playing just the first two quarters, accounted for 175 yards of total offense - completing 12-of-21 passes for 124 yards and a score with nine rushes for 51 yards and two scores. Also playing just the first half, running back Lorenzo Taliaferro rushed 14 times for 99 yards and two TDs, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.

Coastal took the opening kickoff and drove 62 yards in 10 plays. Ross converted a key third down and Lorenzo Taliaferro capped the drive with a five-yard rushing touchdown.  After the teams traded punts, Ross hit Matt Hazel on a 46-yard pass to start the drive and five plays later, Ross snuck the ball into the end zone for a one-yard score.  To open the second quarter, Ross gave Coastal a 19-0 lead with a 15-yard touchdown run up the middle on a quarterback draw.

After forcing a three-and-out on the ensuing Pirate drive, a bad snap on a punt led to Coastal taking over on the Hampton 15 as Coastal's Kamron Summers tackled the punter. Taliaferro did all the work on a two-play, 15-yard drive, gaining 12 yards on first play and scoring from three yards out on the second. The extra point gave Coastal an 26-0 cushion with 12:19 left.

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On Coastal's next possession, the Chants' put together a 14-play, 86-yard drive that covered 5:15. The drive was nearly a quick one as Bruce Mapp caught a short pass and appeared to have scored a 58-yards touchdown but a penalty called it back.

De'Angelo Henderson would put CCU up 33-0 with a two-yard score.

The Chants were forced to punt on its final drive of the half, but punter Austin Cain bobbled the snap, looked up and saw an open field, gaining 25 yards for a first down. Five plays later as time expired in the first half, Ross hit DeMario Bennett in the left corner of the end zone for a score and 40-0 advantage at the break.

Hampton got on the board on the opening drive of the second half. The Pirates took advantage of a pass interference to put together a 15-play drive. While Hampton did get to first-and-goal at the CCU six, the Chanticleer defense stiffened. On third- and-goal from the CCU four, senior Andrew Allen sacked Jaylian Williams for a nine-yard loss. The Pirates were forced to settle for a field goal and Anthony Prevost split the uprights form 30 yards to make the score 40-3.

The Chants answered with a field goal of its own as redshirt freshman Ryan Granger hit a 39-yarder on his first career attempt.  Hampton made it a 43-10 ballgame with 9:51 left in the fourth quarter as Williamson hit Antwon Chisholm on a fade roué from six yards out.

Coastal answered with a 10-play drive set up by a 43-yard kickoff return by Devin Brown. Silverberg capped the drive with a one-yard score, the junior's first career touchdown, for a 50-10 lead.

The Pirates cut the deficit to 33 points with a nine-play drive that was capped by Brian Swain's 10-yard run into the end zone with 1:29 left on the clock.

CCU would run out the clock on its final drive to take the 50-17 victory.

With the score, Coastal has scored 50 points in four of its last eight games, including a 51-32 win at then #25 Eastern Kentucky last week.

The Pirates will return to action on Saturday, when they open MEAC play at South Carolina State in Orangeburg, S.C. at 2 p.m.

COURTESY COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Charleston Southern Bucs pound their way to 4-0 start with 20-12 win at Norfolk State

Norfolk, Virginia  --  Charleston Southern forced four turnovers as part of a spirited defensive effort and improved to 4-0 for the second time in program history with a 20-12 win over Norfolk State at Dick Price Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Bucs remained perfect under first-year head coach Jamey Chadwell thanks in part to a brilliant fourth quarter play by junior defensive end Dylan Black. With CSU clinging to a 14-12 lead, Black recorded a strip sack of Norfolk State quarterback Tyler Clark and recovered in the end zone for a touchdown to push the CSU advantage to 20-12 with 3:04 remaining.

Black also forced a fumble in the first half, and finished with nine tackles and half a tackle for loss. Classmate Demaris Freeman led the Bucs with 13 tackles, while defensive captain Calvin Bryant continued an outstanding start to his senior season with 12 tackles and a pair of sacks.

CSU played with passion and poise, and found a way to win late just as it did in earlier victories over The Citadel and Shorter.

"I think the belief and confidence is huge," Chadwell said. "We've never said that we're a complete football team. We're a work in progress but when kids and young people believe in a cause, believe in each other and play for each other, good things happen. Whether you're a good football team or a bad football team or just a team that's trying to get better, belief is a powerful thing."

The Bucs limited the Spartans to 265 yards of offense and 0-for-10 on third-down conversions. CSU also held Campbell without a third-down conversion (0-for-9) in last Saturday's 30-10 win.

"We talked about that it was going to be a defensive struggle and it was," Chadwell said. "We were able to find a way to get some points on the board and play some field position football there at the end. The defense made a great play at the end of the game to get a touchdown. Dylan Black made an unbelievable play, and we're excited about going back home 4-0. This will make the trip home a lot nicer."

Offensively, CSU churned out 201 yards rushing behind a career-high 98-yard effort from freshman Ben Robinson. Junior Christian Reyes added 96 yards on 22 carries, as he continues to be the workhorse in the Bucs' backfield.



While the ground game did most of the damage for the Bucs, it was two big pass plays to tight ends Kirby Broome and Nathan Prater that sparked a third quarter touchdown drive and produced a 14-6 lead.

CSU senior quarterback Malcolm Dixon found a leaping Broome in front of the Bucs' sideline for 24 yards to move the football near midfield. Several Reyes runs moved CSU into scoring position, and Dixon and Prater finished the march. Under pressure, Dixon stepped up in the pocket and delivered a strike over the middle for Prater who crossed the goal line for a 24-yard touchdown. The play capped a 12-play, 94-yard drive that took up 5:19 of the third quarter clock.

The Bucs forced another turnover on NSU's next possession, as Matt Hardy recovered a Clark fumble at the CSU 25-yard line early in the fourth quarter. NSU was able to get in the end zone on its following drive, as Clark lofted a 10-yard touchdown pass to Je'Ron Stokes to cut the CSU lead to 14-12 with 6:19 left. The ensuing two-point conversion failed, though, as Matt Hardy blitzed off the edge and forced an incompletion.

"It (defense's ability to force turnovers and make big plays) was huge," Chadwell said. "They drove a couple of times in our end and we were able to force fumbles. Any time you get four turnovers in a game, you should win the game and thankfully we found a way to do that."

Both defenses dictated play from the outset, as the two sides combined for just six first downs in a scoreless first quarter. CSU forced and recovered fumbles on two of NSU's first three drives, but could not convert prime field position into points. Bryant forced the first fumble with a strip sack of his own, and freshman defensive lineman Caleb Batchelor pounced on it at the NSU 45-yard line. Black forced the other, jarring the ball free from NSU tight end Joseph Hawkins and enabling an Isaac Lowrance recovery.

Ben Robinson jolted the Bucs' offense on their first drive of the second quarter to give CSU a 7-0 lead. Seemingly bottled up after a short gain up the middle, Robinson broke free and sprinted down the left sideline for a 39-yard dash to the NSU 34. Following a Dixon first-down connection to freshman wide receiver Colton Korn, Robinson picked up 20 more yards to set the Bucs up with first-and-goal. The Tallahassee, Fla. product capped off the drive on the next play, taking an option pitch from Dixon into the end zone from two yards out for his first career touchdown.

NSU drew to within 7-6 at halftime, thanks to an 11-play, 74-yard scoring drive on their final possession of the first half. The Spartans converted two fourth downs on the drive, with the second coming via an Omari Stokes one-yard touchdown pass to fullback Ryan Wade. Damian Dixon blocked the ensuing extra point, enabling CSU to head into halftime with the lead.

CSU finishes a three-game road trip next Saturday, as it takes on Southern Conference power Appalachian State. Kickoff at Kidd-Brewer Stadium in Boone, N.C. is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

The Spartans hit the road for their first MEAC game of the year next Saturday when they take on Morgan State at 1 p.m. in Baltimore, Maryland.

Box Score
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COURTESY CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Rain Stops Play at HBCU Championships

ATLANTA, Ga. –  Rain put a damper on the final day of the HBCU National Tennis Championships in Atlanta, Ga. The morning session was able to complete play before the remainder of the tournament would be washed out.

 

Of the four Tigers scheduled to play on Saturday, Joe Daniels was the only one individual to complete play. Daniels fell 8-4 in the B Flight consolation quarterfinals match to William East of North Carolina Central.

 

Trinity Randolph was scheduled to play at 1:00pm in the women’s C Flight consolation semifinals, but the rains started to pick up during warm-ups. Play on all courts would be suspended, before officials would cancel the remainder of the tournament.

 

Jared Asher and Branden McClain would not even get the warm-ups off for their 1:30pm matches. The two Tigers were to compete in separate matches of the men’s C Flight consolation quarterfinal rounds.

 

Both teams return to action in October at the ITA Regional. The men will travel to Knoxville and the women will compete in Memphis. 

 

Saturday Schedule

 

Men B Flight

William East, North Carolina Central defeated Joe Daniels, TSU 8-4

 

Men C Flight

Jared Asher, TSU vs. Bobby Smith, Tuskegee 1:30pm  - RAINED OUT

 

Branden McClain, TSU vs. James Jackson, Prairie View A&M 1:30pm - RAINED OUT

 

Women C Flight

Trinity Randolph, TSU vs. Semifinals 1:00pm - RAINED OUT

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bohl Wins NDSU-Record 92nd Game Against Delaware State

ESPN College GameDay and Delaware State Highlights

FARGO, North Dakota  --  North Dakota State head coach Craig Bohl won his school-record 92nd game as the No. 1-ranked Bison rolled to a 51-0 victory over Delaware State on Saturday, Sept. 21, before a sellout crowd of 18,995 at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.

North Dakota State won its 12th straight game to improve to 3-0 heading into its Missouri Valley Football Conference opener next Saturday, Sept. 28, at South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits are 3-1 on the season following a 59-20 loss at Nebraska.

NDSU quarterback Brock Jensen was 13-for-20 passing for 138 and three touchdowns. Jensen, who now has 538 career pass completions, broke the NDSU career record of 535 set by Steve Walker from 2004-07. Jensen also passed Walker for second place in career total offense yards and is 90 yards shy of Kevin Feeney for that record.

Jensen connected with Ryan Smith on a 4-yard TD pass to open the scoring and connected on a 25-yard scoring strike to Zach Vraa that gave NDSU a 14-0 lead.

Marcus Williams returned his 20th career interception 33 yards for a touchdown that made it 20-0 after a blocked PAT kick. Williams tied the NCAA Division I FCS record of six interception return touchdowns set by Murray State's William Hampton from 1993-96.

John Crockett rushed for a game-high 85 yards including a 3-yard TD run in the second quarter and Cooper Wahlo made his first career touchdown reception on a 22-yard strike from Jensen. Derrick Lang's 3-yard touchdown run gave the Bison a 41-0 lead by halftime.

Kevin Vaadeland caught a 4-yard TD pass from Carson Wentz in the third quarter and Tom Barneson kicked a 27-yard field goal late in the third to close the scoring.

NDSU rolled up 548 total yards of offense and held Delaware State to 189 including just 34 yards rushing. The Bison converted 10 of 14 chances on third down while the Hornets were just 4 of 15. Delaware State dropped to 0-3 with the loss.

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COURTESY NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY BISON AND DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Record night as #16 Miami Hurricanes crush Savannah State

MIAMI, Florida  -- The Miami Hurricanes wanted to work on themselves.

In the process, they tore apart poor little Savannah State.

Miami thrashed the Tigers 77-7 Saturday at Sun Life Stadium for its largest margin of victory ever and most points in UM history.

UM’s rout of the Football Championship Subdivision Tigers was so utterly thorough that Hurricanes coach Al Golden and Savannah State coach Earnest Wilson III agreed to shorten the fourth quarter from the usual 15 minutes to 12.

But during the debacle, the Hurricanes lost starting quarterback Stephen Morris to a right-ankle sprain. Morris limped into the locker room late in the first quarter and had X-rays that did not reveal a break.

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UM vs. Savannah State | Sat., Sept. 21, 2013

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#3 Ohio State Buckeyes overwhelm FAMU Rattlers

COLUMBUS, OHIO — It was clear by halftime that No. 3 Ohio State would surpass the predicted 57-point spread over FAMU, given the rapid pace that the Buckeyes were getting into the end zone early.

Yet, Rattlers coach Earl Holmes could be seen on the sidelines pleading with his players to find ways to stem the tide Saturday afternoon.

“We don’t want a pity party,” Holmes said after the Buckeyes finished the onslaught with a 76-0 victory in front of 103,595 fans at the Horse Shoe Stadium.



Evan as the Rattlers found themselves in a 55-0 hole and reeling like an overmatched boxer with a bloodied face, Holmes said his team needed the work that it got in a game.

“Those guys are working on some things and you had some backup guys in there that are trying to do some things and you’re trying to find out what kind of team you have,” he said. “At the same time, you try to prepare for your next opponent.”

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#8 Florida State Seminoles dominate B-CU, 54-6

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The Florida State defense wasn't able to record the shutout, but the No. 8 Seminoles still ran away with a convincing 54-6 victory against out-manned Bethune-Cookman late Saturday night at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Playing before an announced crowd of more than 70,000, the Seminoles led 33-0 at halftime and added three more touchdowns in the third quarter. Starting quarterback Jameis Winston only completed 10 of 19 passes for 148 yards, but his statistics were hurt by a number of dropped passes. Sophomore Jacob Coker was able to come in during the third quarter for mop-up duty.

Other than a handful of dropped passes and a fumble inside the red zone, the No. 8 Florida State football team did everything necessary to assert its dominance in the first half Saturday against visiting Bethune-Cookman.



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Florida A&M Rattlers earn hefty payday for game

COLUMBUS, OHIO — While it might seem that scheduling a FCS school is an easy thing to do when it comes to playing a FBS program, that’s hardly the case, according the man responsible for scheduling at Ohio State.

Martin Jarmond, executive associated athletic director in-charge of scheduling for the Buckeyes, said games like the one Saturday only happen if teams are available.

Negotiations could be a little heady, he said.

Never mind that the bigger program almost always wins.

“You can’t worry about the things that aren’t in your control,” Jarmond said, while watching the Buckeyes hand FAMU a 76-0 loss.

“The hard part about scheduling is you do it so many years in advance so it’s hard to have a crystal ball as to what a team or a matchup is going to be.

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FAMU High to honor Ferrell: Coach plans to retire former player's jersey

Jonathan Ferrell

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- FAMU High football coach Ira Reynolds plans to retire former player Jonathan Ferrell’s No. 28 jersey.

Ferrell, 24, a 2007 graduate of FAMU High who also played two seasons at Florida A&M (2009-10), was shot and killed by a police officer in Charlotte, N.C., early Saturday morning.

Reynolds, who coached Ferrell and his younger brother Willie Ferrell, admitted it has been a difficult week to concentrate on football.

The winless Rattlers (0-3) are at home Friday against Mayo Lafayette (2-0).

“On one hand, we are devastated by his death,” Reynolds said.

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FVSU Wildcats Win 12-9 in 2 OT Over Clark-Atlanta Panthers

ATLANTA, Georgia  -- The Fort Valley State University Wildcats win their first game of the season on the back of junior running back Nikilous McDaniels (Warner Robins, GA / Northside) as they defeat the Panthers of Clark Atlanta University in 2OT (12-9) on Saturday, September 21 in Atlanta, GA at Panther Stadium before a crowd of 1,793.

FVSU improves its overall record to 1-2 and 1-0 in the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), while CAU falls to 3-0 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The Wildcats and Panthers would go almost two quarters without a score, and then at the 4:53 mark, McDaniels went up the middle for an 11- yard touchdown to give the Wildcats a 6-point advantage capping off an 11 play, 95- yard drive. Freshman place kicker Chris Ward (Macon, GA / Southside) kick attempt failed. (6-0)

The Panthers tied the game with 6:31 left in the third quarter, as Montavio Taylor grabbed a 14-yard pass from Trenton Earl to clear an 8 play, 57-yard drive. Austin Casillas kick was blocked by junior defensive end Marvon Danzie (Grovetown, GA / Grovetown). (6-6)

Both team had chances to win in the fourth quarter, but each missed winning field goals to send the game to overtime.
CAU won the toss and deferred to FVSU in the first overtime, and 4 plays, 8-yards later Wards field goal attempt from 34-yards were missed. On CAU's attempt Casillas field goal attempt from 39-yards was blocked and recovered by FVSU's freshman defensive tackle Anthony DeMunn (Columbus, GA / Shaw) to end the first overtime.

CAU received the football first in the 2OT, 4 plays; 7-yards later Casillas 36-yard field goal was good, giving the Panthers the lead. (9-6)

In FVSU's turn, McDaniels had runs of 10, 5 and 8-yard runs, before senior quarterback Eugene Smith (Pensacola, FL / Pensacola) finished the 7 play, 25-yard drive with a 5 and 1-yard run for the win. (12-9)

McDaniels led the Wildcats in rushing with 89-yards on 16 carries and one touchdown, freshman quarterback / running back Malcolm Eady (Swainsboro) had 46-yards, junior running back Michael Bellamy with 22-yards and Smith added 16-yards and one touchdown. Freshman wide receiver's Justin Jordan and junior Kyle Taylor (College Park, GA /North Clayton) led the team 2 catches each for 40 and 20-yards.

Defensively, senior linebackers DeRon and LeRon Furr (Columbus, GA) led the team in tackles as DeRon had a game high 17 tackles and 0ne pass break-up; LeRon ended with 11 tackles, 4.5 tackle-for-losses and recovered two fumbles. Senior defensive tackle Bernard Little (Eatonton, GA / Putnman County) had 13 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-losses for 18-yards and a forced fumble.

The Wildcats out gained the Panthers in rushing and passing with 161 to 131 yards on the ground and 75 to 57 yards in the air for a total of 236 to 188 total yards of offensive.

FVSU will travel to Augusta, GA on Saturday, September 28 to play Benedict College in the Augusta Football Classic at 2 pm. CAU is idle.

Box Score

COURTESY FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Tennessee State Pushes Aside Tennessee Tech, 41-21

Cookeville, Tenn. – The Tennessee State football team scored 34 unanswered points and survived a late rally to defeat Tennessee Tech, 41-21, Saturday night in front of 10,044 spectators and a national ESPN3 audience.

 

The TSU offense set season highs in total yards (438), passing yards (343) and points (41) on the way to the first Ohio Valley Conference victory of the season.

 

A.C. Leonard caught five passes for a career-high 122 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Samquan Evans paced the TSU defense, setting a personal-best with eight stops and added 2.5 tackles for loss.

 

Tennessee Tech (2-2, 0-1 OVC) took the ball 79 yards down the field on the game’s opening drive and TTU center James Normand recovered a fumble in the end zone to put the Golden Eagles ahead, 7-0, with nine minutes left in the first period.

 

The touchdown signified the first points that the Big Blue defense had surrendered in the first quarter this season and the first time since last year’s game against TTU that the Tigers had allowed a touchdown on the opponent’s opening possession.

 

TSU (3-1, 1-0 OVC) answered on its first offensive series as quarterback Ronald Butler architected an impressive eight-play, 79 yard touchdown drive that ended in a 47-yard pass to Ryan Mitchell.

Butler’s scoring toss knotted the score at seven apiece, was TSU’s first touchdown pass of the season and the first of his and Mitchell’s careers.

 

Later in the quarter, a 43-yard punt by Leon Holderhead forced the TTU offense to start on its own one-yard line. On the Golden Eagles’ first play, running back Ladarius Vanlier coughed up the ball and TSU’s Nick Thrasher recovered, inches from the goal line.

 

On TSU’s ensuing possession, Broughton ran the ball up the right side, broke an arm tackle and forced his way into the end zone. The rushing score and PAT that followed put TSU ahead, 14-7, to start the second quarter.

 

Broughton finished the contest with 28 carries for 86 yards for a 3.1 yard per carry average.

 

After a three-and-out by TTU, Big Blue got the ball and marched it 46 yards down the field. Butler keyed the drive, completing all three of his passes for 27 yards. A sack stalled the drive in Tennessee Tech territory, but the Tigers still salvaged a 39-yard field goal by Jamin Godfrey that gave TSU a ten-point cushion with 8:24 to go before halftime.

A 52-yard field goal try by Godfrey just prior to halftime fell short and TSU went into the locker room holding a 17-7 lead.

 

Butler’s 139 passing yards at the break were the most for TSU in any full game this season.

Michael German came in at quarterback to begin the second half, but his first two drives under center did not result in points.

 

At the 9:22 mark in the third quarter and with the TTU offense on the move, TSU safety David Van Dyke picked up his FCS-leading fourth interception of the season.

 

This time, German led a scoring drive on TSU’s next offensive series that ended with a 22-yard field goal by Godfrey. The kick made the score 20-7 with 5:24 left in the third period.

 

The Tigers struck pay dirt again on their following possession as German completed a deep pass to Leonard for an 80-yard touchdown. The bomb put TSU up by 20 and nearly doubled German’s 42 yards that he tallied against Jackson State.

 

German found Leonard again early in the fourth quarter and this one also went for a touchdown. Leonard’s three-yard grab capped off a nine-play drive that spanned 58 yards and put the Tigers up 34-7. German was 3-of-5 on the drive for 43 yards.

 

TTU scored a touchdown with 7:27 left in the game and recovered a fumble on TSU’s next offensive play. The turnover set up another TTU touchdown with just over two minutes left to pull Tech within 13 at 34-21.

 

TSU eventually iced the game when German found Lavatiae Kelly wide open for a 43-yard pass and catch that resulted in the game’s final touchdown.

 

German finished 8-of-14 for 204 yards and three touchdowns. Kelly had a game-high six grabs for a career-high 95 yards.

 

Tennessee State will take a week off from OVC competition when the squad travels to St. Louis, Mo. for a matchup with Central State in the Gateway Classic on Sept. 28.

 

    Final Box

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU Nuggets rally from 2 sets down for first-ever win at Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. -- Xavier University of Louisiana rallied from a two-set deficit for a 20-25, 19-25, 25-20, 26-24, 15-13 women's volleyball victory against Mobile on Saturday.

It was the Gold Nuggets' first-ever victory at Mobile and their first-ever five-set victory on an opponent's floor. Xavier (10-7) has a season-high four-match win streak.

"The first two sets our energy and communication were lacking. The third set we found a spark about halfway through," XU coach Hannah Lawing said. "It was like the girls decided at that moment that they knew they could win and they were going to.

"(Assistant coach) Kenny (Marroccoli) and I have been telling the girls all season that we need to control the things we can control: communication, celebration, energy, attitude. The last three sets we exceeded those requirements as well as played smart and effectively."

Before Saturday, Xavier was 0-5 in five-set matches on opponents' floors. It's the fourth time in the Gold Nuggets' six seasons that they won after dropping the first two sets.

Xavier also set a school record with its fifth victory this season after losing the first set. Before Saturday, the Gold Nuggets were 2-38 on opponents' courts when dropping the first set.

Xavier snapped the season-high four-match win streak of Mobile (10-8) and ended the Lady Rams' five-match home win streak.

Xavier will travel next weekend for Gulf Coast Athletic Conference matches at Edward Waters and Talladega. The Gold Nuggets' next home matches will be Oct. 5 against Dillard and St. Thomas (Texas).

NOTES: Starting time of the Edward Waters match next Saturday was moved up two hours to 11 a.m. EDT . . . Middle blocker Kerris Crier will be honored in a Senior Night ceremony prior to the Gold Nuggets' 6 p.m. match Oct. 18 against Avila . . . The Nuggets' Dig Pink match for breast cancer awareness will start at 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 against SUNO.

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

XU Rush win team, individual titles at HBCU Championships

JONESBORO, Ga. -- Xavier University of Louisiana sophomore Kyle Montrel defeated North Carolina Central's Daniil Gerasimov 6-2, 6-4 Saturday to win the men's singles A flight at the HBCU National Tennis Championships and lead the Gold Rush to its first-ever team title in this event.

Montrel became the second Gold Rush player in three years to win the singles championship in the A flight. His final three victories came against NCAA Division I opponents. Xavier is an NAIA member.

The XU men earned the team championship on a combination of matches won and bracket byes. The three-day tournament ended after rain canceled a few of the matches. Neither of the men's doubles flights were completed, and none of the three Gold Rush teams had been eliminated.

"The guys had an awesome weekend. With so many new guys, I'm happy about the way they are blending together and forming a bond," XU coach Alan Green said. "The Nuggets played well, too, and I'm excited about how well our freshmen played. This has the makings of a special year for us if we can keep this up."

XU freshman Tushar Mandlekar lost 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 to Florida A&M's Zack Evenden in the men's B flight singles final. Another freshman, Sha'Nel Bruins, lost 6-0, 6-3 to Southern's top-seeded Morgan Taylor in the women's C singles semifinals.

Nikita Soifer and Jordan Harrell, seeded first in men's B doubles, defeated Bluefield State's fourth-seeded Vlad Catlan and Connor Pickering 8-2 in the semifinals. Montrel and Mandlekar led Bluefield State's Vishwesh Sinha and Aziz Yuldashev 4-3 in their A doubles semifinal when rain stopped it.

Xavier will play host to the USTA/ITA South Regional Championships, a three-day tournament which will start Friday at the XU Tennis Center and City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center.


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

Fakler wins, breaks Xavier 5K record at Fort Worth meet

Catherine Fakler

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Catherine Fakler ran 5,000 meters in a Xavier University of Louisiana-record 18 minutes, 41.03 seconds Saturday to win the women's division of the Ram Ramble Invitational cross country meet.

Fakler, a junior, beat 35 runners and broke the previous XU mark of 18:54.69 set by Zahri Jackson at the 2012 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships. Fakler is the Gold Nuggets' record holder at three distances, including 15:34 for 4,000 meters in the Mississippi College Opener on Aug. 30. Fakler has XU's three fastest 6K times and broke that record twice in 2012.

Jackson, a junior, is not competing this season because of injury.

Fakler is the first XU woman to win a regular-season race since Jackson at the 2011 University of Dallas Invitational.

Jackson's brother Kwame led the Gold Rush in the men's race. He finished sixth in a field of 27, and his 27:40.42 is the 15th-fastest 8K by an XU male in the last 11 seasons.

Also finishing for the Gold Nuggets were Donyé Coleman (seventh place, 21:09.49), Reeka Belton (ninth, 21:17.91), Hannah Finnegan (10th, 21:27.26), Hali Yarmush (13th, 21:48.02) and Danielle Rogers (24th, 23:11.94).

The other Gold Rush finishers were Brent Kitto (10th, 28:50.59), Christopher August (11th, 29:28.31), David Holobowicz (13th, 29:46.43), Aaron Yarmush (14th, 30:39.52), Charles Shaw (23rd, 31:55.28), Javon Mead (25th, 33:12.25) and Emmanuel Detiege (26th, 33:57.39).

The Gold Nuggets scored 40 points, and the Gold Rush had 43 to finish second in their respective team standings. UT Brownsville won both team championships, and UTB's David Guillen was the men's individual champion in 26:20.19.

Both XU teams will compete Friday in the Mississippi College/Watson Ford Invitational at Clinton, Miss. It will be the Gold Nuggets' and Gold Rush's final meet before returning to Clinton to defend their titles in the GCAC Championships on Oct. 26.

Results:  Men    Women
By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Second Half Offensive Explosion, Big Defensive Stops Fuels PVAMU's 28-26 Win Over Alabama A&M

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  For the second straight week, the Prairie View A&M Panthers had their fans on the edge of their seats. Unlike last week, the Panthers came up with the big defensive play late in the game as they overcame a 12-point halftime deficit en route to a 28-26 win over Alabama A&M in their home opener at Blackshear Stadium on Saturday.

Things looked bleak for the Panthers after a half of play as Alabama A&M totaled nearly 295 yards on offense while the Panthers, who netted 700-plus offensive yards last weekend, only managed 96 yards at the half. Alabama A&M rode the legs of their running back tandem in Barrington Scott and Brandon Eldemire as the duo both scored in the first quarter en route to 211 rushing yards at the half

Whatever Prairie View A&M head coach Heishma Northern said in the locker room at the half must've resonated with the Panthers as they came out clicking on all cylinders in the second half.



The Panthers opened the second half with a 10-play, 57-yard drive which was highlighted by two long runs from Courtney Brown. Quarterback De'Auntre Smiley scored PV's first touchdown of the night with a one-yard rush for a 12-6 margin followed by Chris Barrick's PAT for the 12-7 deficit.

The Panther defense forced a three-and-out on its next possession and wasted no time in taking the lead as Smiley broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run at the 8:24 mark. The PAT was good as the Panthers claimed a 14-12 lead midway through the third quarter.

Once again, the Panther defense forced a three-and-out and the offense continued to click as running back Johnta' Hebert logged a 30-yard gain on a drive which was culminated by a 26-yard pitch-and-catch from Jerry Lovelocke to Brown. Barrick's PAT sailed thru the uprights as the team claimed a 21-12 advantage with 2:54 remaining.

Alabama A&M found success with its passing game to open the fourth quarter as quarterback Jaymason Lee connected with Jonathan Dorsey for a 13-yard touchdown reception with 13 minutes left. However, the Panther offense quickly responded on the ensuing drive as Brown broke free for a 49-yard run which set up a critical 5-yard touchdown reception from Lovelocke to wideout Gabe Dunlap at the 9:57 mark. The PAT was good as the Panthers led by two possessions at 28-19.

Once again, fans had to find their oxygen masks as Alabama A&M found success via the run on its next drive. The Bulldogs had runs of 33 and 11 yards to move into scoring position and capitalized on the opportunity as Lee found Demario Ross for a 9-yard touchdown pass. The PAT was successful as Alabama A&M trailed 28-26 with 6:35 left in the contest.

The Panthers began to slow down offensively as they were forced to punt on their next drive. However, the defense picked up the slack as safety David Metcalf intercepted Lee at the PV 30 and raced 24 yards to the AAMU 46. The Panthers failed to pick up a first down on their next drive and gave AAMU life once again as they received the ball at the PV 11 with 56 seconds remaining.

The defense came up big on its final drive of the night as they forced Lee to throw two straight incomplete passes followed by defensive tackle Michael Daniel's sack to the AAMU 6. On the final play, Desmond Gardiner iced the game as he picked off Lee for the game-clinching interception with no time remaining.

The Panthers finished Saturday's contest with 358 total yards offensively with 148 via the air and 210 coming on the ground. Brown led the Panthers with 116 rushing yards while also catching four passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, senior defensive end Liki Porotesano led the Panthers with nine tackles and a half-tackle for loss.


The Panthers close out the month of September next weekend with a non-conference trip to Nacogdoches, Texas to face the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin at 6 p.m. inside Homer Bryce Stadium on the SFA campus.

BOX SCORE

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N.C. police shooting (of former FAMU football student-athlete) goes to state attorney general

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina’s attorney general said Thursday that his office will handle the prosecution of a police officer charged with fatally shooting an unarmed man. Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray said he requested the state’s help because before he was elected, Murray was a partner in the law firm representing the officer and he didn’t want to give the appearance of impropriety.

Authorities say Jonathan Ferrell was shot 10 times early on Sept. 14 by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Randall Kerrick. Police have said Ferrell may have been seeking help after a car wreck when he went to a home and knocked on the door, frightening a woman into calling 911 because she thought he was trying to break in.

"This case is clearly a tragedy and we will work to bring it to a just resolution,” said Attorney General Roy Cooper. “We have accepted the Mecklenburg District Attorney’s request to take over the prosecution of this case.”

He said the Special Prosecutions unit will handle the case in the courts and State Bureau of Investigation agents will conduct an independent investigation.

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DA in Jonathan Ferrell case recuses himself

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The district attorney in Charlotte, N.C., has recused himself from the case against a police officer charged in the killing of Jonathan Ferrell, an unarmed man the officer shot to death last weekend. Mecklenburg District Attorney Andrew Murray has referred the case to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, saying that he wanted to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest.

Before becoming district attorney in 2010, Murray was in private practice with a pair of defense attorney’s now representing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Randall Kerrick who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Ferrell’s killing. Murray had been a partner with George Laughrun and Michael Greene for 14 years before being elected to the district attorney’s office.

Kerrick is accused of gunning down Ferrell in a bizarre episode in which a panicked woman called 911 to report Ferrell as a robber when he showed up on her doorstep looking for help after his car crashed along a nearby road.

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Meet Jonathan Ferrell, The Ex-Football Player Shot Dead By Police In Charlotte, NC

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Former Florida A&M University football player Jonathan Ferrell was shot dead by a police officer Saturday morning in Charlotte, N.C., as he ran toward police seeking help after surviving a car accident. It’s a tragic story, and one that has led to the cop who shot Ferrell, one Randall Kerrick, being charged with voluntary manslaughter.

But it’s not just a story, it’s also the day that a young man lost his life under terrible circumstances, and as more people find out about his death, it’s worth taking a step back and considering just who Jonathan Ferrell was.

First of all, it seems that he was a caring person, as Ferrell was nicknamed “the shepherd” because of the way he cared for the people he knew and loved, according to The Nation.

Those loved ones include a grieving mother, Georgia Ferrell, who says she has forgiven Kerrick for killing her son, who would have been 25 years old in October.

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Albany State Rams Get Coach Mike White 100th Career Win

ALBANY, Georgia  -- It was rainy, sloppy and for the few fans who braved the wet weather to watch it, Saturday’s game between Albany State and Elizabeth City State was likely a little boring for the first half.

 

But it was also exactly what the Rams needed.

 

ASU wore out Elizabeth City in the second half for a 34-13 victory to get into the win column for the first time this year, giving Rams coach Mike White his 100th career win.

 

“To reach that milestone is huge, and it’s nice to have that,” White said. “I just wanted us to play better. I wanted that more than anything, and the 100th win had to come with it.”

 

The victory also prevented ASU (1-2) from falling to 0-3 for the first time since White’s first season as head coach in 2000.

 

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Alcorn Braves Knock Off Defending SWAC Champs UAPB, 21-16

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  -- After a tough home win against Mississippi Valley, the Braves managed to pick up another key SWAC victory on the road at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Braves accounted for 385 yards of total offense to defeat the Golden Lions 21-16 tonight at Golden Lion Stadium.

The Braves scored on their first drive on 18-yard pass from John Gibbs, Jr. to Tollette George with 10:03 to play in the 1^st quarter.

On UAPB's ensuing drive, kicker Tyler Strickland nailed a 33-yard field goal to cut the Braves lead to 7-3 with 04:34 to go in the 1^st quarter.

The Braves failed to score twice inside the red zone on an interception thrown by Gibbs and a fumble by senior Arnold Walker. UAPB attempted a 57-yard field goal just before the half but it was blocked by defensive back Anthony Williams, Jr. The Braves went into the locker room at the break with a 7-3 lead.

Less than two minutes after the half, junior running back Joe Price scampered for a 53-yard touchdown to extend the Braves lead to 14-3.

UAPB fired back with a 46-yard touchdown run by Jeremiah Young but failed to convert on the two-point conversion narrowing the Braves lead to 14-9 with 9:50 to play in the 3^rd quarter.

The Braves marched down the field once again and Walker was able to power in for the score on a 5-yard run pushing the Braves lead back to 21-9 with 11:56 to go in the game.

UAPB responded quickly on a 14-yard pass from quarterback Benjamin Anderson to Isaiah Ferguson with 9:07 left to play. The Golden Lions drive took eight plays for 49 yards in 2:56.

The Braves turned the ball over on downs and UAPB took over with 2:07 to play in the game. UAPB's Anderson ran 43 yards but the play was called back on a holding penalty. Three plays later, Anderson connected with LaDarius Eckwood on a 40-yard pass to put the Golden Lions inside the Alcorn 10. Transfer CJ Morgan stripped the ball from running Jeremiah Young to push the Golden Lions back to the 15 yard line. The Braves then forced three consecutive incompletions to hold on for the victory.

Walker finished the game with 82 yards and one touchdown to lead the Braves. Quinton Cantue and Jestin Williams both recorded a career-high 11 tackles in the Braves win.

Up next for the Braves (3-1, 2-0) is a trip to Montgomery to face Alabama State in another SWAC East showdown. Kickoff is staged for 5:30 p.m. at the New ASU Football Stadium.

Box Score

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

South Carolina State routs Benedict, 59-6

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COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Saturday saw another “Classic” performance at Williams-Brice Stadium by South Carolina State against Benedict College.

The Bulldogs’ 59-7 rout was the largest margin of victory in the 12-year history of the Palmetto Capital City Classic. Playing before an unannounced crowd which appeared smaller than past “Classic” games at the venue, S.C. State continued its dominant defensive play in collecting three turnovers and holding the Tigers to 57 rushing yards to improve to 2-2 on the season.

Senior Joe Thomas of Blackville-Hilda led the team in tackles again with 10, while left defensive end Andrew Carter had seven tackles and two of S.C. State’s five sacks of Benedict quarterback Marcus Graham to earn team game MVP honors.

“They were big and strong up front,” Benedict head coach James Moody said. “They controlled the line of scrimmage. You win that game at the line of scrimmage, it’s tough for offense or defense to get anything going. They’re a strong, strong very good football team.”

Linebacker Shaquan Brock also accounted for a score on a 55-yard interception return, one of three picks of Graham collected in the second quarter.

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Alabama State Hornets Rout Grambling State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- The Alabama State football team routed Grambling State 52-21 Saturday night as the Hornets win for the first time in New ASU Stadium.

Alabama State (2-2 overall, 2-1 SWAC) ran 97 plays and gained 667 yards total offense in beating Grambling (0-4, 0-2) for the third straight time for the first time in the series history.

Isaiah Crowell rushed 14 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns, and Malcolm Cyrus ran 19 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns as Alabama State won its second straight game.

"I'm excited for our players and our coaches," head coach Reggie Barlow said. "They worked really hard all summer, and working hard to put on a performance like this. It's a blessing that we are in the position to be able to coach these guys. They've been working really hard. This team has a lot of character. We've had a lot of adversity, but we stayed with it and we're proud of them."

After The Tigers scored on its second possession to take a 7-0 lead, Alabama State scored 28 consecutive points. On their final possession of the first quarter, the Hornets drove 45 yards in seven plays, all on the ground. Cyrus capped the drive with a five-yard run to tie the game at 7-7 with just over a minute to play in the period.

Alabama State scored three touchdowns in a span of just over 5 ½ minutes in the second quarter. The Hornets put together back-to-back 70+yard scoring drives. Myles Everett caught a 28-yard touchdown pass to end a five-play, 75-yard possession to give the Hornets the lead. Crowell capped off a 10-play, 79-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run. LB Daerius Washington's 19-yard interception return completed the flurry of points and gave Alabama State a 28-7 lead it would take to halftime.

In the second half, Grambling scored a pair of touchdowns in less than a minute to cut its deficit to 28-21 midway through the third period. However, Alabama State regained control on the ensuing drive, a six-play, 76-yard possession capped by a 26-yard Cyrus scoring run to give the Hornets a 35-21 lead they would take to the final period.

Alabama State scored on its first three possessions of the fourth quarter. Crowell added a 28-yard touchdown run, Arsenio Favor scored from one yard out, and Bobby Wenzig added a 22-yard field goal for the final margin.

"We just played with passion," Barlow said. "We talked about it before the game that it was important to get off to a fast start. When you feel like you are better than a team, you have to force your will on them and take their will away. That's what these guys did today. They played fast, they played physical. Our defensive front got after the quarterback, running game-wise, we ran it well."

The Hornets host Alcorn State next Saturday at 5 p.m. at the New ASU Stadium.

 

Box Score

 

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern stands tall against Mississippi Valley

ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Dawson Odums might flip on the film and see a slew of corrections flickering on the screen in his office Sunday.

But he was in a forgiving mood ahead of a ride back to the Bluff on Saturday.

Standing outside the cramped locker room of Rice-Totten Stadium, the Southern coach declared his tolerance was softened by the 17-7 victory against Mississippi Valley State, one where a defense that has had its troubles this season almost pitched a shutout and a timely passing game picked up a sluggish ground attack.

“When it’s all said and done, no matter how many you win by,” Odums said, “what we try and tell our guys (is), the ‘W’ is important.”

None of the 3,986 fans would award style points to Southern (2-2, 2-0 SWAC) or Valley (0-4, 0-2), though.

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Southern cornerback D’Andre Woodland makes plays while filling in for Virgil Williams

ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Southern worked during the week hoping Virgil Williams, one of its senior captains and a top cornerback in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, would be healthy enough to play.

However, it was announced Friday he wouldn’t be able to play.

So, Southern turned to junior D’Andre Woodland.

And step up Woodland did.

“I think (Woodland) did an outstanding job,” coach Dawson Odums said. “It’s hard to replace No. 7. He’s valuable. We miss him, and he would make our defense a lot better.”

In replacing the Jaguars’ best defensive player, Woodland compiled six tackles, including two for loss, a pass breakup and a key fumble recovery early in the first quarter.

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Southern enjoys best first half of season at Valley

ITTA BENA, Miss. — After being outscored 86-26 in the first halves of three games this season, Southern was able to reverse its early game struggles Saturday.

Southern took a 3-0 lead into halftime after kicker Greg Pittman connected on a 22-yard field goal with 1:44 to play in the half in what eventually became a 17-7 victory.

Pittman’s field goal was set up by a 45-yard pass from quarterback Dray Joseph to wide receiver Willie Quinn on third-and-12 from the Jaguars’ 28.

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Week 4: HBCU Football ScoreCard Finals

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

SWAC
Jackson State 35, Texas Southern 7  Highlights  » Thursday
Southern 17, Mississippi Valley State 7 
Alabama State 52, Grambling State 21
Prairie View A&M 28, Alabama A&M 26
Alcorn State 21, Arkansas Pine Bluff 16 

OVC
Tennessee State 41, Tennessee Tech 21 ESPN Highlights  »  Watch Replay 

MEAC
#4Ohio State 76, Florida A&M 0  ESPN Highlights  »  ESPN Photos
#4Towson 35, North Carolina Central 17 
#1(FCS) North Dakota State 51, Delaware State 0  ESPN Highlights  »Watch Replay 
Charleston Southern 20, Norfolk State 12 
South Carolina State 59, Benedict 6
#8 Florida State  54, Bethune-Cookman  6  ESPN Highlights  »  Watch Replay 
Coastal Carolina 50, Hampton 17 
Western Kentucky 58, Morgan State 17  ESPN Highlights  »  Watch Replay 
#16 Miami (Florida) 77, Savannah State 7  ESPN Highlights  »  Watch Replay 

CIAA
Winston-Salem State 35, Tuskegee 13 at Cleveland, Ohio 
Bowie State 16, Concord 10 
Sacred Heart 78, Chowan 35
UNC Pembroke 41, Shaw  20 at Wilmington, N.C. 
St. Augustine’s 35, Stillman 7 
Livingstone 23, Edward Waters 20
St. Francis, Pa. 38, Lincoln, Pa. 7 
Johnson C. Smith 35, Davidson 22
Virginia State 41, Kentucky State 0 
Albany State 27, Elizabeth City State 7 
Fayetteville State 21,Virginia Union 7 

OTHER CONFERENCES AND INDEPENDENTS
West Liberty 9, West Virginia State 0 
Bowie State 16, Concord 10
UNC Pembroke 41, Shaw 20 at Wilmington, N.C.  
Hardin-Simmons 66, Texas College 34 
Missouri Southern 59, Lincoln, Mo. 10 
Lock Haven 12, Cheyney 10
Nicholls State 42, Langston 22
Millsaps 38, Point U. 17
Southern Virginia 33, Virginia University Lynchburg 30 

SIAC
Taylor 27, Lane 21 
Winston-Salem State 35, Tuskegee 13 
St. Augustine’s 35, Stillman 7 
Virginia State 41, Kentucky State 0 
Fort Valley State 12, Clark Atlanta 9  2OT
South Carolina State 59,  Benedict College 6 
Morehouse 42, Central State (Ohio) 20 
Concordia-Selma at Miles College Canceled
Albany State 34, Elizabeth City State 13

All Game Times are stated in Eastern Time Zone


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