MEAC/SWAC SPORTS MAIN STREET&#8482;

from THE EDITOR: My Top Pick for the Next FAMU Rattler Head Football Coach

DWIGHT FLOYD

“We felt we needed a system in order to be successful and a quarterback to operate within the confines of that system.” Pete Richardson, former head coach of Southern University.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M recently announced its top 8 applicants, one of which will be the next Rattler head football coach. After GOOGLING for information on the top 8 and checking other sources, I decided on only two potential head coaches among the eight. Below I listed in the order I would select them, my list of potential head coaches. I would only pick from this list if I was unable to get Texas’ coach Charlie Strong to offer up one of his disciples.

1. Mark Orlando
Why?

CONTINUE READING

No. 22 Rush do it Goode and Wright, defeat Faulkner

XU men's basketball vs. Faulkner
photos by Yamlak Tsega

NEW ORLEANS -- Guards Anthony Goode and Morris Wright snapped out of shooting slumps Monday and combined for 35 points, leading NAIA No. 22 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 72-63 men's basketball victory against Faulkner.

The Gold Rush (10-4) defeated the Eagles (8-5) for the first time in 25 years. Faulkner, which leads the series 5-3, had won five straight and had beaten Xavier each of the past two seasons.

Goode scored 20 points and Wright 15. They combined to make 9-of-14 from the floor, 7-of-11 3-pointers and 10-of-11 free throws. Goode made a season-high four 3-pointers in five attempts.

Cortez Riley scored 16 points, Di'mar Hill 13 and Nick Drake 10 for Faulkner.

Xavier trailed 14-8 through eight minutes before rallying to take a 29-28 halftime lead. Faulkner took a 37-34 lead in the first three minutes of the second half before Gary Smith's basket at 16:06 put the Gold Rush ahead to stay, 39-37.

Goode made back-to-back 3's to give Xavier a 58-50 lead with 4:55 remaining. Wright's two free throws at 3:29 gave Xavier its largest lead, 60-50.

Goode and Wright, Xavier's top two scorers for the season, had combined to average 16.9 points and shoot 26.3 percent from the floor in the previous five games, three of which were XU defeats. Goode reached 20 points for the first time since Oct. 31, and Wright scored in double figures for the first time in four games.

Xavier outshot the Eagles 50 to 43.4 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 37-16. The rebound margin is Xavier's best this season. Wesley Pluviose-Philip of the Rush grabbed a game-high seven rebounds, and Jarvis Thibodeaux and Sydney Coleman had six apiece.

Xavier shot 85.7 percent from the line -- 24-of-28 -- after making 55.6 percent the previous three games. Wright made 6-of-6 free throws, and Smith and Coleman both were 4-of-4.

The Gold Rush had not beaten Faulkner since a two-game sweep in the 1989-90 season.

Xavier will visit NAIA No. 5 William Carey at 7 p.m. Thursday in the first of three consecutive Gold Rush games against top-10 opponents. The next home game will start at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 against Concordia (Calif.), which is ranked ninth.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

Hot Shooting First Half Leads to TSU Win Over Islanders

Corpus Christi, Texas --- The Tennessee State University women’s basketball team built a 23-point lead and held off a second half rally in a, 72-61, victory over Texas A&M Corpus Christi Monday night in the American Bank Center.

Tennessee State (2-6) snapped a four-game losing skid and was led in scoring Brianna Lawrence’s 14 points. Chelsea Hudson added 10 while Jemilah Leonard, Rachel Allen and Jayda Johnson each tallied nine points. Allen also dished out a game-high eight assists.

The Lady Tigers were up 8-4 when they went a perfect 4-of-4 from the field over a span of four minutes to go ahead, 18-10.

Just before the eight-minute media Jemilah Leonard buried her third triple of the contest to put TSU on top, 30-14. Another scoring spurt, capped by a jumper from Samantha Palma, made the score, 41-18, in favor of the visitors.

TSU shot 53.3 percent from the field, including 77.8 percent from three-point range, in the first half and went into the locker room with a 41-20 advantage.

In the second half, TSU was forced to call a timeout four minutes into play after TAMCC opened the framed with a 9-2 run.

Jayda Johnson connected in the paint to end a three-minute scoring drought for the Lady Tigers but the offense remained stagnant.

TSU’s struggles continued and by the midway mark TAMCC had cut the deficit down to just seven points.

The offense gained a little life when Rachel Allen went the length of the floor and sank a floater. Brianna Lawrence followed with a three-pointer before Briana Morrow scored in the paint to shift the momentum back to TSU.

With 7:36 on the clock, an old-fashioned-three-point play by Chelsea Hudson made TSU’s lead 60-44. The Lady Tigers maintained a double-digit lead for the duration of the contest.

TSU shot 47.3 percent from the field and knocked down eight three-pointers in the contest (66.7 percent). The Lady Tigers forced the Islanders into 27 turnovers and turned the miscues into 29 points.

Tennessee State returns to action on Thursday at home versus Jacksonville. Game time for the non-conference match-up is slated for 6 p.m. in the Gentry Center.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Latrell Scott named new football coach at Norfolk State

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State introduced Latrell Scott as its football coach Tuesday morning.

Scott, who has coached the past two seasons at Virginia State, succeeds Pete Adrian, who retired last month after 10 seasons at NSU.

Scott, 39, went 19-4 overall and 15-0 in the CIAA in two seasons at Virginia State.

"I am pleased to welcome coach Scott to the Spartan family," NSU athletic director Marty Miller said in introducing Scott - the 17th head coach in school history.

CONTINUE READING

VSU's Scott will be named Norfolk State coach

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State will name Richmond native Latrell Scott football coach today, The Times-Dispatch learned Monday night.

NSU, which plays at the FCS level as a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference member, has called an 11 a.m. media meeting to introduce Scott, who moves from his position as head coach at Virginia State.

Scott, 39, led VSU to a 19-4 record in two seasons. The Trojans advanced to this year’s Division II playoffs.

Scott, a graduate of Lee-Davis High, is a former head coach at the University of Richmond (2010) and a former assistant at UR, James Madison, Virginia, Tennessee, VMI and Western Carolina. He began his coaching career at Fork Union Military Academy, where Scott played after graduating from Lee-Davis.

CONTINUE READING

Blount out as DSU football coach

DOVER, Delaware -- Once again, Delaware State University must start over in its ongoing quest to field a successful football program.

That message was clear in Monday’s announcement that Kermit Blount’s contract as Delaware State football coach is not being renewed, ending his four-year tenure.

With a winning overall record in 2012 and over-.500 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference marks in 2012 and 2013, the Hornets appeared to be making progress.

However, DSU slipped to 2-6 in the league and 2-10 overall in 2014, which finished with a 69-7 drubbing at Morgan State. That was Delaware State’s fifth straight loss.

Blount, 56, guided the Hornets to a 16-29 record, including 13-19 in the MEAC. He was unavailable for comment.

CONTINUE READING

Monday, December 15, 2014

Corey Fuller says he will not be FAMU's next head coach

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Corey Fuller, Florida A&M's interim head football coach, told the Tallahassee Democrat via phone he is not among the top three candidates for FAMU's next head football coach.

He also took to his personal Twitter account to let his supporters know of the news.

CONTINUE READING

FAMU athletic director Kellen Winslow resigns, interim leader urges fans to support Rattlers

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Embattled Florida A&M athletic director Kellen Winslow resigned Monday, but university president Elmira Mangum vowed it would not deter the school’s search for a new football coach and fight to improve the program.

The FAMU board of trustees had issued a vote of no confidence in Winslow in November, arguing he showed poor leadership and failed to consult key supporters while making decisions they viewed as detrimental to the program.

Winslow, a five-time Pro Bowl tight end who had no previous athletic administration experience, spent just eight months at FAMU.

Mangum hired him and continued to support him after resigned. She also noted he donated $3,000 to support the athletic department that has been coping with a $7.6 million deficit.

“Whatever you’re impressions of Mr. Winslow have been — and I’ve gotten quite a few comments — I ask you to Take a moral high ground and wish him well also,” she said.

CONTINUE READING

Xavier's Jackson and Fakler are All-Louisiana again

Xavier University of Louisiana's Catherine
Fakler, left, and Kwame Jackson.

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana seniors Kwame Jackson and Catherine Fakler capped their stellar cross country careers with repeat berths on the All-Louisiana teams.

Jackson, from Kingwood, Texas, and a graduate of Kingwood Park High School, was chosen to the men's team for the second consecutive year and the third time overall. Fakler, from Phoenix, Ariz., and a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory High School, made All-Louisiana on the women's side for the second straight year.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association announced the teams late Friday evening. An LSWA panel of sports publicists selected the teams.

Jackson this year became the first runner, male or female, to win three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference individual titles. Jackson repeated as GCAC individual champion and helped Xavier win its ninth straight GCAC team title. He posted two first-place finishes and a second in seven races. Jackson set XU records of 15 minutes, 30.90 seconds for 5,000 meters and 21:21.7 for four miles.

Jackson had 17 top-10 finishes and 12 top-5s in his career. He set GCAC records with six Runner of the Week awards this season and 15 in his career.

Fakler, the 2013 Louisiana Runner of the Year, recorded four top-10 finishes, including firsts at the season's first two meets. Her best 5K time was 18:13.71. She broke an XU cross country distance record for the seventh time in her career by running two miles in 12:42.18 at the season opener.

Fakler had 18 career top-10 finishes and 14 top-5s. She set a GCAC women's record with 11 career Runner of the Week awards. She is a two-time Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

Both XU teams concluded the season last month at the NAIA National Championship. The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will compete in outdoor track and field beginning in early March.

2014 All-Louisiana Women's Cross Country Team
Lauren Bartels, freshman, Tulane
Gemma Bridge, junior, McNeese State
Anna Katherine Devitt, junior, Louisiana-Lafayette
Catherine Fakler, senior, Xavier
Emma Newton, freshman, Tulane
Morgan Schuetz, senior, LSU
Celia Zaeringer, freshman, Southeastern Louisiana

Runner of the Year: Anna Katherine Devitt, Louisiana-Lafayette
Newcomer of the Year: Gemma Bridge, McNeese State
Freshman of the Year: Celia Zaeringer, Southeastern Louisiana
Coach of the Year: (tie) Lon Badeaux, Louisiana-Lafayette; Khadevis Robinson, LSU

2014 All-Louisiana Men's Cross Country Team
Moses Aloiloi, freshman, Tulane
Ryan Holroyd, graduate, McNeese State
Kwame Jackson, senior, Xavier
Oliver James, sophomore, McNeese State
Philip Primeaux, senior, LSU
Matthew Rice, sophomore, Louisiana-Lafayette
Harry Wiggins, junior, Southeastern Louisiana

Runner of the Year: Moses Aloiloi, Tulane
Newcomer of the Year: Enock Bor, McNeese State
Freshman of the Year: Moses Aloiloi, Tulane
Coach of the Year: Brendon Gilroy, McNeese State

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

Sunday, December 14, 2014

At a Tiny HBCU, A Basketball Legend is Coaching Again: Cheryl Miller's Perfect Place

#10 NAIA Ranked Langston University Lady Lions are currently 11-0 in Cheryl Miller's First Season.

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- When Cheryl Miller was still young enough that she could only dream about being one of the greatest basketball players in the world, her mother, Carrie Miller, rarely got to see her play. Cheryl's mother would take her younger brother, Reggie Miller, to his game, and Cheryl's father, Saul Miller, would take Cheryl to hers. "And that was fun in the beginning," Cheryl said, "but my mom was always missing out on watching me play."

That didn't mean her mother missed out on hearing what happened in Cheryl's games, though. After each game Carrie missed she'd wait until Cheryl took a shower and got dressed for bed. "She'd sit there by my bedside and have me just go over the game, just tell her about it. I think I never got to the fourth quarter. I never got to the fourth because I'd fall asleep." But Cheryl could always hear her mother's soft farewell just before completely dozing off. "Goodnight, Pearl," she'd say. "Truly my heart and soul, my mom was."

To find Cheryl Miller now, you have to know where to look. Langston University is about 10 miles farther off the interstate than most people are willing to go. Those that do usually aren't looking for the women's basketball game. They're not looking for the football game, either. Most are just looking for the Marching Pride's halftime show. This is not a school with a budding athletic tradition or a football team that demands attention, and sometimes it seems like most people attend the games for the award-winning marching show band. Langston is a safety school for some, a last resort for many, a place many want to forget as soon as they leave it.

CONTINUE READING

Albany State’s Larry Bullock is leading the charge

ALBANY, Georgia — It was the shot discussed around the city.

Down by two against Georgia College with less than five seconds left, the Albany State Rams got the ball into senior Larry Bullock’s hands and he knocked down a corner three to win the game.

“It’s a shot that I’ve always dreamed of hitting,” Bullock said thinking back to that November game. “I don’t think words can describe that shot because that can be a once-in-a-lifetime situation that you’ll have. I just thank the Lord for that shot. He blessed me, he gave me the strength and will, and also my team for believing in me as well. ”

That particular play is indicative of Bullock’s role on the team this year — the person everyone can count on to make things happen when the team needs it the most.

Former ASU head coach Chris Cameron described Bullock as the glue that held everything together last year. He said the then junior was willing to give up his own agenda for the good of the team.

CONTINUE READING

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Southern’s facilities upgrades are moving slowly

A.W. MUMFORD STADIUM
COURTESY: SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE ATHLETICS

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern football team’s first practice of preseason camp was moved to the Seymour gymnasium because of thunderstorms.

It was a signal of the nomadic nature that awaited the Jaguars throughout the season.

Coach Dawson Odums tried to work inside of A.W. Mumford Stadium to avoid the uneven surface on the adjacent practice field, but there’s only so much wear and tear that’s tolerable on a surface that not only is the site of Southern’s home football games, but also hosts its soccer games and Southern Lab’s football games.

So it was quickly back to the practice field.

When daylight saving time ended in early November, it became too dark for the Jaguars to hold their late-afternoon practices on the practice field, which doesn’t have lights. So Southern packed up and traveled a few miles to Doug Williams Stadium at the Louisiana Leadership Academy. The lights and field turf there provided a very good practice facility, but traveling to and from campus for a few weeks was a burden.

CONTINUE READING

Navy Let Lead Slip Away in Loss at Maryland Eastern Shore

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- Maryland Eastern Shore (5-7) erased a 13-point deficit and outscored Navy 19-2 over the final 8:50 for a 53-46 win over Navy (3-8) on Saturday at the Hytche Athletic Center.

Navy held a 44-34 lead with 8:54 left in the second half, and had previously led 40-27 with 11:33 remaining, but the Hawks ramped up the defensive pressure and limiting Navy to just two free throws in the final 8:50 of the contest in the come-from-behind win.

"We did everything we could do to put ourselves in a bad situation in this game," said head coach Ed DeChellis. "We got ourselves a nice lead, but then we had some crucial turnovers, we made silly plays and we couldn't make any shots. They got into us defensively and we didn't handle the pressure well."

Senior guard Brandon Venturini led Navy with 13 points and five assists.

Maryland Eastern Shore was paced by 17 points from Devin Martin and 15 points from Michael Myers.

The first half saw 11 lead changes and Navy made a run when Venturini's second 3-pointer of the first half put Navy ahead, 16-15. Maryland Eastern Shore answered right back with a 3-pointer from Devin Martin but the Mids were then able to close the half on an 11-4 run.

The spurt began when Venturini buried another 3-pointer and then converted a fast-break layup. Sophomore Edward Alade made a layup and then junior guard Tilman Dunbar found sophomore James Hemphill for a layup. Freshman Shawn Anderson grabbed an offensive board and went back up to put Navy ahead by five at the break at 27-22.

Freshman Daniel Noe knocked down a 3-pointer and Alade scored inside as Navy went up 10 to open the second half at 32-22. Junior Will Kelly had a block on the defensive end and then ran the court and was rewarded with a fastbreak layup as Navy pushed its lead to 11 at 36-25. Dunbar scored on a fast-break layup off a dish from Venturini and then Navy caught UMES sleeping when Venturini broke free off a halfcourt inbounds pass to put the Mids up 13 at 40-27.

Navy eventually extended its lead to 44-34 after a Dunbar layup, but the Hawks went on a 12-0 run over the next four minutes to retake the lead at 46-44. Anderson would eventually break Navy's drought with two free throws, but UMES would get a second-chance layup by Dominique Elliot and a pull-up jumper from Travis Trim, along with three free throws to hold on for the 53-46 final.

Navy was 0-5 from the floor with five turnovers over the final 8:50 of the contest.

Maryland Eastern Shore shot 51 percent from the floor while Navy shot 38 percent. The Hawks were 7-of-15 on 3-pointers, while Navy was just 4-of-19. Navy outrebounded Maryland Eastern Shore, 28-23.

"This was a game we could have won," said DeChellis. "We had a big lead, but we let it slip away."

Navy will have nine days off before returning to action at home on Monday, December 22 against Towson for its final non-conference game of the season.

Box Score

COURTESY U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Ram Ramblings: Boulware makes bold move within his coaching staff

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- I’ll admit that I didn’t think I would be writing about football in mid-December since the Rams’ season ended Nov. 15 in the loss to Virginia State in the CIAA championship game.

It was a bit of a shock when I found out Coach Kienus Boulware had decided to part ways with one of his co-defensive coordinators, Daren Hart. There were plenty of rumblings after the championship game loss that Boulware and Hart had some disagreements, but I’ve been around long enough to know that coaches don’t always get along.

I remember being at a couple of practices in recent years when Boulware and Connell Maynor, who was the head coach and offensive coordinator, would get into some verbal bashing during scrimmages. But at the end of those heated practices they would usually make peace.

CONTINUE READING

NSU | Gaston's early showing impresses teammates

NORFOLK, Virginia -- It's early, but Norfolk State's players are talking about who should win a postseason award.

Not surprisingly, he's one of their own.

Junior forward RaShid Gaston enters today's 2 p.m. game at Mount St. Mary's looking to extend a streak of five straight double-doubles, the latest of which propelled the Spartans (6-4, 2-0 MEAC) to an 88-69 league Monday win over Coppin State.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Gaston is second in the MEAC with 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, and his 65-percent field-goal shooting leads the league.

Gaston, combined with junior shooting guard Jeff Short, whose 17.3 points per game top the league, provide NSU with a unique 1-2 punch.

"If the season was to end right now," Short said, "I think he's the (MEAC) Player of the Year."

CONTINUE READING

Late 3-point play gives XU Rush a 52-51 victory at Mobile

MOBILE, Alabama -- Sophomore Wesley Pluviose-Philip's 3-point play with 19 seconds remaining Saturday lifted NAIA No. 22 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 52-51 men's basketball victory against Mobile.

The Gold Rush (9-4) snapped a two-game losing streak and completed a two-game season sweep of the Rams (4-5).

Pluviose-Philip was fouled by Piers Carroll as he scored on a pass from Morris Wright. Pluviose-Philip then made the decisive free throw. Mobile missed a 2-pointer and committed a turnover in its two ensuing possessions.

Xavier, winning on the road for the third time in four games this season, outscored Mobile 6-1 in the final two minutes after Dominique Suggs' 3-pointer gave Mobile a 50-46 lead.

Sydney Coleman scored 14 points and Pluviose-Philip 10 for the Gold Rush. Pluviose-Philip reached double figures for the second time this season and the third time at Xavier. Jarvis Thibodeaux's eight rebounds and Wright's five assists were game highs.

Suggs scored 12 points, all in the second half, and Kenny Davison had 11 for the Rams, who have lost five of their last six games. Daouda Soumaoro, seeking his fourth consecutive double-double, had two points and six rebounds in 16 minutes.

Coleman did not start for the first time in nine games, but he scored 11 points to lead Xavier to a 28-20 halftime advantage. Then Mobile rallied by making six second-half 3-pointers, three by Suggs.

Mobile outshot Xavier 35.6 to 31.1 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Gold Rush 40-30. Xavier made 19-of-31 free throws, and Mobile made 12-of-24. The Gold Rush committed 15 turnovers but gained a season-best 22, 15 in the first half.

Xavier will play Faulkner at 7 p.m. Monday at XU's Convocation Center in the second game of a doubleheader. The women of Xavier and Faulkner will meet at 5 p.m.

NOTES: Xavier has won 11 straight against Mobile and 14 of the last 15 . . . It was the first time since Nov. 27, 2010, that the Gold Rush won with 24 or fewer second-half points . . . Xavier has won 21 of its last 30 games on opponents' courts dating to February 2012.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

Friday, December 12, 2014

Morand Named SAU Permanent Head Football Coach

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- The Saint Augustine's University Department of Athletics has elevated Interim Head Football Coach Michael Morand to Permanent Head Football Coach on Friday, December 12, 2014. Morand is the second football coach at the University since the football program restarted in 2002.

"We are very pleased to have Coach Michael Morand as the new football coach at Saint Augustine's University," SAU Athletic Director George Williams said. "He will bring a lot of stability to the program and University and continue to guide and lead our student-athletes in a very positive manner academically and athletically."

Morand took over the Falcons football team after the first game of the 2014 season. The Falcons finished third in the CIAA Southern Division after they were picked fifth in the preseason. Their conference record tied for the sixth-best among 12 CIAA teams after they were predicted to be the ninth-best CIAA team in July 2014.

The Falcons produced three All-CIAA players under Morand's direction. Tailback Roderick Davenport was selected to the All-CIAA First Team while wide receiver/return specialist Claytin Lewis and offensive lineman Martize Smith were placed on the All-CIAA Second Team. In addition to the All-CIAA picks, seven Falcons were named to the All-CIAA Rookie Team including Lewis, who was selected CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Morand also earned two coaching accolades during the season. He was named CIAA Coach of the Week and USA College Football Division II National Coach of the Week.

"First of all, I would like to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity," Morand said. "I want to thank [Interim] President [Everett B.] Ward and Coach Williams for making my dream come true in naming me head football coach at this great university. I look forward to the football program building relationships with the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community.

"The goals that I set forth are to have a 100 percent graduation rate, mold young men and build a championship environment."

Morand was selected for the NCAA Expert Coaches Forum in Orlando, Fla., in 2009. The Forum teaches upcoming coaches how to become effective Head Football Coaches. Morand also participated in an internship in 2009 with the NFL's Houston Texans, where he worked closely with then Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The Texans ranked fourth in total offense and first in passing offense in the NFL that season.

In 2008, Morand was selected to attend the NCAA Coaches Academy in Indianapolis, Ind. The Academy was developed to train minorities for head coaching positions. He is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association, where he served on the AFCA committee for Professional Development.

Before coming to Saint Augustine's University, Morand worked in the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles training camp as a scouting assistant during the summer of 2014. In 2013, he was the Defensive Back Coach for the Omaha Beef of the Championship Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL), where he helped guide the team to the playoffs.

An Atlanta, Ga. native, Morand was the Defensive Quality Control Coach/Linebacker Coach in 2012 and the Offensive Quality Control/ Assistant Wide Receiver Coach in 2011 with the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League. He was the Co-Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at North Carolina A&T State University during the 2009-2010 season. He also served as the Director of Football Operations at A&T.

During his time at North Carolina A&T, Morand guided one of the top rushing attacks in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Before arriving at A&T, Morand served as the Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at Virginia State University in 2007 and 2008.

Under his direction in the 2007 season, Virginia State ranked second in scoring offense, total offense, red zone offense, and passing efficiency; and first in fourth down conversions in the CIAA. In the 2008 season, Morand coached the top-ranked running back and top-ranked wide receiver in the CIAA. Both players were ranked in the top 10 of their respective categories in NCAA Division II. During his two years as Offensive Coordinator, Morand produced six All-CIAA players, one third-team Don Hansen All-American and one CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Prior to his stint at Virginia State, Morand served as Running Backs Coach at Wingate University from 2004-2006. During his tenure at Wingate, Morand helped guide the team to a 21-11 record and several national Top 25 rankings.

In 2003, Morand helped start the Barber-Scotia College football program. He was the Assistant Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the team. In 2002, Morand was the Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at Livingstone College in addition to serving as Recruiting Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach. He coached two players to All-CIAA honors that season.

In 2001, Morand was at the University of West Georgia where he coached running back Nick Price, a Harlon Hill candidate. Morand also gained valuable experience coaching the complex West Coast Offense that season as the team compiled an 8-3 overall record.

Morand has coached four players who either played or are currently playing in the NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL). Offensive lineman Nathan Isles (North Carolina A&T) signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Wallace Miles (North Carolina A&T) signed a free agent contract with Detroit Lions. Defensive lineman William Hayes (Barber-Scotia) signed a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans and tight end Chris Conklin (Wingate) signed a free agent contract with Carolina Panthers.

During his collegiate playing days, Morand was the quarterback at Florida A&M University from 1996-1999. He was coached by the legendary Billy Joe, the fourth winningest NCAA Division I head football coach. With Morand at quarterback, Florida A&M won the MEAC Championship in 1996, the Co-MEAC Championship in 1998 and the Black College National Championship in 1998. The Rattlers participated in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs each year during Morand's career.

In high school, Morand helped Southwest DeKalb High School win the Georgia State Championship and earn a No. 11 national ranking in the USA Today poll.

Morand received a Bachelor of Science Degree at Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Specialization Sports Management at Nova Southeastern University.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Report: Joker Phillips a finalist for FAMU job

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Former University of Kentucky head football coach Joker Phillips is among the eight finalists in Florida A&M's search to fill the same role at the FCS school, the Tallahassee Democrat reported Wednesday night.

A committee narrowed down candidates at a meeting Wednesday and is expected to trim its list to three by Dec. 17, according to The Democrat's report.

Other finalists include Charlie Weatherbie (former Louisiana-Monroe coach), Willie Simmons (Alcorn State's offensive coordinator), Corey Fuller (FAMU's interim head coach), Latrell Scott (Virginia State head coach), Ester Junior III (former NFL player), Mark Orlando (Prairie View A&M offensive coordinator) and Tony Samuel (former Southeast Missouri State coach).

CONTINUE READING

Wrapping up the HBCU season in the MEAC and SWAC

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- It’s been an interesting season for HBCU football in the MEAC and SWAC. Both conferences have seen some new teams win championships for the first time in years.

Morgan State wasn’t supposed to grab a share of the MEAC title and land a spot in the FCS playoffs, but that’s exactly what happened this season. The Bears were predicted to finish 10th in the league, but they put together a magnificent season.

In the SWAC, Alcorn State won its first league championship since 1993. The Braves defeated Southern University to win the league crown. Now that the season is over, it’s time to recognize the top players and coaches in each conference.

CONTINUE READING

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Gold Nuggets drop one place to 19th in NAIA rankings

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana moved down one place to 19th Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25.

The Gold Nuggets (6-4), winner of four straight and five of their last six games, are in the top 25 for the 11th consecutive time and the 56th time in the last 59 polls.

Xavier opened the season with four consecutive games against preseason top-25 opponents. The Gold Nuggets won one of those, against then-No. 22 Mobile, then earned another victory at Mobile nearly three weeks later.

Xavier lost 68-66 at Bethel (Tenn.), which remained ninth, and 77-76 at a neutral site against Our Lady of the Lake, which dropped from 11th to 12th.

Xavier is one of eight schools with both basketball teams in the NAIA Division I top 25. The Gold Rush are 22nd. The other schools with both teams ranked are Campbellsville, Concordia (Calif.), Freed-Hardeman, Georgetown (Ky.), Lewis-Clark State, Oklahoma Baptist and Our Lady of the Lake.

Freed-Hardeman received 8-of-9 first-place votes to replace defending champion Oklahoma City at No. 1. Oklahoma City is second.

Next for Xavier will be a 5 p.m. Monday game at the Convocation Center against Faulkner, one of 13 teams in the "others receiving votes" category. Visiting Xavier at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 will be unbeaten city rival Loyola, which climbed from 11th to eighth.

The next poll will be announced Jan. 6.

The top 25:

1. Freed-Hardeman
2. Oklahoma City
3. Vanguard
4. Westminster (Utah)
5. Campbellsville
6. Wiley
7. Oklahoma Baptist
8. Loyola
9. Bethel (Tenn.)
10. Langston
11. Westmont
12. Our Lady of the Lake
13. Lewis-Clark State
14. Concordia (Calif.)
15. MidAmerica Nazarene
16. Cumberland
17. Montana State Northern
18. Shawnee State
19. Xavier
20. The Master's
21. Baker
22. Cumberlands
23. Lyon
24. Lindsey Wilson
25. Georgetown (Ky.)

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Virginia State coach talks with NSU about vacancy

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Virginia State coach Latrell Scott has been contacted by Norfolk State officials regarding the Spartans’ football coaching vacancy, VSU AD Peggy Davis confirmed Tuesday.

Scott informed VSU of the conversation as a matter of courtesy, Davis said, adding that Scott did not have to ask for permission to talk to NSU.

An NSU spokesman said the school couldn’t “confirm or deny anything” regarding Scott’s candidacy.

Scott, 39, is 19-4 overall and 15-0 in the CIAA in two seasons at VSU. He is a former head coach at Richmond and a former assistant at James Madison, Virginia, Tennessee, VMI and Western Carolina.

CONTINUE READING

Norfolk State considering Virginia State's Scott

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Virginia State football coach Latrell Scott is being considered for the Norfolk State job.

Scott, the University of Richmond’s former coach and a Lee-Davis High graduate, has led the Trojans to a two-year record of 19-4. This year, VSU advanced to the Division II playoffs and defeated LIU-Post in its first-ever home playoff game before being eliminated at Bloomsburg State in the second round.

Peggy Davis, Virginia state's director of athletics, said on Tuesday afternoon that Scott has informed her that Norfolk State representatives expressed interest in him discussing the job with them.

CONTINUE READING

No. 22 Gold Rush preserve NAIA's longest poll streak

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana dropped nine spots to 22nd Tuesday in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 but maintained its distinction as the school with the longest current streak of appearances.

The Gold Rush (8-4) are in the top 25 for the 39th consecutive time and the 52nd time in the last 53 polls. Xavier started its streak on Dec. 12, 2011.

Xavier is one of three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference teams in the top 25. Talladega is tied for sixth, and Philander Smith is 17th.

The Gold Rush will visit Mobile at 3 p.m. Saturday, then play Faulkner at 7 p.m. Monday at the Convocation Center in the second game of a doubleheader. Xavier will then play three in a row against top-10 teams: 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at No. 5 William Carey, 7 p.m. Dec. 30 at home against No. 9 Concordia (Calif.) and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Talladega.

Cal State San Marcos received 5-of-10 first-place votes and replaced defending champion Vanguard at No. 1. Hope International, which defeated Xavier in the first round of last season's national tournament, climbed from 10th to third.

The next poll will be announced Jan. 6.

The top 25:

1. Cal State San Marcos
2. Campbellsville
3. Hope International
4. Pikeville
5. William Carey
6. (tie) Talladega
6. (tie) Benedictine (Kan.)
8. Martin Methodist
9. Concordia (Calif.)
10. Freed-Hardeman
11. Oklahoma Baptist
12. LSU-Shreveport
13. (tie) Dalton State
13. (tie) Rocky Mountain
15. Georgetown (Ky.)
16. Wayland Baptist
17. Philander Smith
18. Texas Wesleyan
19. Arizona Christian
20. Our Lady of the Lake
21. Lewis-Clark State
22. Xavier
23. Southwestern Assemblies of God
24. Evangel
25. Culver-Stockton

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

XULAATHLETICS