NFL and SIAC Enter Officiating Agreement Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

ATLANTA, Georgia (9/24/15)-- The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced that it has signed an agreement that creates additional training and development opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the football officiating profession.

Specifically, the NFL will not only provide the SIAC with technical assistance in connection with conference officiating clinics, but also give feedback with regard to current officiating best practices. The SIAC will provide the NFL with access to all SIAC game video, evaluations of all SIAC officials, and provide officials from the NFL's Intermediate Development Program opportunities to officiate conference games.

SIAC commissioner Greg Moore remarked, "Two years ago, the SIAC was very proud to become the first NCAA conference to provide four outstanding young women with the historic opportunity to officiate a college football game. This agreement represents a natural extension of our league's demonstrated commitment to increasing the number of professional opportunities in intercollegiate athletics to individuals who otherwise would not have them. We are extremely proud to be working with the NFL to advance such an important initiative."

Alberto Riveron, NFL Senior Director of Officiating stated, "We are proud to assist the SIAC with its football officiating program. The SIAC is a conference rich in tradition. Its commitment to diversity and inclusion is second to none. Under the direction of Harold Mitchell, the SIAC's football officiating program has consistently demonstrated the ability to motivate and train officials to allow them to reach the highest levels of officiating. We look forward to a great partnership."

Harold Mitchell, SIAC Coordinator of Football Officials added, "Officiating expertise is enhanced by video study, on field training and classroom rules study. The partnership with the NFL will give the SIAC Football Officiating program a tremendous boost, both now and in the future."

ABOUT THE SIAC:

The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and includes fifteen member institutions (Albany State University, Benedict College, Central State University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Spring Hill College, Stillman College, and Tuskegee University). The SIAC sponsors six women's sports and seven men's sports. Last year 388,787 fans attended SIAC football games which led NCAA Division II in average football attendance.

Xavier Nuggets to open 2015-16 with 1st of 3 Florida trips

NEW ORLEANS — Thirteen home games, three trips to Florida and two games against NCAA Division I opponents are among the highlights of the 2015-16 Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball schedule.
    
Bo Browder, back for his 17th season as head coach of the Gold Nuggets, announced the schedule Wednesday.
    
The Gold Nuggets will travel to central Florida to open the season Oct. 31 at Webber International and Nov. 2 at Warner, the XU homecoming opponent a year ago. They'll return to south Florida the week before Christmas to make their second consecutive appearance in the Cruzin Classic, this time against Georgetown (Ky.) and Florida Memorial. The third trip to Florida will be to Jacksonville for a Feb. 20 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game against Edward Waters.
    
The Gold Nuggets will play at home four times in November, once in December, five times in January and three times in February, starting with a 6 p.m. exhibition Nov. 7 against NCAA Division II's LeMoyne-Owen. The first regular-season home game will tip off at 11 a.m. Nov. 21 against Eastern Oregon, a 26-game winner and an NAIA Division II National Tournament qualifier last season. The Mountaineers will be the Nuggets' homecoming opponent.
    
Xavier on Nov. 12 will visit NCAA DI's Louisiana-Lafayette for the third consecutive season and close the calendar year Dec. 29 at Northwestern State. It will be the first meeting of the Gold Nuggets and the Lady Demons since Xavier rallied from 13 down to win 54-53 at NSU on Nov. 16, 2007.
    
The Gold Nuggets will play four 2015 NAIA Division I National Championship qualifiers in November — Our Lady of the Lake and LSU-Shreveport in the LSUS Classic at Shreveport, La., Nov. 14-15 and Shawnee State and Langston in the Xavier Classic Nov. 26-27. Shawnee State, a first-time opponent, and Xavier will play Thanksgiving evening.
    
LSUS will visit Xavier Jan. 2.
    
Xavier will visit Auburn Montgomery and Faulkner Dec. 4-5. It will be the first meeting between the Gold Nuggets and AUM since Feb. 15, 1999, during Browder's first season as head coach.
    
Xavier will visit city rival Loyola, a 27-game winner and NAIA tourney qualifier last season, Feb. 17. Longtime rival William Carey will visit Xavier Feb. 11 and returns to the schedule after a year's absence.
    
The Gold Nuggets, second in the GCAC regular season and tournament a year ago, will open their conference schedule Jan. 4 at home against Edward Waters. SUNO, which won the GCAC regular season and tournament and reached the second round at nationals, will play host to the Nuggets Feb. 1 and visit Xavier Feb. 15.
    
Xavier will play its other GCAC city rival, Dillard, Feb. 6 at XU in the Crosstown Classic and Feb. 27 at Dillard's Dent Hall. The first meeting will be played on Endymion Saturday, one of the prime days of Carnival.
    
The GCAC Tournament will be March 4-6 in New Orleans. The winner will receive an automatic bid to the NAIA Division I National Championship March 16-22 at Independence, Mo., a Kansas City suburb. The Gold Nuggets narrowly missed a bid to nationals a year ago — just the third time in the last 21 seasons they failed to qualify.
    
Xavier, 18-15 overall and 9-5 in the GCAC in 2014-15, returns the majority of its letterwomen, including senior all-star point guard Whitney Gathright. Browder is 390-142 at Xavier and the program's all-time winningest coach. This will be Xavier's fourth season in the Convocation Center, a $25 million facility which seats nearly 4,000.

Xavier University of Louisiana
2015-16 Women's Basketball Schedule
Oct. 31 (Sat.):  at Webber International, 5 p.m. EDT
Nov. 2 (Mon.):  at Warner, 7 p.m. EST
Nov. 7 (Sat.):  LeMOYNE-OWEN (DH), 6 p.m. (exhibition)
Nov. 12 (Thu.):  at Louisiana-Lafayette, 7 p.m.
Nov. 14 (Sat.):  Our Lady of the Lake, 2 p.m. (LSUS Classic, Shreveport, La.)
Nov. 15 (Sun.):  at LSU-Shreveport, 4 p.m. (LSUS Classic, Shreveport, La.)
Nov. 21 (Sat.):  EASTERN OREGON (DH), 11 a.m. (Homecoming)
Nov. 26 (Thu.):  SHAWNEE STATE, 7 p.m. (Xavier Classic)
Nov. 27 (Fri.):  LANGSTON, 4 p.m. (Xavier Classic)
Dec. 1 (Tue.):  MOBILE (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 (Fri.):  at Auburn Montgomery, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 (Sat.):  at Faulkner, 4 p.m.
Dec. 17 (Thu.):  Florida Memorial, TBA (Cruzin Classic, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Dec. 18 (Fri.):  Georgetown (Ky.), TBA (Cruzin Classic, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Dec. 29 (Tue.):  at Northwestern State, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 2 (Sat.):  LSU-SHREVEPORT, 3 p.m.
Jan. 4 (Mon.):  •  EDWARD WATERS (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 (Mon.):  •  PHILANDER SMITH (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 13 (Wed.):  at Mobile, 6 p.m.
Jan. 16 (Sat.):  •  at Talladega (DH), 3 p.m.
Jan. 18 (Mon.):  •  TOUGALOO (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 23 (Sat.):  •  at Philander Smith (DH), 2 p.m.
Jan. 25 (Mon.):  •  TALLADEGA (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 (Mon.):  •  at SUNO (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 (Sat.):  •  DILLARD (DH), 3 p.m. (Crosstown Classic)
Feb. 11 (Thu.):  WILLIAM CAREY (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 (Mon.):  •  SUNO (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 17 (Wed.):  at Loyola, 7 p.m.
Feb. 20 (Sat.):  •  at Edward Waters (DH), 3 p.m. EST
Feb. 22 (Mon.):  •  at Tougaloo (DH), 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 27 (Sat.):  •  at Dillard (DH), 3 p.m.
March 4-6 (Fri.-Sun.):  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament, New Orleans
March 16-22 (Wed.-Tue.):  NAIA Division I National Championship, Independence, Mo.

Home games in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS
•  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game
All times are Central except where noted
Schedule is subject to change

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold

18th-ranked Tuskegee Golden Tigers Hit Road for SIAC Opener

TUSKEGEE, Alabama | After playing three consecutive non-conference games to open the 2015 campaign, the 18th-ranked Tuskegee University Golden Tigers will hit the road to face Lane College in their SIAC opener Saturday afternoon.

The game is schedule for a 2 pm kickoff in Jackson, Tenn. and can be seen/heard on the Tuskegee Sports Network.

Tuskegee (3-0) will be looking to win their conference opener for the fourth consecutive season, with the last loss coming in 2011 to Stillman. They will be looking to do so against Lane (1-2) who is looking for their first win in school history against Tuskegee, and is coming off of a 7-3 loss to FCS-member Bethune-Cookman last weekend.

However, none of those numbers matter when the two teams line up and play on Saturday afternoon.



"You can't take anyone lightly," Tuskegee junior quarterback Kevin Lacey said. "Football starts 0-0, so no one is ahead. It doesn't matter how many times you beat someone, you can always lose any day. It is anyone's game, you just have to come out and execute to your potential and whatever happens."

The Golden Tigers rank as one of the best defenses in the country this season as they enter the contest on Saturday. They are currently in the top 15 in several categories which include defensive touchdowns (tied for first), passing efficiency defense (fourth), interceptions (fifth), red zone defense (sixth), scoring defense (eighth), turnovers (13th) and turnovers gained (15th).

They will be facing one of the top offenses in the SIAC this weekend in Lane, as the Dragons lead the league in third down percentage (.679), first downs (65), rushing offense (235.0 ypg) and turnovers lost (four).

"They have a really good quarterback and all of their skill guys are back this year," Tuskegee defensive coordinator Joseph Carter said. "They have built around that, it is going to be interesting to see. They do a lot of motion with receivers and try to outnumber you like that before they snap the ball.



"It will be tempo again. This team will be one of the fastest we have faced up until now, and they will check it from the sideline. It means the coaches will get a chance to see what defense they think we are in, and make the perfect call. That is the challenge."

However, the Golden Tigers offense moved the ball last week as they ran 10 more plays than Winston-Salem State and outgained the Rams by 139 yards.

"We did better and I think we are getting better," Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater said. "We were able to drive the ball down the field, particularly the drive to start the second half. I thought that was a key drive in the game. We didn't have a lot of turnovers, we had the turnover late which was bad.

"The defense came out there and only gave up three points on the turnover. It ended up being a positive thing because they were able to hold them to just three points."

Tuskegee will need the positive on both sides of the ball as they play their first "true" road game of the season this week. The Golden Tigers have been on the road already once this year, but not in a hostile environment.

"We just have to maintain the focus that we have had this season," Lacey said. "We have a long drive to Jackson, distractions are really not good. You don't want any distractions, you have to carry the focus from Tuskegee to Jackson."

Slater has reminded the guys about this week's game and what it can mean for the program.

"I spoke to the players this morning," Slater said. "I know how bad we wanted to beat Winston-Salem State and in turn I know that is how bad they want to beat us. We better have our A game when we go up there.

"Once we leave here, it's just us. Everything is just us. There are no distractions at all. When we play at home we leave on Friday, but up until that point there are a lot of distractions. We try to get them back in and on tune. But when we leave on a road trip, we don't have distractions like that and guys seem to gel a little bit better."

The Golden Tigers depart on Friday as they head to Jackson, Tennessee to face Lane.

For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter @MyTUAthletics and like us on Facebook.

COURTESY TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME NOTES: No. 5 DSU set to face Albany State Golden Rams Saturday

COURTESY DELTA STATE ATHLETICS

CLEVELAND, Mississippi - No. 5/6 Delta State (3-0, 0-0 GSC) welcomes in-region rival Albany State University (1-2, 1-1 SIAC) to Parker Field-McCool Stadium for the first time in regular season series history. The Statesmen and Golden Rams are set for a 2 p.m. kickoff. Matt Jones, Mark Williams, Lane Quinton and Philip Tang will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network at 1 p.m. with Statesman Game Day Live.

GAME NOTES: Albany State (1-2) at No. 5 Delta State (3-0)
Complete weekly release with notes, stats, rankings and more in PDF format.

STATESMEN FOOTBALL GAME DAY
Date/Location:	Sept. 26, 2015 | Parker Field-McCool Stadium | Cleveland, Miss.
Kickoff Time:	2 p.m. CST
Radio:	Statesmen Sports Network | Matt Jones (PxP), Mark Williams (Color), Philip Tang (Producer/Host), and Lane Quinton (Sidelines)
Rankings:	Delta State: No. 5 - AFCA | No. 6 - D2Football.com Albany State: NR - AFCA | NR - D2Football.com
Series History:	Second Meeting | DSU leads series 1-0 Last Meeting: W, 28-7 - Dec. 4, 2010 (NCAA Qtrs)
Coaches:	Delta State: Todd Cooley (19-5, 3rd season) Albany State: Dan Land (1-2, 1st season)
Live Audio:	Statesmen Sports Network (Click Here)
Live Stats:	DSU Live Stats (Click Here)
Live Video:	DSU Web Stream (Click Here)

INSIDE THE SERIES: While the Statesmen and Golden Rams will meet for the second time on the gridiron Saturday, Sept. 26, it's the first time the two schools have met in the regular season. In the first meeting between the Super Region II powers, the Statesmen defeated ASU 28-7 in the NCAA Quarterfinals on Dec. 4, 2010 at The Coliseum in Albany, Georgia. DSU finished the day with 348 yards of total offense on 66 plays, including 156 yards rushing. The Statesmen held the ASU "Gold Rush" offense to 307 yards on the day, while shutting down its power run game to the tune of 104 yards on 33 carries.

LAST TIME OUT: Delta State University held Kentucky Wesleyan to just 194 total yards in a 51-18 victory on Pig Pickin', Saturday night at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The Statesmen forced five turnovers, including a season-high four interceptions in the victory. KWC managed to rush for a mere eight yards on 33 carries, while passing for 186 yards on 18 completions. Junior running back D'Juan Bellaire rushed for a career-high three touchdowns to pace the Statesmen.

PACING THE GSC: Delta State enters Saturday's contest with Albany State leading the Gulf South Conference in scoring at 50.0 points per game. Led by Tyler Sullivan's 340.3 yards per contest, the Statesmen also lead the league in passing (379.7 ypg). DSU also tops the league's charts for interceptions (8) and sacks (8.0).

PULLING THEM DOWN: With four receivers ranked in the GSC's top 10, DSU's passing offense has been nearly unstoppable this season. Jarvis York and Justin Leavy rank No. 2 and No. 3 respectively in receptions entering the weekend, while Patrick Bethley sits at No. 6 and Darius Powell at No. 8.   

AGAINST NONCONFERENCE FOES: The Statesmen face their 11th nonconference opponent under Todd Cooley, as Delta State welcomes Albany State to Parker-McCool. Cooley and the Statesmen have posted a 9-1 record against nonconference foes, including a 51-44 win at Texas A&M-Commerce and a 51-18 thumping of Kentucky Wesleyan last week. Cooley's lone nonconference loss came at the hands of TAMUC, 45-37, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas on Sept. 13, 2013. Delta State is an unblemished 6-0 against out of conference opponents at Parker Field-McCool Stadium under Cooley.

BECKWITH PACES BALL HAWKS: Junior safety Joreco Beckwith has shown early on this season why many in the GSC consider him one of the best defensive backs in the league. The Winnsboro, Louisiana native is pacing the Statesmen with 17 tackles and leads the GSC in interceptions with three. 

GSC PREDICTIONS: Delta State was picked to finish second in the annual Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll behind league favorite West Georgia. UWG is the first team other than Delta State, North Alabama and Valdosta State to top the poll since 2000 when former league member Southern Arkansas finished first. The Statesmen placed five Preseason All-GSC honorees in Mose Countryman, Randall Boyd, Wilson Curtis, Romelo Wilson, and Richard Nash.



COURTESY DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU launches new 'Strike' app, AD excited for first home game

COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M University's athletics department Wednesday announced the creation of the new "Strike" app, which will give users digital game day content.

The app, which is free and available in the Apple store (Adobe and uses Adobe's Digital Publishing Solution (DPS). FAMU is the first HBCU to use the technology to create a game day app, according to university officials.  Google Play will be added before the end of the week), is the product of FAMU's recent partnership with

The Mirum Agency, a Miami-based design company that helped create last year's Super Bowl app, helped to design the app.

"This is not just for football," said Sports Information Director Vaughn Wilson. "This is for everybody."

FAMU Strike Mobile is being called an expansion of the printed edition of "FAMU Strike," which is distributed at home games for $5. Athletic Director Milton Overton said the application is the start of the athletic department's digital marketing campaign. Overton used DPS while at Alabama and said it was a great success for the Crimson Tide.

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Energetic Nate Newton shares stories on career, life after NFL

FAMU head football coach Alex Wood and former Rattler and Dallas Cowboy
great Nate Newton headline this Tuesday evening’s meeting of
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club at The University Center Club at Florida State.

COURTESY: Tallahassee Quarterback Club

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Former Florida A&M and and Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton turned plenty of heads while speaking at the Tallahassee Quarterback Club.

Newton, who won three Super Bowls while on the Cowboys’ O-line, didn’t stand at a podium to deliver his message Tuesday evening. After embracing new FAMU football coach Alex Wood, Newton took off his gray blazer, stepped away from his place at the speakers’ table and walked through the audience.

“I don’t know much about FAMU football,” he said to Wood before beginning his nearly 40-minute long talk.

“I left, went to the pros and that’s where I’ve been for the last however many years. You’ve got a tremendous job ahead of you. You do whatever it takes. Understand that people are wishy-washy.”

Newton mentioned a few coaches who inspired him while he played football. He played at FAMU from 1980 until 1983, while Rudy Hubbard was still the Rattlers’ head coach.

To Wood, Newton said, “Tom Landry, no matter what anybody said, he stayed the course. Jimmy Johnson, no matter what anybody said, he stayed the course. You stay the course and you’ll be successful.”



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Game Day Central: FAMU vs TSU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – The Florida A&M Rattlers will take on the Tigers of Tennessee State on Sat., Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. in Bragg Memorial Stadium. The game will mark the 40th anniversary of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame. It is also Parent's Weekend on campus. The FAMU freshman class will represent with a field rush during the Marching "100's" pre-game performance. The TSU "Aristocrat of Bands" will be in attendance and perform at halftime of the game.

Of particular concern is the traffic pattern approaching Bragg Stadium. The Railroad Ave./Wahnish Way approach from the North will be hampered by a construction project for FAMU Way. We suggest that travelers go from Adams Street and Monroe Street to Orange Avenue and approach from the south. The Tallahassee Police Department and FAMU Campus Safety will both engage fans to assist in the traffic pattern.

In addition, fans will enter the stadium from Wahnish Way this season. That is a departure from the traditional Perry Street entrance. It will provide a more festive and safe entry experience.

FAMU Game Notes vs TSU

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COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former Denton Ryan kicker finds comfort zone, is perfect so far this year at Grambling

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GRAMBLING STATE (1-2, 1-0 SWAC) VS. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (2-1, 0-2) 4 p.m. Saturday, Cotton Bowl (No TV)

DALLAS, Texas -- A year ago, Grambling State kicker Marc Orozco trotted off the Cotton Bowl field moments after kicking a field goal, one of two 3-pointers that were the deciding points in his team's 26-20 victory over Prairie View A&M.

Like he usually does, Orozco checked the stands behind the Grambling State bench, making sure to make eye contact with his dad, Edwin, checking for his approval.

"Whether he disliked or liked the kick," Orozco said.

Edwin, 47, said he smiled but was "kinda crying a little bit. It made me real happy, made me proud.

"Everything we've been working on together, from then to now ... his dream is coming true."

Orozco again will be the kicker for Grambling State when it faces Prairie View A&M at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic at the Cotton Bowl.



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Enjoying the game again: David Watford reflects on transfer to HU

NORFOLK. Virginia -- David Watford allows himself to wonder what might have been had he stayed put.

The former University of Virginia quarterback, ultimately relegated to third string and the occasional appearance at wide receiver after a full season as the Cavaliers' starter, can't help but imagine his fate if he hadn't transferred to Hampton for his senior season.

"I did think about that the other day," Watford said this week. "It really crossed my mind. If I would've stayed, what would I have been doing right now, and what would be my role on the team? I'm very excited with the decision I made to come here and accept a new role."



The Pirates (2-1, 1-0 MEAC), who visit local rival Norfolk State on Saturday, couldn't be happier to have him.

The 6-foot-2, 212-pound Watford has completed 61 of 106 passes (57.6 percent) for 853 yards and nine touchdowns while leading his rejuvenated hometown team.

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Tsumura: B.C. Lions’ backup QB Greg McGhee has impressive physical credentials

Mentored by former understudy to Als’ Anthony Calvillo, Greg McGhee has 4.5-second speed, 39-inch vertical leap.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Late last February, as newly hired B.C. Lions head coach Jeff Tedford did the work needed to fortify the team’s depth chart at quarterback, he addressed the signing of Greg McGhee, a young prospect out of Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“I’m not saying this is the start of a big youth run,” Tedford said then. “It’s just good to have young quarterbacks.”

Well, on the first fall weekend of the CFL season, it looks as if the youth run has officially begun.



When the Lions kick off in Edmonton against the Eskimos on Saturday afternoon, 23-year-old Jonathon Jennings will make his first professional start at the pivot position.

Right behind him on the depth chart, and 124 days younger, will be the 22-year-old McGhee, who at this time last season was early in his senior season at Howard, preparing the Bison for a home game against North Carolina A&T.

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Bears, Bison set for Chicago Football Classic

CHICAGO, Illinois -- The Chicago Football Classic traditionally features an atmosphere unlike most FCS venues, including a college fair, tailgate and battle of the bands. The 18th version Saturday is set on another big stage at Soldier Field, completing an all-around experience for the fan.

Then there is the football, something this year's two teams would like to enjoy for once.

The neutral-site game between historically black schools features two struggling Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference teams that hope a conference victory in the spotlight can spark their seasons.

Morgan State and Howard have trudged through the first three weeks of the season, muddled by issues on the field and off.

Howard (0-3, 0-1) lost its first two games against FBS opponents by a combined 125-0 and dropped its conference opener 37-19 to rival Hampton in last week's AT&T Nation's Football Classic. The Bison were outgained 1,160-183 in losses of 49-0 and 76-0 to Appalachian State and Boston College, respectively, before losing the yardage battle 460-333 to Hampton.

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Cooper ready, willing to lead WSSU Rams

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Rashad Cooper has just enough cockiness to make him dangerous.

Maybe that’s what Winston-Salem State needs from its freshman quarterback heading into conference play.

Cooper, the first true freshman to play at quarterback for WSSU since 2001 when Josh McGee came over from West Forsyth, is a 5-foot-8, 175-pound work in progress. That work started Saturday when he saw his first action as a college player in a 28-13 loss at Tuskegee.



“Not really,” Cooper said when asked if he was nervous. “I just thought of it as football and something I’ve been doing for most of my life. I know it’s a little faster in college, but I just came out to play my game.”

Cooper then said something that might be the reason offensive coordinator John Eder and quarterbacks coach Jason Mai decided to give him a shot.

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Rivals clash in a new-look “Battle of the Bay”

NORFOLK, Virginia – There seems to be a bit of a new feel to a good ole’ fashion rivalry. Saturday’s clash between Norfolk State and Hampton will feature a new head coach on one side, a head coach in his second year on the other, and opposing quarterbacks playing in the game for the first time.

For the Spartans (0-3), it will be Grank Hankerson, the transfer from Florida Atlantic, commanding the offense, while Hampton High School graduate David Watford will lead the Pirates (2-1).

“I’ve experienced the whole atmosphere, and how the crowds are and how exciting the game is. I’ve experienced it, and just to be able to play in it for the first time is very big for me. I’m very excited about that,” said Watford, who was named the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

Watford transferred from the University of Virginia, and has since helped turn the Pirates into the top scoring offense in the MEAC (33 points per game).




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B-CU's Sims expecting tough test from Savannah State in MEAC opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman football coach Terry Sims presented himself as an optimist at his Wednesday press conference.

There are two ways to look at his Bethune-Cookman Wildcats' 7-3 win over Lane last week — focus on the fact that they only scored once or the fact that they managed to hold Lane to just a field goal.

Glass half empty. Glass half full.

It took Sims little time to evoke the concept of "half full” on the small group of reporters assembled in front of him, as he said that he couldn't be happier with the way his defense is playing heading into Saturday's 4 p.m. MEAC opener against Savannah State at Municipal Stadium.



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Jackson wants Ivy to protect himself

JACKSON, Mississippi -- LaMontiez Ivy ranks in the top 10 in the FCS in passing yards, passing yards per game and passing touchdowns.

Ivy has been sacked 11 times through three games this season and leads Jackson State in carries with 30.

After Ivy took quite a few hits against Southern on Saturday, coach Harold Jackson wants his quarterback to do a better job of protecting his body.

“I keep telling him, he’s got to be smarter than what he’s been playing,” Jackson said. “When the (play) is (not there), you have to go down. And he realizes he’s got to go down instead of taking that beating. I know he feels he’s a big guy and all that, but big guys take a beating also.”

Ivy, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, contends he’s just trying to make something happen during those plays, but agreed with his coach.

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Hampton will be Spartans' first FCS foe this season

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Finally three-fourths of the way through what's likely as tough a stretch of scheduling as any FCS team has endured this season, Norfolk State could finally get some welcome relief.

Or at least a fair fight.

After losses to FBS teams Rutgers, Old Dominion and Marshall, the Spartans (0-3) play their home opener Saturday against MEAC rival Hampton. And though the improved Pirates (2-1, 1-0) are no pushovers, they're not flush with the advantages of playing in the Big Ten or Conference USA.

"I'm not excited to be playing Hampton, but I'm excited to be playing FCS football," first-year NSU coach Latrell Scott said. "The first three weeks of the season have been a challenge. It's been tough."

How tough? Despite holding short-lived leads in their first three games, the Spartans have been outscored 132-30. An offense with a goal of 30 points per game has managed three TDs and hasn't scored a second-half point.

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DeMasi fitting in well at Savannah State

 Russell DeMasi 

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- All Russell DeMasi wanted in this business was an opportunity. And at Savannah State, you can get anywhere from here.

So the former Savannah Christian star and Georgia Southern jack-of-all trades now shares his wealth of football knowledge — albeit from just 25 years on this earth — with the Savannah State Tigers quarterbacks.

It’s his first full-time coaching job and overtime pay should be in order. SSU is expected to go into Saturday’s game with Bethune-Cookman — the Tigers’ third game of the season — with its third starting quarterback, Arshon Spaulding.

“Just being from Savannah, you heard some things that weren’t very good about Savannah State,” DeMasi said. “I look at it as I want to build something and help a place that hasn’t been up for awhile.”

DeMasi might be mostly associated with option football, quarterbacking both option-heavy Savannah Christian and Georgia Southern, but he’s been amid a smorgasbord of offensive philosophies throughout his life.

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Livingstone football twins making an impact

SALISBURY,  North Carolina – Livingstone senior wide receiver Jalen Hendricks has contributed to the football program in many well-known ways. Hendricks has caught a lot of passes for a lot of yards during his career and in 2014, was the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year.

What most people don’t know is that Hendricks contributed in another way — he helped recruit two starters on this year’s squad.

Twins Jarius and Jarod Richardson played with Hendricks at Nash Central High School (Nashville, N.C.) and were juniors when the future Blue Bears’ receiver was a senior.

After graduating from Nash Central in 2013, the Richardsons enrolled at Paine College in Augusta, Ga., and were members of that school’s first year football program. They played that first year, which amounted to little more than a freshman schedule, and then in 2014, when four-year schools were added.

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HU's offense leads MEAC but needs to cut back on turnovers against Norfolk State

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton University’s offense was expected to be highly productive this season, and it has been. Three games in, the Pirates are averaging 33.3 points and 404 yards per game — both first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

HU couldn’t be much more efficient in the red zone. In 11 trips inside the 20-yard line, the Pirates have nine touchdowns and one field goal. They’re converting 55 percent of their third-down chances, fifth in the nation.

For the Pirates, that’s all good news. But Hampton has seven turnovers this season, four coming in last week’s 37-19 win over Howard.

And HU coach Connell Maynor knows that can’t happen Saturday against Norfolk State.

“When you play a good football team, you definitely can’t afford to turn the ball over, and definitely not four times,” he said. “Norfolk State has a good defense, and if we turn the ball over four times against them, I’d be lying if I said I thought we’d win the football game.

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No offense means no wins for ASU

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The season hasn’t been rosy for Alabama State thus far. The Hornets haven’t been able to see the positive results of their hard work.

Alabama State (0-3, 0-2 SWAC) has been shut down in back-to-back home games and now must win Saturday to avoid its first winless September since 2001 (two losses, two forfeits).

During Monday’s SWAC teleconference, Hornets head coach Brian Jenkins said his team has yet to play a full game this season.

Alabama State has lost all three games by double digits after scoring first in each outing. The Hornets have outscored their opponents 21-7 in the first quarter, but have been outscored 48-7 during the final three quarters.

SWAC TELECONFERENCE: Alabama State - Brian Jenkins



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XU Gold Nuggets hit .359, dominate Dillard at home

Gold Nuggets hit .359, dominate Dillard at home

NEW ORLEANS — Taylor Reuther hit a season-high .556 with 11 kills and 14 digs Tuesday, leading Xavier University of Louisiana in a 25-16, 25-11, 25-15 victory against city rival Dillard.
    
The Gold Nuggets (8-4, 4-0 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) won for the sixth straight time. They extended their streak of consecutive regular-season conference victories to 52, the longest active streak in NAIA women's volleyball and ninth-longest all-time. Xavier has won 63 straight — including conference tournaments — against GCAC opponents and 62 in a row against HBCUs.
     
The attendance of 511 was Xavier's largest for a home match since it revived its program in 2010. This is the Gold Nuggets' third season in the Convocation Center.
     
Reuther, a senior and a three-time first-team All-GCAC outside hitter, had five kills and six digs in the first set en route to her fourth double-double of the season. She reached double figures in kills for the fourth time this season and in digs for the seventh time.

Happy birthday to @_ ClaudiaAnn, the 2015
@ gulfcoastaconf Preseason Co-Player of the Year.

    
Claudia Haywood had a season-high-tying nine kills for Xavier, and freshman Ruby Hunt-Thompsonhad nine kills and hit a season-best .692. Darian Harris had 13 digs, and CeCe Williams had 12.Franziska Pirkl had 27 assists, all in the first two sets, and Ralitsa Hadzhistoyanova had 10 — the fourth consecutive match and the fifth time in six matches that both reached double figures. Freshman Sarah Pitts-Groce had a season-high three blocks.
    
Chelsea Wilkinson had five kills for Dillard (2-10, 1-1). Demetria Horton had 14 digs, and Maya Lealaimatafao had three blocks.

Xavier led 17-7 in the first set and 19-7 in the second. A Kayla Jones ace ended the match.
     
The Gold Nuggets allowed their fewest-ever points to the Lady Bleu Devils. Xavier hit .359 — the fourth consecutive match it reached a season high — and limited Dillard to .009. Xavier had advantages of 46-20 in kills and 59-45 in digs.
     
Xavier defeated Dillard for the 12th consecutive time and leads the series 12-7. They'll meet again Nov. 9 at Dillard's Dent Hall to close the regular season.
     
Next for the Gold Nuggets will be a 6 p.m. Friday GCAC match at another city rival, SUNO.

Box Score

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Dwight Floyd Commentary: No Easy Games for FAMU in Sept.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- If the Alabama State Hornets are any indication it takes more than a coaching wiz to turn a program around.
Brian Jenkins, who went 46-14 while at Bethune Cookman has yet to win a game in three tries at ASU.

Texas certainly has one of America’s most outstanding coaches for building programs in Charlie Strong. Before Texas he took Louisville from nowheresville to being a conference contender. In his second year at Texas his team continued to struggle until . . . until they found a quarterback, who could consistently make big plays and pose a threat.

Before new athletic director Milton Overton arrived on campus, head coach Alex Wood had already begun to follow the motto of “Success in the classroom, on the field, and then in life.” There are not that many sports programs anywhere as genuinely committed. He didn’t arrive in time to recruit and relied on the interim head coach for help in bringing in a recruiting class. That meant he didn’t have time to evaluate the team and recruit based on need.

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Melodie Malone earns SWAC Player of the Week honors

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Junior outside hitter Melodie Malone earned SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honor after helping Southern record its first win of 2015.

Malone, who posted 22 kills in eight games last week, helped Southern University volleyball secure a 3-2 road win over Grambling State Monday night. The Fort Worth, Texas native tied for a game high 16 kills as the Lady Jaguars overcame a 2-1 deficit before winning the final two sets 25-12, 15-5
Alabama State’s Riley MacDonald, Scout Wonsang and Kimeko Bennett join Malone as volleyball players of the week for their outstanding performance in competition from Sept. 16-22.

Offensive Player of the Week
Melodie Malone
Southern University
Outside Hitter • 5-6 • Jr. • Fort Worth, Texas
Malone delivered a 16-kill performance against Grambling to lead Southern to its first win of 2015. In two matches, Malone posted 22 kills and a .333 attack percentage as the Jaguars went 1-1. She also added four assists and six digs.

Defensive Player of the Week
Scout Wonsang
Alabama State
Middle Hitter • 6-0 • Sr. • Memphis, Tenn.
Wonsang had a team-best 63 digs, for a 3.71 digs-per-set average in four matches this past week against Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Louisiana Tech, Central Arkansas and South Alabama. Wonsang had 18 digs in the win against Louisiana Tech.

Setter of the Week
Riley MacDonald
Alabama State
Setter • 5-10 • Fr. • Frisco, Texas
MacDonald had a team-high 101 assists, averaging 5.94 assists-per-set, in four matches last week. She tied a career-high with 29 assists against both Texas A&M Corpus Christi and Louisiana Tech. This is MacDonald’s second weekly award after collecting Newcomer of the Week honor on Sept. 9.

Newcomer of the Week
Kimeko Bennett
Alabama State
Right Side • 6-2 • Fr. • Hollywood, Fla.
Bennett, collecting her second-straight weekly honor, had 29 kills and 10 blocks in four matches this past week against Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Louisiana Tech, Central Arkansas and South Alabama. Bennett tied a season-high with 12 kills against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

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HBCU rivalry opens Texas State Fair season: PVAMU vs. GSU

DALLAS, Texas -- The Texas-Oklahoma game is usually the centerpiece of the Texas State Fair, but there's another game that draws just as many fans and just as much attention to Dallas' Cotton Bowl Stadium.

The State Fair Classic game between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M is easily one of mostly highly anticipated games of the season. The two Historically Black [Colleges and] Universities have a long standing rivalry between them.



Even during winless seasons the teams draw record crowds to the State Fair of Texas. The contest between the bands is just as intense as the play on the field. In fact, the halftime show for this game is actually longer to allow both bands to perform elaborate and highly entertaining routines.

More often than not, fans show up for the first half and leave after the band performances conclude so that they enjoy the Midway fare and attempt to beat the traffic and attend the myriad of events following the game.

But don't let that sour you on the game. Historically black colleges rarely get a platform like this, so the game itself -- regardless of the records -- is a big deal for the members of the Grambling and Prairie View communities.

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Winless Jackson State seeks strong home cooking

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State's home opener is considered a reunion.

The winless Tigers (0-3, 0-1) entertain Texas Southern at 6 p.m. Saturday night at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Texas Southern is coached by former Jackson State quarterback Darrell Asberry.  John Shannon, a former Biloxi High school coach, is a former offensive coordinator at Jackson State.

Asberry, Jackson State's MVP in 1994, downplayed his return to the state's Capitol. Asberry is in his fifth year as Texas Southern's coach.

"The first couple of years it did affect me, but now it's just another game for us," Asberry said in a Teleconference call. In a hostile environment, we need to execute and play well."

Jackson State coach Harold Jackson has a simple solution for the Tigers.

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