SSU Announces 2015-16 Men’s Basketball Schedule

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- Savannah State University head men's basketball coach Horace Broadnax has released the Tigers 2015-16 schedule.

Highlighting the schedule are 14 regular-season home games in Tiger Arena.

The Tigers will play teams from nine Division I conferences (Mid-Eastern Athletic, Big South, Sun Belt, Southeastern, Ohio Valley, Southwestern, PAC-12 and the Big 12) that will take them to nine different states (Oregon, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Utah, Missouri, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina) as well as the District of Columbia.

Once again, Broadnax has put together a tough non-conference slate which includes road games at Oregon, Baylor, Utah and Missouri.

Broadnax is beginning his 11^th season as head coach of the Tigers.

Savannah State begins the regular season with a trio of home games against Florida National (Nov. 13), Campbell (Nov. 16) and Arkansas State (Nov. 18).

The Tigers will then take a four-game road swing at Oregon (Nov. 20), Baylor (Nov. 23), Jackson State (Nov 27) and South Florida (Nov. 29).

SSU starts the month of December at home with regional rival Georgia Southern (Dec. 2) as well as a game with Eastern Kentucky (Dec. 5). A road game at Utah (Dec. 16) closes out the 2015 portion of the schedule.

A trip to Missouri (Jan. 2) starts off 2016 for the Tigers.

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) competition starts on Jan. 5 with a trip to at Florida A&M in Tallahassee, Fla.

Following a four-game home stand where SSU plays North Carolina A&T State (Jan. 9), North Carolina Central (Jan. 11), Maryland-Eastern Shore (Jan. 16) and Delaware State (Jan. 18), the Tigers hit the road for four contests at Hampton (Jan. 23), Norfolk State (Jan. 25), North Carolina A&T State (Jan. 30) and Bethune-Cookman (February 2).

Savannah State returns home on Feb. 6 and 8 for games against Morgan State and Coppin State before returning to the road to play at South Carolina State (Feb. 13) and Howard (Feb. 20).

The Tigers will take a break from MEAC play to host Allen on Feb. 23.

South Carolina State will come to Tiger Arena on Feb. 27, followed by a road trip to North Carolina Central on Feb. 29.

Savannah State will close out the regular season with a home game against Florida A&M on March 3.

The MEAC tournament will take place March 7-12 in Norfolk, Va.

Savannah State, which is coming off of a 9-22 season, make their 2015-16 debut with home exhibition contests against local rival Armstrong State (Nov. 3) and Limestone (Nov. 10).

SSU Men's Basketball Schedule 2015

Date	Opponent	Location	Time/Result
11/3/2015	Armstrong State University (Exh.)	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
11/10/2015	Clark Atlanta University (Exh.)	Savannah, Ga.	7 p.m.
11/13/2015	Florida National University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
11/16/2015	Campbell University	Savannah, Ga.	7 p.m.
11/18/2015	Arkansas State University	Savannah, Ga.	7 p.m.
11/20/2015	University of Oregon	Eugene, OR	8 p.m. (PT)
11/23/2015	Baylor University	Waco, TX	TBA
11/27/2015	Jacksonville State University	Jacksonville, AL	7 p.m. (CT)
11/29/2015	University of South Florida	Tampa, FL	2 p.m.
12/2/2015	Georgia Southern University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
12/5/2015	Eastern Kentucky University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
12/16/2015	University of Utah	Salt Lake City, UT	TBA
1/2/2016	University of Missouri	Columbia, MO	TBA
1/5/2016	Florida A&M University	Tallahassee, FL	TBA
1/9/2016	North Carolina A&T State University	Savannah, Ga.	6 p.m.
1/11/2016	North Carolina Central University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
1/16/2016	University of Maryland Eastern Shore	Savannah, Ga.	6 p.m.
1/18/2016	Delaware State University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
1/23/2016	Hampton University	Hampton, VA	6 p.m.
1/25/2016	Norfolk State University	Norfolk, VA	8 p.m.
1/30/2016	North Carolina A&T State University	Greensboro, NC	4 p.m.
2/2/2016	Bethune-Cookman University	Daytona Beach, FL	7:30 p.m.
2/6/2016	Morgan State University	Savannah, Ga.	6 p.m.
2/8/2016	Coppin State University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
2/13/2016	South Carolina State University	Orangeburg, SC	6 p.m.
2/20/2016	Howard University	Washington, DC	4 p.m.
2/23/2016	Allen University (S.C.)	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
2/27/2016	South Carolina State University	Savannah, Ga.	6 p.m.
2/29/2016	North Carolina Central University	Durham, NC	8 p.m.
3/3/2016	Florida A&M University	Savannah, Ga.	8 p.m.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament
3/7-12/2016	MEAC Basketball Tournament	Norfolk, Va.	TBA

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Williams setting hot pace for JSU receivers

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Daniel Williams gave himself a “B” for his performance through four games this season.

If that’s the case, it’s difficult to imagine what the Jackson State receiver’s “A” game looks like.

Williams had a 1,000-yard campaign as a sophomore, but has taken his game to new heights with 30 catches for 517 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.

“His maturity level has been the most important thing, a big difference from last year,” Tigers wide receivers coach Derrick McCall said on Tuesday. “He’s always been a hard worker, and I think he’s putting everything into perspective as to what could possibly be at the next level (NFL). So he has taken it to a different level as far as film study and work ethic.”

The junior’s business-like approach has him placed at third in the FCS receiving yards rankings. He’s fourth in receiving yards per game with 129.3. He’s first in the SWAC in receptions per game with 7.5.



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Southern University launches the Devon Gales Fund

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University Athletics, along with the Southern University System Foundation, launched the Devon Gales Fund Monday afternoon in an effort to provide financial assistance to Gales and his family to cover medical expenses. The Devon Gales Fund is the official fundraising platform of Southern University and A&M College. All donations can be made by visiting the Devon Gales Fund webpage. Contributions to the Devon Gales Fund can also be mailed to the following address: Southern University System Foundation c/o Devon Gales Fund PO Box 9562 Baton Rouge, La. 70813 Gales, a SU wide receiver, suffered a severe spinal injury on September 26, 2015 during the Southern-Georgia football game in Athens, Ga. Gales, who underwent surgery Sunday, is in good spirits and will remain in the care of the doctors at Athens Regional Medical Center until further notice. Southern University is extremely thankful for the continuous prayers and well wishes that Gales has received from many people nationwide. COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

GSU’s 70-point outing deemed ‘ugly’ by Fobbs

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- There aren’t many times when a football coach will deem a game “ugly” after putting up 70 points on the scoreboard.

Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs will when his team helped give up 54 points and almost 600 yards of total offense in a wild 70-54 win Saturday over Prairie View A&M at the State Fair Classic in Dallas.
“To me it’s an ugly win because I expected us to play better total as a team," he said. "It’s not just about the offense. It’s about the kicking game, making sure we punt the ball effectively, making sure we tackle effectively and then, defensively, making sure that we get off the field on third down.

Even though Grambling improved to 2-0 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, the win wasn’t even close to Fobbs’ standards. Grambling almost allowed Prairie View to come back from four 20-plus point deficits before the offense, led by seven total touchdowns from quarterback Johnathan Williams and four from running back Martez Carter, sealed the victory.

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Alcorn State, Tuskegee Solidify Top Spots in Week 4 of HSRN Polls

HARTLY, Delaware  -- Alcorn State University and Tuskegee University remained in the top spots following the fourth full week of HBCU football action.  ASU solidified its position on top of the FCS rankings while, for the second straight week, TU’s Golden Tigers were unanimously picked #1 in DivisionII/NAIA HSRN Football Polls.In the Division I FCS poll, Alcorn State QB John Gibbs, Jr. threw two touchdowns passes as the Braves breezed by Concordia-Selma 40-7 on Saturday at Spinks-Casem Stadium.

North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State remained #2 and #3 as Bethune-Cookman and Tennessee completed the top five.

#7 Grambling State and #10 Norfolk State entered the poll for the first time this season

In Division II, Tuskegee ran its unbeaten streak to four with a convincing 41-14 road win over Lane College. For the second straight week, the Golden Tigers captured all the first place votes of HSRN pollsters.

Virginia Union took sole possession of second place in the reshuffled rankings. Bowie State climbed to third followed by Chowan and Virginia State. Fort Valley State returned to the top 10 while Fayetteville State, on the strength of is win over Virginia State, entered the poll for the first time this season.
 

Division I FCS
	School (First Place Votes)	Record	Pts	Last Week
1	Alcorn State (12)	3-1	145	1
2	North Carolina A&T	2-1	130	2
3	South Carolina State (2)	2-1	119	3
4	Bethune-Cookman	3-1	92	5
5	Tennessee State (1)	3-1	85	7
6	Southern	2-2	81	4
7	Grambling State	2-2	53	NR
8	Hampton	2-2	23	6
9	Prairie View A&M	2-2	22	8
10	Norfolk State	1-3	20	NR
	Others receiving votes
	N.C. Central (14), Texas Southern (14), Alabama St (10)., Morgan St.(10), Jackson St.(4) Alabama A&M (3)
Division II/NAIA
	School (First Place Votes)	Record	Pts	Last Week
1	Tuskegee (13)	4-0	132	1
2	Virginia Union	3-1	121	2T
3	Bowie State	3-1	98	5
4	Chowan	3-1	75	7
5	Virginia State	2-2	54	2T
6	Fort Valley State	3-1	39	NR
7	Fayetteville State	1-3	36	NR
8	Elizabeth City State	2-1	37	4
9	Morehouse	2-2	34	8
10	Winston-Salem State	1-3	33	10
	Others receiving votes
	Livingstone (25), Albany State (14), Miles (13), Lincoln (PA) (8), Lane (7), Central State (6),West Virginia St. (5), Lincoln (Mo) (5), St. Augustine's (4), Stillman (3), Kentucky St. (2), Texas College (1), Johnson C. Smith (1)

About HSRN:

HSRN (Heritage Sports Radio Network) is the national leader in live radio broadcasts of mid-major athletics. HSRN combines innovative programming and production with a vast broadcast network. The SiriusXM platform avails partners of HSRN exposure on the world's largest radio broadcaster as measured by revenue and exposure to 28.3 million subscribers. In addition to SiriusXM, HSRN is available on terrestrial radio affiliates, smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at HSRN.com. 

 

Eric Moore. Heritage Sports Radio Network, LLC

SWAC Football Players of the Week: September 28

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  – Grambling State quarterback Johnathan Williams , Jackson State defensive end Teddrick Terrell, Alabama A&M kicker Nick Carden and quarterback De’Angelo Ballard have been recognized by the Southwestern Athletic Conference as football players of the week for their outstanding performance in competition during Sept. 26 action.

Offensive Player of the Week
Johnathan Williams
Grambling State
Quarterback
QB • Sr. • 5-11 • 185 • Tampa, Fla.

It was a banner day for Grambling’s senior quarterback, as he tossed for 429 yards on 20-of-33 passing and six touchdowns in leading the Tigers to a 70-54 shootout victory over Prairie View A&M during the Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic. Williams also ran for another score, accounting for seven total touchdowns in the contest.

Defensive Player of the Week
Teddrick Terrell
Jackson State
Defensive End
DE • Sr.• 6-2 • 230 • Jackson, Miss.

Terrell stuffed the stat sheet for Jackson State, racking up seven stops, including two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss in Jackson State’s 34-30 win over Texas Southern. Terrell’s second sack came on the last play of the game, snuffing out Texas Southern’s comeback attempt in the final seconds.

Special Teams Player of the Week
Nick Carden
Alabama A&M
Punter
P • So. • 6-3 • 190 • Huntsville, Ala.

Carden averaged 41.3 yards per punt attempt in the Bulldogs’ 28-9 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Carden twice pinned the Golden Lions’ offense inside the 20-yard line, also unleashing a 54-yard punt during the contest.

Newcomer of the Week
De’Angelo Ballard
Alabama A&M
Quarterback
QB • Jr. • 6-0 • 200 • Macon, Miss.

Ballard claims his second-straight SWAC Newcomer of the Week award after another 300-yard, three-touchdown outing. Ballard threw for 353 yards on 20-of-30 passing to lead the Bulldogs to victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He also chipped in 30 yards rushing in the contest. 

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS                

2015 SWAC Football Teleconference - Week 5

Alabama A&M - James Spady

Alabama State - Brian Jenkins

Alcorn State - Jay Hopson

Jackson State  - Harold Jackson

Mississippi Valley State - Rick Comegy

Prairie View A&M - Willie Simmons

Grambling State - Broderick Fobbs

Southern - Dawson Odums

Texas Southern - Darrell Asberry

Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Monte Coleman

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Culver column: FAMU fans out in full force for first home game

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Rattler Nation, I tip my cap to you.

FAMU was 0-3 and coming off a 36-0 shutout at the hands of South Carolina State before Saturday’s first home game against Tennessee State.

The Rattlers had very little offense to speak of and the defense was ranked last in the FCS.

Florida A&M has one victory at home since 2013 and, before Saturday, had lost three straight to Tennessee State.

None of that mattered. When the Rattlers received the opening kickoff from Tennessee State, there were 18,202 screaming fans in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Well done, fans.



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Fayetteville State Football Trumps Virginia State 33-20 in Televised CIAA Contest

Ettrick, Virginia – The Fayetteville State University football team beat defending CIAA champion Virginia State University 33-20 on Saturday, September 26th inside a rain-soaked Rogers Stadium. FSU improves to 1-3 overall and 1-0 in conference, while the Trojans fall to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the CIAA.

The Broncos jumped out to a 19-0 lead with three passing touchdowns from senior quarterback Derek Bryant (Carrboro, NC). On the first offensive possession, Bryant connected with senior wide receiver Tavon Gatlin (Virginia Beach, VA) for a 62-yard scoring strike. The first quarter ended with VSU trailing 7-0.

Bryant and Gatlin were the scoring connection again for Fayetteville State at the beginning of the second. Gatlin snagged a catch out of the air and managed to get one foot down in the back of the end zone for a TD. Senior wide receiver Chris Hubert (Apex, NC) nestled in a 32 yard TD reception with one hand for the next score.



FSU held a 19-0 advantage until late into the second quarter. Freshman place kicker David Lamb (Pineville, NC) seemed effected by the wet field conditions. He missed the extra points on the last two touchdowns.

Virginia State crossed the goal line just before the end of the first half. Walter Harold had a three yard pass over the middle to Javon Smallwood for a TD. VSU completed a 14-play, 92 yard drive and left 58 seconds on the clock in the second quarter.

Fayetteville State managed to drive down to the VSU four yard line with four seconds remaining. The 24-yard field goal attempt sailed left and hit the crossbar to miss. The Trojans went into halftime with a 19-7 deficit.

Senior running back Andre Montgomery (Goldsboro, NC) dug a deeper hole for the Trojans scoring at the start of the third. Montgomery battered his way into the end zone from 12 yards out to cap a four play drive. The extra point was blocked to account for a 25-7 Broncos’ lead.

VSU responded with two consecutive touchdowns in the third quarter. Trenton Cannon scored on a 13 yard run. Later in the quarter, Harold threw a 25 yard TD pass to Gene Holloman. Earl Hughes was stopped short of the goal line on the two-point conversion rush attempt. FSU held onto a 25-20 lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Broncos lost a fumble on their first offensive series of the fourth. Bryant completed a 52 yard pass to Hubert; the ball was freed upon contact with the ground. The officials called a fumble, which Malik Sexton recovered at the VSU 28 yard line. Two plays later, junior defensive back Eric Henderson (Charlotte, NC) intercepted the ball and regained possession for Fayetteville State.

FSU iced the game with another touchdown reception late in the quarter. Bryant to Hubert again for a 32-yard score with 2:23 left to play. Gatlin caught a two-point conversion pass for a 33-20 score in favor of the Broncos.

Virginia State failed to score in the fourth and had their 17-game win streak over CIAA opponents ended. FSU earned their first victory over the Trojans since 2011 and their first at VSU since 2010. Head coach Lawrence Kershaw also records his first career victory over Virginia State; which happens to be his alma mater.

“We just executed the whole game; had a little lull in there where it wasn't going as good but we just stuck with the plan,” said Kershaw. We knew VSU was going to make some plays; they are a good football team. We stuck with what we were doing and made plays. We needed a drive to close out the game and we got it.”

Bryant completed 28-of-39 (71%) of his passes for 430 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. He received NCAA Division II “Make It Yours” Player of the Game honors for his performance. Hubert caught a game-high 12 passes for 184 yards and two TDs. Gatlin finished with nine catches for a game-high 186 yards and two scores.

Senior defensive end Thomas Perry (Windsor, NC) collected five solo tackles, including a sack for a loss of eight. Henderson also had five solo tackles and an interception.

Fayetteville State returns home for their next matchup against The Lincoln University on Saturday, October 3rd. This contest marks the annual “Ball in Pink” and Military Appreciation game at FSU. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

HBCU Football Judgement Day Scoreboard (Week 4 - Sept. 26)

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015

OVC
Tennessee State 30, Florida A&M 14

CIAA
Chowan 49, Saint Augustine's 0
Virginia Union 33, Johnson C. Smith 3
Fayetteville State 33, Virginia State 20
Bowie State 45, Livingstone 17
Lincoln (Pa.) 20, Shaw 10
Winston-Salem State 17, Elizabeth City State 10

SIAC
Kentucky State 21, Central State 17, Circle City Classic
Fort Valley State 33, Benedict 3
Miles 13, Morehouse 10
Tuskegee 41, Lane 14
Delta State 40, Albany State 0
West Georgia 56, Clark Atlanta 0




CSFL
Langston 32, McMurry 20

MWC
Charleston (WV) 34, West Virginia State 13

PSAC
Kutztown 34, Cheyney 0

GLVC
Truman State 31, Lincoln (Mo.) 14

The Sun Conference
Point University 56, Edward Waters 14

MEAC
Bethune-Cookman 42, Savannah State 12
Norfolk State 24, Hampton 12, Battle of the Bay
Morgan State 21, Howard 13, Chicago Football Classic
Tennessee State 30, Florida A&M 14

SWAC
Alabama A&M 28, Arkansas Pine Bluff 9
Alabama State 45, Mississippi Valley State 15
Alcorn State 40, Concordia-Selma 7
Grambling State 70, Prairie View A&M 54
Jackson State 34, Texas Southern 30
Georgia 48, Southern 6

UDC Firebirds Soar Past Roberts Wesleyan, 8-1

ROCHESTER, New York – The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis team soared to an 8-1 victory in East Coast Conference action vs. Roberts Wesleyan Saturday afternoon.

The Firebirds (4-3, 4-2 ECC) won the top two of the three doubles matches and claimed all six singles victories for their 2nd straight resounding conference win. The Redhawks dropped their 2nd straight match as they fell to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in league play.

Dominika Hadnadova and Alena Skobkina set the tone for the day as they dominated their No. 1 doubles match, 8-0 for the first point. Laura Rojas and Laura Dimante then fell short, 8-5 at No. 3 as Alyssa Brault and Emily Linhart earned the Redhawks their only point of the match. But UDC would take a 2-1 lead at the conclusion of the doubles matches as Peerada Looareesuwan and Zoe Mall grinded out a 9-8 victory at No. 2 doubles after four tiebreakers.

Looareesuwan was the 1st Firebird to complete her singles win as she defeated Camilla Linhart, 6-3, 6-0 at No. 3. Hadnadova remained on fire as she won her 4th straight No. 1 singles match with a decisive, 6-0, 6-1 win over Natalia Cardona. Rojas then bounced back from the doubles loss to beat Emily Linhart, 6-0, 6-2 at No. 6 singles to clinch the match victory.

For good measure, UDC won the final three singles matches at No. 4, 2 and 5. Mall (No. 4) defeated Tiffany Hamdan, 6-1, 6-0, Skobkina (No. 2) outlasted Marine Kennel, 6-0, 2-6, 10-7, and Dimante (No. 5) gutted out a 7-6(5), 6-4 victory vs. Alyssa Brault.

The Firebirds, who are over .500 for the first time this season, will return to the nation's capital to host non-region foe Chowan on Sunday, October 4th.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPORTS INFORMATION

Bowie State Routs Livingstone 45-17 in Home Football Opener

QB MATTHEW GOGGANS
BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY

BOWIE, Maryland  --  In racking up almost 500 yards of total offense Saturday night, the Bowie State University football team routed visiting Livingstone College 45-17 in the home opener for the Bulldogs. It was also the conference opener for both teams.   

"It's good to get a win, especially a conference and home opener win, but we still have a lot of work to do … correct our special teams unit and we must eliminate some of these penalties", stated Bowie State head coach Damon Wilson.

Bowie State (3-1, 1-0 CIAA) amassed 495 total yards of offense in the game with graduate quarterback Matthew Goggans (Pine Grove, Calif.) continuing to torch visiting defenses.

Goggans completed 19-of-43 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns. He has 13 touchdown passes in four games this season and leads the CIAA in passing yards with 1,383.

Sophomore Kerrick Pollock (Miami, Fla.) had a good night for the Bulldogs making four catches for a career-high 146 yards and two touchdowns. Graduate Kendall Jefferson (Temple Hills, Md.) rushed 12 times for a team-best 52 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Kevaugn Townsend (Fort Washington, Md.) did yeoman's work again on defense for the Bulldogs, tallying a game-high 11 tackles.

Drew Powell (Upper Marlboro, Md.) finished with 224 yards passing for the Blue Bears while Jalen Hendricks (Nashville, N.C.) finished the contest with a game-high seven reception yards for a team-high 97 yards. Powell was Livingstone's top ground gainer with 130 yards on 22 carries.

Defensively, Livingstone (1-1, 0-1 CIAA) was led by Armond Cox (Teaneck, N.J.) with six tackles while Demarcus Nolan (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Billy Moore (Norwalk, Calif.) recorded five stops each.

Bowie State led from beginning to end, scoring on their second play from scrimmage when Goggans connected with Pollock for a 47-yard touchdown less the two minutes into the game.

 PHOTOS

Livingstone used a fake punt to put their first points on the board at the 8:48 mark of the first quarter. Anthony Grady (Manassas, Va.) took a direct snap and scampered 54 yards for the score to tie the game at 7-all.

The Bulldogs went on a 26-3 scoring burst to take a rather comfortable 33-10 lead into halftime. Goggans connected with junior Jordan Garrison (Baltimore, Md.) and senior Garry Cropper(Odenton, Md.) for four and 11 yard scores with Jefferson's two rushing TD's coming in the second quarter.

Pollock burned the Livingstone's defense for a 56-yard reception down the Bowie State sideline at the 8:21 mark of the third quarter to extend the Bulldogs lead to 39-10.

Redshirt sophomore Stephen Willis (Beltsville, Md.) recorded his first career touchdown early in the fourth quarter, basically walking in from 8-yards out round out Bowie State's scoring.

The Blue Bears scored their final points of the night on 1-yard run around the left side by Powell with 9:47 remaining in the game.

The Bulldogs will hit the road for the fourth time in five games this season, this time traveling to Charlotte (N.C.) to face the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University on Saturday, October 3rd. Kickoff from JCSU's Irwin Belk Complex is 3 p.m.

Box Score

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

2015 Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic Band Battle - Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling State

ALWAYS WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

WSSU Rams Pick Up First Win With 17-10 Victory Over Elizabeth City State

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina – The Winston-Salem State University Rams jumped out to a 10-3 halftime lead, and held off the late charging Elizabeth City State Vikings, to win the 18^th Down East Viking Football classic, 17-10, in Rocky Mount, N.C.

With the win, WSSU picks up their first win of the season and moves to 1-3 overall and 1-0 in the CIAA, while the ECSU Vikings fall to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in the CIAA.

The Rams got an emotional boost in pregame, when their fallen team mate, Marquise Gaddy, addressed the team via facetime on an IPad. His message was simple – "play like it's the last time you ever get on the field, I love you guys!"

With tears streaming down the faces of coaches and players, and the media relations director, the team exploded with emotion from the locker room looking to break the three game losing streak to start the season.

Elizabeth City State however, got on the scoreboard first, when Jeff Flores connected on a 42 yard field goal with 2:40 left in the first quarter, to give the Vikings the early 3-0 lead.

But the WSSU Rams had other plans for the Down East Viking Football Classic, when they would tie the game at 3-3 on a Will Johnson 31 yard field goal with 12:26 on the clock in the second quarter.

Winston-Salem State would reach the end zone before the half, when on third down, Rashad Cooperwould scramble left and find a wide open William Belcher on the left side, who would make one move to the inside, before darting across the goal line for a 40 yards scoring strike to put the Rams up 10-3 heading into the half.

The Winston-Salem State University Rams would increase their lead late in the third quarter, when Rashad Cooper would find Rashan Williams down the left side for another score. Williams would make a brilliant catch, out jumping and then wrestling the ball away from the defender in the air for the touchdown. Will Johnson would convert the PAT to give WSSU a 17-3 advantage.

The Elizabeth City State Vikings would score a rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter pulling them to within a touchdown, 17-10, with 2:32 left to play.

But the failed onside kick, recovered by Marcel Caver, would allow the Rams to virtually run out the clock.

The Rams would punt with 12 seconds remaining, and would tackle the returner as time ticked off the clock, securing the WSSU Rams first win of the season.

Rashad Cooper, getting his first collegiate start, finished the day 10 of 23 with three interceptions for 199 yards and two touchdown passes.

Tyree Massey led the WSSUS Rushing attack with 15 carries for 26 yards, while Xavier Quick finished with seven rushes for 19 yards, and Bronson Greenehad 17 yards on five carries. Rashad Cooper had 10 carries for 10 yards.

Will Johnson had another solid afternoon, going 1 of 2 on field goals, and finishing the day with a 36.8 yards per punt average, on six punts. He also had three touchbacks on four kickoffs.

Defensively, Kailan Chavis led the Rams with seven tackles, four solo, and 0.5 tackle for a loss. Phillip Williamson continued his dominate play, finishing with six solo tackles, four tackles for losses and one sack. James Bullock, Vernon Brandon and Jaitavius Jackson each had four tackles, with Bullock picking up his first interception, Brandon picking up a pass breakup and Jackson picking up 0.5 sack. CJ Washington, Brandon Dixon, Michael Douglas and Jarell Bright each had three tackles, with Bright also picking up a tackles for a loss. Tyron Roberts also had a sack, and Amyl Smith and Michael Bloomfield each had 0.5 sack.Aaron Johnson also had an interception for the WSSU Rams.

After a month on the road to begin the 2015 season, WSSU will finally get to play in Bowman Gray Stadium this week, as the Rams will host the hot Chowan Hawks, on HORN$ Appreciation and Football Alumni Weekend. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Fort Valley State Downs Benedict, 33-3

FORT VALLEY, Georgia – Fort Valley State used a pair of interception returns to take control and defeat the Benedict College Tigers 33-3 on Saturday in a SIAC football contest.

The loss drops Benedict to 0-4 on the season, 0-1 in the SIAC, while Fort Valley State improves to 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the SIAC.

With regular starting quarterback Kalu Onumah out with a concussion, backupMason Duckett was injured on the first series. Backups Patrick Hoard and Charles Fosterthrew three interceptions on six pass attempts, resulting in running back/return specialist George Myers Jr. playing quarterback from the wildcat formation for the entire second half. Myers finished the game with 39 net yards on 15 carries.

"We stuck with George trying to run the ball. We got a few first downs, but we're still a long way from having anything that looks like what we want it to look like offensively," Benedict coach Mike White said.

The Tigers were trailing 3-0 in the second quarter when the disaster struck on back-to-back series for the Tigers. With the Tigers pinned back at their own 12-yard line, Hoard had a pass batted at the line of scrimmage and FVSU's George Maxey caught the free ball and ran in from five yards out for the first touchdown of the game.  Juan Serna kicked the extra point for a 10-0 lead with 8:16 left in the first half.

On Benedict's next offensive series, Hoard was again intercepted by Maxey, who returned it 45 yards before being knocked out of bounds at the 2-yard line. FVSU quarterback Malcolm Eady ran the ball on first down for the two yards. Serna again added an extra point and the Wildcats finished off a 14-point outburst in less than two minutes for a 17-0 lead. Serna added a 32-yard field goal with six seconds on the clock for a 20-0 halftime lead.

A booming 46-yard Brian Curry punt early in the third quarter put the Wildcats back at their own 7-yard line. A three-and-out series forced a Fort Valley State punt, and Myers returned Serna's kick 38 yards to the Fort Valley 21-yard line. Three rushes gained five yards, and Tory Mimbs came in to kick a 32-yard field goal, snapping Benedict's 13-quarter scoreless drought.

Any momentum the Tigers received from the score was short lived. On Fort Valley's first play from scrimmage after the kickoff, Eady threw a deep pass to Jevon Bell for a 70-yard scoring play to give the Wildcats a 27-3 lead.

The Wildcats finished the scoring on their next series, when Eady threw an 11-yard pass to Drelon Freeman with 4:03 left in the third quarter. Serna missed the PAT for the final 33-3 score.

"They are getting better, but we're still having that breakdown here and there," White said. "We're still turning the ball over too much, still allowing that big play. We're still doing the same things, just maybe not as much, but it's still hurting us the same and it's not good enough to win."

Stephen Williams led the Benedict defense with 12 tackles, while Charles Powellhad nine tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception.

Benedict is back home next Saturday against Kentucky State University at 2 p.m. The Thorobreds (1-3) defeated Central State 21-17 on Saturday. 

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