DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University celebrated homecoming with a 42-14 victory over Delaware State University in front of a capacity crowd of 14,117 fans inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Saturday.
NCCU senior wide receiver Jacen Murphy collected 10 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns. His 10 catches ties for fifth in Eagles' single-game history, while 189 receiving yards ties for ninth all-time at NCCU.
NCCU (6-2, 4-1 MEAC) amassed 401 yards of total offense with freshman quarterback Chauncey Caldwell accounting for 252 total yards and four scores. The Durham, North Carolina native completed 17-of-29 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 10 yards and a pair of trips to the end zone.
Wide receiver David Miller grabbed three passes for 58 yards and a score for the Eagles, running back Ramone Simpson bulled his way into the end zone from a yard out, and quarterback Naiil Ramadan tossed a 36-yard touchdown.
Defensively, NCCU recorded four sacks and three interceptions. Junior safety Davanta Reynolds picked off his fourth interception of the season and added four tackles and a pass break-up. Junior cornerback De'Mario Evans tallied six takedowns and an interception, while sophomore defensive end Kawuan Cox contributed six stops with two sacks.
Delaware State (1-7, 1-5 MEAC) was led by sophomore linebacker Brian Cavicante with 16 tackles, including 3.0 hits for a loss. Wide receivers Trey Gross (8 catches, 71 yards) and Kwannah Kollie (3 receptions, 107 yards) each caught touchdown passes for the Hornets.
Up next, NCCU travels to Hampton University on Nov. 4 at 1 p.m.
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NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Tuskegee blanks Central State on homecoming
TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University football team celebrated its 93rd edition of homecoming Saturday afternoon with a 45-0 win over Central State from Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Stadium
Jonah McCutcheon intercepted a Trent Mays pass on Central State's (1-8, 0-5) opening drive starting a trio of first quarter trips to the end zone. Four plays after the forced turnover, Justice Owens scored the first TU touchdown on six yard run. Three minutes later, DeNadio Madison stripped CSU quarterback Mays and Kali James recovered and returned 33 yards making the score 14-0. Hoderick Lowe capped off the opening quarter scoring with a two yard run of his own, putting the Golden Tigers ahead 21-0.
On the first drive of the second quarter and backed up in their own end zone, Jarmarcus Ezell connected with Peyton Ramzy for a 94-yard touchdown strike on 2nd and 40 expanding TU's lead to 28-0. Dalton Hall tacked on a 25 yar field goal just before the break creating a 31-0 lead for the Golden Tigers.
The 31 first half points marked a season high and the most since TU's home opener against Clark Atlanta.
A heavy onslaught of rain entered East Alabama at the midway point of the game and continued through the start of the second half. Tuskegee's (7-2, 5-0) offense continued to click as they drove 58 yards on six plays capped off with a 19-yard touchdown run by Owens. His second of the game.
In a reserved role, Ahmad Deramus scored the final touchdown, punching one in from the one yard line in the final quarter with 9:45 left to play.
Osband Thompson led a stout defense with 11 tackles including a deflected pass and an interception. The Mauraders were held to 237 yards of total offense. The Golden Tigers racked 497 yards of total offense. A season high. Ezell passed for 189 yards completing 6-of-12 passes and one touchdown. Lowe rushed for 86 yards on 10 carries along with a score.
TU outrushed CSU 233 to 133 and also scored on five out of their seven red zone opportunities.
The Golden Tigers can clinch the West Division next Saturday with win over Miles College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with live audio coverage on the Tuskegee Digital Network at 12:45 p.m. The division battle can also be seen via live stream on ESPN3.
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TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Jonah McCutcheon intercepted a Trent Mays pass on Central State's (1-8, 0-5) opening drive starting a trio of first quarter trips to the end zone. Four plays after the forced turnover, Justice Owens scored the first TU touchdown on six yard run. Three minutes later, DeNadio Madison stripped CSU quarterback Mays and Kali James recovered and returned 33 yards making the score 14-0. Hoderick Lowe capped off the opening quarter scoring with a two yard run of his own, putting the Golden Tigers ahead 21-0.
On the first drive of the second quarter and backed up in their own end zone, Jarmarcus Ezell connected with Peyton Ramzy for a 94-yard touchdown strike on 2nd and 40 expanding TU's lead to 28-0. Dalton Hall tacked on a 25 yar field goal just before the break creating a 31-0 lead for the Golden Tigers.
The 31 first half points marked a season high and the most since TU's home opener against Clark Atlanta.
A heavy onslaught of rain entered East Alabama at the midway point of the game and continued through the start of the second half. Tuskegee's (7-2, 5-0) offense continued to click as they drove 58 yards on six plays capped off with a 19-yard touchdown run by Owens. His second of the game.
In a reserved role, Ahmad Deramus scored the final touchdown, punching one in from the one yard line in the final quarter with 9:45 left to play.
Osband Thompson led a stout defense with 11 tackles including a deflected pass and an interception. The Mauraders were held to 237 yards of total offense. The Golden Tigers racked 497 yards of total offense. A season high. Ezell passed for 189 yards completing 6-of-12 passes and one touchdown. Lowe rushed for 86 yards on 10 carries along with a score.
TU outrushed CSU 233 to 133 and also scored on five out of their seven red zone opportunities.
The Golden Tigers can clinch the West Division next Saturday with win over Miles College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with live audio coverage on the Tuskegee Digital Network at 12:45 p.m. The division battle can also be seen via live stream on ESPN3.
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TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Miles smashes Clark Atlanta, Tuskegee next
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Bonnie and Clyde. Batman and Robin. Cambridge and Hardy.
Two of those duos are well known but at the rate Miles quarterback Joseph Cambridge and running back Justin Hardy are wearing out opposing defenses, the Golden Bears new dynamic duo may not be far from joining the list.
The freshman signal caller threw for two touchdowns and ran for another while the junior tailback slapped the exclamation point on Miles' fourth straight win with an electrifying fourth quarter touchdown run as the Golden Bears defeated Clark Atlanta 38-17 Thursday night at Sloan-Alumni Stadium. The win put the Golden Bears (6-3, 4-1 SIAC West) in position to earn a berth in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship game in two weeks if they win next week at Tuskegee.
Since Cambridge became the starting quarterback on Oct. 7 against Central State, Miles has averaged more than 34 points and 419 yards of offense per game, jumping on opponents quickly and forcing them to play from behind...sometimes, WAY behind. The formula was no different against the Panthers (4-5, 2-3 SIAC East), who quickly found themselves in a 21-0 hole and never really threatened the rest of the way.
CAU dug its own hole early, as a mishandled punt was recovered by Miles deep in Panthers territory. Two plays later, Cambridge ran in from two yards to open the scoring. On the Golden Bears next possession, it was Hardy who went to work, gobbling up 41 of the 52 yards on the drive, culminating with a 10-yard scoring scamper that made the score 14-0 after the opening quarter.
But what has made Miles so dangerous this month is Cambridge's ability to make teams pay in the passing game. CAU started to take punishment in the air in the second quarter when a pass to Leonard Tyree (five cathes, 78 yards) turned into an array of great moves and a strong burst to the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown and a 21-0 advantage midway through the second quarter.
The Panthers would get a 5-yard scoring run from Jajuan Lankford late in the second quarter to send Miles to the locker room with a 21-7 advantage. But those scoring plays were singles and doubles compared to the home run balls the Golden Bears would hit in the second half.
After Nick Christiansen (46 yards) and Carlos Saldana (41 yards) exchanged field goals to open the third quarter, Miles used two devastating quick strikes to put the game on ice.
After forcing a punt, Miles used one play to get into the end zone when Cambridge (8-of-14, 161 yards) connected with Trey Smith on a 65-yard touchdown pass with 4:43 left in the third quarter to push the advantage to 31-10. The defense, which has also been solid during the Golden Bears resurgence, denied CAU four times after facing first-and-goal at the 2. Miles would get the ball back at its own 4 and after Hardy ran for 10 yards on the first play, he quickly finished the drive with a career-high 86-yard touchdown run.
The final run of the day for Hardy gave 177 yards on 17 carries. He became the first running back under Reginald Ruffin to rush for more than 1,000 yards, as he now has a SIAC-leading 1,081 yards. He also leads the league in rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (12), and has 732 yards and eight rushing touchdowns since Cambridge took over at quarterback.
MarQuel Shelton had a team-high seven tackles (six solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, giving the freshman a team-high 8.5 sacks this season. N'Ktavious Floyd, Michael White and Anthony Hardy each had six tackles for the Golden Bears, who will travel to Tuskegee next Saturday at 1 p.m.
17
4-5 , 2-3
38
6-3 , 4-1
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 17 | |
| 14 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 38 |
MILES COLLEGE GOLDEN BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION
Jackson State wins first game of the season 24-5 at Mississippi Valley State
ITTA BENA, Mississippi — Before the game even started, as Jackson State made its way back to the locker room after warm ups, a few Mississippi Valley State players went over to the Tigers and started talking.
Players from both rival sides started shoving each other and jumping up and down. Even some coaches got involved.
“We took that personally when they decided to run over to us,” running back Jordan Johnson said.
So the winless Tigers began the game with even more incentive than before to beat the Delta Devils, and they didn’t waste it.
Jackson State controlled the game throughout and finally broke through. The Tigers beat Mississippi Valley State 24-5 to win their first game of the season, making them 1-7 on the year and 1-3 in SWAC play.
“I’m elated for the young men who had the opportunity to go out and know what it feels like win again,” coach Tony Hughes said.
It’s been a year of frustration for Jackson State. There have been close games it couldn’t finish and demoralizing blowouts, but Hughes just kept preaching that they were building the culture and things would pay off. It’s been over a year since the Tigers last won a game, and Saturday they got to see the year of work show in some results.
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Virginia State Trojans Remain Undefeated After Taking Down Chowan Hawks
MURFREESBORO, North Carolina – The visiting No. 3 Virginia State University football team collected another win, 26-23, to remain undefeated after a road victory against the Hawks of Chowan University. With the win, the Trojans move to a 8-0 overall record, 6-0 in the CIAA, and 5-0 in the Northern Division; while the host Chowan University Hawks move to a 3-6 overall record, 3-3 in the CIAA and 1-4 in the Northern Division. The last time the Trojans were 8-0 was in 1931.In the opening quarter, quarterback Cordelral Cook (Atlanta, GA) rushed for six yards, in addition to an extra point by Cesar Alfaro (Alexandria, VA), to give the Trojans a 7-0 edge over the Hawks. Chowan then answered with a one yard run by Tyrell Freeman and a extra point by Connor Killeen tie the game 7-7 at the 8:32 mark in the first quarter. Chowan's Bryan Bryant then returned the punt return for nine yards coupled with a kick by Connor Killeen to give the Hawks a 14-7 lead. Closing out the first quarter Trenton "The Boom" Cannon (Hampton, VA) had an explosive play, rushing for 31 yards to close the scoring gap, 13-14. On the play, senior Trenton Cannon beat VSU's George Leonard's all-time career rushing record, which was 3,575 yards set in 1979.
Both teams entered the second quarter with the same momentum, as each team added one touchdown respectively. Host Chowan University added points at the 10:08 mark when quarterback Bryce Witt connected with Tyrell Freeman on a 20 yard pass in addition to an extra point to edge the Hawks, 13-20, over the Trojans. VSU continued to rally, taking things one play at a time. The Trojans made a big play when junior Shakym Peters (Newport News, VA) intercepted the ball at the VSU 13 yard line. Senior Trenton Cannon then rushed for nine yards downing the at the VSU 22 yard line. Quarterback Cordelral Cook connected with Joshua Harris (King William, VA) for a five yard pass to down the ball at the VSU27. Cook then connected with Willie Stubblefield (Richmond, VA) for the 17 yard pass, spotting the ball on the VSU44 yard line. The Cannon had an explosive two yard rush, spotting the ball on the VSU 46 yard line. Cook would then connect with Quincy Watts for a 21 yard pass to down the ball on the Chowan one yard line. Senior Trenton Cannon then rushed for one yard into the end zone to closing the score gap 19-20 at the half.
Impressive plays on defense by both teams made the third quarter scoreless. In the final quarter, the two teams traded turnovers. Chowan coughed up a fumble and VSU gave up an interception. The fourth quarter was the battle of the wills for both teams as the Trojans secured an early 26-20 lead at the 12:12 mark. The Hawks then battled to get into field goal range to collect three points at the 7:24 mark, bring the score to 26-23, making it a very close game.
Chowan's quarterback Bryce Witt faked a handoff and found an opening for a QB run with little over a minute left in the contest. With the opening and an opportunity to score a run, he ran toward the end zone hoping to give the Hawks the lead and to win the game. A block by a Trojan forced the Hawks quarterback to try and jump over the VSU player, but the ball falls out of his hand. The Trojans then recovered the ball to give VSU the possession to run the clock down for the victory.
Leading the charge offensively for the Trojans was senior Trenton Cannon who rushed for 164 yards and collected two touchdowns on 26 carries, becoming Virginia State's all-time leading rusher, currently holding 3,672 career yards. He also broke his own school record for most rushing yards in a season, currently with 1,280 yards. Cannon completed the competition with a total of 184 yards. Quarterback Cordelral Cook completed 72 percent of his passes for 182 yards and a touchdown; along with also rushing for a touchdown. Sophomore Quincy Watts (Virginia Beach, VA) led all receivers with 80 reception yards on six catches.
Virginia State racked up 402 total yards of offense compared to 336 for Chowan University.
Junior Malik Sexton (Portsmouth, VA) and senior Brandon Lynch (Norfolk, VA) was Virginia State's leading tacklers with 10 each. Senior Alexander Williams (Brooklyn, NY) had 1.5 sacks and seven total tackles for VSU. Thomas Koufie (Hampton, VA) and Keonte Connelly (Baltimore, MD) both collected six tackles for the Trojans, followed by Kevonte Demery (Richmond, VA) who recorded five.
Next, the Trojans will return home for their final home game of the regular season. VSU will host the Panthers of Virginia Union University on Saturday, November 4 with kickoff slated for 2 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsport
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VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Bowie State Wollops Lincoln (Pa.) for Homecoming 86-14
BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State University football has reason to celebrate Homecoming 2017, following an 86-14 rout of Lincoln (Pa.) University on Saturday afternoon. The 86 points is the second highest single game point total in the history of Bulldogs football. Bowie State scored 94 versus Fairleigh Dickinson back on November 8, 1975. With the victory, #20 Bowie State improves to 8-1 overall, 5-1 in CIAA play and 3-1 in the Northern Division.As a team, the Bulldogs amassed 562 yards of total offense with junior Maurice Williams (Baltimore, Md.) accounted for 251 all-purpose yards which included a career-high 199 on 14 carries. Sophomore William Flowers, III (Baltimore, Md.) had a career afternoon as well, rolling up 186 punt return yards which included touchdown returns of 89 and 43 yards.
Junior Amir Hall (Bowie, Md.) played just over two quarters and completed 14-of-19 passes for 238 yards and six touchdowns, tying his own single-game touchdown passing record. Fellow junior Lansana Sesay (Bowie, Md.) and redshirt senior Brandon Britton (Columbia, Md.) recorded two touchdowns each and tallied 139 and 79 reception yards respectively.
Redshirt senior Robert Chesson (Annapolis, Md.) was responsible for 135 rushing yards on 12 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, redshirt sophomore Brendon Ashby (Germantown, Md.) and junior Tre'von King (Washington, D.C.) tallied seven tackles each to lead Bowie State. Senior Johnny Littlejohn (Silver Spring, Md.) and redshirt junior Keion Plater had six tackles each while juniors Jabari Robinson (Gaithersburg, Md.) and Derrick Tate (Baltimore, Md.) racked up five tackles apiece in the win.
The Bulldogs intercepted Lincoln (Pa.) quarterback Vincent Espinoza (Madera, Calif.) three times with junior DeVonte' High (Upper Marlboro, Md.) returning one for a 45-yard first quarter touchdown. The other two interceptions were by junior Kyle Jackson (Upper Marlboro, Md.) and sophomore John Johnson, IV (Washington, D.C.)
The Lincoln (Pa.) Lions (0-9, 0-6 CIAA, 0-4 North) were led offensively by Espinoza's 106 passing yards, Rameses Owens' (Warrensville Heights, Ohio) 82 rushing yards and Andre Price's 70 reception yards. Ramseses scored the visitors first points of the game at the 12:17 mark of the second quarter, scampering down the Lions sideline for a 41-yard touchdown. However, Lincoln (Pa.) trailed 34-7 at that point.
The Lions were paced defensively by Rob Thomas, III (Cleveland, Ohio) with a game-high eight tackles and Rhamir Thomas (Washington, Pa.) ranked second on the team with five tackles.
Bowie State extended its lead to 76-7 by the 7:43 mark of the third quarter before Lincoln (Pa.) scored their final points of the game with 3:02 remaining in the third. Elijah Smith (Elmont, N.Y.) pounded in for a 2-yard touchdown and Cody Waddell (Elkton, Md.) added the extra point.
Sophomore Gene Carson (Accokeek, Md.) added a fourth quarter, 20-yard field goal with 6:40 to go in the game and Williams scored from 1-yard out to account for the final 86-14 margin.
The Bulldogs hit the road for their final regular season contest, traveling to Elizabeth City (N.C.) State University for a 1 p.m. CIAA divisional matchup against the Vikings.
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BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Florida A&M Rattlers Claw Out Victory From Morgan State 34-31
BALTIMORE, Maryland -- The Florida A&M Rattlers (3-6, 2-4 MEAC) defeated the Morgan State (MSU) Bears (1-7, 1-4 MEAC) 34 – 31, in a back and forth battle at Hughes Stadium.
Head coach Alex Wood is please with the team’s effort in today’s win. “We finally got a win in the fourth quarter. We played 60 minutes of football. Like I say sometimes, it was not always pretty, but it was complete and we won the game. I think we got out without a holding call, so that’s miraculous. But, we did get penalized a couple of times, had a couple of turnovers which obviously is a concern, but we’re really happy about getting the win,” Wood said.
The Rattlers started off a bit shaky after a kick return catching error lead to a fumble recovery by the Bears.
After a failed 45-yard field goal attempt by the Bears, the Rattlers would respond with a 48-yard touchdown reception from redshirt sophomore quarterback Ryan Stanley to redshirt freshman wide receiver, Chad Hunter. This would be the first game the Rattlers scored first since they Norfolk State game on Oct. 7. A successful PAT from junior kicker, Yahia Aly put the Rattlers up 7-0 with 5:29 remaining in the first quarter,
Shortly after the quarter change, the Bears would respond with a 41-yard rushing touchdown from sophomore quarterback, DeAndre Harris. After a successful PAT from Alex Raya Jr. the score was tied at seven all.
It took the Rattlers slightly over seven minutes and nine plays to score the next touchdown. The final play of the drive, a 24-yard pass from Stanley to redshirt freshman tailback, Ricky Henrilus, would give the Rattlers their second touchdown of the evening. Aly PAT put the Rattlers up 14-7 with the PAT.
Stanley was also upbeat about the win, “It feel good man, finally getting a close win. We had a lot of close games in the past and finally pushed through adversity and won this one. We opened up and did some pretty good things offensively, moved the ball, put up a bunch of points. When it came down to it defense held it down,” Stanley said.
The Rattlers’ defense returned to the field with some added fire under their belts, forcing a fumble at the Morgan State 34 yard-line. The fumble, forced by redshirt senior, Jules Dornevil, was recovered at the Bears 30 yard-line and returned for a touchdown. The score and PAT would put the Rattlers up 21-7.
MSU would close the first half with two touchdowns to Amonta Poteat from Harris, going into halftime knotted with a score of 21-21.
In the second half, FAMU worked their way down the field again and was able to put Aly in place for a successful field goal, putting the Rattlers up 24-21; however, the lead would not last long as the Bears would respond with a 35-yard field goal from Raya.
The back and forth scoring would continue into the fourth quarter. After 36-yard field goal from Aly with 14:49 remaining in the game that would put the Rattlers back in the lead with a score of 27-24, the Bears would respond with a 90-yard drive culminated in a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Harris – boosting their score to 27- 31 after a Raya PAT.
So often this season, the Rattlers had fallen short after playing a solid game. That would not be the case today. The Rattler offense manufactured one last game-winning touchdown. Hunter caught 55-yard pass after beating his defender, while Stanley laid the pass in perfect position, setting up a 12-yard pass from Stanley to Henrilus for the last touchdown of the game. A drive of 5 plays, 78 yards and a successful PAT from Aly would make the final score for the Rattlers 34-31.
A Rattler interception by Terry Jefferson would give the ball back to the Rattlers to end the game.
The Rattlers finished the game with four penalties for 39 yards – the fewest number of penalties and yards this season.
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The Rattlers will celebrate their graduating seniors next weekend and take on the Bison of Howard University during their final home game of the 2017 season.
Morgan Culler/FAMU Sports Info Graduate Assistant
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
GSU cruises to Senior Day victory over TSU
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Devante Kincade closed out his senior home campaign on Saturday with four total touchdowns as thirteenth-ranked Grambling State University cruised past Texas Southern, 50-24, in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium."It's good to get a victory today," Grambling State head coach Broderick Fobbs said. "With Homecoming week, you're always concerned about focus and distractions of that nature, but it was good to get a victory and good for our guys to go out and score some points and stop the run. All-in-all, I thought it was a really good performance."
Kincade, who connected with eight different receivers on Saturday, threw for a season-high 347 yards on 21 of 34 passing with three touchdowns and rushed seven times for 22 yards and one score as Grambling State jumped out to a 14-3 first-quarter lead.
GSU (7-1 overall, 4-0 SWAC) marched 68 yards on its opening drive as Kincade connected with Marquise Kaigler for a 9-yard touchdown pass to give Grambling State a 7-0 lead with 11:26 left in the first quarter.
Grambling State extended the advantage to 14-0 on its next drive as Kincade scored on a 9-yard quarterback keeper with 7:28 left in the first.
Texas Southern (0-7, 0-4) capitalized on a Grambling State turnover and went 39 yards in seven plays as Aaron Cuevas booted a 27-yard field to close the gap to 14-3 with 2:11 in the opening quarter.
Grambling State quickly answered and capped off a 5-play, 65-yard drive as Jordan Jones rumbled 47 yards for the touchdown to extend the lead to 20-3 after Marc Orozco's point after attempt was blocked with
14:48 left in the first half.
After a Texas Southern punt, Grambling State used an 8-play, 77-yard drive, as Dre' Fusilier scored on a 1-yard run to push the advantage to 27-3 with 8:50 left in the second quarter.
Texas Southern answered and took advantage of a Fusilier fumble in the endzone as Demontairo Anderson pounced on the loose ball to give TSU the score and cut the deficit to 27-10 with 48 seconds remaining in the first half.
Grambling State got the lone score in the third quarter as Kincade found Devohn Lindsey for the 19-yard strike to extend the advantage to 34-10 with 1:38 remaining.
The Kincade-Martez Carter show was on full display early in the fourth quarter as the two combined for 60 yards on Grambling State's next scoring drive with Carter scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run to push the margin to 41-10 with 11:08 left.
Texas Southern closed the gap to 41-17 on its next possession as Mario Smalls caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Elijah Odom with 7:47 left.
GSU's defense, which allowed just 24 yards rushing on 27 attempts, clammed down and sacked Odom in the endzone for the safety and gave Grambling State a 43-17 advantage with 3:59 remaining. For Grambling State, it was the third safety the defense had earned this season.
GSU put the final touches on a great afternoon when Geremy Hickbottom scored on a 49-yard quarterback keeper to extend the margin to 50-17.
Texas Southern added one more score as Odom scored on a 9-yard run with 52 seconds remaining.
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Turning Point
Grambling State led from start to finish against Texas Southern.
Devante Kincade's big day was highlighted on his first drive and on his last.
The senior quarterback from Dallas, Texas led Grambling State to a 9-yard score on its first drive and found Marquise Kaigler for the 9-yard score to give GSU a 7-0 lead less than four minutes into the game.
Kincade closed out his home career with an 8-play, 66-yard drive with 60 of those yards going to Martez Carter. And in return, Carter closed out his home career with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach at 41-10.
Inside the Numbers
· Devante Kincade was 21-of-34 passing for a season-best 347 yards and three touchdowns.
· Devante Kincade rushed seven times for 22 yards and added one score.
· Martez Carter Geremy Hickbottom rushed two times for 52 yards and one score.
· Miguel Mendez carried the ball one time for 23 yards.
· Martez Carter rushed 14 times for 34 yards and caught four passes for 81 yards.
· Calief Samon caught four balls for 42 yards.
· Jordan Jones finished with a career-high 103 yards on two catches and one score.
· De'Arius Christmas and Danquaran Fields each had six tackles to pace the Grambling State defense.
· De'Arius Christmas added one sack, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.
· Grambling State finished with nine tackles for a loss of 54 yards.
· Elijah Odom finished with 119 yards on 9-of-15 passing and one touchdown.
· Dominic DeLira added 72 yards passing and was 6-of-13 through the air.
· Adrian Carter rushed eight times for 30 yards.
· Julian Marcantel and Dondre Dobbins each recorded eight tackles for Texas Southern.
· Grambling State registered 22 first downs, with eight coming in the first quarter.
· GSU was 5-for-5 in red zone chances.
· Grambling State was 6-of-11 on third downs.
News & Notes
· Grambling State celebrated Homecoming and Senior Day on Saturday.
· Grambling State scored more than 40 points for the second time this season.
· The last time Grambling State scored more than 50 points was Nov. 26, 2016 (Bayou Classic – 52-30 vs. Southern).
· Grambling State came into the game ranked No. 13 in the FCS Coaches Preseason Poll and No. 15 in the STATS FCS Top 25 Poll, No. 1 in the SBN Sports Network Black College Football Poll and No. 2 in the BOXTOROW Coaches and Media Poll.
· Grambling State wore its all-grey jersey's on Saturday and improved to 4-0 when wearing those jerseys during the Broderick Fobbs era.
· Broderick Fobbs improved to 4-0 all-time against Texas Southern.
· Prior to the game, Grambling State honored 14 seniors – Devante Kincade, Kendall Hill, Martez Carter, T'Kevian Rockwell, Montrel Meander, Derrick Dixon, Dre' Fusilier, De'Aumante Johnson, Deontae Hatter, Ja'Terious Pouncy, Trent Scott, Bryce Williams, Caleb Wells and Christopher Johnson.
· Grambling State improved to 44-18-3 all-time against Texas Southern.
· The Tigers have won seven straight after losing to Tulane to begin the season.
Up Next
Grambling State returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Pine Bluff, Ark., to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathetics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.
Turning Point
Grambling State led from start to finish against Texas Southern.
Devante Kincade's big day was highlighted on his first drive and on his last.
The senior quarterback from Dallas, Texas led Grambling State to a 9-yard score on its first drive and found Marquise Kaigler for the 9-yard score to give GSU a 7-0 lead less than four minutes into the game.
Kincade closed out his home career with an 8-play, 66-yard drive with 60 of those yards going to Martez Carter. And in return, Carter closed out his home career with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach at 41-10.
Inside the Numbers
· Devante Kincade was 21-of-34 passing for a season-best 347 yards and three touchdowns.
· Devante Kincade rushed seven times for 22 yards and added one score.
· Martez Carter Geremy Hickbottom rushed two times for 52 yards and one score.
· Miguel Mendez carried the ball one time for 23 yards.
· Martez Carter rushed 14 times for 34 yards and caught four passes for 81 yards.
· Calief Samon caught four balls for 42 yards.
· Jordan Jones finished with a career-high 103 yards on two catches and one score.
· De'Arius Christmas and Danquaran Fields each had six tackles to pace the Grambling State defense.
· De'Arius Christmas added one sack, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.
· Grambling State finished with nine tackles for a loss of 54 yards.
· Elijah Odom finished with 119 yards on 9-of-15 passing and one touchdown.
· Dominic DeLira added 72 yards passing and was 6-of-13 through the air.
· Adrian Carter rushed eight times for 30 yards.
· Julian Marcantel and Dondre Dobbins each recorded eight tackles for Texas Southern.
· Grambling State registered 22 first downs, with eight coming in the first quarter.
· GSU was 5-for-5 in red zone chances.
· Grambling State was 6-of-11 on third downs.
News & Notes
· Grambling State celebrated Homecoming and Senior Day on Saturday.
· Grambling State scored more than 40 points for the second time this season.
· The last time Grambling State scored more than 50 points was Nov. 26, 2016 (Bayou Classic – 52-30 vs. Southern).
· Grambling State came into the game ranked No. 13 in the FCS Coaches Preseason Poll and No. 15 in the STATS FCS Top 25 Poll, No. 1 in the SBN Sports Network Black College Football Poll and No. 2 in the BOXTOROW Coaches and Media Poll.
· Grambling State wore its all-grey jersey's on Saturday and improved to 4-0 when wearing those jerseys during the Broderick Fobbs era.
· Broderick Fobbs improved to 4-0 all-time against Texas Southern.
· Prior to the game, Grambling State honored 14 seniors – Devante Kincade, Kendall Hill, Martez Carter, T'Kevian Rockwell, Montrel Meander, Derrick Dixon, Dre' Fusilier, De'Aumante Johnson, Deontae Hatter, Ja'Terious Pouncy, Trent Scott, Bryce Williams, Caleb Wells and Christopher Johnson.
· Grambling State improved to 44-18-3 all-time against Texas Southern.
· The Tigers have won seven straight after losing to Tulane to begin the season.
Up Next
Grambling State returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Pine Bluff, Ark., to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
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Alabama State victory is sweet, especially in the Magic City Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama | The 76th annual McDonald's Magic City Classic again went down to the final drive, and for the next 365 days, the Alabama State University football team has earned bragging rights with a hard-fought 21-16 victory over Alabama A&M Saturday night.
Alabama State (2-5, 2-2 SWAC), winners of back-to-back games, looked to have sewn the contest up when Darryl Pearson, Jr. found Chett LeVay in the back of the end zone for a 21-9 lead. However, Alabama A&M (3-6, 3-2 SWAC) returned the kickoff deep into Alabama State territory before trimming the lead to 21-16 on a two-yard.
However for the second consecutive game, the Hornets' defense stood firm after an onside kick recovery by Alabama A&M. After giving a first down, Alabama State held the Bulldogs and forced an incomplete pass on fourth down.
Alabama State went into the victory formation and the Hornet faithful were able to start the celebration.
"We will enjoy this win," Alabama State interim head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. "We will get back to the house and look at we did, and make some adjustments and move forward. It is great to win, and win for our fans. Our fans have been down all year while we have been trying to get things straight after starting off 0-5. Winning this game, it helps put life back into our program and back into our community, so it is a great feeling to carry a win back to Montgomery.
"Everything has meaning. We will take that 0-5 and learn from it, after you lose the first five games. And for the last two weeks to come out and win, it changed their mentality after winning two games and now they work because they know they can win."
The momentum swung to Alabama State early on as Ronnie Scott, the defensive Most Valuable Player, intercepted a pass on the Alabama A&M sideline.
"When he intercepted that pass it helped us out," Eley said. "It bought some time for the offense after we had been going three-and-out. It put them in a position where they had to adjust what they do being a running team. It took some things away that they wanted to do, which kept us in the ball game."
The senior then took off towards his own sideline, weaving through traffic and then turned up field to the end zone. He would run by two defenders near the goal line before diving in for a 59-yard interception return for the tournament. The return was his second of the season.
"I was exhausted," Scott said of the interception return. "It was nice, it was a good spark to pick it off and get into the end zone. I was just excited for the team, giving us a chance to get some points on the board. It got the crowd into and the rest of the team into it, and I think we took a little bit away from them at the same time."
Alabama A&M got on the board with a safety in the second quarter, and that is where the game stood at halftime with the Hornets leading 7-2.
After Alabama A&M took the lead on their first drive of the second half (10-9), the Hornets came right back down the field and lined up under center from the 12-yard line. Pearson turned and handed the ball off to Alex Anderson who went off the right side and dove for the end zone. He was upended, and the ball was dislodged as he hit the goal line upside down. However, after the replay, Anderson cross the plain of the goal line as he went airborne to give Alabama State a 14-9 lead with 6:10 to play in the third.
"I just had to make a play for my team," Anderson said. "My number was called and I did my job for my team, and that is all I could do. Tonight is a great feeling. Starting out 0-5, it was very frustrating but this team and these guys continued to fight and push through. They continue to work, they continue to grind each day. And continue to finish. This win is a great feeling, a great feeling."
That play set the stage for the fourth quarter heroics.
Pearson led Alabama State on the ground, on his way to offensive Most Valuable Player honors, as he finished the night with 85 yards on nine carries – including a long of 30. George Golden added 71 yards on 12 carries, while Anderson finished with 36 yards and a touchdown.
Pearson, the nephew of Alabama A&M defensive coordinator Travis Pearson, also finished with just 28 yards passing on the night, as the Hornets racked up 221 yards of rushing against the top-ranked defense of Alabama A&M.
"I just want to thank coach for giving the opportunity to play," Pearson said. "I wanted to do it for my parents, they both played sports here. This was more than just a game to me so I just had to play as hard as I could, and make every play that I could. I did this for the seniors, I think they deserve to go out with a bang. That is how we are going to go through the rest of the year, try to go out with a bang."
Willie White and Anderson each finished with a pair of receptions each for Alabama State.
Meanwhile, defensively, the Hornets held Alabama A&M to just 96 yards rushing and 125 yards passing on the night and recorded nine tackles for loss. Jarkeith Ruffin, Treyon Garnett, Malik Bridgers and Andre Wilson each recorded four tackles in the win. Ricky Haley finished with three tackles and a pair of sacks on the night.
"We have Jackson State that is sitting and waiting," Eley said. "We are going to enjoy tonight, but we will be right back at it in the weight room tomorrow morning working it out. Then we are going to get ready for Jackson State. But we are going to enjoy every minute tonight."
Alabama State returns to action next weekend on the road for the third consecutive time, facing Jackson State University for homecoming.
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Saturday, October 28, 2017
Black College Football Hall Of Fame Class Of 2018 Unveiled
ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced its Class of 2018 today. Seven inductees were selected from a list of 25 Finalists who had been determined earlier by the BCFHOF Selection Committee.
The Class of 2018 includes Harold Carmichael (Southern), Raymond Chester (Morgan State), Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson (Langston University), Leo “Lincoln Locomotive” Lewis (Lincoln), Greg Lloyd (Fort Valley State), Everson Walls (Grambling State) as player inductees and Coach Bill Hayes (Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T).
“This class represents three Super Bowl rings, 18 Pro Bowl selections and several Black College Football championships,” said BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee Doug Williams. “Take a look at what they’ve done off the field as well, and each has earned this incredible honor.”
Votes were tallied from the 12-member Selection Committee, comprised of prominent journalists, commentators and historians, as well as former NFL General Managers and executives, and from previous BCFHOF inductees to determine the 2018 Inductees.
The Class of 2018 will be honored at the Ninth Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons on February 10, 2018. The Induction Ceremony takes place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Inductees will also be recognized on ESPN at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 16th. For more information please visit www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.
Class of 2018
HAROLD CARMICHAEL (Player)
Wide Receiver … Southern University (1967-1970) … Began collegiate career as a walk-on … Member of the SWAC Hall of Fame … Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 7th round of the 1971 NFL Draft … Eagles (1971-1983) … Dallas Cowboys (1984) … 14 seasons … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … NFL receptions leader (1973) … NFL 1970s All-Decade Team … Retired as the Eagles' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns (79) … Born on September 22, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida.
RAYMOND CHESTER (Player)
Tight End … Morgan State University (1966-1969) … Member of Morgan State’s 1968 undefeated team, scoring the Bears’ only touchdown in their historic victory over Grambling at Yankee Stadium … Member of 1970 College All-Star team … Selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 24th overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft … Raiders (1970-1972; 1978-1981) … Baltimore Colts (1973-1977) … NFL Rookie of the Year (1970) … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … Super Bowl Champion (1980) … Born on June 28, 1948 in Cambridge, Maryland.
THOMAS “HOLLYWOOD” HENDERSON (Player)
Linebacker … Langston University (1971-1974) … Started collegiate career as a walk-on … Led Langston to 11-2 record and NAIA playoff berth in 1973 … Two-time NAIA All-American … Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year (1974) … Selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 18th overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft … Cowboys (1975-1979) … Also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Oilers and Miami Dolphins … seven seasons … NFL Pro Bowl selection (1978) … Super Bowl Champion (1977) … Born on March 1, 1953 in Austin, Texas.
LEO 'LINCOLN LOCOMOTIVE' LEWIS (Player)
Running Back … Lincoln University (1951-1954) … Started every game and led the Blue Tigers to undefeated seasons in 1952 and 1953 … Still Lincoln’s all-time career leader in 4,457 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns … Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1955 NFL Draft, but elected to play in the Canadian Football League … Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1955-1966) … 12 seasons … Six-time All-Pro selection … Canadian Football Hall of Fame … College Football Hall of Fame … Born February 4, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa … Died August 30, 2013.
GREG LLOYD (Player)
Linebacker … Fort Valley State University (1984-1987) … Three-time All-SIAC selection … As a senior, was selected as the SIAC Player of the year … First Team SBN All-American … Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th Round of the 1988 NFL Draft) … Steelers (1988-1997) … Carolina Panthers (1998) … 11 seasons … Five Pro Bowl selections … Three-time All-Pro (1993-1995) … Two-time Steelers Team MVP … Member of the Steelers All-Time Team … Born May 26, 1965 in Miami, Florida.
EVERSON WALLS (Player)
Defensive Back … Grambling State University (1977-1980) … Named to Kodak 1-AA All-American Team and Black College All-American Team … Led nation with 11 interceptions as a senior … Signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1981 … Cowboys (1981-1989) … New York Giants (1990-1992) … Cleveland Browns (1992-1993) … 14 seasons … Four Pro Bowl selections … First Team All-Pro (1983) … Led the NFL in interceptions three seasons … Super Bowl Champion (1990) … SWAC Hall of Fame inductee … Born December 28, 1959 in Dallas, Texas.
BILL HAYES (Coach)
Winston-Salem State University (1976-1987), North Carolina A&T University (1988-2002) … Won four CIAA titles at Winston-Salem State … Ranked as the #1 team in Division II after consecutive undefeated regular seasons … As head coach of the Aggies, Hayes won three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles and made two Division I-AA playoff appearances … 1988 National Coach of the Year … Retired with a record of 195-104-2 … All-time winningest football coach at both schools … Born June 1, 1943 in Durham, North Carolina.
BLACK COLLEGE HALL OF FAME PRESS RELEASE
Wide Receiver … Southern University (1967-1970) … Began collegiate career as a walk-on … Member of the SWAC Hall of Fame … Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 7th round of the 1971 NFL Draft … Eagles (1971-1983) … Dallas Cowboys (1984) … 14 seasons … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … NFL receptions leader (1973) … NFL 1970s All-Decade Team … Retired as the Eagles' all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns (79) … Born on September 22, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida.
RAYMOND CHESTER (Player)
Tight End … Morgan State University (1966-1969) … Member of Morgan State’s 1968 undefeated team, scoring the Bears’ only touchdown in their historic victory over Grambling at Yankee Stadium … Member of 1970 College All-Star team … Selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 24th overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft … Raiders (1970-1972; 1978-1981) … Baltimore Colts (1973-1977) … NFL Rookie of the Year (1970) … Four-time Pro Bowl Selection … Super Bowl Champion (1980) … Born on June 28, 1948 in Cambridge, Maryland.
THOMAS “HOLLYWOOD” HENDERSON (Player)
Linebacker … Langston University (1971-1974) … Started collegiate career as a walk-on … Led Langston to 11-2 record and NAIA playoff berth in 1973 … Two-time NAIA All-American … Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year (1974) … Selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 18th overall pick in the 1975 NFL Draft … Cowboys (1975-1979) … Also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Oilers and Miami Dolphins … seven seasons … NFL Pro Bowl selection (1978) … Super Bowl Champion (1977) … Born on March 1, 1953 in Austin, Texas.
LEO 'LINCOLN LOCOMOTIVE' LEWIS (Player)
Running Back … Lincoln University (1951-1954) … Started every game and led the Blue Tigers to undefeated seasons in 1952 and 1953 … Still Lincoln’s all-time career leader in 4,457 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns … Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1955 NFL Draft, but elected to play in the Canadian Football League … Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1955-1966) … 12 seasons … Six-time All-Pro selection … Canadian Football Hall of Fame … College Football Hall of Fame … Born February 4, 1933 in Des Moines, Iowa … Died August 30, 2013.
GREG LLOYD (Player)
Linebacker … Fort Valley State University (1984-1987) … Three-time All-SIAC selection … As a senior, was selected as the SIAC Player of the year … First Team SBN All-American … Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 6th Round of the 1988 NFL Draft) … Steelers (1988-1997) … Carolina Panthers (1998) … 11 seasons … Five Pro Bowl selections … Three-time All-Pro (1993-1995) … Two-time Steelers Team MVP … Member of the Steelers All-Time Team … Born May 26, 1965 in Miami, Florida.
EVERSON WALLS (Player)
Defensive Back … Grambling State University (1977-1980) … Named to Kodak 1-AA All-American Team and Black College All-American Team … Led nation with 11 interceptions as a senior … Signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1981 … Cowboys (1981-1989) … New York Giants (1990-1992) … Cleveland Browns (1992-1993) … 14 seasons … Four Pro Bowl selections … First Team All-Pro (1983) … Led the NFL in interceptions three seasons … Super Bowl Champion (1990) … SWAC Hall of Fame inductee … Born December 28, 1959 in Dallas, Texas.
BILL HAYES (Coach)
Winston-Salem State University (1976-1987), North Carolina A&T University (1988-2002) … Won four CIAA titles at Winston-Salem State … Ranked as the #1 team in Division II after consecutive undefeated regular seasons … As head coach of the Aggies, Hayes won three Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles and made two Division I-AA playoff appearances … 1988 National Coach of the Year … Retired with a record of 195-104-2 … All-time winningest football coach at both schools … Born June 1, 1943 in Durham, North Carolina.
BLACK COLLEGE HALL OF FAME PRESS RELEASE
Surprise, surprise, another mobile QB for Southern to defend. Plus four downs and numbers to know
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Asked about the possibility of facing another mobile quarterback this weekend, Southern defensive end Aaron Tiller just laughed and pointed to teammate Austin Howard, who was sitting down a few feet away.“Like I always say: The only (Southwestern Athletic Conference) quarterback that don’t scramble is sitting right there,” Tiller said. “It’s the same every week, just a different number.”
It’s a fact of life in the SWAC: If you play on the defensive side of the ball, you better keep an eye on all 11 players once the play starts, because if you lose track of the quarterback you’ll get burned by his legs.
For the most part this season, Southern has done a nice job containing the quarterback run.
Jackson State surprised the Jaguars last week by busting out an option attack for the first time all season. It took a short time for Southern to adjust, but once it did, it put the clamps on the JSU ground game.
Last month, Alcorn State quarterback Lenorris Footman, who had made a career out of terrorizing Southern’s defense with his legs, was limited to 70 yards on 18 carries.
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Game preview: Rivals Alabama A&M and Alabama State meet in Magic City Classic
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- You've heard the old adage that you can "throw the records out the window" when it comes to rivalry games.
But that seems to ring true when it comes to the annual matchup between rivals Alabama A&M and Alabama State in the Magic City Classic.
This year's Classic--kicking off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Legion Field in Birmingham--finds two teams with very different records lining up across from each other on the field, but the history of the 76-year-old game provides plenty of evidence that the game will be a close one.
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs come into the game with the top defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and they lead the East division with a 3-1 conference record. After starting the season with three tough out-of-conference losses to UAB, Vanderbilt and South Alabama, A&M has had impressive double-digit wins.
Alabama State lost five straight games to begin the season and fired head coach Brian Jenkins, but interim coach Donald Hill-Eley led the Hornets to its first win of the season two weeks ago, 23-16 over Texas Southern.
The recent outcomes of the Magic City Classic have belied any team records, however, and last years's come-from-behind 42-41 win by Alabama A&M in overtime was an instant classic.
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But that seems to ring true when it comes to the annual matchup between rivals Alabama A&M and Alabama State in the Magic City Classic.
This year's Classic--kicking off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Legion Field in Birmingham--finds two teams with very different records lining up across from each other on the field, but the history of the 76-year-old game provides plenty of evidence that the game will be a close one.
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs come into the game with the top defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and they lead the East division with a 3-1 conference record. After starting the season with three tough out-of-conference losses to UAB, Vanderbilt and South Alabama, A&M has had impressive double-digit wins.
Alabama State lost five straight games to begin the season and fired head coach Brian Jenkins, but interim coach Donald Hill-Eley led the Hornets to its first win of the season two weeks ago, 23-16 over Texas Southern.
The recent outcomes of the Magic City Classic have belied any team records, however, and last years's come-from-behind 42-41 win by Alabama A&M in overtime was an instant classic.
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No sharing allowed; XULA drops SUNO to win GCAC title
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana eliminated the what-ifs from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball race Thursday with a 25-12, 25-19, 25-9 victory against SUNO at the Convocation Center.
The Gold Nuggets (19-2, 11-0) won the GCAC regular-season championship outright for the sixth time in seven years. Their streak of regular-season titles is seven — they shared in 2015 with SUNO.
Freshman Kayla Black hit .478 with 12 kills, eight digs and a career-best four blocks for XULA.
Adili Rikondja and Juliana Tomasoni had eight kills apiece, and Vivica Price-Spraggins had six kills and five blocks.
Tomasoni — honored with Kaelan Temple in a pre-match senior-day ceremony — also had 11 digs and two aces. Anna Dalla Vecchia had 12 digs. Eva Le Guillou (23 assists) and Tiffany Phillips (14) shared the setting duties.
Sonja Backovic had nine kills, and Tijana Milica had 13 digs for the Lady Knights (6-18, 5-6).
XULA outhit SUNO .376 to .053 and had advantages of 46-22 in kills, 6-1 in aces, 48-34 in digs and 10-2 in blocks. The block total was the Nuggets' best in a GCAC match since 2012.
Black was one of five Nuggets to hit .400 or higher. Price-Spraggins hit .600 in 10 attacks, Rikondja hit .538 in 13 attacks, Tomasoni hit .444 in 18 attacks, and Hasani Salaam hit .400 in five attacks.
XULA will close its regular season next week against city rivals. The Nuggets will visit Loyola in a non-conference match Tuesday, then visit GCAC runner-up Dillard Thursday. Both matches will start at 6 p.m. The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 10-11, but no announcement has been made about the venue.
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Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Gold Nuggets falter in 2017-18 opener at Loyola
NEW ORLEANS — Zoie Miller scored 23 points Thursday to lead hot-shooting Loyola to a 76-45 women's basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at The Den.It was the season opener for both city rivals. The Wolf Pack are ranked 20th in NAIA Division I. The Gold Nuggets received votes in that same preseason poll.
Miller was 10-of-14 for the floor. Loyola outshot XULA 51.8 to 17.9 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Nuggets 49-33.
Essence Wells scored a career-high 11 points for the Gold Nuggets. Jalyn Hodge and Taylor Jacob scored nine points apiece, and Hodge made three of the Nuggets' seven 3-pointers. Jacob is a freshman.
Megan Worry had 13 points and eight rebounds for Loyola, and Di'Mond Jackson scored 12.
The Wolf Pack led 39-18 at halftime. A Miller 3-pointer with 4:39 remaining — her final points of the game — gave Loyola its largest lead, 74-34. XULA then closed with an 11-2 run.
The Gold Nuggets' best feature was free-throw shooting. They made 14-of-15.
The losing margin was XULA's largest in an opener since an 84-48 defeat to Grambling in 1977. That was the Gold Nuggets' first season of the Title IX era.
XULA will play its home opener at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Convocation Center against Southeastern (Fla.), 28-1 last season and ranked fourth this season in NAIA Division II.
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Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Gold Rush win at 20th-ranked St. Thomas in opener
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Three newcomers scored in double figures Friday, and Xavier University of Louisiana blocked its most shots in a game in at least 14 seasons in a 75-73 men's basketball victory against St. Thomas (Fla.)It was the 2017-18 season opener for both teams. St. Thomas is ranked 20th in NAIA Division II. The Gold Rush will visit another ranked team from that division, No. 14 Florida Memorial, at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday.
Virgil Davison scored 14 points, Timothy Jordan 12 and Jeff Dixon 11 for the Gold Rush. It was the XULA debut of all three juniors. Dixon's a New Orleanian, with previous stops at McMain High School and Delgado Community College.
Jerry Gibson's 3-pointer with 7:31 remaining — his only long-range attempt — put the Gold Rush ahead to stay 63-60 and started a 9-2 run. But XULA was unable to exhale until St. Thomas missed a pair of 3-pointers on the final possession.
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XULA blocked 10 shots, six in the final 9 1/2 minutes. Elex Carter blocked a career-best five shots and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.
Also contributing for XULA were Jalen David with eight points, six rebounds, three assists and a career-high-tying four steals and freshman Rayshawn Mart with nine rebounds and two blocks. Mart and Galen Smith both started, giving the Gold Rush two true freshmen in the opening-day lineup for the first time in at least 14 seasons.
Second-year XULA head coach Alfred Williams got points from all 11 players he used. Six newcomers accounted for 45 points.
St. Thomas had five scorers in double figures. Fotios Malelis and Kamil Brown scored 13 points apiece, Philip Saunders and Tim Sada scored 12 apiece, and Khalil Williams had 10. Malelis grabbed nine rebounds and had three steals.
XULA led 37-35 at halftime. The game had 17 lead changes.
The Gold Rush outshot the Bobcats 42.6 to 37.1 percent from the floor. St. Thomas had a 10-4 advantage in 3-pointers made.
XULA won its opener for the 22nd consecutive season, but this was the first time since 1992 that the Gold Rush opened on the road. The XULA men will play their first three on the road before playing Miles Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center.
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: MEAC/SWAC: Coaches in the Hot Seat
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| DWIGHT FLOYD GAME REPORT |
In 2017, he is facing one of the worst seasons he has ever had as a head coach with a 2-5 record overall, and 1-4 record in the conference. Pough entered this his 16th season with an 117-57 overall record and needs just 10 more wins to become the winningest head coach in South Carolina State history.
In his first news conference of the season he stated that he thought he had a good team, but would not know until the team plays. He made a point to say that high school and the NFL coaches have an advantage that college teams don’t because unlike college teams they get to scrimmage against other teams before the season starts. Suffice it to say that this is not the team he imagined.
My guess is that after ...
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