Interim coach Hill-Eley 'definitely' wants to remain at ASU

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Donald Hill-Eley would love to stay at Alabama State beyond the Turkey Day Classic.

“Definitely,” said Hill-Eley when asked during Monday’s SWAC coaches’ teleconference if he wanted to be ASU’s head coach next season. “It’s an opening and I’m a head coach that’s available. So why not?

Hill-Eley is 2-0 as ASU’s interim head coach since replacing Brian Jenkins, who was fired after an 0-5 start this season. Coming off a 21-16 win over Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic last week, the Hornets (2-5, 2-2 SWAC) look to remain undefeated under Hill-Eley when they play Saturday at Jackson State (1-7, 1-3).

“Any time you have a coaching change in the middle of the season, there’s a lot of things that go into it that can be negative, but he has turned everything positive,” Jackson State coach Tony Hughes said about Hill-Eley. “The kids are playing hard.”

Jenkins hired Hill-Eley, a longtime head coach at Morgan State (2002-13), in 2015 to coach wide receivers after one season at Norfolk State where he coached the same position and served as associate head coach.

CONTINUE READING

Recruiting season heating up for Jackson State despite 1-7 start

JACKSON, Mississippi -- It goes without saying — it's not easy recruiting when you aren't winning.

But that's the task JSU coach Tony Hughes and his staff are undertaking this month ahead of the early signing period that begins December 20.

The Tigers are 1-7 overall and 1-3 in the SWAC. That's not inspiring confidence in potential signees, but they've recently gained a little momentum thanks to a 24-5 win over Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena.

"We're making progress," Hughes said Tuesday. "You're always going to have interest from guys who grew up in the area and have always wanted to be a Jackson State Tiger, but we're starting to make some inroad in other parts of the state as well."

Jackson State currently has three commits, about the same number it had at this time last year.

The first to jump on board was Louisville defensive back Lakevias Daniel. Daniel committed at the Tiger's Night Under the Lights event back in July.

CONTINUE READING

Rush defeat ranked opponent for 2nd consecutive day

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana used a late first-half surge Saturday to spark a 71-49 men's basketball victory against Florida Memorial.

It's the first time since January 2002 that the Gold Rush (2-0) won consecutive games in the same season against ranked opponents. Florida Memorial (1-1) is ranked 14th in NAIA Division II. XULA won 75-73 Friday at St. Thomas, ranked 20th in NAIA D2.

XULA was 1-11 against ranked opponents last season.

"Still have a long way to go, but we're taking some positive steps," second-year XULA coach Alfred Williams said. "Our guys are buying into their roles. It's coming together."

XULA trailed 20-13 through 13 minutes, then made five 3-pointers — two apiece by Jerry Gibson and Jeff Dixon — during an 18-2 run that gave it a 31-22 halftime lead. The Lions never got closer than five points in the second half, and XULA led by double digits for the final 9:28.

Jalen David scored 15 points, Dixon 14 and Virgil Davison 12 for XULA. Davison scored all his points in the second half, all on 3-pointers. Elex Carter grabbed eight rebounds, and David and Galen Smith had six apiece. Dixon had four assists, and Donovan Armstrong had three.

Omar Outar scored 13 points, and Travis Mitchell had 11 points and seven rebounds for Florida Memorial.

Gibson scored all eight of his points in the first half and did not miss a shot.

XULA limited Florida Memorial to its fewest points at home in nearly three years. The Gold Rush outshot the Lions 41.2 to 26.2 percent from the floor.

"This group has a chance to be one of the best defensive teams we've had in a long time," Williams said. "Their intensity level and basketball savvy are high. They understand what other teams are trying to do against them. They play together and swarm around the ball."

XULA finished with 12 3-pointers, its most in a victory since February 2008. Dixon made three treys, and David made two.

XULA will be back on the road next Saturday for a 4 p.m. matchup with LeMoyne-Owen of NCAA Division II. Start time of that game was pushed up 3 1/2 hours. The Gold Rush home opener will start at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 against another NCAA D2 member, Miles, at the Convocation Center.

Box Score

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

S.C. STATE FOOTBALL: AD urges support for Pough, program

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina --These are uncharted waters for the South Carolina State football program — enduring a second consecutive losing season, concerned about the direction of the team in coming years.

With Saturday's 28-20 homecoming loss to Howard, the Bulldogs (2-6 overall, 1-5 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play) are at the bottom of conference standings and entered this, their bye week, with two games left on the schedule and more questions than answers.

On Monday, Buddy Pough -- in his 16th season at the helm for S.C. State -- tried to answer some of those questions while dealing with just his third losing campaign with the Bulldogs. And perhaps more importantly, first-year Bulldogs Director of Athletics Stacey Danley gave his support for Pough and the program through the remainder of the season.

"We are here to support; we don't really talk contracts during the middle of a season," Danley said. "We have two more games that we expect to win, and we are going to go out and compete with that expectation.

CONTINUE READING

With finances improving, SC State athletics is still examining everything - including football

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- It's decision time in Orangeburg.

Buddy Pough's roamed the sidelines as SC State's leading man for 16 football seasons. If there's to be a 17th, the Bulldogs must extend his contract at the end of this season.

Pough's enjoyed tremendous success as the Bulldogs head coach. He's guided the Bulldogs to six conference titles and ranks second on the program's all-time wins list. However, the Bulldogs are 2-6 overall this season.

Stacy Danley's been sitting in SC State's Director of Athletic chair for nearly six months. He's charged with deciding Buddy Pough's future.

"People ask me all the time what you're going to do with your coach? I'm going to support him," Danley said. "Give him all the support he can get from my seat."

"As far as I know I'll be back," Pough said. "If that's what you're trying to get at. I tell our guys we will still be here until they tell us differently."

CONTINUE READING

Unbeaten North Carolina A&T returns to chase history against mourning Norfolk State

GREENSBORO, North Carolina — N.C. A&T will drive to Virginia chasing history Saturday.

Norfolk State simply wants normalcy, to make sense of the senseless.

The Aggies (8-0, 5-0 MEAC) are alone in first place in the conference standings, and they’ll play the host Spartans (3-5, 3-2) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Price Stadium.

No A&T team in the program’s 93-year history has ever been 9-0. It’s the Aggies’ final road trip of the regular season.



And they’ll play a heartbroken team.

Nick Ackies, a freshman defensive lineman for the Spartans, was shot and killed Friday night at an off-campus apartment. Jaquan Anderson, a 22-year-old Norfolk State graduate and former defensive back for the football team, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the shooting.

CONTINUE READING

XULA women collect 4 GCAC awards for Oct. 16-22

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana earned four Gulf Coast Athletic Conference awards, three in volleyball, for Oct. 16-22.
     
Lauryn Taylor received her first Hitter of the Week award, Anna Dalla Vecchia was named Defender of the Week for the fifth time, and Eva Le Guillou claimed her second Setter of the Week honor. All three are freshmen.
     
Junior Maliya Vaughan was named Runner of the Week in women's cross country after winning the 5,000-meter run at the GCAC Championships in Clinton, Miss. It was Vaughan's first GCAC weekly award.
    
Taylor, from the Atlanta suburb of Fairburn, Ga., and a graduate of Booker T. Washingtion High School, hit .379 and averaged 3.11 kills and 0.67 blocks per set in three GCAC road matches, all of which XULA won. Taylor had 11 kills and a .556 hitting percentage, both career highs, at Philander Smith. Then Taylor had 10 kills and hit .450 to help Xavier win at Talladega and clinch a tie for the GCAC regular-season championship.
    
Dalla Vecchia, from Vicenza, Italy, averaged 6.44 digs per set and had just one reception error in 51 attempts. She tied the school record for digs in a match — 31 (in three sets) at Tougaloo, and she had 13 digs in the third and final set. Against Talladega she became the third XULA freshman all-time to reach 300 digs.
     
Le Guillou, from Velizy-Villacoublay, France, averaged a GCAC-best 7.11 assists per set during her week, and she tied her career high of 25 digs at Talladega. Le Guillou averaged 1.33 digs (12 total) and served two aces.
     
Vaughan, from Elk Grove, Calif., and a graduate of West Campus High School, won the GCAC title in 20 minutes, 43.50 seconds and led the Gold Nuggets to their 11th consecutive GCAC team championship. She beat teammate and runner-up Taylor Price, the 2016 GCAC champion, by nearly nine seconds. A year earlier, Vaughan was second to Price and 34 seconds from the lead.
     
XULA volleyball (19-2, 11-0) will close its regular season this week with a pair of 6 p.m. matches at city rivals — Tuesday against Loyola (non-conference), then Thursday at Dillard (GCAC). The GCAC Tournament will be Nov. 10-11, but no announcement has been made about the venue.
     
Next for XULA women's cross country will be the NAIA National Championships Nov. 18 at Vancouver, Wash. The Gold Nuggets qualified automatically by winning the GCAC team title.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Defense improves, but Nuggets still get burned by Fire

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana gained 31 turnovers Sunday, but shot-making again was an issue in a 60-39 women's basketball loss to Southeastern (Fla.).

The Gold Nuggets, a 19-game winner last season and a perennial NAIA national tourney contender, are 0-2 for just the fourth time during the Title IX era.

XULA's Mikayla Bates had 13 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in her first collegiate double-double. Bates, a starter for the third straight season, also had three assists and two steals.

Ana Richter scored 15 points, Jaycee Coe 13 and Marlene Schmidt 11 for Southeastern (3-0), the fourth-ranked team in NAIA Division II. It was the Southeastern's 31st victory in its last 32 games.
Despite a plus-6 advantage in turnovers, XULA was outscored 26-16 in points off of turnovers. The Gold Nuggets shot 13 percent from the floor in the first half and finished at 26.5 percent for the game. Southeastern shot 64.7 percent from the floor, 73.3 percent in the first half.

The Fire led 28-13 at halftime.

BOX SCORE

XULA shot 17.9 percent from the floor Thursday in a 76-45 loss at city rival Loyola.
"I thought our defense and our effort were much improved from the Loyola game," XULA coach Bo Browder said, "but we still couldn't make shots. If we had shot it a little better, this might have been a different game."

XULA limited Southeastern to its fewest points in its last 35 games, but the Gold Nuggets negated that performance by scoring their fewest points since a 38-37 home victory Feb. 28, 2007, against William Carey in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

The Gold Nuggets made 9-of-20 free throws on their home floor after making 14-of-15 on the road in their opener.

XULA will visit NCAA Divisi
on I Louisiana-Lafayette at 2 p.m. Saturday in an exhibition for both teams.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

How NCCU football can win the league title, make a bowl – even with two losses

DURHAM, North Carolina -- A few upsets across the MEAC this weekend helped improve N.C. Central’s chances of returning to its postseason bowl on Dec. 16.

When the Eagles lost to Norfolk State, 28-21, at home on Oct. 21, their goal of winning a fourth straight MEAC was still obtainable, so was a return to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, but that picture wasn’t as clear.



But Bethune-Cookman and Savannah State did N.C. Central some favors this past weekend. The Wildcats upset Hampton, which was previously undefeated in the MEAC, 24-21, while Savannah State knocked off Norfolk State, 27-9, handing the Spartans their second conference loss. That leaves N.C. Central, Hampton and Howard, all 4-1 in the MEAC, in a tie for second place in the league. N.C. Central, which defeated Delaware State, 42-14, this past weekend, travels to Hampton on Saturday for the first matchup between the two schools since 2014.

That game will basically serve as an elimination game. The loser will then have two losses, making it difficult to share the league title. However, there is precedent for a split with at least two losses. In 2014 there was a five-way share for the MEAC title.

CONTINUE READING

Five takeaways from FCS Week 9

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – There were enough games matching two teams in the STATS FCS Top 25 that having 10 nationally ranked teams fall on Saturday was surprisingly typical.



The number of unbeaten teams dropped from four to three as Columbia fell 23-6 to Yale in the Ivy League. Top-ranked James Madison, No. 2 North Dakota State and No. 7 North Carolina A&T each take an 8-0 record into November. Jackson State, Savannah State and Tennessee Tech notched their first wins, leaving VMI (0-9), Cal Poly (0-8), Portland State (0-8), Indiana State (0-8) and Texas Southern (0-7) as the five winless teams in the FCS.

As always, the season’s biggest FCS crowd – an announced 61,221 – turned out for the “Magic City Classic” between Alabama A&M and Alabama State at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Alabama State won the defensive battle 21-16, forcing two turnovers and controlling the game clock with its rushing (221 yards). The Hornets, who are 2-5 overall, but 2-0 under interim coach Donald Hill-Eley, will now root for its rival A&M, which visits SWAC East Division leader Alcorn State next Saturday. If Alcorn wins, it will be on cruise control to a fourth straight division crown. An A&M win makes it a three-team fight to the finish.

CONTINUE READIJNG 

Passing game peaking at right time for Grambling State

GRAMBLING, Louisiana – The offensive coaching staff at Grambling State has played the waiting game through the first two months of football season.

During preseason camp, head coach Broderick Fobbs knew patience would be key for a Tigers offensive unit that felt the loss of the majority of their yardage and production at the receiver position with the departure of Chad Williams to the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals as well as their other two top targets in Verlan Hunter and Dominique Leake, combining for 172 receptions and 2,443 yards.



Quarterback DeVante Kincade delivered the ball to the trio last season, completing 64 percent of his throws overall while averaging 251.9 yards a game through the air with 31 touchdowns. The new senior signal caller has spent first seven contests this year searching for the right chemistry with his receiving corps, passing for 211.4 yards per game at a 59.4 completion rate (104-for-175) with just 10 passing touchdowns.

After the aerial outburst in the 50-24 homecoming victory Saturday against Texas Southern – the first time the team has scored 50 this season – the waiting game may be over for Grambling State (7-1, 4-0).

CONTINUE READING

Southern and Prairie View have combined to score almost 400 points against each other the last four years

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- If recent history is a useful indicator, the A.W. Mumford Stadium scoreboard operator may be busy at this Saturday’s game between Southern and Prairie View A&M.

The two teams have combined to score 346 points in their last four meetings (86.5 points per game), including barnburners like the 62-59 Southern win in 2013 and the 47-42 Prairie View win in 2015.

Only once in the last four seasons has either Prairie View or Southern failed to crack 34 points in the game, when the Panthers were held to 24 points in 2014.

The reason, Southern coach Dawson Odums said, was obvious.

“It’s because you had some really explosive football players and two very good offenses,” Odums said on the Southwestern Athletic Conference coaches teleconference Monday.

Perhaps that is why both Odums and his counterpart, Prairie View A&M coach Willie Simmons, stressed the importance the defenses will play in Saturday’s matchup.



CONTINUE READING

HBCU Football Judgement Day Scoreboard - Week 9

OCTOBER 28, 2017

OVC
Tennessee Tech 30, Tennessee State 26

SWAC
Prairie View A&M 34, Bacone College 17
Grambling State 50, Texas Southern 24
Jackson State 24, Mississippi Valley State 5
Alabama State 21, Alabama A&M 16
Southern 47, Arkansas Pine Bluff 40

MEAC
Florida A&M 34, Morgan State 31
Howard 28, South Carolina State 20
North Carolina Central 42, Delaware State 14
Savannah State 27, Norfolk State 9
Bethune-Cookman 24, Hampton 21

CIAA
Virginia State 26, Chowan 23
Bowie State 86, Lincoln (PA) 14
Saint Augustine's 24, Johnson C. Smith 0
Virginia Union 37, Elizabeth City State 21
Fayetteville State 28, Livingstone 26
Winston-Salem State 27, Shaw 21 O.T.

SIAC
Miles 38, Clark Atlanta 17
Tuskegee 45, Central State (OH) 0
Fort Valley State 52, Morehouse 7
Kentucky State 32, Lane 5
Benedict 17, Albany State 12

CSFL
Langston 27. Pmanhandle State 14
Arizona Christian 56, Texas College 0

PSAC
Millersville 59, Cheyney 7

GLVC
McKendree 36, Lincoln (MO) 12

MOUNTAIN EAST
Fairmont State 34, West Virginia State 27

Southern beats Arkansas-Pine Bluff 47-40 behind record-tying day from Austin Howard

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- On a day the Southern defense allowed too many points for comfort against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, senior quarterback Austin Howard turned in a performance as crisp as the autumn weather Saturday.

Howard matched his career high with five touchdown passes, tying Dray Joseph’s school record with 73, and leading Southern to a wild 47-40 win Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.

“We needed him to play well tonight,” Jaguars coach Dawson Odums said.

It was the best performance of the season for the senior, who missed two games with a knee injury in September and dealt with rust and limited mobility for several weeks after that.

Howard finished the game 22 of 32 with 245 yards and his five touchdowns. Four of those touchdowns came in the first half, when he was especially sharp.

“He had full command of what we were trying to do, and I was pleased with that,” Odums said.

And Southern (5-3, 3-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) needed that performance Saturday, as the struggling Golden Lions (2-6, 1-3) were determined not to be pushovers.



CONTINUE READING

Southern grappling with sudden death of beloved volunteer, Dr. Debra Fountain. 'We are going to miss her dearly'

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Southern coach Dawson Odums struggled to keep his voice from breaking as he answered questions following his team’s 47-40 win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday.

It had been a difficult 24 hours, he said. His team was about to return to Baton Rouge short one beloved member. Dr. Debra Fountain, née Brown, Southern’s unofficial team psychologist, died in Southern’s team hotel Friday afternoon.

Fountain was 63. The crowd at War Memorial Stadium observed a moment of silence midway through the contest to pay respects.

“It’s been very difficult,” Odums said. “I think there have been some challenges mentally. I can’t really say where they were mentally today. It’s been difficult for me, but I’ve been trying to be strong for them and be there for them.”

It happened after Southern returned from a team walkthrough Friday at War Memorial Stadium. Fountain was found unresponsive at Southern’s team hotel. Paramedics rushed her to the nearby University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital but were unable to revive her.

CONTINUE READING

Prairie View A&M Panthers Post Homecoming Win Over Bacone

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- The Prairie View A&M University football team posted a homecoming win with a 34-17 triumph over Bacone College Saturday at Panther Stadium.

QB Neiko Hollins threw a pair of touchdown passes, both to WR Khadarel Hodge, and RB Sta'fon McCray rushed for a touchdown. Defensively, CB Ju'Anthony Parker returned an interception for a touchdown as the Panthers improved to 3-4 on the season in a contest in which the teams agreed to play two 10-minute quarters in the second half.

"It was good to get a win after two straight losses," Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons said. "It's good to end the game on the positive side of the scoreboard as opposed to the negative. I'm happy about that, but we have to play a lot better. Again, poor execution across the board. Special teams made some plays, but again allowed a kickoff return for touchdown. That's definitely something we have to fix. The defense held up in the first half. I thought in the second half, we played some younger guys and gave up some plays. Offensively, after halftime we only scored three points."

Prairie View A&M scored on five of its seven first-half possessions, including touchdowns on the first two drives. Following a forced three-and-out by the Panthers' defense, it took only three plays to score. McCray's 54-yard scoring run on the third offensive play gave PVAMU a 7-0 lead less than 90 seconds into the game.

After the defense forced a second straight three-and-out, Markcus Hardy blocked a punt which was recovered by RB Caleb Broach at the Bacone nine-yard line. Hodge caught a touchdown pass from Hollins on the ensuing play to give PVAMU a 14-0 lead with 12:08 to play in the first quarter.

Later in the quarter, a 54-yard punt return by Darius Floyd set up a 45-yard Zach Elder field goal for a 17-0 lead with 2:27 to play in the first quarter.

Just over a minute into the second quarter, Parker's 44-yard interception return extended the PVAMU lead to 24-0.

On the Panthers' next offensive possession, it took PVAMU only two plays to score. Hollins and Hodge connected on a 30-yard scoring pass for a 31-0 lead with just over 11 minutes to play until halftime.

"(Bacone Head) Coach (Lawrence) Livingston and I got together at halftime," Simmons said of the decision to shorten the game. "He wanted to make sure his guys got out of the game healthy. He felt like the game was getting out of hand, and we made the decision to shorten the game. They don't have a big roster numbers-wise. Of course, we're a bigger, faster, stronger team and we wanted to allow them to finish out their season strong, so we made the decision to go to the 10-minute quarters for the second half."

Prairie View A&M football returns to action Saturday at Southern at 4 p.m.



PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State DL Nick Ackies Killed, Ex-NSU Player Jaquan Anderson Arrested

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State defensive lineman Nicholas Jerome Ackies was shot and killed Friday night, according to Ryan Murphy and Lee Tolliver of The Virginian-Pilot.

Ackies, a freshman, was 18.

According to Murphy and Tolliver, Norfolk State announced former football player Jaquan Anderson, 22, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

"This is such a tragic situation," Norfolk State athletic director Marty Miller said in a statement, per Murphy and Tolliver. "Our prayers are with Nick's family during this very difficult time."

Anderson is reportedly being held in jail without bond.

CONTINUE READING

Norfolk State University

15 hrs · 

Norfolk State University Statement Regarding Death of Student

(NSU Newsroom—Oct. 28, 2017)—Officials at Norfolk State University regret to report the death of Nicholas Jerome Ackies, a student, who passed away on Friday after he was the victim of a homicide in Norfolk.

Ackies, 18, of Richmond, was a freshman criminal justice major. He was a defensive lineman for the NSU Football team. NSU Athletics Director Marty L. Miller expressed his condolences regarding the loss of Ackies.

"This is such a tragic situation. Our prayers are with Nick's family during this very difficult time," Miller said. "He will be dearly missed by the entire Norfolk State University family."

Norfolk Police have arrested JayQuan Anderson, 22, of Richmond, in connection to the incident. Anderson, an NSU graduate, has been charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond in the Norfolk City Jail. As the investigation continues, police ask anyone with information about the homicide to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

The NSU Football team will hold a moment of silence to honor Ackies in advance of today’s Homecoming game against Savannah State University. The game will begin at 2 p.m. The NSU Office of Student Affairs will update the campus community when funeral arrangements have been finalized.

The NSU Counseling Center staff is available to provide counseling services for students, faculty and staff affected by this tragedy. The center is located inside the Student Services Center, Suite 312. Appointments are available by calling 757-823-8173. For immediate assistance, call 757-823-9000 to speak with an on-call counselor.

Savannah State Wins First Game of Season

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Jaylen McCloud rushed for a career-high 132 yards and scored a touchdown to help Savannah State beat Norfolk State 27-9, in a game played at Dick Price Stadium.

The crowd of 17,218 saw the Tigers snap a ten game losing streak as well as win their first road game since 2011.

Savannah State had their best offensive and defensive effort of the season. The Tigers produced 382 yards of offense while holding NSU to just nine points.

Norfolk State, who was celebrating their Homecoming, scored on their first possession of the contest when Jwan Carter ran for a three yard touchdown with seven minutes left in the first quarter. The Spartans led 6-0 after Bo Lomax missed the extra point attempt.

The Tigers (1-7,-4 MEAC) found pay-dirt on their third drive of the second quarter when D;Vonn Gibbons threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to Derek Kirkland. Giovanni Lugo's extra point attempt was blocked and the scored was knotted at 6-6 with 16 seconds remaining before intermission. During the eight play, 48 yard possession, Kirkland caught a 14 yard pass from Gibbons.

Late in the third quarter a 24 yard punt return by JaMichael Baldwin gave SSU a first and ten from their own 48. That led to McCloud's five yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left in the quarter. Lugo's extra point kick was good and the Tigers led 13-6. McCloud had a 18 yard run on that scoring drive.

Norfolk State pulled within 13-9 when their first drive of the fourth quarter stalled at the SSU ten. Josh Nardone kicked a 27 yard field goal to draw the Spartans within four with 8:32 remaining.

Savannah State's Elijah Shah returned the ensuing kickoff 30 yards to the SSU 41 which set up a two yard touchdown run by Gibbons with 4:20 left. McCloud ripped off a 12 yard run on that drive and Gibbons threw a 24 yard completion to Tyler Hagan. Lugo's extra point kick increased the Tigers lead to 20-9.

Norfolk State's next possession was stopped after SSU's Donald Rutledge intercepted a pass and returned it 22 yards to the Spartan 37.

That set up a five yard touchdown run by Nicholas Bentley with 52 seconds left to cap a six play, 47 yard drive. Lugo's extra point sealed the 27-9 victory. Bently had a nine yard run on the possession and McCloud had a 22 yard scamper.

Gibbons added 89 yards yards on the ground while completing 11 of 17 passes for 120 yards. Baldwin caught four passes for 46 yards while Kirkland hauled in two receptions for 33 yards. Isaiah Bennett led the SSU defense with nine tackles.

Both teams had balanced offensive attacks. SSU had 22 first downs while running for 262 of their 382 offensive yards while the Spartans had 20 first downs. 179 of their 302 yards came via the air.

Savannah State also scored each time they reached the red zone (4 for 4).

SSU's only flaws were getting nine penalties for 80 yards and giving up five sacks.

CJ Jones led the Spartans (3-5, 3-2 MEAC) run game with 51 yards, Carter threw for 150 yards while Marcus Taylor had seven receptions for 43 yards. Anthony Smith was in on ten tackles.

BOX SCORE

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

NCCU Celebrates Homecoming with 42-14 Win over DSU

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.

BOX SCORE

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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.

BOX SCORE

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

Clark Atlanta 4-5 , 2-3

38

 Miles 6-3 , 4-1

Score By Quarters

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	F
Clark Atlanta	0	7	3	7	17
Miles	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.

CONTINUE READING

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

BOX SCORE

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.

BOX SCORE

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.

BOX SCORE

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