NORFOLK, Virginia – The North Carolina A&T football team finds themselves in peculiar position after improving to 9-0 overall with a 35-7 win over Norfolk State Saturday at William “Dick” Price Stadium.
The Aggies are making large amounts of history in 2017, but with so much more history remaining to be made this season, they find themselves slightly tempered about the unprecedented accomplishments they have already achieved.
The win over Norfolk State makes the 2017 N.C. A&T Aggies the only football team in the 93-year history of Aggie football to have a 9-0 record. This year’s senior class is the only senior class in school history to put together four consecutive nine-win seasons. Individually, junior quarterback Lamar Raynard broke the Aggies single-season passing record. He eclipsed Maseo Bolin’s 23-year old record on a 24-yard completion to graduate tight end Trey Scott in the third quarter.
Bolin’s mark stood at 2,262 yards. With at least two games remaining, Raynard has 2,302 yards passing. Head coach Rod Broadway got to into the act as well. The win gave him 56 wins as the Aggies head man, moving him past former head coaches Bert Piggott (1957-67) and Hornsby Howell (1968-76) for second on the Aggies all-time wins list behind Bill Hayes’ 106 (1988-2002).
PHOTO GALLERY: NCA&T vs. NSU
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But will all that recorded, there is still next week.
“It’s special, but it’s not quite good enough,” said Broadway. “We’ve got to go 10-0. “Nine-and-oh is special, but when you're chasing excellence that's a different ballgame. And I'm talking about going 11-0, I'm talking about the we way play. I want to see us play closer to our potential level than we do at times.
There are times out there when we look really good, and there are times out there when we're not really sharp. But we're 9-0. Even at our worst we're 9-0.”
N.C. A&T, who improved to 6-0 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to remain in first place, was crisp early. On their first possession of the game, they went 65 yards in 10 plays as Raynard was 4-for-4 on a drive that culminated with Raynard running in from 1-yard out to give the Aggies a 7-0 lead. The Aggies remaining first-half offensive possessions, however, resulted in a missed field goal, a punt and an interception.
Help came in the form of North Carolina A&T’s defense. The Aggies ‘D’ held the Spartans to minus-4 yards rushing for the game. Senior Jeremy Taylor’s second-quarter interception return for touchdown gave the Aggies a 14-0 advantage. Taylor saw the receiver freshman Mac McCain was covering cut inside, therefore, he figured the receiver he was covering was going go in the opposite direction, so he jumped the route.
Taylor’s instincts were right as he returned the throw from NSU freshman quarterback Juwan Carter 47 yards for the Aggies fifth defensive touchdown of the season. “The quarterback didn’t see me breaking in on (the receiver). It came right to me.”
Carter did bounce back. He completed passes of 26 and 22 and was aided by a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty on N.C. A&T that allowed his team to move the ball to the Aggies 4-yard line for a first-and-goal. Three plays later Carter found freshman receiver Isaiah Winstead for an 8-yard TD pass to cut the Aggies lead to 14-7 with 3:03 remaining in the first half.
“If these guys could see what type of football team we could have if we stopped the slow play, the dumb plays and the penalties, we could have a good football team,” said Broadway. “We're close now. But we've got to take some giant steps as far as penalties go (N.C. A&T had nine for the game). First half was sloppy, we didn't play like we are capable. Second half, we really got going. if we could play like that all the time, we would be really good.”
A dominant second-half defensive performance that saw the Aggies hold NSU to just 45 yards of offense was complemented by three more 1-yard touchdowns by the offense. Raynard had the first. After leading the Aggies 83 yards on 14 plays on the opening drive of the second half, he finished it off with a 1-yard quarterback sneak. Raynard was 6-for-10 passing on the drive for 62 yards.
An interception by senior free safety Jamaal Darden led to the Aggies second, second-half 1-yard TD. Darden returned his pick 23 yards to the NSU 45. Junior running back Marquell Cartwright then rumbled and spun his way down to the 1. He finished off by barreling in for a 28-7 Aggies lead with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter. Graduate running back Jamari Smith finished off the 1-yard scoring with 12:43 remaining in the game. His 1-yard run was set up by his 15-yard reception on a 2nd-and-13 from the NSU 35.
Cartwright and Smith combined for 167 yards rushing with Cartwright posting his fourth career 100-yard game with 104 on 17 carries. Raynard’s record-breaking day saw him go for 277 yards and two interceptions on 22-for-31 passing. He failed to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since Sept. 10, 2016 at Kent State. It was a streak of 15 straight games, and what makes his streak even more impressive is that he didn’t finish the Kent State game. Sophomore Elijah Bell finished with seven catches for 114 yards receiving.
N.C. A&T also completed their road schedule 6-0, breaking a school record for road wins in a season. But again, with all that recorded, there is still next week versus Savannah State at Aggie Stadium at 1 p.m.
“Being 9-0 is great, but we can't get complacent,” said Taylor. ‘We've got another game and that's next week, so that has to be our main focus.”
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Sunday, November 5, 2017
No. 8 Langston Lions Hold Off No. 16 SAGU, Clinch CSFL Title
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| Photo by Na'Tianna Stocker, @LivingatLU |
The win gives Langston (9-0, 7-0 CSFL) their first CSFL title and playoff berth since the 2014 season. The Lions have one more conference game remaining at Wayland Baptist next Saturday at 2 p.m. before their playoff matchup is determined.
Trailing 14-10 in the fourth quarter, SAGU drove to the Langston 10-yard line but three straight incompletions from quarterback C.J. Collins nixed any potential scoring opportunity for the Lions. On their following offensive possession the SAGU offense again drove the field and faced a first-and-10 at the Langston 25-yard line.
Collins fired four straight incompletions, turning the ball over on downs and sealing the CSFL title for Langston.
Southwestern Assemblies of God was the first to draw blood in the CSFL title tilt when Tiuang Hmung knocked in a 29-yard field in the first quarter, capping a 10-play, 42-yard drive.
Langston countered with a one-yard touchdown run by Taj Johnson (SO/Aurora, Colo.) in the second quarter and led at intermission 7-3; the Lions tacked on more touchdown when Jaylen Lowe (JR/Collinsville, Okla.) scored on a one-yard quarterback run, putting Langston up 14-3 at the 13:07 mark in the third quarter.
The final scoring play came courtesy of SAGU when Collins hooked up Bryant Dotson for a 31-yard strike to move within four of Langston at 14-10 with 11:51 remaining in the third quarter.
Langston's Tim Whitfield (FR/Meeker, Okla.) led all rushers with 46 yards on 11 carries; Lowe finished four-for-seven with 52 passing yards on the day. On the defensive side Jeffry Reed (JR/Ardmore, Okla.) led the Lions with five tackles.
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LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION
Howard Bison Secure Comeback Win Over FAMU Rattlers
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team erased a 10-point deficit to knock off the Florida A&M (FAMU) Rattlers, 37-26, at Bragg Stadium. With the victory, HU secured its first winning season since 2012.Howard (6-3, 5-1 MEAC) compiled 565 total offense while holding the ball for more than 34 minutes. HU kept the Rattlers' offense off the field, converting 9-of-15 on third and fourth down situations.
Freshman quarterback Caylin Newton led the balance attack, throwing for 294 yards while rushing for 141 yards on the ground. The Atlanta native accounted for four total touchdowns, three passing (career-high) and one rushing.
Florida A&M scored on its opening drive, capped off by a 2-yard run by Ricky Henrilus, 7-0.
HU's first possession saw Newton connected with sophomore Kyle Anthony for a 24-yard touchdown and tied the contest, 7-7.
FAMU responded and claimed the lead after a 25-yard pass from Ryan Stanley to Kareem Smith, 13-7.
A 24-yard field goal by the Rattlers' Yahia Aly extended Florida A&M's lead, 16-7, but HU fought back.
Howard highlighted its seven-play, 89-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run by senior Anthony Philyaw.
Under the five-minute mark, Florida A&M increased their lead to double-digits after a 3-yard run by Stanley, 23-13.
With time dwindling before halftime, Newton launched a Hail Mary to the end zone where sophomore Jequez Ezzard grabbed over defenders to pull the Bison within three, 20-23.
In their opening drive after intermission, Newton found Ezzard on a screen pass, which resulted into a 37-yard touchdown and gave the Bison its first lead of the game, 27-23.
After a stop by the defense, HU's momentum continued as they went eight plays for 66 yards, highlighted by a 6-yard touchdown run from Newton, 34-23.
FAMU's only points in the second half came on a 42-yard field goal by Aly early into the fourth, 34-26.
Kicker Dakota Lebofsky drilled a 37-yard field goal to make the contest a two-possession game, 37-26.
Ezzard had 205 all-purposes yards, including 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Anthony added 93 yards on five catches and a touchdown in the victory.
Defensively, Leland Lassiter recorded a team-high nine tackles (six solo) while Aaron Walker added eight solo tackles, including a tackle for loss.
For FAMU (3-7, 2-5 MEAC), they were held to only three points after halftime. Ricky Henrilus led the Rattlers with a game-high 153 yards on the ground.
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On Nov. 11, Howard hosts Norfolk State for Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Virginia State Football Game vs. Shaw University Cancelled
ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Virginia State University football team were scheduled host Shaw University for a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association matchup on Thursday, November 9th. The game has been cancelled.The Virginia State University football team defeated Virginia Union University, 40-39, in Rogers Stadium to take the CIAA Northern Division Title and secure a trip to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Championship game.
Virginia State University will face Fayetteville State University in the Salem, Virginia for the CIAA Title on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m.
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Undefeated Virginia State Defeats Virginia Union To Claim The CIAA Northern Division Title
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| HEAD COACH REGGIE BARLOW LEADS VIRGINIA STATE TO REGULAR SEASON 9-0 UNDEFEATED RECORD |
In an action-packed contest, junior Kurtis Brooks (Las Vegas, NV) intercepted the ball with less than a minute remaining to give VSU possession of the ball to close out the game. A penalty by the Panthers moved the ball up to VUU's 2-yard line. Senior Trenton Cannon (Hampton, VA) powered through, running the ball for two-yard to secure a touchdown to give VSU a 40-39 lead.
The Trojans showed up to play in their final home game of the regular season by grasping an early 7-0 lead at 9:10 mark in the opening quarter when quarterback Cordelreal Cook (Atlanta, GA) saw an opening for a 17-yard run into the Trojans end zone. Keeping the same momentum, the Trojans added their second touchdown at the 7:01 mark, when senior Blair Wynn (Englewood, NJ) connected with Joshua Harris (King William, VA) on a 30-yard pass. The extra point was good by Matthew Hillquist (Glen Allen, VA) putting the Trojans up, 14-0. The Panthers then answered when Darius Taylor connected with Gustavious Dames on a 45-yard pass to put them on the board. The extra point by Jefferson Souza was good to cut the lead 14-7, closing out the first quarter.
Entering into the second quarter, the Panthers added a touchdown at the 13:28 mark. Quarterback Darius Taylor found Jewison Dawkins on a 22-yard pass and the extra point to tie to the game, 14-14. VSU's Cordelral Cook answered by running the ball for five-yards into the end zone at the 3:13 mark. The extra point was good by Hillquist to edge the Trojans 21-14 over VUU. The Panthers then positioned themselves into field goals range to secure three points to shorten the Trojans lead, 21-17. Closing out the quarter with seconds left, Cannon exploded into the end zone on a two-yard run. At the half, VSU held a 28-17 lead.
The Panthers were first to add points on the board at the 13:08 mark in the third quarter. Darius Taylor connected with Gustavious Dames on a 32-yard pass finding the end zone. Followed by Karl Calhoun picking up two extra points to cut the lead 28-25. VUU then added another touchdown when Darius Taylor found Chazto McKenzie on a 24-yard pass to give the Panthers its first lead of the game, 32-28. Closing out the quarter the Panthers added another touchdown when Sterling Hammond found the end zone on a 15-yard punt return. At the end of the third quarter the Panther led the Trojans, 39-28.
In the final quarter of the game, the Trojans continued to rally taking things one play at a time. At the 14:53 mark senior Niko Johnson found Joshua Harris for a four-yard touchdown, cutting the Panther lead 39-34. Senior Trenton Cannon (Hampton, VA) closed the VSU drive by running the ball for two-yard to secure a touchdown, giving VSU a 40-39 lead.
Junior Kurtis Brooks (Las Vegas, NV) then intercepted the ball with less than a minute remaining to give VSU possession to close out the game.
Leading the charge offensively for the Trojans was senior Trenton Cannon who rushed for 108 yards and collected two touchdowns on 24 carries. Quarterback Cordelral Cook completed 13 percent of his passes for 123 yards and two rushes for a touchdown. Senior Zachary Parker (Reston, VA) led all receivers with 100 yards on seven reception.
Virginia State racked up 421 total yards of offense compared to 403 for Virginia Union.
Senior Brandon Lynch (Norfolk, VA) was Virginia State's leading tacklers with 12. Followed by Elijah White (Hampton, VA) who finished the contest with seven total tackles.
Virginia State University will face Fayetteville State University in the Salem, Virginia for the CIAA Title on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Kickoff is slated for 4:30 p.m.
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For the most up-to-date information on VSU football, please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
Southern notebook: Quarterback Austin Howard sets historic passing records Saturday vs. Prairie View
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern quarterback Austin Howard, the senior captain who threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns in the Jaguars' 37-31 win against Prairie View on Saturday, now stands as the highest-scoring quarterback in school history.
Howard, a four-year starter, logged his 74th passing touchdown on Southern's opening possession, a 31-yard strike to tight end Dillon Beard. With the score, Howard surpassed Dray Joseph's 73 passing touchdowns, setting a new program record.
"He's a cool customer in the pocket," said coach Dawson Odums. "One of the best I've ever seen."
"I was just out there playing ball,” Howard said. “Like Coach Odums said, ‘You’ve just got to have fun.’ And that’s what I was doing and I led my team to victory."
No. 75 came later in the second quarter. Then Nos. 76 and 77 followed.
The 5-foot-11, 208-pound quarterback tossed his second touchdown pass seconds before the first half expired, punctuating an eight-play, 90-yard drive with a 5-yard strike to tight end Jeremias Houston.
CONTINUE READING
Austin Howard shines in his final home game as Southern holds on for 37-31 win
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Austin Howard thumped his chest and pointed toward the stands after giving the home crowd a performance to remember him by in his final performance at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
“That’s what we’ve been saying all week,” Howard said. “The last game in the backyard, let’s go make it memorable.”
With Howard leading the charge, Southern scored 20 straight second-half points and rallied from a seven-point third-quarter deficit to secure an important 37-31 win against Prairie View on Saturday afternoon.
“He made some throws tonight that…” said Southern coach Dawson Odums, his voice trailing off. “You could see his talent.”
Howard threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns in the win, the fifth straight for Southern (6-3, 5-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference). In the process, he broke a pair of school records held by Dray Joseph.
“I was just out there playing ball," Howard said. "… At the end of the day, we’ve just got to have fun, and that’s what I was doing.”
CONTINUE READING
Lane Dragons Pick Up Win In Season Finale
JACKSON, Tennessee -- One parent, waiting outside the locker room called it a "character game." Another one said, "we needed this one."
For Lane College Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Derrick Burroughs, it was a sense of relief as the Dragons knocked off Central State University, 28-20, in the season finale Saturday afternoon at Lane Field.
"I don't know what this does for the program, but I know what it does for me," Burroughs said. "The pressure that was on me, I guess I just put it on myself.
"There was nobody putting pressure on me. I was just putting on myself. I guess I'm just wired that way."
This season, the Dragons' offense has struggled to score early in ballgames. This was not the case Saturday, as Lane mounted a 14-play, 75-yard drive, that ate up over six minutes to take a 7-0 lead on their first possession.
The teams took a 14-all tie into the locker room. After the Dragons retook the lead in the third quarter, an interception by CSU looked to tie the game, but the point after attempt flew wide right to give the Dragons a slim 21-20 lead. Lane added to their lead thanks to an 11-play, 68 yard drive mostly due to running back Marcus Holliday, who finished his last game as a Dragon with 174 yards off 29 carries and a touchdown.
Quarterback Marcus Reynolds had his best game of the season as well, finishing 21-of-33 for 205 yards in the air including a 51-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Thomas. Reynolds added a touchdown on the ground as well.
There were all smiles and plenty of hugs on the field and in the stands Saturday afternoon. One parent said, "This team needed this."
Many, if asked, would say the entire Lane College family needed it.
The seniors went out winners. The fans went out smiling. The future looks bright.
Does it get any better that that?
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LANE COLLEGE DRAGONS SPORTS INFORMATION
Chowan Football Has Big Night Against Lincoln (Pa.)
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| LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
LINCOLN, Pennsylvania --.The Chowan Football team dominated Lincoln (Pa.) in the final game of the 2017 season with a 73-30 victory on the road in CIAA play on Saturday evening.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 73, Lincoln (Pa.) 30
RECORDS | Chowan 4-6 (4-3), Lincoln 0-10, (0-7)
LOCATION | Lincoln, Pa. (LU Football Stadium)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Tyrell Freeman posted a school record 308 yards rushing on 22 carries to lift the Hawks to victory. Freeman recorded three rushing touchdowns in the win.
The Hawks rushed for 351 yards notching the second most rushing yards in program history in a single game.
Bryce Witt had an easy night behind center tossing the ball around only 16 times for 128 yards and three touchdowns on 11 completions. Witt also tallied a rushing touchdown.
Herman Dupas Jr., Drew Buck, and Brandon Whitehead hauled in touchdown passes from Bryce Witt. Buck also had a rushing touchdown.
Dakota Baer led the Hawks defensively with 10 tackles. Ahmond Gomez picked off the Lions' quarterback twice for 84 yards.
Marquise Baldwin had a defensive touchdown, while Bryan Bryant recorded his second punt return for a touchdown in the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter:
Chowan won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. The Lions received the opening kickoff as the Hawks' special teams pinned the Lions inside the five with a tackle by Ely Kreutz at the three yard-line.
After a short rush, the Lions completed a pass to the far side as George Parker stripped the ball from the receiver. Marquise Baldwin picked up the fumble and took it for a 12-yd scoop and score just 57 seconds into the contest.
The following Lions' possession ended on fourth down after Dakota Baer stopped the attempt short of the line to gain midfield.
The Hawks' offensive first drive of the game ended in points for Chowan as Bryce Witt found Torry Baker for an 11-yd gain. The big play came from Drew Buck on the receiving end of a 35-yd completion down to the LU 4. Witt would find a wide open Brandon Whitehead for the score to extend the lead to 14-0 with 9:50 remaining in the quarter.
The Chowan defense stepped up once again as Bruce Boone recovered a fumble near midfield. Tyrell Freemanhad a punishing run on the drive breaking tackles to put the Hawks inside the redzone. Drew Buck finished off the drive with a 1-yd dive for the 21-0 lead.
Tyler Bembry and Randy Allen Jr. teamed up for a sack on the ensuing drive to push the Lions deep into their own territory. Cornell Duncan blocked the punt and scooped up by Bryan Bryant scoring from 12-yds out.
Second Quarter:
Lincoln would get on the board in the quarter to cut the deficit to 28-7.
On the opening drive of the quarter for the Hawks, Tyrell Freeman produced another punishing run for 55-yds to give the Hawks a redzone chance. Bryce Witt capped off the drive with a QB keeper from 9-yds out.
After a sack on fourth down by Marquise Baldwin, the Hawks had to settle for a 23-yd field goal by Connor Killeen. The Hawks would lead 38-7 with 3:17 remaining in the half.
Lincoln found some momentum off the kickoff as the Lions' return game brought the kick to midfield. Lincoln would score five plays later. The Lions would force a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and set up shop at the CU 34.
The Lions cut into the deficit 38-22 with seven seconds remaining in the half. Lincoln caught the Hawks off guard after the drive and recovered an on-side kick. The Lions would be intercepted by Ahmond Gomez to end the half on the Hail Mary attempt.
Third Quarter:
A personal foul call gave the Hawks the ball at their own 40-yd line to start the half. With fresh legs, Tyrell Freeman took the first play 60-yds for the score to give the Hawks a 45-22 lead.
As the Lions were marching down the field, Ahmond Gomez forced a fumble and recovered by Randy Allen Jr. to give the offense the ball back near midfield after an 18-yd return by Allen Jr.
Tyrell Freeman carried the ball three times on the drive for 26-yds before finishing the drive with a 1-yd touchdown run.
The woes continued for the Lions in the second half as Ahmond Gomez picked off his second pass of the evening before getting stopped short of the goal-line. Bryce Witt found Drew Buck in the back of the endzone for the short score to push the lead to 59-22.
The final drive of the quarter for the Lions went in the wrong direction as a loss of 11-yds and a personal foul had Lincoln facing a fourth and 33.
Fourth Quarter:
Tyrell Freeman broke off his fourth run of 50+ yards to open the quarter. The next play, Bryce Witt found Herman Dupas Jr. for a 6-yd touchdown connection.
Once again the Lions' offense went in the wrong direction as the drive ended in a punt.
The Hawks offense slowed the pace and ran off some clock as the drive went 13 plays for 76 yards and a score that took seven minutes. Tyrell Freeman found the endzone on a 2-yd run for his third score of the game.
Lincoln would tack on a score on their final drive of the game and convert the two-point conversion to cut their deficit to 73-30.
UP NEXT
Chowan finishes the season with a 4-6 overall record and 4-3 in CIAA play.
CHOWAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Saturday, November 4, 2017
HBCU Football Judgement Day Schedule - Week 10
SATURDAY, November 4, 2017
OVC
Virginia University of Lynchburg vs. Tennessee State, 3 PM
MEAC
North Carolina A&T at Norfolk State, 1 PM
North Carolina Central at Hampton, 1 PM
Morgan State at Bethune-Cookman, 4 PM
Howard at Florida A&M, 4 PM
Delaware State at Savannah State, 5 PM
SWAC
Texas Southern at Mississippi Valley State, 2 PM
Alabama State at Jackson State, 3 PM
Alabama A&M at Alcorn State, 3 PM
Grambling State at Arkansas Pine Bluff, 3:30 PM
Prairie View A&M at Southern, 5 PM
CIAA
Saint Augustine's at Shaw, 12 PM
Bowie State at Elizabeth City State, 1 PM
Johnson C. Smith at Livingstone, 1 PM, Commemorative Classic
Fayetteville State at Winston-Salem State, 1:30 PM
Virginia Union at Virginia State, 2 PM
Chowan at Lincoln (PA), 5 PM
SIAC
Miles at Tuskegee, 1 PM
Albany State vs. Fort Valley State at Columbus, GA, 2 PM
Central State (OH) at Lane, 2 PM
Clark Atlanta at Morehouse, 2 PM
Kentucky State at Benedict, 2 PM
CSFL
Oklahoma Panhandle State at Texas College, 12 PM
Langston at SAGU, 3 PM
PSAC
Kutztown at Cheyney, 12 PM
MOUNTAIN EAST
Urbana (OH) at West Virginia State, 1 PM
GLVC
William Jewell at Lincoln (MO), 2 PM
MID-SOUTH
Southeastern at Edward Waters, 7 PM
ALL GAMES STARTING TIMES SHOWN IN EASTERN TIME
Read it and sweep: Nuggets blast DU, set state record
The Gold Nuggets (21-2, 12-0 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) became the first Louisiana team to win every set against regular-season conference opponents in one year. They finished 36-0 in GCAC sets. The previous state best was by LSU, which won 24-of-25 sets in the SEC in 1989 and 1990. XULA's previous best was 36-2 in 2013.
Tiffany Phillips served seven aces — the most in a match by a XULA player in three seasons — and had 12 assists and 11 digs in her ninth double-double of the year.
"I just tried to serve tough and find the seams," Phillips said. "That's the way coach (Pat Kendrick) has been telling us to do it all season."
The victory was the 11th in a row for XULA, which will have a first-round bye in next week's GCAC Tournament at SUNO's The Castle. The Gold Nuggets will play SUNO or Edward Waters in the semifinals at 3 p.m. Nov. 10. The championship match will start at 11 a.m. Nov. 11.
Kayla Black had eight kills for the Gold Nuggets, and Juliana Tomasoni had seven kills, 10 digs, two assists, two blocks and an ace. Hasani Salaam had a career-high-tying five blocks, and Vivica Price-Spraggins and Lauryn Taylor had three apiece. Eva Le Guillou had 13 assists and two aces, and Anna Dalla Vecchia had a match-high 15 digs.
Shelby Stewart had nine kills and two blocks for Dillard (19-16, 9-3), and she was the only Lady Bleu Devil with more kills than attack errors. Tristan Cojoe had five blocks, and Alexis Barnett had 11 digs.
XULA opened by allowing its fewest points ever in a set to Dillard, and the Gold Nuggets outhit the Lady Bleu Devils .600 to minus-.214 in that first set. For the match XULA outhit Dillard .272 to minus-.094.
XULA's 33 kills were its second-fewest in a match this season, but the Gold Nuggets compensated with 11 aces and nine blocks.
BOX SCORE
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd Commentary: Trust the Process
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| DWIGHT FLOYD COMMENTARY |
As Milton Overton leaves the position of athletic director at Florida A&M, one of the messages he is leaving is to trust the process. Beside leaving FAMU with the means to maintain a balanced budget, Overton began the process to elevate the program, so that FAMU can one day hire head coaches to match the direction of the program, rather than seek a Moses to take us to the promised land.
Those words, “Trust the Process,” bare repeating. You see, within that quote are the means to break the downward spiral that has been the fault of every Division 1 HBCU since integration. So much has changed within the universities and our communities since integration that HBCUs in the MEAC and SWAC have struggled to maintain. We have reached a point where we elevate coaches to genius status when they maintain a winning record, though the standard for so long a time was about being champions.
CONTINUE READING
Dixon is first GCAC Player of Week in 2017-18 season
NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's Jeff Dixon, who helped the Gold Rush earn a pair of road victories against ranked teams, is the first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in the 2017-18 men's basketball season.Dixon — a 6-foot-2 junior guard from New Orleans and a former McMain High School and Delgado Community College standout — averaged 12.5 points and a team-best 4.5 assists and shot 50 percent from the floor in XULA victories at St. Thomas (Fla.) Friday and Florida Memorial Saturday.
St. Thomas is ranked 20th in NAIA Division II, and Florida Memorial is 14th. It was the first time since January 2002 that XULA won consecutive games in the same season against ranked opponents.
"It was great to finally see Jeff on the floor," XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "He set the table to help us achieve success."
Dixon was enrolled at XULA last season but did not play. He averaged 13.6 points, two assists and 1.2 steals per game at Delgado in 2015-16.
The next two Gold Rush games will be against NCAA Division II opponents — 4 p.m. Saturday against LeMoyne-Owen in Memphis, Tenn., then the XULA home opener at 7 p.m. Monday against Miles at the Convocation Center.
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Nuggets sweep GCAC weekly awards for 6th time in 2017
NEW ORLEANS — For the sixth time in 10 opportunities this season, Xavier University of Louisiana has won all three Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week awards in volleyball.Kayla Black is Attacker of the Week for the third time, Eva Le Guillou is Setter of the Week for the third time, and Anna Dalla Vecchia is Defender of the Week for the sixth time. All three are freshmen.
These awards are for the week of Oct. 23-29. Le Guillou and Dalla Vecchia earned their honors for the second consecutive week.
Black, from Magnolia, Texas, and a graduate of St. Pius X High School in Houston, hit .478 with a match-high 12 kills in XULA's home victory against SUNO that clinched for the Gold Nuggets the GCAC regular-season championship outright. Black also had eight digs and a career-best four blocks.
Le Guillou, from Velizy-Villacoublay, France, had 23 assists, six digs and an ace against SUNO.
Dalla Vecchia, from Vicenza, Italy, led the Nuggets with 12 digs and was part of a defensive effort that limited SUNO to a .053 hitting percentage.
XULA (20-2, 11-0) will conclude the regular season with a 6 p.m. Thursday GCAC match at city rival Dillard (19-15, 9-2). The Gold Nuggets have earned the No. 1 seed for the GCAC Tournament next week at SUNO, and they will play their first match in the semifinals the afternoon of Nov. 10.
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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from THE EDITOR Dwight Floyd: The Rattlers Will Win If . . .
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| DWIGHT FLOYD GAME REPORT |
They both beat Morgan State. Howard won 39-14 during their homecoming and FAMU beat Morgan State in Maryland by just three points. They both lost to the other like opponent to-date, North Carolina Central. FAMU lost at home on a Thursday night 21-14. Howard lost on their home field 13-7. As much as FAMU has struggled against the run of late, they are stronger against the run than they are the pass. They lost their starting safety earlier in the season and are vulnerable at that position, starting a freshman who is still learning the ropes.
This game is all about stopping the run. FAMU has found that it can run against most anybody in the MEAC. They need to reconsider their play calling in the red zone because they can’t afford to waste scoring opportunities. When Howard wins it because they are able to run and set up the pass. The FAMU defense has been particularly vulnerable against the run of late, but will need to figure it out if they want to win.
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Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Culver: FAMU shouldn't give up on Overton's vision
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Make no mistake, losing Milton Overton Jr. to Kennesaw State is a huge blow to Florida A&M’s athletic department. Overton came to FAMU as an energetic, confident senior administrator from Alabama. The Crimson Tide consistently demonstrate how to do collegiate athletics, and for years, Overton was key part of the success.
Overton wanted to bring that success to FAMU. He tried to bring that success to FAMU. For a while, it seemed like whenever FAMU experienced a measure of that success, it would be Overton at the helm.
But family won out, as it should. Overton expressed a desire to spend more time with his sons, who live with their mother in Tuscaloosa. He'll get that chance at Kennesaw State, which is almost three hours closer than Florida A&M is to Tuscaloosa.
It’s impossible to blame Overton for wanting to be a family man and if going to Kennesaw State means he can spend more time with his boys, aged 16 and 13, then his choice was a no-brainer.
Another no-brainer is this: Whoever takes over FAMU’s struggling athletic department, whoever becomes the school’s next permanent athletic director, must continue with Overton’s vision.
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FAMU Athletic Director Milton Overton Announces Resignation, New Role at Kennesaw State University
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Earlier today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletic Director Milton Overton notified Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., of his plans to accept a position at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia as athletic director. Overton’s last day at FAMU is December 1, 2017. He began his tenure at FAMU in August 2015.“We are highly appreciative of the work AD Overton has done during his tenure at FAMU and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Robinson said. “This opportunity moves him closer to his family.”
Overton thanked Dr. Robinson, Board of Trustees Chairman Kelvin Lawson, and the FAMU community “for embracing our department’s effort to build champions in the classroom, on the field and in life with academic excellence and integrity.”
Robinson has named FAMU graduate John Eason as the interim athletic director. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FAMU and served as a member of the Rattler football team. He retired at the end of 2015 from the University of Georgia as its director of player development.
“Mr. Eason is well-equipped to help keep our program moving forward,” said Robinson, who announced that he would immediately launch a national search for Overton’s permanent replacement.
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Milton Overton Named Director of Athletics at Kennesaw State
KENNESAW, Georgia -- — Kennesaw State University President Sam Olens announced Tuesday that Milton Overton has been named as the new director of athletics.Overton, a 25-year veteran of college athletics administration, has spent the last two years as director of athletics at Florida A&M University. He will be formally introduced at a press conference on KSU's campus Thursday, November 9 at 10 a.m. He is the fourth individual to hold the position at Kennesaw State.
"Milton Overton brings extensive skills and experience to our growing athletics program," said Olens. "We are confident that he will provide the leadership needed to continue Kennesaw State's competitive spirit for athletics and take the Owls to greater heights in collegiate sports."
Following a six-year stint as senior associate athletics director at the University of Alabama, and six years prior as associate athletics director at Texas A&M University, Overton was hired to lead Florida A&M Athletics in June 2015.
Overton has guided a remarkable transformation at FAMU. By instilling a sense of accountability and fiscal responsibility, the Rattlers made monumental strides in the areas of fundraising and fan development. For the first time in more than decade, the athletics department boasted a balanced budget in 2016-17, while achieving three consecutive years of record-breaking fundraising and ticket-sales growth.
"Kennesaw State University is uniquely positioned to reach extraordinary heights and I am proud to have an opportunity to play a role in the University's success through the Department of Athletics," said Overton. "President Olens' vision for KSU and his passion for academics and athletic excellence clearly align with my own personal mission to inspire difference-making leaders in our nation and across the globe. I believe a comprehensive world-class education, combined with a great college athletic experience, helps mold champions in life and on the field. I look forward to serving Owl Nation as we build champions together."
Florida A&M's revenue has increased by $2 million dollars under Overton's watch and fan participation has soared with the football team finishing among the top five in FCS attendance in 2015 and top three in 2016. One of his benchmark initiatives was the establishment of FAMU's giving program, "Investing In Champions," that was a key component of the increased revenue.
Thanks in part to Overton's emphasis on academics and NCAA compliance, FAMU boasted higher team grade point averages and increased APR scores across every sport. Under his watch, each Rattler team remained eligible for NCAA postseason competition for the first time in several years.
At Alabama from 2009 to 2015, Overton provided oversight for $25 million in budgets and equipment, while producing $6 million in new revenue-generation and cost-saving initiatives. He oversaw seven units, including the No. 1 trademark licensing program for intercollegiate athletics – Crimson Tide Productions – marketing and branding, outbound ticket sales, photography, coaches film video group, athletics information and event technology, track and field, and cross country.
As a member of Texas A&M's senior staff, he raised $250,000 for men's tennis facility upgrades and led the technology renovations and construction for several other facilities, including Kyle Field. He also provided oversight of seven TAMU sports programs.
Overton is a 2009 graduate of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Pathway Program – formerly known as the NCAA's Fellows Leadership Development Program. The Pathway Program provides senior-level athletics administrators with a rigorous curriculum and mentorship for preparation on becoming a director of athletics. As a 2007-2008 NCAA Fellow, Overton participated in a yearlong, intensive learning opportunity for 12 selected senior leaders representing NCAA Divisions I, II, and III.
A four-year starter as an offensive lineman at the University of Oklahoma, Overton earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1995. He then went on to earn two master's degrees from OU in 1998, one in higher education and administration and the other in human relations. Overton worked in academic services and as the CHAMPS/LifeSkills Coordinator for OU before joining the athletics department at Texas Christian University in 1999. Overton was director of academic support at TCU, where he also served as an adjunct professor.
Overton was the founder and CEO of Enki System Inc., from 2000-2011, which provided software solutions for athletic and academic support programs across the country, generating over $1 million in gross sales.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Overton has two sons—Micaiah and Lebbeus.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT OVERTON...
Eric Hyman, Former Director of Athletics, Texas A&M University
"Congratulations to President Olens, Board of Trustees and Kennesaw State University on selecting Milton Overton as your new Director of Athletics. Milton and I worked together at Texas Christian University to raise the level of academic achievement and retention among our 350 student-athletes. Milton's genuine commitment to the overall welfare of our student-athletes, his work ethic and innovative programs made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes. I have no doubt that Milton will make a positive contribution towards the success of Kennesaw State University."
Dave Hart, Former Director of Athletics, University of Tennessee and Florida State University
"Congratulations to President Olens and Kennesaw State University on the hiring of Milton Overton as Director of Athletics. Milton is a very bright, creative administrator who will prioritize the mission of the University while building upon the vision of the athletics department."
About Kennesaw State University
With 35,000 students, Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia and one of the fifty largest public universities in the country. KSU offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and boasts more than 100,000 alumni. The Owls offer 18 Division-I intercollegiate sports, including a football program that debuted in 2015. KSU competes in the ASUN Conference and is a member of the Big South Conference for football. Kennesaw State teams have won 20 conference titles and made 23 NCAA postseason appearances over the last seven seasons.
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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.
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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.
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Tuesday, October 31, 2017
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
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XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Monday, October 30, 2017
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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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