Saturday, December 9, 2017
Looking for immediate help, JSU set to host 'Juco Weekend' for recruits
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Tony Hughes wants to build a developmental program. A program based on recruiting good high school players who project as eventual starters at the FCS level.
His first two classes have been a step towards rebuilding the roster from the ground up. Jackson State has 41 freshmen and sophomores that will be sophomores and juniors next year.
But circumstances being what they are — JSU currently has just 10 rising seniors with major playing experience coming back — the Tigers are going to need to land some immediate help this recruiting cycle.
That's why this weekend, Hughes and his staff are hoping to land a few high-profile junior college transfers by hosting as many as a dozen prospects on campus for a "juco recruiting weekend."
"If we started tomorrow we would have 10 seniors and 16 juniors," Hughes said. "That gives us roughly 25 players in our junior and senior class, and that means we'd be playing in excess of 50 freshmen and sophomores. We need some older kids to balance our team and our program."
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Official Statement On Prairie View A&M Football
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- After three seasons as head coach, Willie Simmons has left the Prairie View A&M University football program.
"We want to thank Coach Simmons and his family for their contributions to Prairie View A&M University," said Vice President/Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson. "He led Panther football through an exciting period with the opening of our new football stadium and helped Prairie View A&M to again become a contender in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. We wish him success in his future endeavors."
Assistant head coach Bubba McDowell has been named Interim Head Coach. He and quarterbacks coach K.J. Black will lead the program during this transition.
Dr. Corey Bradford, Senior Vice President of Fiscal Affairs, will chair the committee and the national search for the next football coach at Prairie View A&M University.
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS COMMUNICATION
TWITTER STATEMENT FROM WILLIE SIMMONS (Dec. 9, 2017)
TWITTER STATEMENT FROM WILLIE SIMMONS (Dec. 9, 2017)
Ram Ramblings: Buck Joyner's funeral will be Friday in Winston-Salem
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Ed “Buck” Joyner’s funeral will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the United Metropolitan Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.
Joyner, a former CIAA head coach at St. Paul’s and Livingstone, died on Dec. 6 at the age of 68.
Joyner, a Winston-Salem native, was a Parkland High School graduate who spent more than 45 years coaching basketball. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Johnson C. Smith with his brother, Steve, who is the longtime coach of the Golden Bulls.
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Joyner, a former CIAA head coach at St. Paul’s and Livingstone, died on Dec. 6 at the age of 68.
Joyner, a Winston-Salem native, was a Parkland High School graduate who spent more than 45 years coaching basketball. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Johnson C. Smith with his brother, Steve, who is the longtime coach of the Golden Bulls.
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Hampton University Introduces Prunty as New Football Coach
HAMPTON, Virginia — Robert Prunty was introduced as the 21st head coach of the Hampton Pirates at a news conference Dec. 8 at Hampton University’s Student Center Theater.
“I am up for the challenge,” Prunty said.
Eugene Marshall Jr., Director of Athletics at Hampton University, welcomed Prunty, a Hamptonian with more than 30 years of football experience as a player and coach and a four-time conference recruiter-of-the-year honoree with two different Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.
“Coach Prunty’s record speaks for itself,” Marshall said. “He’s from Virginia. He played for Hampton. It was very refreshing to hear him say ‘I want to come back to Hampton.’”
Prunty served last season as East Carolina University’s associate head coach, defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Prior to that, he served four years as the University of Cincinnati’s associate head coach and defensive ends coach and three years as co-defensive coordinator. Before impacting the Bearcat program, Prunty spent three seasons under Tommy Tuberville at Texas Tech, 2010-2012, directing the Red Raiders’ defensive ends.
“You have no idea how great it is to be back at Hampton,” Prunty said. “This is not my team. It belongs to the university, the alumni, the fans and I want to make that clear.”
Prunty is up to the challenge of taking a winning Pirate team into the bigger spotlight of the Big South Conference, which Hampton University joins next July.
“We will be fundamental and disciplined,” he said. “I didn’t come to Hampton to lose!”
Prunty has been part of five bowl appearances, a conference co-championship and has been recognized by Scout.com as the Big 12 Conference Recruiter-of-the-Year in 2010-11 and 2011-12 before earning similar honors as the American Athletic Conference’s (AAC) top recruiter in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
His player evaluation and relationship cultivation skills produced Texas Tech’s second-highest rated class in school history in 2012 and his efforts were saluted by both Scout.com and Fox Sports. Prunty plans on putting that skill to work on tapping the Hampton Roads rich high school talent pool for the Pirates.
“The 757 area: it will be our bloodline,” Prunty said. “Every coach on my team will be looking for 757 talent.”
Prunty is a Chatham, Va., native and a 1983 Hargrave Military Academy graduate. Prunty split his collegiate career between Hampton University and Alabama A&M, where he graduated in 1988.
For more information on Hampton University football, contact the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5757, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
“I am up for the challenge,” Prunty said.
Eugene Marshall Jr., Director of Athletics at Hampton University, welcomed Prunty, a Hamptonian with more than 30 years of football experience as a player and coach and a four-time conference recruiter-of-the-year honoree with two different Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.
“Coach Prunty’s record speaks for itself,” Marshall said. “He’s from Virginia. He played for Hampton. It was very refreshing to hear him say ‘I want to come back to Hampton.’”
Prunty served last season as East Carolina University’s associate head coach, defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Prior to that, he served four years as the University of Cincinnati’s associate head coach and defensive ends coach and three years as co-defensive coordinator. Before impacting the Bearcat program, Prunty spent three seasons under Tommy Tuberville at Texas Tech, 2010-2012, directing the Red Raiders’ defensive ends.
“You have no idea how great it is to be back at Hampton,” Prunty said. “This is not my team. It belongs to the university, the alumni, the fans and I want to make that clear.”
Prunty is up to the challenge of taking a winning Pirate team into the bigger spotlight of the Big South Conference, which Hampton University joins next July.
“We will be fundamental and disciplined,” he said. “I didn’t come to Hampton to lose!”
Prunty has been part of five bowl appearances, a conference co-championship and has been recognized by Scout.com as the Big 12 Conference Recruiter-of-the-Year in 2010-11 and 2011-12 before earning similar honors as the American Athletic Conference’s (AAC) top recruiter in 2012-13 and 2013-14.
His player evaluation and relationship cultivation skills produced Texas Tech’s second-highest rated class in school history in 2012 and his efforts were saluted by both Scout.com and Fox Sports. Prunty plans on putting that skill to work on tapping the Hampton Roads rich high school talent pool for the Pirates.
“The 757 area: it will be our bloodline,” Prunty said. “Every coach on my team will be looking for 757 talent.”
Prunty is a Chatham, Va., native and a 1983 Hargrave Military Academy graduate. Prunty split his collegiate career between Hampton University and Alabama A&M, where he graduated in 1988.
For more information on Hampton University football, contact the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5757, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Savannah State moves to Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
SSU competed in the SIAC from 1968 until 2000 when the university was approved for Division I membership as an independent. Savannah State was accepted into the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) as a provisional member in 2010 and attained full membership a year later.
“With the input of the athletics transition taskforce and the athletics department, it was determined that the SIAC was the best fit for SSU and its students,” said Dozier. “I look forward to renewing old SIAC rivalries and establishing new ones that will engage SSU Tiger fans.”
SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore stated: “Welcoming Savannah State University to the SIAC not only adds a 15th outstanding institution, but also restores important historic and geographic rivalries, which I’m certain SIAC alumni, students and fans will enjoy.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Savannah State University back to the SIAC,” stated Council of Presidents Chairman and Miles College President George T. French Jr. “The historical ties shared by Savannah State and the SIAC, coupled with a shared commitment to academic and athletic excellence, makes them a perfect fit for our great conference.”
Savannah State will become the 15th member of the SIAC, joining other Georgia colleges and universities including Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State, Morehouse and Paine, in conjunction with its other member institutions: Benedict, Central State, Claflin, Kentucky State, Lane, LeMoyne-Owen, Miles, Spring Hill, and Tuskegee.
Earlier this year, SSU announced its intent to leave MEAC at the end of the 2018-19 academic school year and to return to NCAA Division II Athletics. Following the announcement, an athletics transition taskforce was established to explore Division II conference options.
The SIAC, headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., was established in 1913 and is the largest HBCU Conference in the United States. In addition to football, the SIAC sponsors baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's cross country, women's cross country, men's golf, women's golf, softball, women's track & field, men's track & field, men's tennis, women's tennis and women's volleyball.
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Established in 1890, Savannah State University is the oldest public historically black college or university in Georgia and the oldest institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's 4,900 students select majors from 30 undergraduate and six graduate programs in three colleges ‐ Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Business Administration and Sciences and Technology ‐ and the School of Teacher Education.
SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Cheyney University finally fumbles its football program
THORNBURY, Pennsylvania -- It’s been the subject of speculation and rumor for years, but it’s now official: Cheyney University is dropping football due to worsening financial constraints.Head coach Chris Roulhac confirmed that Wednesday evening after meeting with Cheyney President Aaron Walton, the coaching staff and players.
“We were invited to a meeting with the president on Wednesday and told that due to budgetary restraints, the football program was being discontinued,” said Roulhac, who returned for his second stint as head coach at CU in 2015. “It’s been a very sad last 24 hours, but there is really nothing we can do about it. You hear rumors, but we always held out hope that the program could be saved.”
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference sent out a release Thursday about the move. Calls to the Walton’s office and Cheyney’s interim Athletic Director Sue Kilian were not returned. Nothing about the move was mentioned on the school’s main website or athletic website as of Thursday evening.
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PSAC STATEMENT ON CHEYNEY FOOTBALL
LOCK HAVEN, Pennsylvania --- The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is aware of Cheyney University’s announcement of dropping football from its sports sponsorship menu.
We have been in contact with Cheyney University President Aaron Walton as he and his staff deliberated potential actions. The communications between the Conference and President Walton have been objective and forthright on both sides.
These are very difficult times financially for many institutions of higher education in the country and the Commonwealth. Cheyney’s decision is a result of that.
The Conference Office will work with its member institutions to find potential opponents in the 10 now open dates in mandated league schedules.
SWAC issues go beyond figuring out football future
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Last week’s SWAC championship game was supposed to be the conference’s last one.
Back in June, the conference announced plans to “suspended” its title game to place more emphasis on the Celebration Bowl between SWAC and MEAC champions in Atlanta to kick off the bowl season.
“We are pleased with the commitment demonstrated by both conference commissioners, their council of presidents and chancellors,” said John Grant, the bowl game’s executive director, back in June. “This is great news for HBCU football fans, and reflects a greater understanding of the opportunity that the bowl game presents.”
The SWAC looked to eliminate divisions as part of eliminating the conference title game, but both may stay in intact for the 2018 season.
“I got an email yesterday that they’re going back to the divisions,” Alabama State coach Donald Hill-Eley said Thursday. “We’ll be prepared either way because the bottom line is we have to take it one game at a time.”
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Back in June, the conference announced plans to “suspended” its title game to place more emphasis on the Celebration Bowl between SWAC and MEAC champions in Atlanta to kick off the bowl season.
“We are pleased with the commitment demonstrated by both conference commissioners, their council of presidents and chancellors,” said John Grant, the bowl game’s executive director, back in June. “This is great news for HBCU football fans, and reflects a greater understanding of the opportunity that the bowl game presents.”
The SWAC looked to eliminate divisions as part of eliminating the conference title game, but both may stay in intact for the 2018 season.
“I got an email yesterday that they’re going back to the divisions,” Alabama State coach Donald Hill-Eley said Thursday. “We’ll be prepared either way because the bottom line is we have to take it one game at a time.”
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2017 Celebration Bowl tickets on sale now
ATLANTA, Georgia -- With the college football postseason fast approaching, tickets are now on sale for the third annual Celebration Bowl. As the Bowl season’s opening game, the Celebration Bowl is a championship-style game between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champions. The game will be broadcast live on ABC at noon ET on Saturday, Dec. 16, from the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SportsCenter on the Road will once again air live from the Stadium beginning at 10 a.m.
Establishing itself as a premier bowl game, the Celebration Bowl celebrates the heritage, legacy, pageantry, and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. ESPN works with 100 Black Men of Atlanta to organize the game’s ancillary events which include a youth symposium, robotics showcase, fan experience and more. Each conference has claimed a victory in the event’s first two years, with MEAC Champion North Carolina A&T defeating Alcorn State 2015 and SWAC Champion Grambling State beating North Carolina Central in 2016. Two bowl champions were selected in the 2017 NFL Draft: 2015 Offensive MVP Tarik Cohen (Chicago Bears) and 2016 First Team All-SWAC member Chad Williams (Arizona Cardinals).
Fans can purchase tickets to the Celebration Bowl online at thecelebrationbowl.com or ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Prices range from $50 to $175. A full list of events surrounding the game are available on the event’s website.
For more information, visit www.TheCelebrationBowl.com, and follow the event on Twitter and Facebook.
SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
NCCU Promotes Eastman to Interim Head Football Coach for 2018
DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University promoted Granville Eastman to serve as interim head football coach for the 2018 season on Friday, as Jerry Mack departs NCCU for another coaching position.
"North Carolina Central University is excited about Coach Jerry Mack's new appointment and salute his contributions to our student-athletes and athletics program," said NCCU Chancellor Dr. Johnson Akinleye. "Over the past four years, our football program has experienced tremendous success, including capturing three championships under the leadership of Coach Mack. He and his staff's dedication to our student-athletes and this university has built a nationally-ranked program that has garnered increased exposure for NCCU throughout North Carolina and around the country.
"Granville Eastman is an accomplished coach who has been part of our championship-winning coaching staff," Johnson added. "We are thrilled he accepted our offer to serve in this new role and look forward to the continuity his leadership will bring."
With 24 years of collegiate coaching experience to his credit, Eastman has been an integral part of the Eagles' success during the past four years as the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
"Coach Mack and his staff have achieved significant accomplishments over the past four seasons and have created a championship brand of FCS football at NCCU. I am proud that our student-athletes have developed academically and athletically under the leadership of this group of coaches," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics. "I am confident in Coach Eastman's ability to continue leading our program, further our winning culture and ensure the academic and athletic success of our student-athletes at NCCU."
Since joining NCCU in 2014, Eastman has engineered one of the nation's top defensive units. Under his tutelage, the Eagles have ranked among the NCAA Division I-FCS top-10 statistical leaders in tackles for loss, fumbles recovered, red zone defense, turnovers gained, and third-down and fourth-down conversion percentage defense.
"I am so proud and happy for my friend Jerry Mack. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter of their journey," said Eastman. "I am most proud of what we have established here at North Carolina Central University. Coach Mack was the architect for designing a football program for success both on and off the field. I consider it an honor and a privilege to carry on the tradition of excellence in his footsteps."
Prior to joining NCCU, Eastman spent nine seasons as the defensive coordinator at Austin Peay State University in Clarkesville, Tennessee. During his 11 total seasons at APSU, he coached defensive backs and linebackers, and also served as special teams coordinator and interim head coach.
Eastman coached four seasons (1999-2002) at Tiffin University in Ohio, including the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, while working with defensive backs and defensive line during his tenure.
A native of Toronto, Canada, Eastman secured his first coaching position at York University in his hometown, where he spent two seasons (1994-95) working with defensive backs.
He then served as a defensive graduate assistant for three seasons (1996-98) at Arkansas State University, earning a master's degree in sociology in 1999.
He has interned with five NFL teams since 2002, lending his services to the Detroit Lions (2002), Arizona Cardinals (2004), Tennessee Titans (2006), Indianapolis Colts (2011) and Minnesota Vikings (2012).
Eastman was a two-time all-city defensive back at Stephen Leacock High School in Toronto before attending Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he was a three-year letterman as a defensive back. Twice Saint Mary's played in national title games while he was there. Eastman earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's University in 1992.
Eastman also volunteers as a coach and mentor with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is married to the former Lynnette Armstrong. They are the proud parents of two sons - J.R. and Brandon.
The Granville Eastman File
Education:
Saint Mary's University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada), 1992, bachelor's degree/criminology certificate
Arkansas State University, 1999, master's degree in sociology
Collegiate Playing Experience:
Saint Mary's University, defensive back (1989-92)
Coaching Experience:
York University (Toronto, Canada), assistant coach (defensive backs), 1994-95
Arkansas State University, graduate assistant (defense), 1996-98
Tiffin University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 1999
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive line/recruiting coordinator), 2000
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 2001-02
Austin Peay State University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/special teams coordinator), 2003-04
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/outside linebackers/safeties), 2005-06
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/defensive backs), 2007-09
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/linebackers), 2010
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2011-12
- interim head coach, January-March 2013
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/secondary), 2013
North Carolina Central University
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2014-17
- interim head coach, 2018
NCAA Division I-FCS Statistical Rankings – NCCU Team Defense under Defensive Coordinator Granville Eastman
2017: 2nd Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 17th Sacks, 17th Red Zone Defense, 19th Rushing Defense, 19th Defensive Touchdowns
2016: 6th Tackles for Loss, 14th Sacks, 17th Fumbles Recovered
2015: 1st Fourth-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 3rd Tackles for Loss, 8th Red Zone Defense, 10th Fumbles Recovered, 17th Sacks
2014: 2nd Fumbles Recovered, 5th Turnovers Gained, 7th Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 19th Passing Yards Allowed
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
"North Carolina Central University is excited about Coach Jerry Mack's new appointment and salute his contributions to our student-athletes and athletics program," said NCCU Chancellor Dr. Johnson Akinleye. "Over the past four years, our football program has experienced tremendous success, including capturing three championships under the leadership of Coach Mack. He and his staff's dedication to our student-athletes and this university has built a nationally-ranked program that has garnered increased exposure for NCCU throughout North Carolina and around the country.
"Granville Eastman is an accomplished coach who has been part of our championship-winning coaching staff," Johnson added. "We are thrilled he accepted our offer to serve in this new role and look forward to the continuity his leadership will bring."
With 24 years of collegiate coaching experience to his credit, Eastman has been an integral part of the Eagles' success during the past four years as the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
"Coach Mack and his staff have achieved significant accomplishments over the past four seasons and have created a championship brand of FCS football at NCCU. I am proud that our student-athletes have developed academically and athletically under the leadership of this group of coaches," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics. "I am confident in Coach Eastman's ability to continue leading our program, further our winning culture and ensure the academic and athletic success of our student-athletes at NCCU."
Since joining NCCU in 2014, Eastman has engineered one of the nation's top defensive units. Under his tutelage, the Eagles have ranked among the NCAA Division I-FCS top-10 statistical leaders in tackles for loss, fumbles recovered, red zone defense, turnovers gained, and third-down and fourth-down conversion percentage defense.
"I am so proud and happy for my friend Jerry Mack. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter of their journey," said Eastman. "I am most proud of what we have established here at North Carolina Central University. Coach Mack was the architect for designing a football program for success both on and off the field. I consider it an honor and a privilege to carry on the tradition of excellence in his footsteps."
Prior to joining NCCU, Eastman spent nine seasons as the defensive coordinator at Austin Peay State University in Clarkesville, Tennessee. During his 11 total seasons at APSU, he coached defensive backs and linebackers, and also served as special teams coordinator and interim head coach.
Eastman coached four seasons (1999-2002) at Tiffin University in Ohio, including the last three seasons as defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, while working with defensive backs and defensive line during his tenure.
A native of Toronto, Canada, Eastman secured his first coaching position at York University in his hometown, where he spent two seasons (1994-95) working with defensive backs.
He then served as a defensive graduate assistant for three seasons (1996-98) at Arkansas State University, earning a master's degree in sociology in 1999.
He has interned with five NFL teams since 2002, lending his services to the Detroit Lions (2002), Arizona Cardinals (2004), Tennessee Titans (2006), Indianapolis Colts (2011) and Minnesota Vikings (2012).
Eastman was a two-time all-city defensive back at Stephen Leacock High School in Toronto before attending Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he was a three-year letterman as a defensive back. Twice Saint Mary's played in national title games while he was there. Eastman earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Mary's University in 1992.
Eastman also volunteers as a coach and mentor with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is married to the former Lynnette Armstrong. They are the proud parents of two sons - J.R. and Brandon.
The Granville Eastman File
Education:
Saint Mary's University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada), 1992, bachelor's degree/criminology certificate
Arkansas State University, 1999, master's degree in sociology
Collegiate Playing Experience:
Saint Mary's University, defensive back (1989-92)
Coaching Experience:
York University (Toronto, Canada), assistant coach (defensive backs), 1994-95
Arkansas State University, graduate assistant (defense), 1996-98
Tiffin University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 1999
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive line/recruiting coordinator), 2000
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/defensive backs/recruiting coordinator), 2001-02
Austin Peay State University
- assistant coach (defensive backs/special teams coordinator), 2003-04
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/outside linebackers/safeties), 2005-06
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/defensive backs), 2007-09
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/special teams/linebackers), 2010
- assistant coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2011-12
- interim head coach, January-March 2013
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/secondary), 2013
North Carolina Central University
- assistant head coach (defensive coordinator/safeties), 2014-17
- interim head coach, 2018
NCAA Division I-FCS Statistical Rankings – NCCU Team Defense under Defensive Coordinator Granville Eastman
2017: 2nd Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 17th Sacks, 17th Red Zone Defense, 19th Rushing Defense, 19th Defensive Touchdowns
2016: 6th Tackles for Loss, 14th Sacks, 17th Fumbles Recovered
2015: 1st Fourth-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 3rd Tackles for Loss, 8th Red Zone Defense, 10th Fumbles Recovered, 17th Sacks
2014: 2nd Fumbles Recovered, 5th Turnovers Gained, 7th Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense, 19th Passing Yards Allowed
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Coach Jerry Mack leaving NC Central for offensive coordinator job at Rice
DURHAM, North Carolina -- N.C. Central football coach Jerry Mack is leaving Durham to become the next offensive coordinator at Rice University in Houston, Texas, Mack said Friday.The Owls earlier this week named former Stanford offensive coordinator Mike Bloomgren as their new head coach replacing David Bailiff, who was fired in November after 10 years of leading the program.
Bloomgren and Mack have history, both serving on the staff at Delta State when Mack was a graduate assistant there in 2004-2005. Bloomgren was the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and special teams coach from March 2005 to February 2007. A chance to coach at the highest level and to coach with his good friend Bloomgren was a chance Mack jumped at.
“I just couldn’t turn down this opportunity for me and my family,” Mack said.
Mack, 37, was named the Eagles 22nd head football coach in 2013. The Memphis, Tenn. native was the third-youngest active Division I coach. In four years in Durham, Mack led the Eagles to a 31-15 record and three consecutive MEAC championships. During the 2016 season, N.C. Central cracked the FCS Top 25 poll for the first time since making the jump to Division I, earning a trip to the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.
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Alabama State Names Donald Hill-Ely Head Football Coach
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| HEAD FOOTBALL COACH DONALD HILL-ELEY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY |
"Coach Hill-Eley is a veteran who has already proven his ability to provide the kind of leadership that is needed for the University's football program," said Alabama State University President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. "I would like to thank Interim Athletics Director, Jennifer Williams, and the search committee for their due diligence and thoughtful deliberation in sending the recommendation of Donald Hill-Eley as ASU's next head football coach. In making this announcement, the University's leadership is affirming our commitment to the continued success of ASU's athletics program."
Eley was named to the interim role on October 6 after an 0-5 start to the season, and guided the Hornets to five wins in their final six games including a victory in the Magic City Classic over Alabama A&M and pair of wins on opponents' homecoming weekends. He also guided the Hornets to four road wins to close the season, all in conference play.
He joined the program in 2015 after a one-year stint as the wide receivers coach at Norfolk State and has served in the role of Associate Head Coach during that time. The longtime Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) coach spent 13 seasons at Morgan State (2001-13). After his first season as offensive coordinator, Eley spent the final 12 as head coach and was named 2002 MEAC Coach of the Year. His 59 wins rank third all-time in Bears' history, and he turned around a program who had not had a winning season in 23 consecutive seasons by going 7-5 in his first year at the helm.
Eley also spent four seasons at Hampton (1997-2000) as offensive coordinator and pro liaison, helping the Pirates win an HBCU National Championship, two MEAC titles and the 1999 Heritage Bowl.
He spent four seasons in professional football in the Canadian Football League, first with the Baltimore Stallions (1994-95) as receivers coach before two seasons with the Toronto Argonauts as a guest coach (1996-97). Hill was on the staff of three straight Grey Cup championship teams (1995-97) during his time in the CFL.
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For complete coverage of Alabama State University football, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateFB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
FAMU set to hire Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons to lead football program under a 5-year deal
Willie Simmons, the Panthers’ coach for the past three season, was offered and has accepted the same position at Florida A&M and is reportedly expected to officially be announced sometime this weekend.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- A source close to Florida A&M's athletic department confirmed to the Tallahassee Democrat the football team's next head coach will be Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons.
Simmons, 37, has been at the helm of Prairie View A&M for the last three seasons and has compiled a 21-11 record with the Panthers. Praised for overseeing strong offenses, Simmons has put together winning seasons in each of his three years as a head coach.
Before being hired at Prairie View, he was the offensive coordinator at Alcorn State. In 2014, Alcorn State won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title and were No. 2 in the FCS in scoring (44 points per game) with Simmons as the team's offensive coordinator.
The Panthers went 6-5 last season. The Panther's were third in the SWAC in scoring offense (30 points per game) and second in total offense (424.2 yards per game).
Simmons was born in Tallahassee and attended James A. Shanks in Quincy.
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Grambling State OC considered for 2 SWAC head coaching vacancies
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| COACH ERIC DOOLEY COURTESY: GRAMBLING STATE ATHLETICS |
As football season has entered the lull before the bowl season officially starting next Saturday with the Celebration Bowl between GSU, the reigning SWAC champions, and North Carolina A&T, the MEAC champs, kicking things off at 11 a.m. for the HBCU national title, the Tigers' offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Eric Dooley has surfaced as a candidate for two SWAC head coaching openings.
Reported by The Pine Bluff Commercial earlier Friday following a Freedom of Information Act request, Dooley was listed as one of 37 applicants for the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff head coaching job. Former coach Monte Coleman was fired from his post Nov. 20 and at the time, UAPB Athletic Director Lonza Hardy Jr. told reporters that he’d like to have his new coach in place before Dec. 14, when the school breaks for the holidays.
Dooley served as offensive coordinator of the Golden Lions under Coleman from 2011-13, playing a part in the team winning the SWAC title during his first season, before joining GSU head coach Broderick Fobbs’ staff in the same position before the 2014 season.
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Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Raynard, Leonard Names 2017 MEAC Offensive, Defensive Player
NEW YORK CITY - North Carolina A&T State quarterback Lamar Raynard and South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard were named the 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively. The players were named officially at the 60th annual National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame press conference on Tuesday morning in New York City live on ESPN3.
This marks the fourth consecutive year a player from North Carolina A&T State has been named offensive player of the year as Raynard passed for a MEAC-best 2,707 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to a 11-0 regular season mark and a berth in the Celebration Bowl. The redshirt junior from High Point, N.C. leads the MEAC in eight (8) statistical categories and shattered the Aggie record books as he broke the North Carolina A&T State single-season school records for touchdowns responsible, passing, total offense, touchdown passes and completions in a season.
Nationally, Raynard ranks third in passing efficiency and yards per pass attempt while ranking 17th in passing yards and second in total offense en route to a 26-0 record as a starter.
Leonard keeps the defensive player of the year trophy in Orangeburg for the fifth straight year as SC State defenders have won the award every year since 2013. The redshirt senior from Lake View, S.C. currently ranks fourth in the FCS with 113 tackles (11.3 per game) and second in solo tackles (7.3 pg). He also picked off two passes and had seven (7) sacks while finishing his career as the all-time leading tackler in SC State football history with 393 tackles. Leonard had six games in 2017 with 12-plus tackles highlighted by a high of 18 versus Morgan State.
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
This marks the fourth consecutive year a player from North Carolina A&T State has been named offensive player of the year as Raynard passed for a MEAC-best 2,707 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to a 11-0 regular season mark and a berth in the Celebration Bowl. The redshirt junior from High Point, N.C. leads the MEAC in eight (8) statistical categories and shattered the Aggie record books as he broke the North Carolina A&T State single-season school records for touchdowns responsible, passing, total offense, touchdown passes and completions in a season.
Nationally, Raynard ranks third in passing efficiency and yards per pass attempt while ranking 17th in passing yards and second in total offense en route to a 26-0 record as a starter.
Leonard keeps the defensive player of the year trophy in Orangeburg for the fifth straight year as SC State defenders have won the award every year since 2013. The redshirt senior from Lake View, S.C. currently ranks fourth in the FCS with 113 tackles (11.3 per game) and second in solo tackles (7.3 pg). He also picked off two passes and had seven (7) sacks while finishing his career as the all-time leading tackler in SC State football history with 393 tackles. Leonard had six games in 2017 with 12-plus tackles highlighted by a high of 18 versus Morgan State.
MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Martin's 25 points, tying 3-pointer help Towson men beat Morgan State in OT, 82-78
TOWSON, Maryland -- Over its first nine games this season, the Towson men’s basketball team had played on Florida’s Gulf Coast and Northern Ireland’s East Coast. It had won in blowouts and on last-second jumpers, as in Saturday’s Basketball Hall of Fame Belfast Classic final.
But what happened in Belfast — the seventh and eighth wins of the program’s best-ever start in Division I — would be moot if business were not taken care of in Baltimore. The Tigers have been workmanlike under coach Pat Skerry in that respect, having won eight straight games against Baltimore-area teams coming into the “Battle for Greater Baltimore” against Morgan State.
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But what happened in Belfast — the seventh and eighth wins of the program’s best-ever start in Division I — would be moot if business were not taken care of in Baltimore. The Tigers have been workmanlike under coach Pat Skerry in that respect, having won eight straight games against Baltimore-area teams coming into the “Battle for Greater Baltimore” against Morgan State.
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Sources: FAMU targeting Prairie View A&M coach Willie Simmons for next head coach
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Per multiple sources close to FAMU's athletic program, the athletic department has targeted Prairie View A&M head coach Willie Simmons as the Rattlers' next head football coach. An announcement could come as soon as Friday, per a source.
At the very least, interim head coach Edwin Pata will not be FAMU's next head coach. Pata on Wednesday informed the team he wasn't being considered to be the Rattlers next head coach.
"These folks really didn’t consider Coach Pata as a head coach... what kinda BS is that?" FAMU cornerback Orlando McKinley tweeted Wednesday night.
Simmons has been the head coach at Prairie View A&M for the past three seasons and has complied 21-11 overall record at the helm. His first season was by far his best. He led the Panthers to an 8-2 overall season with an 8-1 record in the SWAC.
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Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Black College Football Hall of Fame Announces BCF Player of the Year Award Finalists
#25 RB Trenton Cannon. Virginia State University
ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) announced today four Finalists for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. The Award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) that embodies the rich tradition of athletic excellence and integrity associated with HBCUs. Former North Carolina A&T State University, and current Chicago Bears Running Back, Tarik Cohen was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2016.
The 2017 Finalists include RB Trenton Cannon (Virginia State University), QB Amir Hall (Bowie State University), QB DeVante Kincade (Grambling State University) and QB Lamar Raynard (North Carolina A&T State University).
The Finalists were chosen by a five-member Selection Committee, which is composed of Black College Football Hall of Fame founders James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams, longtime SBN Broadcaster and Director of News and Sports for the Power News Radio Network Ty Miller, former USA Today sports writer Roscoe Nance, and ESPN College Football Analyst Jay Walker.
“The Black College Football Player of the Year Award showcases the immense talent of our HBCU student-athletes today,” said Doug Williams, BCFHOF Co-Founder and 2011 Inductee. “Each finalist has had an incredible season and we are excited to celebrate their success.”
The winner of the 2017 Black College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on February 10, 2018 at the Ninth Annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta, Georgia. He will be presented with the Deacon Jones Trophy, named in honor of the football legend and inaugural BCFHOF inductee.
“On behalf of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Trustees, we congratulate the Black College Football Player of the Year Finalists,” said James “Shack” Harris, Co-Founder and 2012 Inductee. “These student-athletes represent the very best of HBCU football.”
The Finalists will also be recognized at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta on December 16th, along with the BCFHOF Class of 2018, which will be televised on ABC.
2017 FINALISTS
TRENTON CANNON
Running Back … Virginia State University … Senior … Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) Offensive Player of the Year … 1st Team All-CIAA as a running back and kick returner … Led CIAA in rushing yards (1,638), rushing avg. (7.7 YPC) and all-purpose yards (2,686) … Scored 22 total touchdowns (2nd in CIAA) … Named CIAA’s Offensive Back of the Week five times … Became Virginia State's all-time leading rusher … Candidate for The Harlon Hill Award (Division II College Football Player of the Year) … Two-time All-CIAA 1st Team (2016 and 2017) … Born July 23, 1994.
AMIR HALL
Quarterback … Bowie State University … Junior … Two-time 1st Team All-CIAA … Led conference in passing yards (3,519), passing touchdowns (41) and total offense (3,929) … Also had 406 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns … Owns nearly every quarterback record for Bowie State, including career passing yards (6,974), passing touchdowns (69) and passing efficiency (163.6) … Candidate for The Harlon Hill Award (Division II College Football Player of the Year) … 2016 CIAA Offensive Player of the Year … Born September 26, 1997.
DEVANTE KINCADE
Quarterback … Grambling State University … Senior … Led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in passing yards (2,409), efficiency (143.8), completions (184) and total offense (2,649) … Threw 19 touchdowns and just three interceptions … 2016 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year … 2016 1st Team All-SWAC … 2016 Black College Football Player of the Year Finalist … Led Grambling to the SWAC Championship both years as starting quarterback and the 2016 Black College Football National Championship (Celebration Bowl) … Born September 16, 1994.
LAMAR RAYNARD
Quarterback … North Carolina A&T State University … Junior … 1st Team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) … Led MEAC in passing yards (2,707), efficiency (171.6), completion percentage (65.3%) and touchdowns (26) … Broke school record for passing yards in a season … Also had 168 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns … Finalist the Walter Payton Award for FCS Offensive Player of the Year … Led the Aggies to an undefeated season and the MEAC Championship … 2nd Team All-MEAC in 2016 … Born February 1, 1996.
ABOUT DEACON JONES
David “Deacon” Jones played defensive end for South Carolina State University and Mississippi Valley State University from 1958 to 1960. Blessed with speed, agility, and quickness, the “Deacon” became one of the finest pass rushers in the business. He won unanimous All-NFL honors six straight years from 1965 through 1970 and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Jones is an inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2010) and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS/BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Morgan State Drops FIU 62-51
BALTIMORE, Maryland -- FIU lost its third of three games on its mid-Atlantic road trip, falling 62-51 Monday afternoon in NCAA women's basketball action. FIU is now 2-7 on the season. Morgan State improved to 6-3, winners of six in a row at home, dating back to last season.- Redshirt junior Kiandre'a Pound (Gifford, Florida / Sebastian River HS) finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. She hit six of 12 field-goal attempts, the best shooting mark for any Panther for the afternoon.
- The Panthers had trouble finding the bottom of the net early on, starting 1-for-10 from the floor. After a Panthers' timeout and quick refresher of the game plan, FIU hit its last four attempts to pull to within six at the quarter break, 16-10.
- The Panthers tried to run a little more in the second, but missed layups cost the team on several possessions. FIU was 6-for-18 in the second quarter, while the Lady Bears were a scorching 9-for-18 (.500) and extended the lead to 13 at intermission, 38-25. It was FIU's lowest-scoring first half of the season.
- FIU shot its best quarter of the game in the third, but the Lady Bears had twice as many shot attempts due to six FIU turnovers and three MSU offensive rebounds.
- The Panthers outscored Morgan State 13-10 in the fourth, but the margin was too great to overcome.
- In addition to Pound's 17, freshman Callie Cavanaugh (Holyoke, Massachusetts) scored 10 and a season-high 10 came from freshman Cabria Lee (Lake Worth, Florida / Northeast HS). Lee finished with a season-best three assists and hit her first collegiate three-point bucket in the game.
Stat of the Match
FIU had 10 more free-throw attempts and eight more rebounds, but MSU gained a 20-point edge in points in the paint, along with eight blocks.
From the Sideline
"We really lacked energy today," said FIU Head Coach Tiara Malcom. "Toughness has been an issue and we really didn't focus on what we worked on defensively. Once we got down, we just could not get back in the game today."
BOX SCORE
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Tennessee State Tiger Football Announces 2018 Schedule
NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State announces its 2018 football schedule, which features four home games and a trip to crosstown, Southeastern Conference (SEC) opponent, Vanderbilt.
The Tigers open the home slate by hosting Bethune-Cookman in the John Merritt Classic on Sept. 1. TSU will hit the road for the next six contests, including their annual meeting with Jackson State at the Southern Heritage Classic on Sept. 8 in Memphis, Tenn.
The remainder of the home line-up consists of a trio of Ohio Valley Conference matchups. Tennessee Tech visits Nashville on Oct. 20 for Homecoming 2018, while Jacksonville State and UT Martin make visits to close out the Tigers regular season on Nov. 10 and Nov. 17, respectively.
TSU will begin the road portion of the schedule at Hampton on Sept. 15, a week before the start of OVC play. The Tigers open conference play at Eastern Illinois on Sept.22. The Big Blue will step out of conference play on Sept. 29 with its second game with Vanderbilt in three years. It also marks the third consecutive year with a contest against a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent.
The Tigers close out the road trip with stops at Austin Peay and Murray State. The final OVC road contest will take place on Nov. 3 at Southeast Missouri.
Dates are subject to change and times will be announced at a later date.
2018 TSU Tigers Football Schedule
Sept. 1 Bethune-Cookman John Merritt Classic
Sept. 8 Jackson State Southern Heritage Classic
Sept. 15 at Hampton
Sept. 22 at Eastern Illinois
Sept. 29 at Vanderbilt
Oct. 6 at Austin Peay
Oct. 13 at Murray State
Oct. 20 Tennessee Tech (Homecoming)
Nov. 3 at Southeast Missouri
Nov. 10 Jacksonville State
Nov. 17 UT Martin
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
UMES Golf Coach Marshall Cropper Inducted Into Eastern Shore Golf Hall of Fame
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| COACH MARSHALL CROPPER |
The event begins at 6 p.m. and will feature the induction of six new members. Tickets are $75 per guest and reservations can be made at 443-528-7945. Proceeds from the event will benefit Maryland Eastern Shore’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) program.
An Eastern Shore native from New Church, Virginia, Cropper studied physical education, played baseball and football, and found his interest in golf all while attending then Maryland State College in the 1960s.
Upon graduating in 1967, Cropper went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins. He found gratification for golf during Steelers training camp. The Steelers practiced by Arnold Palmer’s home and driving range in Latrobe, and after receiving many tips form Mr. Palmer himself, it paid off in the long run. Having a passion working with youth, he used golf as a tool to teach life skills, and used golf as a fundraiser during his NFL days to finance youth camps.
Following retirement from the NFL, Cropper was chosen to develop a degree program at Maryland Eastern Shore that would introduce more African-Americans to the game of golf. As a result in 2008 the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program was established, and Maryland Eastern Shore became the first HBCU in the nation with such a program.
His fundraising acumen continued with work for The Art Shell Golf Classic, an event so successful that it grabbed the attention from Congressmen, University administration and alumni. Now serving as head men’s golf coach and the as the Universities’ Golf Academy Coordinator, Cropper started a Hall of Fame Golf Outing this past fall, again featuring his former Hawk teammate and NFL Hall of Famer Art Shell. True to his fundraising roots, the proceeds were set aside for men’s golf.
Cropper was inducted to the Maryland Eastern Shore Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Hawks in 1984.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION
Monday, December 4, 2017
XULA defeats No. 13 OLLU for 5th straight victory
NEW ORLEANS — Essence Wells had a career-high-tying 18 points Saturday, and Xavier University of Louisiana produced its highest scoring second half of the season in a 70-65 women's basketball victory against NAIA No. 13 Our Lady of the Lake.
After trailing 31-27 at the break, the Gold Nuggets (5-2) outscored the Saints (5-4) 43-34 in the second half to extend their win streak to five games, XULA won for the third time in four days at its Convocation Center.
Wells, a sophomore guard, made 5-of-5 free throws in the 35th minute to give XULA a 60-56 lead. OLLU never got closer than four points in the final three minutes.
Ireyon Keith scored a season-high 12 points for XULA, and Gina Smith had season highs of 11 points and eight rebounds. Smith was 5-of-6 from the floor.
Francesca Patrick scored 16 points for OLLU, and Destinee King had 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and four steals.
XULA's previous high point total in a second half was 35, and the Gold Nuggets never reached 30 points in five of their first six second halves this season.
"Our chemistry is getting better," XULA coach Bo Browder said. "Our guards are learing how to play with our post players, and we're just doing a better job of moving the ball on offense."
Quintianna LeShore's basket at 6:04 gave OLLU an 11-4 lead. But the Gold Nuggets answered with seven straight points, and the Saints led 17-14 by the end of the quarter. OLLU three times led by seven points in the second quarter, but a Wells 3-pointer — her third of the half — reduced the Saints' advantage to 31-27 at the break.
Mikayla Bates's back-to-back 3-pointers — her only scores of the game — keyed a 13-2 run that gave XULA a 45-38 lead at 3:35 of the third quarter. The Gold Nuggets led 51-47 through three after scoring 24 points, their most in a third period this season.
Smith's layup — her final points of the game — came after a Jayla Nichols pass and put XULA ahead to stay, 54-53, with 7:38 remaining.
OLLU outshot XULA 42.3 to 34.4 percent from the floor, and both team made six treys. Boosting the Nuggets were a season-high 22 free throws made in 30 attempts. The Saints were 15-of-24 of the line, but they faded there after going 8-for-8 in the first six minutes. The Gold Nuggets produced a double-digit and season-best rebound margin for the third straight game — they won the boards 46-32.
XULA will break for fall-semester academic final exams, then visit the University of New Orleans in an 11 a.m. game Dec. 14. Note that UNO has pushed up the tip-off time.
BOX SCORE
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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Morgan State Bears Fall in Matinee Matchup at Navy 66-59
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland -- Hasan Abdullah scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Navy to a 66-59 victory over Morgan State on Sunday.Along with his first career double-double, Abdullah made 4 of 6 3-point attempts and had six assists and three steals.
After freshman LaPri McCray-Pace hit a 3-pointer to get the Bears within four with a minute to go, Abdullah drove the lane to score, snagged a rebound after a Bears miss and made a free throw, and ended Morgan State's final possession with a steal.
Shawn Anderson added 11 points for the Midshipmen (7-3), who have won three straight.
Senior Phillip Carr scored 13 of his team-high 15 points in the first half. Junior guard added Martez Cameron 14 (8-8 FT) with six assists and McCray-Pace had 11 points for the Bears (4-4), whose three-game win streak was snapped.
Evan Wieck and Ryan Pearson scored five points each in a 13-5 run to end the first half and give Navy a 32-28 lead. Navy led throughout the second half and was ahead by 11 with four minutes to go.
Navy shot 9-of-24 on 3-pointers and outshot Morgan State in the game, 47 percent (23-of-49) to 39 percent (19-of-18).
The Midshipman out-rebounded the Bears by a commanding 37-24 margin and scored 28 points inside the paint.
Morgan State will be right back in action on Wednesday night when they face the Towson Tigers at SECU Arena.
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MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Coppin Men’s Hoops Hangs Tough at Georgetown in BB&T Classic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Karonn Davis matched a career-high with 20 points as the Coppin State University men's basketball team fell to undefeated Georgetown, 76-60, on Sunday night at Capital One Arena as part of the BB&T Classic. The Eagles now stand at 0-8 on the year going into their home opener against Navy on Wednesday, December 6 at 7 pm.Davis made 4-of-11 shots from the floor with a pair of threes while also sinking ten out of 12 shots from the line to match a 20 points he scored two seasons ago as a sophomore at Niagara. A graduate transfer from Philadelphia, Pa., Davis also recorded a career-high eight rebounds and dished out four assists with just one turnover in 37 minutes,
Coppin also got 13 points from Tre' Thomas off the bench which matches his season-high and a season-high ten points from freshman Taqwain Drummond who made his first career start. Drummond made a trio of three-pointers on the day.
Georgetown (6-0) led from start to finish but the undersized Eagles hung in there with hustle and tenacious defense. Coppin forced the Hoyas into 16 turnovers and turned that in 22 points but Georgetown's size inside proved to be the difference. The Hoyas outscored the Eagles, 30-8 in the paint and made 24-of-36 shots from the free throw line with big-man Jessie Govan going for 26 points and 16 rebounds while making 11-of-14 from the line.
Coppin went into halftime trailing, 37-27 and with 12:32 left in regulation, faced a 50-36 deficit after a layup by Marcus Derrickson. The Eagles then clawed their way back into the game with a 10-1 run over the next three-and-a-half minutes sparked by triples from Davis, Thomas and Drummond.
After Drummond's three with 9:04 left made the score 51-46 in favor of Georgetown, Derrickson responded with a three of his own, forced a turnover and took the ball coast-to-coast for a layup which extended the lead back to double-digits.
Derrickson finished with 13 points on the night, 11 of which came in the second half.
For the game, Coppin shot just 30% from the field and made a season-high nine threes. The Eagles were outrebounded by 12 but recorded more offensive rebounds than the Hoyas who had just six offensive rebounds which is a season-low.
BOX SCORE
COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
Second Half Surge Lifts Wiley Wildcats Past Philander Smith
MARSHALL, Texas -- The Wiley College men's basketball team turned a competitive first half into a 90-70 rout over Philander Smith College Saturday at Alumni Gymnasium.It was the Wildcats' first home game since November 14 as they improve to 2-1 at Alumni Gymnasium. Wiley College increased its series lead to 15-4 over Philander Smith. It led by as many as nine in the first half. The Panthers went on a 23-6 run to hold a 28-20 lead. The Wildcats retook the lead with a 10-0 run. Joshua Hamilton (JR/New Iberia, Louisiana) and Martavious Washington (JR/Shreveport, Louisiana) hit 3-pointers. Patrick Scipio (JR/Trinidad & Tobago) and Kevondric Davis (SR/Shreveport, LA) converted baskets to help Wiley hold a 40-35 advantage at halftime.
The Wildcats (5-3) opened the second half with a 13-3 run to take a 53-38 advantage. They hit 15 of 23 shots including 4 of 6 from 3-point territory. For the game, Wiley College hit 31 of 53 shots for a 58.5 shooting percentage. It held the Panthers to 35.7 shooting percentage.
"We went with a zone defense in the second half," head coach Jay Smith said. "The guys really got after it in the zone. Something we have been fussing about with the guys is playing defense for a full 40 minutes. The guys took it personally and really worked their tails off the last two days of practice."
Several contributed to Wiley College's victory as four scored in double figures. Hamilton led all players with 25. Kevondric Davis recorded a double-double and was three assists shy of a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
"I feel like I'm back," said Davis, who was honored for scoring 1,000 career points. "I still have a little pain. The Southern University game helped me regain my form."
Ashton DeMurrell (JR/Trinidad & Tobago) notched a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He also blocked two shots. Anthony Sharp II (SR/Dallas, Texas) contributed 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals off the bench.
The Wildcats will open Red River Athletic Conference play Wednesday with Jarvis Christian College. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
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WILEY COLLEGE WILDCATS SPORTS INFORMATION
Langston Lions Football Receives Nine Selections on All-Oklahoma SportsNetwork Team
LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- The fourth annual All-OSN football team from OklahomaSports.Net was released with nine members of the Langston University football being selected to this year's squad.
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION
Langston University head football coach Quinton Morgan was selected as the OSN coach of the year after leading the Lions to a 10-0 undefeated regular season and a home playoff berth in the NAIA Football Championship Series. It was the first time since 1973 that the Lions finished the regular season undefeated.
Jamarae Finnie (SR/Tacoma, Wash.) was selected as the OSN Defensive Player of the Year and All-OSN first-team defense, racking up 64 total tackles, 33 solo with 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss; the senior defensive linemen currently ranks 10th in the NAIA in total tackles for loss.
Christopher Carillo (JR/Midland, Texas) and Michael Smith (SR/Compton, Calif.) in addition to Finnie were selected to the All-OSN first team for their efforts during the 2017 season.
Smith was second on the team in total tackles with 56 while finishing with 42 solo tackles, three interceptions and six tackles for loss; he finishes his Langston career with 73 total tackles, one sack, six tackles for loss and three interceptions.
Timothy Whitfield, Trevin Carson (JR/Midwest City, Okla.), Tyler Bess (SR/Hollis, Okla.), Peter Gordon (JR/Del City, Okla.) and Eugene Fuller (SO/Stockbridge, Ga.) were all selected to the All-OSN second team.
Whitfield led the Lions in rushing for the season with 535 yards on 95 carries with seven touchdowns.
On the defensive side Bess finished with 27 total tackles with three sacks, Gordon accumulated 48 total tackles to go along with three sacks and Fuller finished fourth on the team in total tackles with 52 including 25 solo, one sack, one interception and two tackles for loss.
The All-OSN football team is comprised of standouts from the NCAA Division II and NAIA institutions from around the state of Oklahoma, with 11 different schools to have a player named to the team.
To view the complete All-OSN football team click here.
Jamarae Finnie (SR/Tacoma, Wash.) was selected as the OSN Defensive Player of the Year and All-OSN first-team defense, racking up 64 total tackles, 33 solo with 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss; the senior defensive linemen currently ranks 10th in the NAIA in total tackles for loss.
Christopher Carillo (JR/Midland, Texas) and Michael Smith (SR/Compton, Calif.) in addition to Finnie were selected to the All-OSN first team for their efforts during the 2017 season.
Smith was second on the team in total tackles with 56 while finishing with 42 solo tackles, three interceptions and six tackles for loss; he finishes his Langston career with 73 total tackles, one sack, six tackles for loss and three interceptions.
Timothy Whitfield, Trevin Carson (JR/Midwest City, Okla.), Tyler Bess (SR/Hollis, Okla.), Peter Gordon (JR/Del City, Okla.) and Eugene Fuller (SO/Stockbridge, Ga.) were all selected to the All-OSN second team.
Whitfield led the Lions in rushing for the season with 535 yards on 95 carries with seven touchdowns.
On the defensive side Bess finished with 27 total tackles with three sacks, Gordon accumulated 48 total tackles to go along with three sacks and Fuller finished fourth on the team in total tackles with 52 including 25 solo, one sack, one interception and two tackles for loss.
The All-OSN football team is comprised of standouts from the NCAA Division II and NAIA institutions from around the state of Oklahoma, with 11 different schools to have a player named to the team.
To view the complete All-OSN football team click here.
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