Georgia Southern Eagles Soar Over Bulldogs In Season-Opener

STATESBORO, Georgia — The South Carolina State Bulldogs dropped a tough, 37-6, decision in its season-opener to Georgia Southern Saturday (Sept. 1st) at Paulson Stadium.
 
"We played a very good Georgia Southern team and my hat goes off to them on they played today," said head coach Buddy Pough. "This team is a really young so this gave us a chance to see how these guys react in game situation."


 
The Eagles jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter.  Redshirt senior running back Moneo Garret scored on a 1-yard punch with 2:43 remaining late in the first to give GSU a 6-0 lead. The two-point conversion failed.
 
A costly fumble with 1:21 remaining gave the Eagles perfect field position the Bulldog 34-yard line. Redshirt sophomore Quarterback Shai Werts took full advantage scoring on a 23-yard run 0:36 seconds left to push GSU ahead two scores to close out the quarter.
 
Georgia Southern closed out the first-half off a 19-yard field goal by Tyler Bass to end intermission 16-0.
 
The Bulldogs were able to get on the board off a 2-yard run by redshirt sophomore Tyrece Nick at the 10:20 mark in the third quarter. The Eagles responded with back-to-back scores of 13 and 14-yards by Werts to extend the lead to 37-6 with 4:27 remaining in the game to seal the victory.
 
Senior defensive back Chris Adams and junior linebacker Lane Jones each finished with seven (7) tackles each in the loss, while Cornelius Walker added five (5). Redshirt sophomore Tyrece Nick led the rushing attack with 21 carries for 66-yards and a touchdown.
 
Freshman return specialist Tayshawn Baines had a solid day returning the football with two returns for 61-yards (31-long), while senior punter Jerome Pettiway posted three (3) punts for 140 yards (46.7 yards per punt) with a long of 71-yards.
 
"When you lose its always a tough feeling we have to regroup correct some mistakes and get ready for our next opponent," said Pough.

Box Score
 
Next up South Carolina State hits the road Saturday (Sept.8th) to take on Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Kickoff is 6 p.m. and will televised on ESPN3.
 
For more information on South Carolina State Athletics visit www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 536-7060.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

FAMU Opens The Willenium With 41-7 Rout Of FVSU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Willie Simmons Era of Florida A&M University Football opened literally with a flash of lightning, as the Rattlers dominated a game Fort Valley State team, 41-7 Saturday evening at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

A near-sellout crowd of 20,262 packed the venerable stadium to witness the first varsity game on the recently installed Astro Turf, watching the Rattlers take an early 13-0 lead, thanks to a one-yard blast by sophomore running back Ricky Henrilus, and a pair of Yahia Aly field goals (38, 43 yards).

Right after Aly’s second fielder, severe thunderstorms dropped forks of lightning to the south of campus, leading to a delay of over 45 minutes, as the field and stadium were cleared.

When the action resumed, Fort Valley State (0-1), which had a recent history for playing the Rattlers close, came out of the break and struck quickly, as Lorenzo Smothers took a pass from Jarman Slade and dashed 92 yards for a touchdown, slicing the Rattlers’ edge to 13-7 with 4:30 left in the second period.

FAMU junior quarterback Ryan Stanley answered back moments later, hitting Xavier Smith with a 28-yard scoring strike with 2:15 left in the half, to stake the Rattlers to a 20-7 lead at the break.

The Rattler Defense dominated all game, holding the Wildcats to a minus 12 yards rushing on 28 tries, recording five sacks and 10 tackles for loss, applying relentless pressure. With the GanGreen Defense frustrating the Boys from Middle Georgia, FAMU’s offense began to put on the display the depth of talent that Coach Simmons and his staff have assembled, while giving fans a peak at some of the explosive potential of the new Read Option attack.

Yahia Aly extended the Rattlers’ edge to 23-7 on his third field goal of the game, a 24-yard boot with 9:21 left in the third, then Ryan Stanley tossed his second scoring pass, a nine-yard dart to Marcus Williams with 6:01 left in the quarter, for a 30-7 lead.

Aly then went to work, nailing three more three-pointers from 29, 26 and 29 yards, to set a new FAMU single game mark for field goals made with six, eclipsing the previous mark of five (5) held jointly by Chase Varnadore (vs. North Carolina Central in 2012) and Juan Vansquez (vs. Morgan State in 2000).

Prior to Aly’s final kick with 2:29 to play, FAMU pounced on a bad snap on a punt which bounded into the end zone for a safety, with 8:52 left.

FAMU’s Offense deployed a bevy of running backs who combined for 276 rushing yards, paced by speedy sophomore Bishop Bonnett, who finished with a team high 76 yards on eight carries. 

Sophomore Azende Rey had a 40-yard burst on a run play, and led the club with three catches for 25 yards.

Other Rattler backs in the talented arsenal that should come into play this season included Hans Supre (seven for 37 yards), Henrilus (seven for 34), backup QB D.J. Phillips (32 yards on four carriesin the second half), freshman Eddie Timman (three tires, 31 yards) and senior Devin Bowers (seven carries, 22 yards).

Sophomore kicker Chris Faddoul had only two punts on Saturday, but he made the most of his chances, averaging 60 yards per boot, with a long of 61 yards which resulted in a touchback.

Defensively, leading the charge were linebackers Derrick Mayweather and Kendrick Kelly with six tackles each. Mayweather added a quarterback sack and a tackle for loss, while Antonio Miller had five tackles, two for loss and a sack. Senior Orlando McKinley had a pass interception, while Doyle Grimes returned a fumbled 20 yards, and Elijah Daniels was in on the play that resulted in a safety for the Rattlers in the south end zone.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Rattlers hit the road next week to face off against Troy (Ala.) University at 6:00 p.m. Central Time on ESPN Plus.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY RATTLERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn Braves Toughened by Season-Opener at Georgia Tech

ATLANTA, Georgia --  Nearly the entire roster played for the Alcorn State University football program as it dropped a 41-0 decision to Georgia Tech on the road Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Alcorn (0-1) saw seven different student-athletes carry the ball and 10 different wide receivers caught a pass. Senior P.J. Simmons, the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player Player, led the way with 10 rushes for 47 yards (4.7 ypc) and also caught three passes for nine yards.
 
The Braves used both junior Noah Johnson and sophomore Felix Harper at quarterback. Johnson tallied 51 yards passing on 10-of-15 attempts, while Harper was 5-for-8 for 18 yards. Johnson also rushed for 21 yards on six carries.
 
Defensively, senior Alvin Wilson led the Braves with eight tackles including four solo. Senior Trae Ferrell notched seven tackles including one for a loss. Junior Taurence Wilson grabbed an interception to end GA Tech's (1-0) two-minute drill at the end of the first half.
 
The Braves forced two fumbles in the game and they were recovered by junior Brelion Hollis and freshman Keyron Kinsler.
 
Alcorn limited GA Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall to just 9-of-18 for 104 yards throwing with an interception. The Braves out-tackled GA Tech 71-46.
 
On special teams, junior Corey McCullough booted nine punts for a career-high 372 yards (41.3 ypp). He cranked a long of 51 yards and four of his punts landed inside the 20.
 
The Yellow Jackets rushed for 439 yards, including 85 and a touchdown by Jordan Mason. KinVonte Benson scored two touchdowns to go along with 75 yards.
 
On the opening series of the game, Johnson completed a quick pass to freshman Juan Anthony Jr., but the Braves were forced to punt.
 
Georgia Tech scored on its opening drive including a 28-yard touchdown by Mason to go up 7-0. It capped a four-play, 68-yard drive which featured all running plays.
 
On GA Tech's second drive, the Yellow Jackets approached midfield when senior Quintin Smith forced a fumble and Hollis recovered to give the Braves good field position. Though, Alcorn was backed up by a false start penalty and the drive stalled out at the GA Tech 40.
 
The Yellow Jackets went up 13-0 early in the second quarter. The scoring play was a one-yard quarterback keeper by Marshall. The extra-point hit the left post, no good, but it ended a nine-play series for 81 yards consisting of all running plays.
 
Harper entered the game on Alcorn's first series of the second quarter and completed his first pass on a screen to junior De'Shawn Waller. Though, the Braves were forced to punt.
 
The Yellow Jackets led 20-0 when they had the ball in a two-minute drill situation. GA Tech went for the deep ball down the left side when Taurence Wilson leaped up and made the interception despite offensive pass interference which was declined.
 
After a GA Tech interception, the Yellow Jackets attempted a last-second 50-yard field goal which sailed wide-right. GA Tech led 20-0 at the half.
 
The Yellow Jackets got the ball first in the second half and scored on their opening drive to increase their edge to 27-0. GA Tech added-on 34-0 early in the third after David Curry scooped up a fumble after a big hit and returned it for a touchdown.
 
The Braves started to move the ball midway through the third. It started with a first down carry by Simmons, and then on third down Johnson connected with junior Raidarious Anderson for nine yards to move the chains at the GA Tech 45. However, Alcorn was pushed back by a holding penalty and ultimately had to punt. McCullough's punt landed at the GA Tech three-yard line.
 
GA Tech answered with a 97-play drive including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Brad Stewart in the back left corner in the end zone to lead 41-0 with 3:07 remaining in the third.
 
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets faced a 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line when Wilson stuffed the rush and GA Tech turned it over on downs.
 
After an Alcorn fumble, the Yellow Jackets returned the favor late in the game as freshman Keyron Kinsler recovered it before being tripped up.
 
The Braves will play their home-opener next weekend when they host Louisiana College at 6 p.m. Saturday at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium. Alcorn carries over a four-game home winning-streak from last season.


 
NOTES
- Saturday marked the second-ever meeting between Alcorn and Georgia Tech. The 16th-ranked Yellow Jackets won 69-6 in the 2015 season-opener.
 
- It was the first time in three years that the Braves dropped their season opener. They beat Miles College 50-21 last season and 21-18 in 2016.
 
- The Alcorn defense allowed GA Tech to score on just 60 percent (3-of-5) of their red zone opportunities. It came after the Braves ranked top-five in the nation in red zone defense last year, letting up scores on just 64.5 percent of trips inside the 20.
 
- The five completions marked a career-high for Harper, who saw limited action last year and completed three at MVSU on Nov. 11, 2017.
 
- McCullough's 372 punting yards surpassed his previous career-high of 309 at Alabama A&M on Nov. 4, 2017.
 
- The Braves entered the week ranked third in the Preseason HBCU Poll and are receiving votes in the Preseason FCS Poll.
 
- Alcorn's captains were McCullough, Simmons and senior Brady Smith. The Braves won the coin toss and chose to receive.
 
Quoting Alcorn head coach Fred McNair
Opening Statement
"We came out and played hard today. The defense played exceptionally well for most of the way, especially having to adjust to the way Georgia Tech plays with the triple-option. The offense had some opportunities, but we weren't able to execute on a couple passes. We'll get better. We showed some good spurts on offense but we need more consistency. We just have to keep working, and there are some things we were excited about from this game."
 
On the physicality of the game
"This was a very tough and physical game. We'll have a chance to watch the film and learn something from it. This game definitely made us tougher and we did a good job of battling. We had a great goal-line stand defensively, and the offense just needs to execute. It wasn't about what Georgia Tech did today as much as it was about what we do and what we need to get better at."
  
On what changes will be made this week
"Not a whole lot will change, we just need to work harder. That's the only thing that will change – our work-ethic. We have another chance next week to play another team, and we're excited about returning home. We're just going to continue to press on and get better."

ATTENDANCE: 

39,719
BOX SCORE

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Look on the bright side: Southern not discouraged by 55-7 loss at No. 16 TCU

FORT WORTH, Texas — Wide receiver Cameron Mackey had a smile stretched across his face.

Linebacker Calvin Lunkins raved about the confidence a day like Saturday can inject into a program like Southern.

Coach Dawson Odums said he was proud of the effort his team gave for all 60 minutes.

Judging by their reactions after this season's opening game, it would've been impossible to tell Southern lost 55-7 to No. 16 TCU.



But as center Jaylon Brinson pointed out, Southern’s win probability before the game was measured in decimals. And the Horned Frogs did indeed dominate all 3 hours, 13 minutes of this game on a steamy afternoon.

But all things considered, Southern knows Saturday could have gone much worse.

“We definitely gained confidence because we played our hearts out,” Lunkins said. “We played hard throughout the whole game, and that's all coach asks of us."

Odums didn't deny that Southern made mistakes and suffered through more than a few low points.

Southern was outgained nearly 3-to-1 on offense (499-185) and committed three turnovers, with another half-dozen close calls sprinkled in.

CONTINUE READING

Alabama A&M opens Maynor Era with Shutout of Miles

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — History happened on "The Hill."

Connell Maynor made his debut as Alabama A&M's new football coach, and the Bulldogs delivered the program's first shutout in six years.

With a swarming defense that dominated the trenches, Alabama A&M topped Miles 37-0 Saturday night to open the season in the Louis Crews Classic.

"That was a strong performance and a great way to open the season," said Maynor, who was hired in February.

"Guys were flying around the ball all night long. We made some plays early and did a good job of setting the tempo for the game."

Alabama A&M dominated from the opening kick.

On the first possession of the season, quarterback Aqeel Glass led Alabama A&M on a six-play drive that ended with a 28-yard field goal from Spencer Corey.

And the momentum never shifted.

A few minutes later, Jordan Bentley carried the ball four straight times before punching the ball into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown. Glass threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bailey and Gary Quarles rushed for a 1-yard score to give Alabama A&M a 24-point cushion at halftime.

Glass finished with two touchdown passes, completing 11 of 18 attempts with an interception. The sophomore threw a second-half touchdown to Marceles Clash. Dylan Smith threw a touchdown pass to Octayvious Miles.

Miles led Alabama A&M in receiving with three catches for 66 yards, while Quarles led the Bulldogs on the ground with 51 rushing yards on seven carries.

"We expected to play well," Glass said. "There are a lot of playmakers on this team — several guys capable of making plays. This definitely is a positive performance to build on."

Alabama A&M's defense was the prominent storyline.

The Bulldogs held Miles (0-1) to just 115 total yards, with 80 on the ground.

"Everyone wanted to make a statement," linebacker Elijah Timarky said. "Our goal was to play physical and give up nothing. This was a good win for our team."

Alabama A&M hosts North Alabama next Saturday.

BOX SCORE

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Goal Line Stand Helps D-2 Morehouse Upset Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 34-30

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- The Morehouse defense used a goal line stand in the final seconds to upset Division I-FCS the Universiiy of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday evening on the road at Simmons Bank Field.

The Maroon Tigers avenged losses to the Golden Lions the two previous years to start the season 1-0 while UAPB falls to 0-1.

With Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the three-yard line and the clock winding down sophomore transfer, William Callaway, sacked UAPB's quarterback and forced a fumble which was recovered by freshman, Ben Goins to seal the win.

MHC got the scoring started in the first quarter as sophomore running back, Frank Bailey Jr. darted up the field for a 52-yard run and freshman quarterback, Michael Sims, found Tremell Gooden down the middle of the field on a 29-yard strike to the Pine Bluff one yard line. Sophomore, Ronald Bradley plunged into the endzone for the early 7-0 Maroon Tiger lead.

Morehouse wasted little time to extend the lead as MHC went into the bag of tricks when Gooden found senior, Tamarick Vanover Jr. on a 63 yard bomb on a wide receiver pass extending the lead to 14-0.



UAPB would get on the board when Shannon Patrick connected with Josh Wilkes on a 38-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline to cut the lead to 14-7. After trading punts, Sims found Gooden on a 19-yard pass and then hit senior tight end, Ryan Edwards, on a short strike that ended with a 57-yard touchdown pass giving the Maroon Tigers a 21-7 lead. It only took the Golden Lions one minute and 27 seconds to cut into the lead when Taeylor Porter bounced a 29-yard TD run down the right sideline making the score 21-14.

Staying true to the teams offensive outburst, sophomore running back, Santo Dunn broke out with a 77-yard touchdown run making the score 28-14. Pine Bluff only needed 30 seconds before finding the endzone again on a 12-yard dart from Patrick to Tyrin Ralph but missed what would prove to be a costly extra-point making the score 28-20 going into the locker rooms for halftime.

The teams made the necessary adjustments at the half to slow down each others offenses as UAPB did the only scoring in the third quarter on a 31-yard field goal by Jamie Gillan cutting the deficit to just 28-23.

With 11:28 remaining in the game, Dunn again found the endzone on an electrifying 31-yard run extending the as Maroon Tiger lead to 34-23. UAPB would not go away as Patrick again found his favorite target Wilkes this time with a 77-yard pass making the score 34-30 with just 4:55 remaining in the game. The Morehouse defense would hold in the final seconds for the victory.

BOX SCORE

Dunn would lead the Maroon Tiger offensive attack as he finished with 159 rushing yards on only 14 carries and two touchdowns while Bailey would chip in with 106-yards on the ground. Sims connected on 12-of-21 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown while Gooden caught three passes for 57 yards including a 63 yard touchdown pass of his own.

Defensively the Morehouse defense was led by Junior linebacker, Julien Turner, who finished with a team-high 12 tackles and a sack.

MHC out rushed UAPB 305 to 116 on the ground, but lost the battle in the passing game as the Golden Lions threw for 463-yards to the Maroon Tigers 262.

The Maroon Tigers remain on the road and travel to Jackson, Tenn. to take on SIAC foe the Dragons of Lane College next Saturday, September 8. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m.

MOREHOUSE COLLEGE MAROON TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Jackson State Sonic Boom vs. U. Southern Mississippi

Kentucky State Sylve, St. Ge combine for 272 yards rushing

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pennsylvania -- The starting backfield of junior running back Brett Sylve and sophomore quarterback Jules St. Ge combined for 272 yards on the ground, but the Kentucky State Thorobreds ran out of gas in falling to Slippery Rock Saturday, 38-31, in non-conference action.

"It was a hot day, we don't have a lot of bodies, and we just wore down," said Kentucky State head coach John L. Smith. "It's called depth. We got through the game with five offensive linemen. I am proud the guys, especially with the travel. We traveled with the right frame of mind. We were focused and intense.

"But you have to also give (Slippery Rock) credit. They are a good football team."

In an offensively explosive game, 10 of the 11 scoring drives lasted under 3:33 minutes. The lone exception was a 13-play, 67-yard KYSU drive that was culminated with a 20-yard field goal that pulled the Thorobreds to within 35-31 in the fourth quarter.

Three plays into the contest, Sylve (Hammond, LA) opened the scoring with a 75-yard scamper. An interception by sophomore Zuriel Rudolph (Birmingham, AL) set-up another KYSU score, this one a five-yard run by St. Ge (Lakeland, FL).

Slippery Rock halved its deficit with a 57-yard pass, but another scoring drive - capped by St. Ge pushed the KYSU lead back to 14. The Rock was threatening for another score, but senior Matthew Bizimana (Louisville, KY) forced a fumble at the goal line and it was recovered by junior David Daniels (Louisville, KY).

Sylve tallied his second score of the game with a one-yard plunge to give Kentucky State a 21-point lead with 4:41 remaining in the half.

BOX SCORE

A late second quarter score by Slippery Rock seemingly pushed the momentum to the hosts, and it showed as The Rock tacked on three more touchdowns to take their first lead of the game, 35-28, with 1:19 remaining in the third quarter.

The home team had an opportunity to take the lead earlier in the quarter, but Daniels forced, recovered and returned a fumble 80 yards to put KYSU in the red zone. It was the second goal line fumble for The Rock. The drive ended with a missed field goal.

Kentucky State drove down to within the Rock seven yardline again and had six attempts to score the equalizing touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. However, KYSU had to settle for the aforementioned 20-yard field goal.

St. Ge was 10-of-12 passing with 118 yards and one interception to go along with his 126 yards on 11 rushing attempts. He added two rushing touchdowns. His 10 completions went to five different receivers with junior Jordan Level (Detroit, MI) and junior Malik Saunders (Louisville, KY) hauling in three receptions apiece. Level finished with a team-high 45 receiving yards, and Saunders added 41 yards.

Sylve toted the rock 20 times for a team-high 146 yards with two touchdowns.

Junior Myrthel Stewart (Glenwood, IL) led the Thorobreds defensively with eight tackles, while sophomore Antwoine Lloyd (Indianapolis, IN) and Rudolph had seven tackles each.

Kentucky State (0-1) makes its home debut 4 p.m. Saturday, hosting McKendree at Alumni Stadium. The Bearcats opened their season with a 34-28 victory over Northern Michigan.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY THOROBREDS SPORTS INFORMATION

UTPB Falcons Comeback Runs Out of Time in 26-16 Loss at Texas Southern

HOUSTON, Texas -- UT Permian Basin scored a pair of second half touchdowns and outscored Texas Southern 14-10 in the second half, but its comeback in their season opener ran out of time Saturday night as the Falcons fell against FCS D-I Texas Southern 26-16 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

PHOTO GALLERY

BOX SCORE

Saturday's game started at 9:35 p.m. after a 2:30 delay due to severe weather and heavy rains in the downtown Houston area.

The Falcons first possession of the night stalled out in the red zone after Kameron Mathis picked up a first down on a QB keeper and Marquis Simmons broke out for a 44 yard run down the UTPB sideline.

Texas Southern put together a six play drive to find the end zone with their first possession, scoring on a 39 yard pass as Glen Cuiellette found Bobby Hartzog despite John O'Kelley providing the pressure from the blind side.

The Tigers took advantage of a short field on their second drive, needing to go just 40 yards for a touchdown by Tren'Davian Dickson on a 14-yard diving catch in the corner of the end zone. The Falcons got on the scoreboard on the PAT when they blocked the attempt up the middle and Diameon Brewer scooped it and took it down the field unimpeded to the end zone for two points.

La'Daidreain Glasker provided a big spark for the Falcons in the early moments of the second quarter, recovering a fumble out of Cuiellette's hands on a deep sack to give the Falcons the ball on the TSU 37-yard line.

A 14-yard Adrian Walker rush down to the 3-yard line following a 3rd-down conversion pass to Ben Galaviz put the Falcons in sight of the goal line, but a missed FG turned possession back over to the Tigers.


After Texas Southern scored the first points of the second half on a pass to the back right corner of the end zone from two yards out, the Falcons got their first TD of the night when Sam Allen entered at QB and ran the team down the field, rushing six times for 46 yards, including a two-yard run into the end zone for the touchdown.

Allen scored his second touchdown of the night, connecting with Ben Galaviz down the sideline in single coverage for a 64-yard touchdown. Allen found Kyle McBride wide open in the flat on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt to close within 26-16.

Justin Nicholls forced the defense's second turnover of the game, coming up with a deep jump ball inside of Falcon territory with under seven minutes remaining.

O'Kelley spent his night in the TSU backfield, ending the game with three sacks and 3.5 tackles-for-loss with seven total tackles.

Simmons was the team's leading rusher, carrying the ball 10 times for 78 yards, averaging 7.8 per carry as the Falcons out-rushed Texas Southern 182 to 128 as a team. Allen added 58 yards on nine rushes and Adrian Walker carried the ball five times for 40 yards.

Allen ended the game the Falcons leading passer, throwing for 84 yards on four completions, the bulk coming on his TD to Galaviz. Galaviz ended the night with 78 yards on three receptions and a touchdown.

Quinn Tinley, Chris Hoad and Marquee Allison each ended the game with six tackles for the UTPB defense.

UT Permian Basin is back in action next week, traveling to Marquette, Mich. for a non-conference contest at Northern Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. local time (noon CT).

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS OF THE PERMIAN BASIN ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Allen University Yellow Jackets Records First Win in 15 Years

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- For the first time in 15 years, Allen University played a college football game.

It made itself at home at the locale of a fellow Yellow Jacket - Irmo High School. Over 500 fans werer in attendance at W.C. Hawkins Stadium to watch Allen face Columbus State University.

The Yellow Jackets led 24-0 at halftime and went on to win 47-3. They play host to Livingstone College on Sept. 8 at W.C. Hawkins Stadium.



CONTINUE READING

Florida A&M routs Fort Valley State, Willie Simmons earns first win

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida A&M beat Division II Fort Valley State 41-7 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams on Saturday.

During the debut of Rattlers coach Willie Simmons, Ricky Henrilus' 1-yard dive with 10:50 left in the first quarter gave FAMU a 7-0 lead. The play was set up when Wildcats punter Eli Mashburn mishandled the snap and the Rattlers recovered the ball at the 8-yard line.

Yahia Aly — who set a school record with six field goals — connected on field goals of 38 and 45 yards respectively to put the Rattlers up 13-0 before the game was suspended with 5:05 before halftime due to lightning.

Upon returning to the field 30 minutes later, Fort Valley State's Lorenzo Smothers struck for a 92-yard run to reduce the deficit to 13-7.

FAMU responded on its next drive and Ryan Stanley threw a 28-yard scoring strike to ...

CONTINUE READING

FSU Broncos Stifles Lions 32-0 on Lincoln’s 10-year Revival Reunion

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania – Fayetteville State accomplished something every football program in America set out to do in its season opener.

Win the game!

The Broncos defeated Lincoln (Pa.) 32-0 on a night the Lions celebrated the ten-year reunion of their revival of football. Lincoln, one of the founding members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), put aside football for 48 years before reactivating it in 2008.

Fayetteville State scored four touchdowns with 70 plays and 375 yards of total offense. Collyn Anderson had a stellar night calling the signals with 14-of-22 pass completions for 169 yards and one touchdown.

On the opening drive of the game, the Broncos drove the field for 31 yards and hit the scoreboard (with 10:48 left in the quarter) with a career-best 45-yard field goal by David Lamb.

Immediately after the start of the second quarter (14:35), Darnell Walker crossed the goal line from one yard out to push ahead 10-0 (David Lamb kick). On the pursuing drive, Brandon Smith hauled in a 64-yard pass from Anderson for a 16-0 lead with 12:12 left in the first half.

Stevie Green scored his first touchdown of the season with 6:24 left on the second-quarter clock from the five-yard line. Donsel Jetton led the way to the locker room after scoring an 18-yard touchdown with 3:52 left in the half.

BOX SCORE

Lincoln (Pa.) threated to score before the halftime horn, but the field goal attempt sailed outside the uprights.

Early in the third quarter with 12:27 left, David Lamb nailed a 39-yard field goal for the 32-0 lead.

Jetton led the run-game with 83 yards on ten touches. Green finished with 78 yards on 17 carries.

The Bronco defense limited the Lions to one red-zone visit and 191 yards of total offense. Lincoln had 73 yards rushing and 118 yards passing.

Fayetteville State will travel to Wingate, next Saturday for a 6 p.m. kickoff against the Bulldogs.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY BRONCOS SPORTS INFORMATION

Hampton Pirates Cage SU Bears 38-10 in Season Opener

HAMPTON, Virginia -- Hampton held visiting Shaw to nine yards rushing and benefitted from several short field position starts as the Pirates defeated Shaw 38-10 in the season opener on Saturday night.
 
BEHIND THE NUMBERS

• Hampton outgained Shaw 302-191 on the night as the Pirates threw for 196 yards and ran for 106, while Shaw threw for 182 and ran for nine.
• The last play of the game was what put Shaw in positive yards rushing as Joshua Edwards ran for 13 yards in the middle.
• Delmon Williams came off the bench and threw for 142 yards and one touchdown going 13-of-18 with one interception.  Williams also ran for 31 yards and one score.
• The three Hampton quarterbacks spread the ball to nine different receivers as Ronald Bell caught four passes for 57 yards to lead in receptions.  Byron Barney caught a pair for a team-high 66 yards.
• Kapri Doucet and Zion Edmonds shared team-high honors in tackles with six each.  Doucet added a sack and tackle for loss, while Edmonds had a tackle for loss and a pair of pass breakups.
• Shaw actually held a time of possession advantage 31:30 to 28:30, but was hampered by a 1-for-19 performance on third-down conversions.
• The blocked punt by Ohmante Jenkins was Hampton's first blocked punt since Robert Scott, IV swatted one against Morgan State on Oct. 15, 2016.  
• Devin Thurmond's recovery of that blocked punt for a touchdown was Hampton's first since Bruce Perry scored that way against Howard on Sept. 17. 2016.

ATTENDANCE: 7,123 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After forcing a punt from the Shaw 15 late in the first quarter, Hampton got on the board first as Evan Lomax nailed a 37-yard field goal with 1:32 left in the first for a 3-0 lead.
• The defense set Hampton up for a quick score at the end of the first quarter to go up 10-0 as Jayso'n Davidson recovered a fumble at the Shaw 31 with 40 seconds left.  Delmon Williams connected on a pair of passes to Ronald Bell and Alec Dana to put the ball at the Shaw 12 before he covered the last 12 with a scoring run as the clock expired to end the opening quarter.
• Shaw's first possession of the second quarter ended with a punt block in the end zone by Ohmante Jenkins with Devin Thurmond recovering it for a touchdown and 17-0 advantage at the 13:55 mark.
• The Pirates put another seven on the board taking advantage of a short field by forcing a Shaw punt again from its end zone.  Williams found Bell for a one-yard connection to put Hampton up 24-0 with 7:06 left in the half.
• Shaw got on the board as Keon Marsh found Dorrel McClain wide open on a 66-yard scoring strike with 3:08 left for a 24-7 margin.
• Hampton got the opening possession of the third quarter and went on its longest drive going 75 yards in seven plays as Byron Barney finished with a five-yard sweep to lead 31-7 with 12:23 left in the third.
• Shaw's final points started the fourth quarter as Beni Kinsemi connected on a 31-yard field goal at the 14:18 mark for a 31-10 margin.
• Hampton junior Austin Bradley connected with Barney on a 50-yard strike with 8:22 left to cap a 72-yard, four-play scoring drive for the Pirates and the eventual final of 38-10. 

UP NEXT
Hampton goes on the road to take on Monmouth University in New Jersey on September 8 for a 3pm kick.
 
For more information on Hampton University football, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Strong Defense Powers Lincoln to Season-Opening Win

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - The defense tallied three sacks, made a pair of interceptions and pitched a shutout in the second half as the Lincoln football team earned a 10-7 win over Lane in the season opener for both programs on Saturday (Sept. 1).

The Blue Tigers had five tackles for loss and broke up three passes as Lincoln limited Lane to just 123 yards of total offense and nine first downs. Edwin Durassaint had an interception for Lincoln in the third quarter while Joseph Madrigal made the Blue Tigers' second pick late in the fourth, all but sealing the win with an interception on the Lincoln one-yard line.

Photo Gallery: Lincoln 10, Lane 7

BOX SCORE
Lincoln scored on its first drive of the season, as Fernando Ramirez booted a 44-yard field goal after the Blue Tiger defense helped set the offense up in tremendous starting field position with a sack by Steve Henderson. Hosea Franklin had a 13-yard run to start the drive, then later scored early in the second quarter on the Blue Tigers' second drive on a six-yard reception.

Lane hit a quick 74-yard touchdown pass on its ensuing possession, but the defenses took over from there. Lincoln was led by Amani Nelson with nine tackles, including one for a loss. Durassaint, Victor Williams, Chavon Gross, Isaiah Gray and JaJuan Chambers each made three tackles, with Gray also posting a sack and a fumble recovery.

Quan Mason also had a sack while Gross added a tackle for loss, and both players matched Will Sewelland Austin Harris with two tackles apiece. Thomas Burton broke up two passes, and Mason had a quarterback hurry.

Offensively, Henry Ogala completed 12 passes for 142 yards and the score, while Blake Tibbs led the receiving corps with six grabs for 86 yards. Terry Hunter led the rushing attack with 41 yards, including a big 16-yard gain late in the fourth quarter to help the Blue Tigers run down the clock. Ramirez, meanwhile, averaged 60 yards on three kickoffs.

The Blue Tigers will be back in action in less than a week, as Lincoln travels to Springfield, Mo. on Thursday (Sept. 6) to play Missouri State in a 6:00 p.m. CDT contest.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS 

Savage, Spartans Pull Away from VSU 34-13 in Labor Day Classic

NORFOLK, Virginia --– Aaron Savage tied his career high with 112 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, and Norfolk State pulled away with a strong second-half performance to top Virginia State 34-13 in the Union Bank & Trust Labor Day Classic on Saturday night at William "Dick" Price Stadium.

Savage caught a 30-yard touchdown pass in the first half and helped seal the game with a 19-yard TD run in the fourth for the Spartans (1-0), who outscored the Trojans (0-1) 17-0 in the fourth quarter to break the game open.

VSU started quickly, taking the opening kickoff and driving 74 yards in 13 plays for a score. Cordelral Cook capped the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to TreQuan Reed with 8:39 left in the first quarter.



NSU tied the game just more than four minutes later when Savage hauled in 30-yard TD pass from Carter on a 3rd-and-11 play. Savage tip-toed the sideline in the end zone, keeping his feet inbounds as he fell to the ground and caught the throw from Carter.

Josh Nardone booted a 26-yard field goal in the second quarter, his first of two in the game, to send NSU into the half with a 10-7 lead.

The second half was controlled by the Spartans. Four plays after NSU lost Carter due to an ejection, backup quarterback D'Andre Thomas threw a 15-yard TD pass to Chuma Awanna at the 6:10 mark of the third, giving the Spartans a 10-point cushion.

VSU crept back with 17-13 on Cook's 3-yard TD run on 4th-and-goal with 2:25 left in the third.

But the Spartans were dominant in the fourth quarter. Nardone capped a 10-play drive with a 24-yard field goal to extend NSU's lead to 20-13 early in the period. NSU forced a turnover on downs on the Trojans' next drive when safety Bobby Price batted down a fourth-down pass by Cook.

NSU then drove 58 yards in eight plays, all on the ground, for an insurance score. Cameryn Brent darted through the defense for a 17-yard TD run with 3:52 to play to put the Spartans ahead 27-13.

BOX SCORE

ATTENDANCE: 15,173

On the first play of the ensuing drive, NSU safety Nhyre' Quinerly picked off Cook for the second time. It took NSU just five plays to score again, all runs by Savage. His 19-yard TD burst with 41 seconds left put him over 100 yards for the second time in his last three games.

NSU outgained the Trojans 361-267. Savage ran the ball 24 times for 112 yards and caught two passes for 30 yards. Awanna had a game-high 77 receiving yards on four catches.

Carter was 15-of-27 for 185 yards in less than three quarters of work.

NSU held the Trojans to 82 rushing yards on 27 carries and forced four turnovers. Quinerly intercepted two passes and Nigel Chavis recovered a fumble. Linebackers Quintreil Chung (12) and Dale Craig (nine) paced the Spartans in tackles.

The Spartans are home again next week when they host James Madison, last year's FCS national runner-up, at 6 p.m. at Dick Price Stadium.

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS