Grambling State Tigers cruise in SWAC opener

GRAMBLING, Louisiana | Malik Route scored on a career-long 79-yard punt return and De'Arius Christmas returned an interception 66 yards as the Grambling State University football team cruised to its first shutout win since 2011 with a 34-0 win over Alabama State on Saturday night at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers (1-2 overall, 1-0 SWAC) got a 79-yard punt return by Route to give Grambling State a quick 7-0 lead with 10:32 remaining in the opening quarter.

Grambling State extended the lead to 14-0 when Aldon Clark scored on an 11-yard with 5:56 left and on the very next the Alabama State drive, Christmas returned a deflected Darryl Pearson pass 66 yards for a touchdown as the Tigers built a 21-0 advantage through one quarter.

Marc Orozco, who came into the game 44 points shy of becoming the all-time leader in points by a kicker, booted the first of two field goals, a 21-yarder, to extend the lead to 24-0 with 6:39 left in the first half. He connected on a 29-yard field goal with 1:24 remaining in the third quarter to push the margin to 27-0.

BOX SCORE

ATTENDANCE: 7359

Midway through the final quarter, Geremy Hickbottom completed a pass to Kobe Ross and he was stripped of the football and Devohn Lindsey fell on it in the endzone to give the Tigers a 34-0 advantage.



Turning Point
Grambling State scored in all three phases of the game on Saturday and built a 21-0 first quarter lead.
 
Route's punt return and Christmas' interception return proved to be too much for the Hornets as Alabama State (1-3, 0-1) never threatened in the final three quarters.
 
Inside the Numbers
> Grambling State finished with 16 first downs
> The Tigers amassed 291 total yards of offense, with 209 on the ground
> Grambling State forced five turnovers
> Aldon Clark was 6-of-17 passing for 37 yards
> Kevin Dominique rushed 10 times for 82 yards
> Aldon Clark tallied 61 yards rushing on 10 touches and one score
> Kobe Ross caught two passes for 31 yards
> Devohn Lindsey finished with 28 yards on two receptions and one score
> Calief Samon recorded two catches for 23 yards
> Percy Cargo led the Tiger defense with eight total tackles
> Brandon Varner had a pair of sacks and six tackles
> Malcolm Williams and De'Andre Hogues each added six tackles
> Alabama State recorded 20 first downs
> The Hornets racked up 309 total yards, with 167 coming through the air
> Ezra Gray led the ground game with 130 yards rushing on 20 carries
> Darryl Pearson was 13-of-30 passing for 114 yards and a pair of interceptions
> Wallace Corker finished with four catches for 24 yards
> Christian Clark pace the Hornets defense with eight tackles
> Dennis Roberts registered seven tackles
 
News & Notes
> Saturday's win marked the first time in the Fobbs era with a shutout
> The last time Grambling State shutout an opponent was Oct. 15, 2011 (44-0 win over Concordia)
> Saturday was High School Day on the campus of Grambling State University.
> Grambling State picked up its first SWAC win of the season
> This is the 41st meeting between the two teams
> The Tigers extended its home win streak to 13 games
> Grambling State has won 26 straight SWAC games
> Broderick Fobbs improves to 4-1 all-time against Alabama State
> Grambling State improves to 28-13 all-time against Alabama State
> Fobbs remains 10 win's shy of 50 for his career
> GSU started Aldon Clark at quarterback but Geremy Hickbottom entered game in the fourth quarter
> Alabama State came in ranked 15th in the nation in red zone defense (.700) through three games
> Saturday's game was broadcasted live on ESPN3
 
Up Next
Grambling State will travel to Dallas, Texas for the 95th Annual State Fair Classic to take on Prairie View A&M next Saturday. Kickoff from the Cotton Bowl is set for 4 p.m. The Tigers accounted for over 400 total yards in the 2017 matchup in a 34-21 victory over the Panthers. Prairie View A&M is coming into the contest off a 62-13 victory on Saturday over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
 
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

LC Football Gets Second Shut Out With With A 30-0 Win Wit)h Lincoln (Pa.)

SALISBURY, North Carolina – Livingstone College got three touchdown passes from Miles Hayes and racked up 263 yards passing while limiting the Lincoln University (Pa.) offense to 101 yards, taking a 30-0 win on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Memorial Stadium.

The Blue Bears (2-1) led Lincoln (0-4), 6-0 after the second quarter thanks to the first touchdown by Hayes, with his 20 yard toss to wide out DeAndre Vickers. The point after touchdown was missed.

In the second quarter, Livingstone went up 13-0 after Hayes connected with Everett Ransom from 50 yard out to make it 13-0 with 5:13 left. The Lions were again forced to punt and Livingstone took advantage of their next drive, starting at the 2:32 mark. With their full complement of timeouts, Livingstone methodically worked their way downfield, setting up a 34-yard field goal attempt from Antoine Akundu that made the score 16-0 at halftime.

Livingstone would go on to score two more touchdowns in the third quarter. In the third, Hayes scored again, with a 17 yard strike to Marcus Baisey. The Blue Bears would cap the scoring at the 5:22 mark when Andrew Faraimo ran in from 14 yards out to provide the 30-0 final.

Justin Ruffin was accounting for 92 rushing yards on nine carries. Hayes was 15-of-29 passing for 208 yards while throwing no interceptions. Ransom, led the LC receiving corps, hauling in five passes for 101 yards.

Defensively, LC's Raheem Coxfield recorded seven tackles on the day with a forced fumble. Armond Cox was second with six also had 12 tackles on the afternoon. Devonte Adams had a great day with two sacks on the day.

The Blue Bears will continue CIAA play on Saturday, Sept. 29, traveling to Richmond, Va. to take on Virginia Union. Kickoff from Panther Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE BLUE BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

UNI Powers Over Hampton 44-0

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The UNI offense dominated from the first possession and the Panther defense followed suit, snagging five turnovers and en route to the first shutout since the 2015 season in a 44-0 win over Hampton (Va.) Saturday at the UNI-Dome.

No. 22/25 UNI closes non-conference play with a 1-2 record. Hampton is also 1-2 on the season.

The Panthers racked up 414 yards of offense and five touchdowns, with three coming in the air and two on the ground.



Eli Dunne was efficient. He was 12-23 for 191 and three touchdowns and no interceptions. Marcus Weymiller and Trevor Allen each had rushing touchdowns, including a 49-yard score from Allen in the second quarter.

Freshman Deion McShane had a breakout game from the slot receiver position. He tallied 117 yards on seven catches. His final reception of the game was a 12-yard circus catch in the end zone that gave UNI a 41-0 lead with 4:10 to play in the third quarter.

Elias Nissen got the scoring going in the first quarter with a 12-yard touchdown catch and Nick Fossey scored on a 19-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

Defensively, Xavior Williams, Roosevelt Lawrence, A.J. Allen and Chris Kolarevic all tallied interceptions. UNI picked up one fumble recovery after Blake Thomas forced the loose ball and Isaiah Nimmers picked up the ball to give the Panthers the ball with under a minute to play.

BOX SCORE

PLAY OF THE GAME
There were a plethora of exciting plays Saturday, but the 49-yard touchdown run by Trevor Allen was the moment when the wind went out of the sails of the Pirates. The play developed slowly as Allen picked his way through the line until a hole opened up. When the gap was there, he was through it and untouched to the end zone.

It was the longest UNI touchdown run since Dec. 5, 2015, when the Panthers Tyvis Smith ran for a 59-yard score to cap off a 29-17 win over Portland State in the FCS Playoffs in Portland. Aaron Bailey also had a pair of touchdown runs over 60 yards in that game.

UP NEXT
The Panthers travel to Indiana State Thursday to open up the season. UNI is 27-5 all-time against the Sycamores and won last year's contest 41-3 in Cedar Falls. ISU is 2-1 on the year and will be coming off of a bye week.

ATTENDANCE: 9116

NOTES
-First shutout since Nov. 14, 2015, at Missouri State. (41-0)
-Largest margin of victory since Nov. 7, 2015, vs. Indiana State (59-13)
-Last time a UNI team forced five turnovers was Nov. 7, 2015, vs. Indiana State (3 ints, 2 fr)
-Freshman Deion McShane notched 117 yards receiving and a touchdown. The last Panther to tally 100 yards receiving and a touchdown was Daurice Fountain against Monmouth on Nov. 25, 2017 (139 yds, 2 TDs)
- UNI notched 414 yards of total offense. The last time UNI tallied 400+ yards of offense was against Monmouth on Nov. 25, 2017 (520).

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS

Southern stops Alabama A&M comeback

MOBILE, Alabama — The comeback fell one play short.

With an opportunity to tie the game and force overtime, Aqeel Glass was tackled one yard short of the goal line.

And Southern left Ladd-Peebles Stadium with the first Gulf Coast Challenge trophy.

Southern held off a late Alabama A&M comeback as the Jaguars topped the Bulldogs 29-27 Saturday night to open SWAC play in Mobile.

"It's a tough loss," Alabama A&M coach Connell Maynor said. "Our guys fought hard to give us a chance at the end."

The game was filled with momentum swings.

After watching Southern piece together a touchdown drive on the opening possession, Alabama A&M (1-3, 0-1 in SWAC) responded with 21 unanswered points to take a 15-point lead by the end of the first quarter.

Jordan Bentley ran for a 49-yard touchdown before Aqeel Glass threw a 36-yard touchdown to Kendric Johnson. Glass threw a 17-yard touchdown to Bentley to give the Bulldogs a 21-6 lead.

"We made some plays early," Maynor said. "I like the way our guys responded. But we've got to be able to play four quarters and learn how to finish games."

Southern (2-2, 1-0) rallied back.

After pinning Alabama A&M on its own 1-yard line with a punt, Southern tackled Bentley in the end zone for a safety. A few minutes later, Southern quarterback John Lampley threw an 11-yard touchdown to Devon Benn to pull the Jaguars within 21-15 at halftime.

Southern used two third-quarter touchdowns to take the lead for good.

Lampley finished with 204 passing yards and two touchdowns, and he rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries.

Trailing by eight with less than four minutes remaining in the game, Alabama A&M gave itself a chance on its final possession.

BOX SCORE

After a couple of big plays from Gary Quarles in the running game, Glass ran two yards for a touchdown, but Southern stopped the Alabama A&M quarterback on the potential game-tying 2-point conversion.

Bentley led Alabama A&M with 96 rushing yards with a touchdown. Glass passed for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

"This is a game we can learn from," Maynor said. "Southern perennially is one of the top teams in our conference, and we proved that we can play with anyone in this league. This loss doesn't define our season. There still are more league games on the schedule, and we've got a shot in our division."

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Lincoln Blue Tigers Rush to 28-13 GLVC-Opening Win

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The Lincoln football team rushed for 178 yards and four scores as the Blue Tigers defeated Southwest Baptist, 28-13, in the GLVC opener for both teams on Saturday night (Sept. 22).

Kimbo Ferguson led the way with 63 yards on the ground, including a pair of one-yard touchdown runs, and also caught a 10-yard pass for a big first down late in the game. Both of Ferguson's scores were set by big catches by Blake Tibbs, who caught four balls for 118 yards.

A 43-yard reception by Tibbs early in the second quarter led to Ferguson's first touchdown and a 7-0 lead by Lincoln, which improved to 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in GLVC play. On LU's ensuing possession, Henry Ogala, who completed 11 passes for 169 yards, found Tibbs for a 35-yard gain down to the one, and Ferguson ran it in on the next play for a 14-0 Blue Tiger lead.

Southwest Baptist (0-3, 0-1 GLVC) scored its lone touchdown of the night on the next drive, connecting on a five-yard pass with just under four minutes to play in the first half to cut the LU lead in half. After forcing SBU into a three-and-out to start the third quarter, Terry Hunter, who had 40 yards on the ground, ran the ball in from two yards out to put the Blue Tigers back up by two scores.

LU scored once more on its next possession, taking a 28-7 lead on a 15-yard quarterback keeper by Ogala with 8:27 to play in the third quarter. Southwest Baptist kicked a pair of field goals from 38-yards and 26-yards, respectively, to stay in the ballgame, but the Lincoln defense used a huge fourth-down stop with 1:28 remaining on the LU 20 to prevent the Bearcats from getting back in the end zone.

The Lincoln defense recorded 11 quarterback hurries and a pair of sacks, and finished with seven tackles for loss as well as five pass break-ups. Victor Williams, Hasan Muhammad-Rogers, Edwin Durassaint and Amani Nelson all finished with seven tackles, while Quan Mason had a sack and Isaiah Gray and Robby Dieujuste assisted on another. JaJuan Chambers had five hurries, and Chavon Gross broke up two passes.

Ogala rushed for 40 yards and Donovan Wright added 17 more on the ground while Antonio Issac added 25 receiving yards. Muhammad-Rogers added 81 all-purpose yards, including 57 on kick returns. Fernando Ramirez averaged 56.0 yards on kickoffs while Wolky Belancourt averaged 35.3 yards in the punting game with a long of 50 yards.

BOX SCORE

The Blue Tigers will travel to Indianapolis, Ind. next Saturday (Sept. 29) to play defending GLVC champ Indianapolis in a 5:00 p.m. CDT contest.

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Edward Waters Ground Attack Helps Tigers Win Second Straight Road Game

LEBANON, Tennessee  -- Aided by a strong rushing attack and big defensive plays, Edward Waters (2-2) muscled their way to a 24-17 road victory over Cumberland (2-3) in a Mid-South Conference cross divisional contest at Nokes Lasater Field on Saturday afternoon. The victory helped Edward Waters snap Cumberland's nine-game home winning streak and help the Tigers win back-to-back games for the first time since 2014.

Head Coach Greg Ruffin preached to his team all week long that Saturday's contest would be won up front with the offensive and defensive lines and his charges did not disappoint.

Senior defensive back Kennard Mahone set the tone of the game on Cumberland's opening possession as he knifed his way to QB Dezmon Huntley and came away with a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.



Edward Waters rewarded the great play by drawing first blood with a 27 yard field goal from freshman placekicker Ishmael Sanders, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter.

The Purple and Orange extended their advantage to 10-0 late in the first quarter with a four-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Jacquez Pelham.

Cumberland cracked the scoreboard midway through the second quarter with a 32-yard rushing touchdown from fullback Telvin Rucker, bringing the Phoenix to within three at 10-7 and the score remained the same going into the locker room.

Both teams went scoreless for a majority of the third quarter, before CU placekicker Sean Kline connected on a 30 yard field goal, tying the score at 10-10 with 1:45 left in the third.

The Tigers retook the lead for good with 10:40 remaining in the fourth quarter as freshman quarterback Derrick Jones found freshman wide receiver Kamaree Noble in the right corner of the endzone for a 23 yard score.

EWC added an insurance score with 4:04 left in the game as Jones took a quarterback keeper into the endzone, giving the Tigers a 24-10 lead.

Cumberland came back with an eight yard touchdown pass to Denarius Tolliver, bringing the Phoenix to within a touchdown but, Edward Waters was able to jump on top of the ensuing on-side kick and was able to run out clockto win their second straight road game.

Edward Waters racked up 240 yards rushing while adding 106 yards through the air. Defensively, the Tigers were able to put the clamps down on CU's vaunted triple-option attack holding the Phoenix to just 144 yards rushing on the day and forced two turnovers.

Freshman running back Corey Hammett led all rushers on the day with 16 carries for 108 yards, his first 100+ yard rushing game of his collegiate career. Fellow freshman ball carrier Jacquez Pelham finished with 12 carries for 51 yards and his first career college touchdown. Derrick Jones finished the day 7-13 passing for 106 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also adding 13 carries for 19 yards and a touchdown.

Tyler Gilbert led Edward Waters through the air with two catches for 11 yards, while Kamaree Noble turned in a one catch, 23 yards, one touchdown afternoon for EWC.

Defensively, Kennard Mahone led EWC with six total tackles, including two tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Jalen Thomas had a great day defensively as well for the Tigers with five total tackles, including one tackle for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and an interception.

BOX SCORE

Edward Waters will continue their road trip next Saturday afternoon as they begin MSC Sun Division play in South Florida against Keiser University. Kickoff from West Palm Beach is set for 12:00pm.

Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters College Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWCAthletics (Twitter), /EWCSports (Facebook) and @EWCAthletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters athletics at EWCTigerPride.com.

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Marauders take down rival Kentucky State, 24-6

FRANKFORT, Kentucky – The Central State Marauders topped rival Kentucky State, 24-6, on Saturday afternoon.

With the victory, the Marauders improve to 2-2 overall with a 1-1 ledger in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The Thorobreds of KSU fall to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in the SIAC.

The CSU offense struck first with a 10 play touchdown drive totaling 80 yards. Quarterback Trent Mays capped the drive off with a 17-yard through to receiver Kevin Greenhow to give CSU a 7-0 lead with 2:30 left in the first quarter.

KSU responded on its next drive as quarterback Jules. St. Ge rushed for a 12-yard touchdown to cap of a 7 play drive spanning 56 yards. After a missed extra point, CSU remained ahead by one at the 14:53 mark of the second quarter.

CSU kicker Trevor Teel tacked on three points with a 22-yard field goal on the Marauders next drive. CSU captured all the momentum going into halftime thanks to a 72 yard touchdown pass from Mays to running back Terraris Saffold as time expired.

Up 17-6, the Marauders opened the third quarter with a methodical 19 play, 73-yard scoring drive. CSU ran the ball on 17 of 19 plays as Mays ended the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to put his team up 24-6.

With a healthy lead, the Marauder defense closed out the game by holding the Thorobreds to 66 yards of total offense in the second half.

Saffold put together one of his best games as a Marauder. The 5'11 running back from Hayneville, Alabama carried the ball a career-high 27 times for 131 rushing yards. He also caught five passes for a career-best 124 receiving yards.

Mays finished the afternoon with 188 yards and two scores through the air. He also picked up 17 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Linebacker Kailen Abrams led the Marauder defense with 11 tackles. Shemar Moss led the CSU pass rush with 1.5 sacks.

The Marauders will continue SIAC play against Benedict College next Saturday at 1 pm. The game will be played at Doug Adams Stadium in Xenia, Ohio.

BOX SCORE

Notes
CSU now leads the all-time series with KSU with 36 wins, 22 losses and 1 tie.

CSU running back Terraris Saffold become the first Marauder in 10 seasons to record 100+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards.

With the win, CSU snapped a 10-game losing streak to Kentucky State.

Saturday's win at Kentucky State was the first time CSU has won at KSU Alumni Stadium since becoming a full member of NCAA Div. II (2004).

CSU ended a four-game road losing streak dating back to last season.

CSU held KSU to the fewest point total in the head-to-head rivalry since the 1995 season (CSU won 42-6).

Linebacker Kailen Abrams is among the top five in the SIAC in tackles.

Defensive lineman Shemar Moss is among the SIAC leaders in sacks.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY MARAUDERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Kennesaw Defense, Special Teams Highlight 70-13 Win Over CAU

KENNESAW, Georgia –  Kennesaw State returned two interceptions for touchdowns and scored on a blocked punt to highlight a 70-13 victory over an outmanned Clark Atlanta team Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
 
For the second week in a row, the Owls (3-1) broke the program single-game scoring record and established the school mark for largest margin of victory (57 points). Kennesaw State registered a 62-13 victory over Alabama State a week ago to set the previous record.
 
Running back Shaquil Terry led the scoring barrage with three touchdowns, scoring on runs of 21 and 50, and added a five-yard reception from quarterback Chandler Burks. The Owls' quarterback also scored on runs of eight and one yard. Seven Owls scored found the end zone.
   
After Clark Atlanta (0-4) scored 13 points off two Kennesaw State turnovers to take a 13-7 lead less than 10 minutes into the game, the Owls scored 63 unanswered points.
 
Jace White (32 yards) and Demetrius Pettway (56 yards) returned interceptions for touchdowns and Courtney Mills returned a blocked punt by Cole Loden for a score to highlight the play of the defense and special teams. The defense totaled a program record-tying four interceptions.
 
Kyle Glover and Antavius Grier scored their first career touchdowns, finding the end zone on runs of one and 14 yards, respectively.
 
The Kennesaw State offense amassed 351 total yards, including 339 on the ground. Terry led the Owls with 71 yards on three carries.
 
Kennesaw State continues its four-game home stand on Saturday (Sept. 29) when it hosts Samford at 6 p.m.

Box Score (PDF) | Quotes (PDF) | 
 
2018 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL POSTGAME NOTES
Kennesaw State (3-1) , Clark Atlanta (0-4, 0-1) 
Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 • 6:05 p.m. ET • Kennesaw, Ga. • Attendance: 6,009
 
Team

• Kennesaw State improved to 3-1 on the year and 2-0 at home. KSU is now 2-0 all-time against Clark Atlanta.
• The Owls have won 11 consecutive home games, a streak of 714 days.
• The 70 points scored by KSU breaks the program's single-game scoring record, previously last week during a 62-13 victory over Alabama State.
• The Owls set a record with 63 unanswered points.
• The Owls 10 touchdowns are a program record.
• With its four interceptions, KSU extended its takeaway streak to 18 straight games and has intercepted a pass in 17 of its last 18 games.
• Cole Loden's blocked punt was the first by Kennesaw State since Oct. 14, 2017 when accomplished the feat at Liberty. It also marked the Owls' first blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
• The four interceptions versus Clark Atlanta equals the previous single-game high set at Duquesne on Sept. 24, 2016. It also marks the fifth time KSU has three or more interceptions in a game.
• The 56-yard interception return by Demetrius Pettway ranks as the second-longest interception return in program history. Adesola Abisoye's 41-yard return in the fifth longest, while Jace White's 32-yard interception ties for the seventh longest.
• The Owls have scored six or more rushing touchdowns in three straight games. Prior to the 2018 season, KSU recorded six or more rushing touchdowns in six times.
• Over the past three games, the Owls are averaging 60.3 points while allowing 12.  
• The offensive line extended its streak without allowing a sack to 12 quarters.

 Individual

• Captains for tonight's game were Isaac Foster, Desmond Johnson, Jr., and Nick Eldridge.
• Chandler Burks has recorded at least one rushing touchdown in seven of the last eight games. He has scored eight rushing touchdowns over the last three games.
• With his two TDs, Burks eclipsed 200 points scored (210). He is second all-time behind Justin Sumpter (243).
• Adesola Abisoye's 41-yard interception return was the first of his career and marks the fifth-longest in KSU history.
• Jace White's interception return for a touchdown ties for the seventh longest in program history.
• Shaquil Terry's two rushing touchdown marks a single-game career high. career single-game high for the sophomore. Terry's 5-yard touchdown reception was the first of his career and his three scores were also a career best.  
• Terry's 70 rushing yards gave him 997 for his career and three shy of 1,000.
• Demetrius Pettway's 56-yard interception return is the second-longest in school history.
• With eight extra points made, Justin Thompson extended his streak of successful PATs to 101. Thompson increased his program-record points total to 251.

 For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KSUOwlNation on Twitter or like Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook and Instagram.

By Al Barba
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Campbell Camels blank Shaw 42-0

BUIES CREEK, North Carolina – Campbell scored touchdowns on its first five possessions and went on to defeat Shaw 42-0 Saturday night at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Daniel Smith became CU's all-time passing yards leader (2811) while posting his sixth career 100-yard effort on the ground and the Camels (3-1) held the Division II Bears (1-2) to just 174 yards.

Aaron Blockmon set the school's all-time touchdowns record (22) with a second quarter reception and the Camels held Shaw to 0-of-9 on 3rd-down conversions.



Blockmon finished with 8 receptions for 89 yards, while Whitehead had 5 grabs for 41 yards. Justice Galloway-Velazquez and Terence Harper finished with six tackles apiece for the Camels, who logged their third shutout in the last two seasons.

A sophomore from Leesburg, Va., Smith completed 22 of 28 passes for 227 yards and two scores. He gained an even 100 yards on just five rushes as Campbell finished with a 486-174 advantage in total offense. Joshua Jones added 59 yards and Rocky Reid 52 – plus a pair of TDs – on the ground for the Camels, whose offense was nearly balanced between rushing (244) and passing (242).

BOX SCORE

Smith scored on a 59 yard quarterback keeper on Campbell's third play from scrimmage. The sophomore signal caller had a 27-yard run on the next possession and Rocky Reid rolled in from seven yards to push the margin to 14-0.

Campbell led 21-0 with 2:11 to play in the opening period after Reid scored from two yards out. Smith's 28-yard completion to Caleb Snead set up the Camels with a first and goal at the two.

Shaw drove 69 yards to the Campbell six yard line on its next possession. However, Monchovia Gaffney deflected Keon Marsh's swing pass and Giddel Waters picked the ball out of the air to extend CU's streak to 30 games with at least one takeaway.

Aaron Blockmon's 12-yard TD reception capped a 10-play, 91-yard drive to push the advantage to 28-0. Smith's one-yard run with 5:06 left in the second provided the Camels with a 35-0 lead at the break.

Smith connected with Antonio Whitehead on a 22-yard TD strike with 3:54 remaining in the third quarter to close out the scoring.

Keon Marsh completed 7-of-14 passes for 68 yards, but was sacked four times. Dorrel McClain gained 104 yards on 10 carries. Jaleel Scroggins led Shaw with 11 tackles.

The Camels return to action next Saturday with a 6 p.m. kickoff against future Big South Conference opponent North Alabama at Barker-Lane Stadium.

CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Albany State Golden Rams Get First Win in SIAC Opener at Lane

JACKSON, Tennessee -- Albany State opened Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play Saturday, Sept. 22 with a 14-7 win at Lane College – the Golden Rams' first win of the season.

ASU benefited from an unsportsmanlike penalty on fourth-and-one late in the first quarter to have new life at the Lane 24. On the next play, Kelias Williams hit a wide-open Mike Green for a 24-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead with 3:38 to play in the opening quarter.

Neither team added points in the second quarter with ASU getting inside the Dragons' 40 once before turning the ball over on downs. It remained 7-0 at the half.

On Lane's first possession of the third quarter, Kieran Strong forced and recovered a fumble at the Lane 45 to give the Golden Rams the ball with a short field. ASU controlled the clock, taking five minutes off over 10 plays. Williams capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Gabrie Ballinas added his second PAT to extend the Golden Rams lead, 14-0, with 5:30 remaining in the third.

The Dragons looked to get on the board early in the fourth quarter, but Vicente Pena's 42-yard field goal try missed wide left. Lane forced a fumble to get the ball back. The turnover led to a Dragon's touchdown on an 18-yard pass from Marcus Reynolds to Omari Hampton. Vicente Pena's kick cut the margin in half, 14-7.

Lane had one last threat late in the game, moving into Albany State territory, but the Golden Rams forced three incomplete passes before Jalen Bush and Roman Victor sacked Reynolds on fourth-and-10 to secure the win with a minute to play.

Albany State was held to 157 yards of offense, while allowing 205 yards to Lane. Williams had 88 yards of offense (20 rushing, 68 passing on 6-of-9 attempts). Tracy Scott and McKin Habersham each had 26 and 24 yards rushing, respectively. Stephon Masha also had time under center, completing 3-of-5 passes for 38 yards.

BOX SCORE

Reyonds had 150 yards passing for Lane, completing 14-of-30 attempts. Hampton was his main target with 80 yards receiving.

Stephan Pierre led the ASU defense with 10 tackles. Aaron Davis, Terry Compton and Deonte Jackson each had six.

Albany State (1-3, 1-0 SIAC) will host Miles College on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the ASU Coliseum. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY GOLDEN RAMS SPORTS INFORMATION

Howard Bison Outlast Bethune-Cookman in MEAC Opener

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- In a contest that saw momentum swing back-and-forth, coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team outlasted Bethune-Cookman (B-CU), 41-35, in the 35th annual Circle City Classic in Indianapolis.

With the victory, HU (1-2, 1-0 MEAC) secured its first victory of the season in their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) opener. Howard also improved to 2-2 all-time in the Circle City Classic.

Howard utilized a balance attack while converting 55-percent (11-of-20) on third and fourth downs.

Overall, the Bison posted 526 total yards (301 passing yards and 225 rushing yards). D.C. native Josiah Crute led the way, rushing for 83 yards on 11 carries, including two TDs. Second-year signal caller Caylin Newton (Atlanta) threw for 301 yards (20-of-32) with two passing touchdowns in the victory.

After watching the Wildcats missed a 40-yard field goal in their opening drive, Howard took their first possession down for a TD, 7-0.

B-CU answered with a 10-play, 86-yard drive, capped off by a 27-yard touchdown pass by Akevious Williams to Steffon Francois, 7-7.

BOX SCORE

HU responded with another long drive that took four minutes, highlighted by a 13-yard TD pass from Newton to junior wide receiver Kyle Anthony (Miramar, Fla.), 14-7.

Bethune-Cookman closed out the opening period with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jimmie Robinson, 14-14.

The second period saw more explosive plays from both squads. Newton connected with junior wideout Jequez Ezzard (College Park, Ga.) for a 36-yard touchdown and gave the Bison a 21-14 advantage.

Moments later, freshman defensive back Jalen Smith (Virginia Beach, Va.) returned his first interception for a touchdown and extended HU's lead to double-digits, 28-14.

Robinson kept Bethune-Cookman in the game with a 99-yard kickoff return, followed by 8-yard touchdown pass from Williams. Both squads were deadlocked at 28.

After intermission, Crute dash up-the-middle for a 31-yard TD and put Howard back on top, 35-28.

With time dwindling in the third, freshman Iggy Reynoso (Reading, Pa.) powered his way for his first collegiate touchdown and pushed HU's advantage back to double-digits, 41-28.

Down, but not out, the Wildcats clawed their way back and cut the deficit to a one-possession game after a 15-yard run by Williams, 41-35.

With just over a minute remaining, B-CU was marching down the field for the go-ahead score, but an interception by sophomore defensive back Tye Freeland (Petersburg, Va.) sealed the deal for Howard.

Defensively, Howard held the Wildcats to 33-percent (4-of-12) on third down. Sophomore defensive back Bryan Cook (Cincinnati) had a team-high eight tackles (four solo) while fellow classmate Aaron Motley (Richmond, Va.) added five tackles (four solo), including two tackles-for-loss.

After the bye week (Oct. 6), Howard hits the road to Durham, N.C. where the North Carolina Central Eagles await. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY BISON ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Tennessee State Volleyball Sweeps EIU for 250th Program Win

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State volleyball team defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers 3-0, (25-17, 25-18, 25-17) Saturday afternoon in Kean Hall, marking the 250th win for the program.

The Tigers are now 4-8, 2-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while EIU sinks to 5-11, 1-1 in the league.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• JUCO transfer JoJo Kruize had a career match, posting 15 kills and five blocks versus EIU.
• The Tigers outperformed EIU in every stat category, registering 45 kills, 44 assists, seven aces, 65 digs and nine blocks.
• Hinalei Fihaki and Rachel Henderson hit above .400, while Julia Pierson and Kruize hit above .300, combining for a team .274.
• Destiny Washington and Gina Rivera Ortiz held down the backcourt with 13 and 23 digs, respectively.
• TSU held the Panthers to a team .045 hitting percentage.

HOW IT HAPPENED

In an effort to start off fast, the Tigers scored nine unanswered points to begin the first set. A combination of kills from Julia Pierson, Rachel Henderson and JoJo Kruize helped TSU in creating the gap that would push the Tigers to record a match-high 21 kills and 28 digs to go up 1-0 versus the Panthers.  

Eastern Illinois stepped on the floor for set two, determined to put up a fight. With six tied scores and four lead changes, EIU forced TSU to produce.  The Tiger defense rejected five of the Panthers’ attacks, with Kruize leading the way recording three block assists, while the back row dug up 20 balls. Te’o contributed two aces to help TSU win set two, 25-18.

Big Blue closed out the match in a set riddled with runs. Kruize put down a kill to start a four-point run. Fihaki posted another kill for TSU’s six-point run, and an EIU service error, followed by a Fihaki and Khalia Jordan block started Big Blue’s last three-point run. In the final play of the match, Te’o set one to Julia Pierson in the backcourt, who finished off the sweep with a final Tiger kill, 25-17.

BOX SCORE

FROM COACH SUTTON

“I think it’s an amazing accomplishment for the program and for the team right now. For myself, I’m honored to be here and have helped accomplish that. I just hope I can be here for the next 250.”
-On the 250th program win

MATCH NOTES

• The win over the Panthers marks the 250th win for the TSU volleyball program.
• TSU improves to 2-0 in conference play, 4-8 overall. The last time the Tigers began conference schedule 2-0 was 2007 – the year TSU won the OVC Championship.
• In the all-time series against EIU, Big Blue is now 11-25.

UP NEXT

TSU hits the road for its first Ohio Valley Conference match away from Kean Hall. The Tigers stop at Jacksonville State for a Friday night match, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m., then road trip it back to Cookeville, Tenn. for a match at Tennessee Tech Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Football Storms Back to Defeat EIU, 41-40

PHOTO GALLERY

Game 2: Tennessee State 41, Eastern Illinois 40

Records: TSU (2-0, 1-0 OVC), EIU (0-4, 0-1 OVC)

Venue: O'Brien Stadium

Location: Charleston, Ill.

Weather: Cloudy, 63

Kickoff Time: 2:24 p.m.

Attendance: -- 7,670

CHARLESTON, Illinois --- Trailing by as many as 21 points in the second quarter, the Tennessee State football team stormed all the way back to earn a hard-fought 41-40 road victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday at O’Brien Field in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams.

Saturday marked the first win for TSU (2-0, 1-0 OVC) over EIU (0-4, 0-1 OVC) since the 2011season.

TSU took its first lead of the game with 7:31 to go in the fourth quarter when Demry Croft hit DeVon Johnson for a 49-yard touchdown pass for a 35-34 advantage.

After EIU responded with a touchdown just over a minute later, Earl Harrison capped a TSU drive with what proved to be the game-winning four-yard touchdown run with 3:06 left in the fourth.

On EIU’s final possession, Justin Culpepper blocked a 47-yard field goal attempt to preserve the victory.

FIRST QUARTER

• EIU took advantage of good field position, traveling 34 yards on 10 plays to take a 3-0 lead
• The Panthers scored 20 seconds later after a fumble recovery on the kick return.
• The Tigers surrendered their first touchdown of the season at 7:26 of the first quarter.
• The Big Blue turned the ball over for the second time in the first quarter, leading to EIU’s second touchdown.
• The two turnovers were the first two of the season by the Tigers and the first ones forced by EIU in four games.
• The Tigers outgained the Panthers 105-102 in the first quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

• The Tigers opened the second quarter with a 37 yard field goal by Antonio Zita.
• The kick cut the Panthers lead to 17-3.
• EIU needed less than two minutes to cross the goal line, taking a 24-3 lead on a 71 yard touchdown pass.
• The Tigers put together its longest drive of the game, using 14 plays to move 53 yards.
• TSU settled for a 36-yard field goal by Zita, making the score 24-6 with 6:13 remaining in the half.
• Chris Rowland tried to spark the Tigers with a 43 yard punt return to the Panthers 32.
• The Tigers fell victim to their third turnover of the half at the EIU 12, halting a potential scoring drive.
• The two teams traded a pair of five play drives, giving the Panthers the ball at their own 24 with 30 seconds remaining.
• On EIUs first play, Mekhi Brown came around the left side and knocked the ball out of the hands of the Panther quarterback.
• Dante’ Ferguson came up with the ball giving the Tigers the ball at the EIU 18.
• TSU struck on the first play as Treon Harris took a handoff from Demry Croft and sprinted to the right where he pulled up and tossed an 18 yard scoring pass to Chris Rowland.
• Zita converted the extra point, allowing TSU to enter the locker room trailing 24-13.
• The Tigers outgained the Panthers, 227-220 in the first half.
• TSU had the ball for 17:43 of the first 30 minutes.

THIRD QUARTER

• DeVon Johnson took the second half kickoff 51 yards to give the Tigers a short field, starting at the EIU 47.
• DeMarco Corbin crashed through the line for a two yard touchdown run, making it a one possession game, 24-19.
• The game continued to go back and forth as the Panthers needed just five plays to cross the goal line, increasing the lead to 31-19.
• The Tigers followed by producing the longest touchdown drive of the game, needing 2:39 to produce a 30 yard scoring connection from Croft to Harris.
• The Tigers continued to outgain EIU through three quarters, 378-349.

FOURTH QUARTER

• The Tiger defense held strong, forcing EIU to attempt a 48-yard field goal.
• Panther kicker Nick Bruno split the uprights for a career long three-pointer, to create an eight point gap, 34-26, with 11:55 remaining in the contest.
• Croft returned as quarterback of the drive and hit Steven Newbold for 13 yards, as well as Miles Cavitt for 17 yards, to move deep into EIU territory.
• Zita came on and connected on his third field goal of the game, a 37 yarder, bringing the Tigers back within five.
• After a defensive stop, Croft went over the top and found DeVon Johnson down the left sideline for a 49 yard strike.
• The Tigers took their first lead of the game with 7:31 remaining.
• On a 3rd and eight at their own 28, EIU connected on their second 70-plus yard touchdown pass, to regain the advantage.
• Once again, the Tigers answered, traveling 65 yards on 10 plays as Earl Harrison finished off the drive with a four yard touchdown run.
• TSU missed their third two-point conversion attempt to keep the score at 41-40 with 3:06 to go in regulation.

NOTES

• Tennessee State was playing its first game since the Sept. 1 win over Bethune-Cookman in the John Merritt Classic to open the season. The last two games for TSU had been cancelled due to weather concerns.
• TSU captains were Micheal Hughes, Demry Croft, Thomas Burton and LaQuarius Cook.
• TSU won the coin toss and elected to kickoff to start the game.
• The Tigers are 18-26 in road games under Head Coach Rod Reed.
• TSU is 9-14 in the all-time series versus Eastern Illinois.
• Saturday’s game streamed live on ESPN+.

WHAT’S NEXT:The Tigers will return to Nashville for a non-conference tussle with SEC opponent, Vanderbilt. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 29.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

VSU Trojans Dominated the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  – The Virginia State University football team secured a 43-14 victory on the road over the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University at Irwin Belk Complex this afternoon. With the victory the Trojans secures its first win of the 2018 season and improves to (1-2) overall, while the Golden Bulls moves to (0-3) overall.  

The Trojans secured an early 8-0 lead in the first quarter on a 40 yard run by freshman Andre Jackson (Hampton, Virginia) and a team safety to close out the first quarter. An impressive defensive performance held the Golden Bulls scoreless in the first quarter.

The Trojans dominated the game in the second quarter when Cordelral Cook connected with Tre'Quan Reed (Newport News, Virginia) for a 16 yard pass to record another touchdown and a two point conversion for the Trojans at 5:39 mark. To closBOXe out the first half the VSU secured another touchdown on a 1BO0 yard run by Cook. Going into halftime, the Trojans were ahead of the Golden Bulls 22-0.

BOX SCORE

Bringing the same momentum from the first half, the Trojans continued to secure points by adding three touchdowns in the third quarter. Cordelral Cook completed a four yard pass to senior Joshua Harris (King William, Virginia) at the 13:11 mark brought the score 29-0. The Trojans then added another touchdown then Cook connected with Andre Jackson for a two yard pass at the 8:59 to increase its lead 36-0. JCSU added its first touchdown of the game at the 6:09 mark on a two yard run by Jachin Watkins. VSU added its final touchdown of the quarter at the 00:19 seconds on a two yard run by Dazmine Palmer (Norfolk, Virginia) making the score 43-6 heading into the final quarter.
The final touchdown of the game happened at 00:40 when Harold Herbin connected with Desmond Dozier for a 25 yard pass to end the contest with a score of 43-14. 

Offensively, VSU was led by Cordelral Cook, throwing for 191 yards, completing 17-of-29 passes and three touchdowns to lead the Virginia State offense. Junior Tre'Quan Reed completed the contest with a total of 80 total yards and three receiving yards along with one touchdown.  Jesus Valenzulea (Hampton, Virginia) recorded 203 total punting yards for the game. Freshman Andre Jackson led VSU in kick returns adding a total of 76 yards.

Defensively, sophomore Kwabe Boateng (Woodbridge, Virginia) led the Trojans, recording a total of 3.5 total tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss. Patrick Prosser also contributed 3.5 total tackles and one tackle for loss. Rashard Jones and Dhevyn Anderson both added three tackles each for the Trojans. VSU outlasted the Golden Bulls in passing yards, securing 306 to the JCSU 158.

Next up, the Trojans will open its 2018 home opener on September 29, 2018. They will host the Bears of Shaw University, with kickoff slated for 6 pm.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU Football please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS