Linwood Ferguson among top contenders to become EKU head football coach

Photo: Coach Linwood Ferguson, former MEAC coach at HU, NCA&T, NCCU and WSSU is a top contender to become head football coach at Eastern Kentucky.

RICHMOND, KY — Speculation continues to build about who will be selected as Danny Hope’s successor at Eastern Kentucky University, but school officials aren’t saying much, if anything, about the situation.

Still, it would appear that five candidates have emerged as top contenders to become EKU’s new head football coach — current defensive coordinator Donn Landholm, current offensive coordinator Linwood Ferguson, Georgetown College head coach Bill Cronin, Bowling Green University wide receivers coach Steve Bird and Wake Forest defensive coordinator Dean Hood.

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Ferguson, who has more than 31 years of coaching experience, spent the 2006 season as Howard University offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The Bison finished 4-4 in MEAC action in 2006 while ranking third in the conference in rushing yards per game (184.8). Ferguson has also been the offensive coordinator at North Carolina Central University (2003), North Carolina A&T State University (2002) and defensive back coach at Winston Salem State University (2004-05).

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Orlando (FL) Jones High hires Kenard Lang as head football coach

Former NFL player and Evans High great Kenard Lang has accepted the head football coaching job at Jones High School and will replace Boris Jackson.

Jones Principal Bridget Williams said the school is waiting for completed paperwork before making it official. Lang, who takes over a team that went 1-9 last season, played at Evans for current Edgewater Coach Bill Gierke and graduated in 1993. He spent last season coaching tight ends and helping with strength and conditioning at Edgewater.

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Lang is a University of Miami Hurricane and former Washington Redskins player, but we won't hold that against him. It's great to see someone with his considerable playing skills to start at a level where the rubber meets the road--at the high school level at a historical program like Jones High School. The connection here is Jones High has always been a feeder for both Florida A&M and Bethune Cookman, for athletes, band members and outstanding students.

Hopefully, Lang will keep the pipeline open for the MEAC and SWAC programs. Lang had an 11 year NFL career as a first round, #17 pick for the Washington Redskins in the 1997 NFL Draft. He later played linebacker and defensive end for Cleveland and closed out his career with Denver.

Hiring assistants first on Florida A&M Taylor's to-do list

Taylor said he was in the process of putting together the rest of his staff this week, including filling the offensive and defensive coordinator positions. Taylor spent last week at the annual American Football Coaches Association convention, where he received more than his share of inquiries.

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Photo: FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor

It appears that Coach Joe Taylor is behind the eight ball with National Signing Day looming on the horizon with February 6, only 20 calendar days away. The Offensive and Defensive Coordinators have yet to be appointed, says Taylor, but it will happen this week. That's the best news yet coming out of the FAMU camp.

Let's get ready to sign some blue chip student-athletes. No time to be dilly-dally around with a few folks that should be on the far end of the bench come game time. Sometimes, life is just not fair.

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Kentucky among Norfolk State's football opponents in 2008

Another game against a Division I FBS opponent and the first matchup with in-state foe William & Mary in 23 years highlight the 2008 Norfolk State football schedule, which was announced Wednesday.

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Photo: Norfolk State pounded Coach Adrian's former MEAC mentor, Alvin Wyatts' Bethune Cookman University Wildcats into the turf in '07. Will there be more of the same in '08 for the Spartans?

For those that need just the facts, here it is in the abbreviated version.

Norfolk State has one of the more attractive MEAC schedules for 2008, along with South Carolina State University. NSU athletic director Marty L. Miller is quickly becoming the top Athletic Executive in black college sports with his ability to set up his head football coach, Pete Adrian for an outstanding season, among other positive initiatives.

Last season, Norfolk State University was tops in HBCU football for accumulated home attendance. The Spartans were ranked #7 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision ("FCS") with 103,320 accumulated attendance for six home games. NSU average game attendance was 17,220 (see our Blog dated 11/22/07 on this topic).

We expect the Spartans to exceed this number in '08, with Virginia State, North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, Morgan State and Delaware State on the slate. The first three teams are noted to travel well with a very large fan base in the Baltimore, Washington D.C., Northern Virginia and Richmond commuting regions.

But more importantly, the rivalry games with Hampton University and William and Mary have the flavor of a playoff contest before large crowds. Both the VSU and FAMU games should set new attendance records at William "Dick" Price Stadium, especially with Joe Taylor's Rattlers first return to the Hampton Roads region for Norfolk State's homecoming.

If the famed FAMU Marching 100 Band makes an appearance, expect standing room only with 30,000 plus fans for the FAMU game.

We foresee NSU being in the hunt for an FCS playoff spot in '08.

Remember, its still January so we can go overboard a little for the Spartans. However, by the time the battle with Delaware State is completed in November, the blitz that the Spartans will have received from Joker Phillips and the Kentucky Wildcats will have been forgotten by most on the FCS playoff committee.

All of these ingredients will make for a very exciting season in the Hampton Roads region. We just as well buy season tickets to guarantee us a seat for an exciting season in the Tidewater.

Will this be the season that the MEAC sends more than one team to the playoffs, in a five way battle with Delaware State, Norfolk State, Hampton, FAMU and SCSU State for a playoff spot and the MEAC championship?

Beating William and Mary and with only one loss in the MEAC could get a 10-2 Norfolk State into the playoffs, without winning the MEAC championship. A 9-3 record will get Norfolk State an early start on '09 recruiting.

Outstanding schedule, Spartans!

Photo: Armed with a new contract, will NSU Coach Pete Adrian prove the critics wrong in '08 with a MEAC championship or FCS Playoff berth.

Norfolk State University 2008 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Site Time

Aug. 30 Virginia State Norfolk, Va. 6 p.m. (Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic)

Sept. 6 at Kentucky Lexington, Ky. TBA

Sept. 13 North Carolina A&T Norfolk, Va. 4 p.m.

Sept. 20 at William & Mary Williamsburg, Va. TBA

Sept. 27 at Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, Fla. TBA

Oct. 11 at South Carolina State Orangeburg, S.C. TBA

Oct. 18 at Hampton Hampton, Va. TBA (Battle of the Bay)

Oct. 25 Florida A&M Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. (Homecoming)

Nov. 1 at Howard Washington, D.C. TBA

Nov. 8 Morgan State Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 Delaware State Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, N.C. 1 p.m.

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Hampton University football adds three assistant coaches and five transfers

HAMPTON - Jerry Holmes added some muscle to Hampton University's football program on Wednesday with the announcement of three new assistant coaches and five transfers. Holmes was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach on Dec. 29, when Joe Taylor left to become the coach at Florida A&M.

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Photo: Hampton University head football coach Jerry Holmes



















In summary, Coach Holmes staff consists of the following:

Jerry Holmes, Pirates Head Football Coach (WVU '79)
1. Terry Beauford, Offensive Line (FAMU '95)
2. Canute Curtis, Defensive Line (WVU '97)
3. Milo Austin, Running Backs (WVU '05)
4. Devan Hill, Defensive Backs (Hampton '04)
5. Roy Johnson, Quarterbacks(Hampton '99)
6. Donovan Rose, Assistant Head Coach/Secondary (Hampton '79)
7. Corey Sullivan, Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers (Tennessee State '02)

The Pirates transfers consists of four Jucos and a speedy tailback from University of Tennessee. All will have two years of eligibility at Hampton University.

Lamarcus Coker, (U. of Tennessee)5-foot-10, 195-pounds, tailback
Davion Wright, Feather River Community College, Cal., 6-6, 320, offensive linemen.
Darius Collins, Feather River CC, 6-4, 250, tight end.
Lawrence Ferrell, Fork Union Military Academy, 5-10, 230-pound, fullback.
J.R. Carter, Feather River CC, 5-10, 200, safety.

We love HBCU presidents that are serious about their school's academics and athletics. Hampton University is well on its way to building a dynasty in football, basketball, track and field to go with their stellar academic reputation.

Way to go Pirates--keep snatching those bluechip players.

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Alcorn State Ernest Jones salary disclosed

It didn't take long for the information to get out regarding the contract for new Alcorn State University head football coach Earnest Jones. He signed a three year contract paying $140,000 per year.

Former ASU coach Dr. Johnny Thomas was paid by comparison $84,637.00 per year in his last season over the Braves program. Rick Comegy at Jackson State University receives $155,000 annually, with two years remaining on a four year contract.

Hampton University receives 3-Star freshman transfer from Virginia Tech

Photo: Hampton University transfer freshman guard/forward Darrion Pellum, a legitimate 3-Star ranked basketball player.

Former Hampton High guard Darrion Pellum has transferred to Hampton University from Virginia Tech to play basketball. Pellum, 6-foot-6, started classes Monday and will become eligible to play for the Pirates in December 2008. He chose Hampton University after consulting with local coaches and mentors.

Pellum signed a national letter of intent for the 2007-08 academic year with Virginia Tech. However, after arriving in Blacksburg last fall he was declared academically ineligible. Pellum said the issue involved accreditation of instructors at Massanutten Academy and an online course he took to get admitted to Virginia Tech.

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Pellum, a 6-6, 210-pound shooting guard/small forward averaged 18 points and six rebounds per game as a senior for coach Richard Moore at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Va. As a senior at Massanutten, Pellum averaged 40 percent from three-point range and 72 percent from the free throw line.

Pellum averaged 20 points per game as a junior at Massanutten. He transferred to Massanutten in 2005 after playing for Hampton High School for coach Walter Brower. Pellum has played for Boo Williams' AAU team during the summer.

Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg described Pellum as--"he's big; he's physical; he's athletic. He reminds me of a bigger version of Jamon Gordon. He doesn't play one position; he can play all perimeter positions.

Pellum is ranked as a 3-Star player by both Rivals.com and Scout.com ranking systems.

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Former OSU QB Reid may get to come to Texas Southern University

Photo: Quarterback Bobby Reid,6-3/235 Junior, Galena Park North Shore High School, Houston, Texas

Former Oklahoma State quarterback Bobby Reid has declared for the National Football League Draft. However, he tells FOX 26 Sports if Texas Southern University is successful in its request for a transfer waiver from the NCAA, Reid says he may pull his name from the Draft and use his final year of college eligibility at TSU in his hometown of Houston.

"I'm fired up about it," Reid said. "If I gotta go, I'm going to go and take care of business the way I know how and try to bring a championship to TSU." Reid graduated in December from Oklahoma State with a degree in Education. He was replaced by Zac Robinson as the Cowboys starting quarterback two games into the 2007 season. He faces a Jan. 19 deadline to remove his name from the NFL draft should he choose to continue his college career and he says TSU is the only school he will consider.

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During his career at OSU, Reid played in 27 games throwing for 3,143 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also ran for 654 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks third in career passing touchdowns with the Cowboys and eighth in passing yards.

Linebacker transfers to Norfolk State from Akron

Photo: Michael Alphonse, Linebacker, 6-0/230, Sophomore from Miami Norland HS, Miramar, Florida runs a 4.6 40 yard dash.

With signing day just a few weeks away, Norfolk State has added a second transfer to its football roster. Inside linebacker Mike Alphonse, who spent three years at the University of Akron, including a redshirt season, already is enrolled at NSU. Alphonse will have two years of eligibility remaining.

The Spartans recently added Dennis Thomas, a backup quarterback from the University of Connecticut. Thomas also is enrolled at NSU for the spring semester.

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For those non-believers out there in the blogsphere, it does make a difference that Norfolk State has College of William and Mary, and University of Kentucky on its schedule for 2008.

NSU track record proves the fact that quality players do not transfer to programs just for the opportunity to play MEAC or SWAC competition. Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Delaware State, Delaware, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State understands what is required to build a highly competitive program--play FBC competition and recruit D-1 talent.

It's not difficult to understand that great players want to play the best at the upper division level.

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Lady Aggies get huge win over Coppin State

Photo: Ta'Wuana Cook scored 12 points, 4 assts., and 3 rebounds to help the Aggies to win. "Tweet" Cook is a 5-8 sophomore guard from Seventy-First School, Fayetteville, N.C.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – In terms of a nice reward for a coach who has coached at the historically black college and university level her entire career, Patricia Cage-Bibbs’ 400th win was certainly a significant win.

But in terms of the North Carolina A&T women’s basketball program as a whole, the Aggies 61-50 win over two-time defending regular-season champion Coppin State is by far the biggest win in Bibbs’ three-year stint at N.C. A&T.

The Aggies defeated the Eagles for the first time in four seasons. The Aggies are tied for first with Bibbs’ former team Hampton at 3-0, and in the process of knocking off the Eagles the Aggies held two-time MEAC Player of the Year Rashida Suber to 3-for-17 shooting and nine points. It was a nice step forward for a program that won 27 games from 1999-2004.

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Hot-shooting Southern topples Jackson State

Photo: Jackson State University 6-3/185 junior guard #12, Darrion Griffin, Toledo, Ohio, torched the Jaguars for 24 points, 3 assts., 4 reb. to lead all scorers.

The Southern men’s basketball team scored 85 points Monday night. Eighty-five points. Oh, and by the way, the Jaguars also notched a huge win, knocking off preseason Southwestern Athletic Conference favorite Jackson State, 85-69, at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Monday’s victory clearly stamped SU (5-10, 3-1 SWAC) as a contender in the conference race.

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ASU runs away from UAPB in 69-40 win

Montgomery, Ala. - When Alabama State head coach Lewis Jackson looked down his roster before the season, he had high hopes for his squad.

But despite the talent and versatility he envisioned, he knew it would take time for all of the new players to mesh with the returnees. How long, he wasn't sure. But after a 69-40 dismantling of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Monday night, the answer may be sooner, rather than later.

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DSU Hornets slams WSSU with hot shooting

Photo: Senior guard Roy Bright led the Hornets in scoring with 24 points.

Winston Salem, N.C. - The Hornets shot a season high 56.5% from the floor in the first half, including 60% (6-10) from behind the arc and took a 36-30 lead into the locker room. Pre-season MEAC Player of the Year Roy Bright led all scorers early with 17, connecting on three of five shots from downtown Winston Salem. Bright finished with a game high 24 points.

The Delaware State Hornets improved to 5-9 on the season with a 66-59 win over 6-8 Winston Salem State Rams.

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Delaware State Lady Hornets gives Coach Ed Davis 300th career win

Photo: In his 16th season, Delaware State University head women basketball coach Ed Davis joins exclusive 300th win club with Hornets victory over Winston Salem State University.

Winston-Salem, NC --- Delaware State head coach Ed Davis has joined the 300-win club as the Lady Hornets toppled Winston-Salem State 49-27 Monday evening. DSU won its third straight to improve to 6-9 on the season, while the Rams fell to 0-12.

Davis, in his eighth season at Delaware State, is now 129-95 with the Lady Hornets. Prior to his stint at Delaware State, he was 171-54 in eight years at Bowie State.

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Florida A&M rally falls short at Hampton

Photo: Senior guard Leslie Robinson, 6-0/180 from Rockford, IL Highland CC scored 22 points on the Pirates.

HAMPTON - Hampton University held off a late Florida A&M rally to win less comfortably than it could have Monday night. The Pirates hit enough buckets late to salvage a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory 69-63 at HU Convocation Center. They remain unbeaten in the league and play at South Carolina State on Saturday.

FAMU (5-10, 1-2) got 22 points from guard Leslie Robinson and 14 from reserve Lamar Twitty. The Rattlers steadily cut into Hampton's lead until finally tying it at 61 with 3:29 left on Ernest Maul's 3-pointer from the right corner.

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Hampton U. women surge past FAMU in second half

Photo: Hampton University senior guard Artavia Burns scored 16 points against FAMU. The 5-5 Dallas, Texas Lincoln H.S./Trinty Valley College star was recently selected to the Trinity Valley College Hall of Fame.

HAMPTON - Rachel Butler scored 18 points and Artavia Burns pitched in 16 as Hampton broke open a close game with 45 second-half points on its way to a 80-72 victory over Florida A&M. The Lady Pirates (8-6, 3-0 MEAC) seized control by outrebounding the Lady Rattlers 30-12 in the second half, leading to 27 second-chance points.

Taniyah Dawson and Joslyne Jackson each scored 17 points for Florida A&M (9-5, 1-2).

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FSU, FAMU football teams might play this season

The university campuses have grown to the point where Florida State and Florida A&M are nearly connected. But it's always seemed like a continental divide on the idea the two schools pair for a football game in Tallahassee.

That may change.

Immediately.

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We can agree with T.K. Wetherell on one point--a FAMU vs. FSU football game is long overdue!

FAMU has played Miami, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, South Florida and Florida in the past decade. Central Florida and FSU should be next in the Joe Taylor era at FAMU.

South Carolina State University will open the 2008 season at Central Florida. FSU will host a horrible Western Carolina program with a new head coach and staff on September 6, 2008. So, why should FAMU turn down a good $500,000 PLUS payday for what amounts to a road game in Tallahassee with a weaken FSU team?

If FAMU expects to become a national force under Joe Taylor, the Rattlers need to play two games with FBS teams each season to grow the program, expand the athletic budget and improve FAMU and the MEAC strength of schedule. Let us not forget Florida A&M is a Division I program with high aspirations for winning another FCS national championship.

You cannot get better by playing a schedule that is full of MEAC weaklings that will not prepare the Rattlers to compete with Delaware, Appalachian State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois, Richmond or Eastern Washington in the football championship subdivision playoffs.

Some folks have quickly forgotten the Rattlers 2004 season where FAMU played Illinois, Virginia Tech, Tulane, Temple, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Nicholls State, Tennessee State, Virginia Union, Bethune Cookman, and Savannah State. This schedule was deemed the toughest in 1-AA history.

By comparison, FSU is no more difficult to play than Illinois or Tulane.

So go play the game, collect the fat pay check, invest it wisely in the Rattler program and use the game as a recruitment tool to get better student-athletes that want to play for FAMU against the Florida BCS schools.

FSU President T.K. Wetherell has the right ideal. It's just a football game that has a tremendous upside for earning more than $3 million for a sellout home game. For some, just seeing the FAMU Marching 100 blow away the FSU Marching Chiefs is worth the price of admission.

This game is long overdue--let's make it happen in 2008 or 2009.

It would be devastating for FAMU's Florida recruiting if South Carolina State, Norfolk State or Delaware State came to Tallahassee to play the Seminoles in a money game. SCSU has already made inroads in Florida with their game at UCF this season and it will be interesting to see how this translates in Florida recruiting.

SCSU once recruited a future Pro Football Hall of Famer from FAMU in David "Deacon" Jones, "the Secretary of Defense" from Hungerford High School, Eatonville, Florida back in the 1960's. Jones is considered to be one of the greatest defensive ends of all time. The Bulldogs appears to be returning to Florida to re-establish themselves for more bluechips like Jones?

Rattler Nation need to wake up before its too late.

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DSU Lavan to coach in American Heritage Bowl

Photo: Delaware State University head football coach Al Lavan will coach the Navy Northeast team against the the Marine Corps Southwest team in the American Heritage Bowl.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif -- Delaware State coach Al Lavan and his staff, along with seven Hornet seniors have been invited to the American Heritage Bowl at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Field. The first Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Classic will feature some of the top HBCU senior football players and will be played on Jan. 26 at 6:15 p.m.

The game will be shown on tape delay on ESPNU Feb. 8 at 4 p.m.

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Great way for DSU senior players Akeem Green (CB), Russell Reeves (MLB), Jeremy Breath (OG), Kelly Rouse (DE), Peter Gaertner (PK), Josh Bright (P) and Jeff Postell (TE) to end a championship career for the Hornets.

FAMU Lady Rattlers bowlers undefeated

Photo: Florida A&M University Lady Rattlers Bowling Head Coach, Novella Franklin is in her eighth year as head of the program.

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers Bowling team capped a perfect weekend in the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams' Bowling Challenge at the AMF Bowling Center, Sunday with a 5-0 overall performance in the Baker Games round. Coach Novella Franklin's Lady Rattlers swept the best-of-seven Baker matches from South Carolina State (4-3), host Winston-Salem State (4-1), Bethune-Cookman (4-3), Norfolk State (4-3) and North Carolina A&T (5-2).

FAMU is 10-0 for the two-day event and 8-0 (not counting Winston-Salem State) against Southern Division teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

On Saturday, the Lady Rattlers defeated South Carolina State (802-766), Winston-Salem (774-758), Bethune-Cookman (814-742), Norfolk State (813-798) and North Carolina A&T (799-715). FAMU as a team tallied 4,002 total pin falls.

The Lady Rattlers had a trio of bowlers to tally 800 plus pin falls with Marisa Moffett leading the way with 844. She tallied a team high 192 in game one against South Carolina State. Jazmin Bingham finished with 827, knocking down a personal best 179 pins against Norfolk State. Gina Davis recorded an 821 total, knocking down a team high 192 pins in game two against Winston-Salem State.

Competitors Lynnetta Russell had 774, Saturday knocking down a personal best 162 pins in game two against Winston-Salem, while Ashley Melson bowled a 736, knocking down a team high 193 pins against Bethune-Cookman.

MEET THE "Undefeated" FAMU LADY RATTLERS BOWING TEAM

Photo on Right: Paul Williams, Assistant Bowling Coach

Student-Athletes HT YR. Hometown
Jazmin Bingham 5-5 FR Dolton, MI
Arleasia Carter 5-0 SO Tampa, FL
Gina Davis 5-4 FR Hampton, VA
Kellie Jones 5-7 FR Jacksonville, FL
Marisa Moffett 5-9 FR Southfield, MI
Lynnetta Russell 5-7 FR Markhah, IL

Southern U gets pro-style QB commitment

Delon Mallory, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound quarterback from John F. Kennedy High in Cleveland, Ohio recently became the first commitment for Southern University 2008 recruiting class. The irony of Mallory’s decision, who chose Southern over Purdue, Bowling Green, Kent State, Akron, Youngstown State and Eastern Michigan, was made without a visit to the school’s campus.

Mallory’s academic standing, which is below NCAA requirements for incoming freshman to participate, will force him to concentrate his time away from the field on academics for an entire season.

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Three Tennessee State defensive coaches won't return

Photo: TSU head football coach James Webster

A shakeup on the Tennessee State University football coaching staff has resulted in the departure of defensive coordinator Ron Lambert, defensive backs coach Randy Fuller and defensive tackles coach Justin Roberts, team officials said Friday. Coach James Webster decided not to retain Lambert while Fuller and Roberts resigned.

Webster confirmed the changes and said: "I have not hired anyone to replace those who won't be back."

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Florida A&M football coaching staff nearing completion

Photo: FAMU Head Football Coach Joe Taylor

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Florida A&M University head football coach Joe Taylor is making progess in assembling an excellent staff of assistant coaches that will get the Rattlers back to being a national powerhouse program. Taylor was hired by FAMU on December 31, 2007, and vowed to return the one-time powerhouse among historically black colleges to its former glory.

The staff is shaping up as follows with five hires so far.

Head Coach - Joe Taylor

1. Offensive Coordinator/Offensive line - Lawrence Kershaw
2. Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers - Steven Jerry
3. Running backs - Aaron Taylor
4. Defensive line - George M. Small
5. Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator - Timothy Edwards

A brief synopsis of the assistant coaches experiences are as follows:

Photo: FAMU Linebackers Coach /Recruiting Coordinator, Tim Edwards

Coach Timothy Edwards served five years as Hampton University defensive line and recruiting coordinator, helping the Pirates to win three consecutive MEAC championships, three NCAA FCS playoff appearances and two black college national championships in 2004 and 2005.

He spent one season with AFL2 Carolina Rhinos as the defensive coordinator and Pearl River Community College defensive line coach. Prior, he spent four years at Kentucky State University, serving as position coach for LB, DL and pro liaison during his tenure.

His days on the sidelines have helped to develop the professional careers of several former players including: Cletidus Hunt (Green Bay Packers, NFL), Kitwana Jones (Saskatchewan Rough Riders, CFL), Dewayne Woods (Georgia Force, AFL) and Chris Avery (Grand Rapids Storm, AFL). In addition, Edwards has coached two All-Americans in Hunt at Kentucky State, and linebacker Kitwana Jones at Hampton.

Since Edwards arrived, the Hampton University defense has been ranked in the top ten in several defensive categories. As the linebackers coach in 2003, he helped the HU defense finish the season ranked seventh in the nation in total defense. Edwards then moved on to coach the defensive front in 2004 and the defense led the nation in turnovers (43) as well as finishing second in turnover margin. With another strong defensive front in 2005 Hampton ranked second in scoring defense and sixth in total defense. Last season he directed a defensive line that featured two All-MEAC selections that helped the Pirates rank second in the country in tackles for loss with 8.54 per game.

A 1991 graduate of Delta State University where he earned a bachelors degree in Aviation Management, Edwards was a two-time First Team All-Gulf South selection as a defensive lineman. He was also honored as an All-American by the Football Gazette (1989, 1990) and by the Associated Press (1990).

At the conclusion of his senior season Edwards participated in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game as well as the Senior Bowl and as a result of his performance, he was selected in the 12th round of the 1991 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Edwards played three seasons with the Patriots before signing a free agent contract in 1995 with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, with whom he also spent three years.

A native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Edwards recruits Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia. He’s a member of the NFL Retired Player’s Association, the CFL Player’s Association and the American Football Coaches Association (Minority Issues Committee). He is married to the former LuAnn Shockency of Louisville, Kentucky and they have two children Halena & Timothy II.

Photo: FAMU Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers Coach, Steven Jerry

Coach Steven Jerry has served as the running backs coach at the College of William and Mary in the Colonial Athletic Conference for the past four years. He produced an all-conference tailback in each of his three previous seasons as well as serving as the Tribe’s recruiting contact in northwest Virginia, as well as in the western part of Maryland and southern New Jersey.

Elijah Brooks was a prolific performer under Jerry’s tutelage, as he ran for 1,906 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two seasons (2005-06) as the starting tailback. He earned all-conference recognition after both his junior and senior seasons.

Jerry’s first season at W&M was 2004 and his corps of backs proved to be one of the most successful and steady units on the A-10 Championship team, as his tailbacks combined for 1,655 rushing yards and 455 receiving yards on the season. Jerry’s standout on that unit was rugged then-senior Jon Smith, who earned Third-Team All-Atlantic 10 honors by rushing for 15 touchdowns and 784 yards.

Jerry came to William and Mary from Virginia State, where he served as quarterbacks coach. While at Virginia State, Jerry also was the head coach of a pair of arena football2 squads, the Greensboro Prowlers and the Roanoke Steam. Jerry also served as the tight ends coach at East Tennessee State for the 2001 season.

Jerry was no stranger to the Williamsburg campus, as he spent the 2000 season at the College serving as the program’s offensive assistant. From January 1997 until early in 2000, Jerry served in multiple capacities at Central Florida, working as a tight ends coach, an assistant strength and conditioning coach and an assistant track and field coach. He also has collegiate experience at Sienna College and his alma mater, the University of North Carolina.

Jerry was an assistant strength coach at UNC in the summer of 1994. He played both quarterback and wide receiver for the Tar Heel program.

A 1994 graduate of University of North Carolina, Jerry received bachelor’s degrees in both sociology and communications while playing football for the Tar Heels.

He currently resides in Richmond with his wife, Renee’, and the couple has two sons, Christopher (9) and Jonathan (7). Jerry is a native Floridian from Orlando, Florida.

Photo: FAMU Defensive Line Coach, George M. Small

Coach George M. Small previously served three season as the head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University, winning the MEAC championship in his first season (2003) over Joe Taylor's Hampton University Pirates. He was named MEAC coach of the year in 2003 and his 10-3 team made the 1-AA playoffs. He was able to move A&T from a 4-8 record to 10-3 in 2003.

Small is never opposed to learning more about his chosen profession.

Over the summer in 2004, he accepted a coaching internship with the Cleveland Browns. Under new Browns head coach Romeo Crennel, a former teammate of Small's in the NFL, Small assisted with team meetings and team drills. He came away with a better knowledge of the game and will institute some of the ideas he compiled there to help him improve on what has already been an impressive career.

Small has over 23 years of coaching experience as defensive line coach, defensive coordinator and head coach. He brings intensity, energy and a keen understanding of football from all aspects. He knows what it takes to get players to perform.

A native of Raeford, NC, a small town in the southeast portion of the state, Small excelled as an athlete at Hoke County High School. After high school he resumed his athletic career at N.C. A&T State University, where he played on the gridiron as an offensive and defensive lineman. Small played four years of football for the Aggies, earning All-MEAC honors while serving as the team captain during his senior season.

Following the season, Small was honored as a Pittsburgh (PA) Courier All-American, and was selected to the North Carolina All-State team. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology/criminal justice in the spring of 1979.

An outstanding student, Small was named as a National Dean’s List honoree, and as Who’s Who Among Outstanding Names and Faces.

Following his scholastic career, Small enjoyed a career in the National Football League. He played a total of five seasons, which included stints with the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Small was bit by the coaching bug after his professional career and joined several staffs as a defensive line coach and coordinator. He served stints at Langston (Defensive Coordinator, 1988-89), Savannah State (Defensive Coordinator 1990-91), University of Tulsa (Defensive Line Coach, 1992), Florida A&M (Defensive Coordinator, 1993), and Grambling State (Defensive Coordinator, 1994).

In 1995, Small was given the opportunity to guide his first program as a head coach at NCAA Division II Kentucky State. He took over a team that had not had a winning season in 20 years and made them a title contender with a strong defense. Small had an immediate impact, when in his first season, KSU won the inaugural Pioneer Bowl, the annual clash between the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) champions with a 30-26 victory over Livingstone.

In typical Small fashion, the Thorobreds won the game on a defensive goal line stand as the buzzer sounded. KSU finished 7-5 that season and led the NCAA in total defense.

Small was named SIAC Coach of the Year. In 1997, Small was honored by the SIAC and the 100% Wrong Club as Coach of the Year. At KSU, Small produced four players that were drafted into the NFL, and several others joined various professional football leagues. Small completed his career at KSU with a 34-35 record in six seasons as head coach. He was honored as an official Kentucky Colonel former Governor George Patton.

In 2001, he left Kentucky State to become an assistant at Division I-AA power Youngstown State, where he coached the defensive line. The Penguins finished 7-4 on the season, while defensive tackle Guy Mazard was named to the Gateway Football Conference Second Team.

Following the season, Small joined the staff at Hampton, where he coached All-MEAC selection Issac Hilton, a seventh round selection in the 2003 NFL Draft. In 2002, the Pirates finished third in the MEAC in total defense (325 yards per contest), second in rushing defense (133.83 yards per game), and third in scoring defense (20.83 points per game). The Pirates finished 7-5 overall, 5-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Small is a member of the American Football Association (AFCA), Association of Black Collegiate Football Coaches (ABCFC), National Football League Alunni Association (NFLAA), and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Photo: FAMU Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach, Lawrence Kershaw

Coach Lawrence Kershaw is a 1995 graduate of Virginia State University. He spent 2007 at Hampton University as the offensive line coach. He served in the same capacity in 2006 at Truman State in Missouri.

Prior to that, Kershaw spent two seasons at Virginia Union University where he was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach, in addition to being the recruiting coordinator and organizing the strength and conditioning program.

Kershaw was also an assistant coach for seven years at Virginia State University of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), where he helped the Trojans win two conference titles. There he served as the running backs coach in 1995, the offensive line coach in 1996-97 and 2000-03, and the offensive coordinator from 2001-03.

In 2000, 2002 and 2003, Kershaw’s offensive line was the best in the CIAA in sacks allowed, while the Virginia State offense also led the conference in numerous offensive categories. From 1995-2003 the program produced 25 all-conference players on offense, including 13 first team selections and three offensive players of the year.

Kershaw also has one year of coaching experience at Fordham University, where he was a volunteer assistant offensive line coach in 1998 for the NCAA Division I FCS program.

Kershaw started his collegiate playing career at Stony Brook where in 1990 he was named to the All-Liberty Conference football team. He played his final two seasons at Virginia State in 1993 and 1994.

Kershaw graduated from Virginia State in 1995 with a bachelor of arts in sociology and in 1997 he received his masters of education in guidance from VSU.

Photo: FAMU Running Backs Coach, Aaron Taylor

Coach Aaron Taylor served seven years on Joe Taylor's Hampton University staff. Last season he served as the running backs coach, after spending time coaching the tight ends and tackles, as well as four years coaching the defensive line.

During his tenure on the defensive side of the ball, Taylor worked with numerous all-conference performers to lead a Hampton defense that ranked amongst the best in the country. With the Pirates’ defensive unit leading Division I-AA in turnovers forced in 2004, Hampton was able to capture its third MEAC championship.

In 2005, his first season overseeing the running backs, he aided Alonzo Coleman and Ardell Daniels in becoming just the third duo in Division I FCS history to rush for 1,000 yards each in consecutive seasons.

The Charleston, Illinois native and oldest son of head coach Joe Taylor is a graduate of Phoebus High School (Va.) where he was a four-year letterman in football.

In 2001 he earned his bachelor’s degree in history/political science from Virginia State University where he also was a member of the Trojans’ football team. His outstanding senior campaign as an offensive guard garnered him All-CIAA honors.

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WSSU's football team will play six home games this fall

The Rams will play six home games and five road games, something that Athletics Director Chico Caldwell says will be beneficial. "I'm happy with the fact that we have six home games," Caldwell said. "With our schedule we've tried to get some balance, but that doesn't mean it will be like that every year. Since we made the move to Division I it's been a challenge to schedule so that's what I've tried to stay ahead and that means looking at schedules years in advance."

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Winston Salem State University 2008 Football Schedule

Sept. 6 at N.C. A&T, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 Savannah State, 6 p.m.
Sept. 20 Morgan State, 6 p.m.
Sept. 27 S.C. State, 6 p.m.
Oct. 4 Howard, 6 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Florida A&M, 6 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bethune-Cookman, 2 p.m. (HOMECOMING)
Nov. 1 at Hampton, 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Delaware State, 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at N.C. Central
Nov. 22 Norfolk State, 1 pm.

Savannah State head football coach salary released

Photo: Savannah State University head football coach Robby Wells has one year contract to turn program around.

Savannah State University has signed first-year football head coach Robby Wells to a one-year contract with a base salary of $90,000, the school's vice president for administration confirmed Wednesday. "Robby Wells will have a job at Savannah State University as long as I have a job at Savannah State University," Claud Flythe said.

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What's right with this picture?

Coach signed to a ONE year contract at $90,000. SSU football championship subdivision classified football program is given 35 scholarships out of possible 63. The Tigers are on their second NCAA probation through May 18, 2009. Their 1-AA record is 6-58 since they moved up from Division II. They have no conference affiliation.

SSU only victory came in 2007, against Division II, Johnson C. Smith University. The Tigers lost against NAIA Edward Waters College, Division II Fort Valley State and Morehouse College and I-AA Morgan State, Bethune-Cookman, Charleston Southern, N.C. Central, Gardner-Webb and Mississippi Valley State.

So, who's expecting a miracle? Some schools should just stay outta Division I.

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Tennessee State gets road win at Samford

The Tennessee State University Tigers evened their OVC record at 3-3 with a 55-46 win at Samford University’s new Pete Hanna Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Two TSU players Jerrell Houston and Reiley Ervin scored in double figures scoring 15 and 10 points respectively. Samford managed just two double figure scorers. Guard Josh Bedwell led all scorers and rebounders with 16 points and nine rebounds while center Travis Peterson tallied 14 points.

"We didn't shoot the ball well tonight at all," said Samford head coach Jimmy Tillette. "We can't have (Travis) Peterson go 0-for-5, (Joe Ross) Merritt go 1-for-7 and (Trey) Montgomery go 1-for-5 from 3-point range and expect to win. We need to be better in our zone offense and that falls on me, because I need to do a better job of coaching it."

The Bulldogs' loss was also their first home defeat against Tennessee State (6-9, 3-3 OVC) since Nov. 28, 1986.

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Savannah State smokes Bethune Cookman

DAYTONA BEACH -- After his team scored just four points in the second half of an 85-25 loss at Kansas State on Monday, Savannah State coach Horace Broadnax told his players that the lesson to be learned is, "Can you move on?"

Savannah State turned the tables on B-CU at Moore Gymnasium on Thursday night, holding the Wildcats to just 15 points in the first half on the way to a 50-36 victory.

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You gotta give Coach Broadnax credit for out coaching the MEAC--he's 3-0 with victories over FAMU, SCSU and BCU. He also beat Southern Mississippi, South Carolina-Aiken, North Florida, and High Point. The SSU administration is not helping his program by scheduling these money games with the AP Top 20.

That's the way to bounce back SSU Basketball!

P.S. One of Savannah State record was broken last night by Coach Rick Majerus, St. Louis University Billikens (9-6), who scored only 20 points the entire game in an Atlantic 10 match with George Washington University. GW won 49-20, holding St. Louis to an NCAA D-I record for fewest points scored in a game. St. Louis hit 7-for-48 (14.6 percent)for the game. GW is 5-6 on the season.

SSU shot 15.5 percent in their game with Kansas State.

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Some schools should stay outta Division I

In the rush to cash in on the popularity of March Madness, more and more schools are declaring themselves Division I basketball programs. The number this year is 326.

But the NCAA needs to draw the line and set up some criteria to avoid disasters like the one we saw Monday night when Kansas State embarrassed Savannah State, 85-25, in Manhattan in a game that made everyone involved in the sport a little nervous. The Tigers - who joined Division I in 2002 - shot just 1-for-23 and were outscored 48-4 in the second half, setting NCAA records for worst field goal percentage and fewest points in a half in the shot-clock era.

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Saint Louis set a modern Division I record for fewest points in a game Thursday night, falling 49-20 to George Washington in the Atlantic 10 opener for both teams. The Billikens (9-6), playing their first season under coach Rick Majerus, missed 23 consecutive shots at one point and finished 7-for-48 (14.6 percent) from the field, including 1-for-19 from 3-point range. They trailed 25-7 at halftime.

Some middle school kids can chunk in from half court and score 20.

The previous low since the shot clock was introduced in 1985-86 was 21 by Georgia Southern in a 40-point loss to Coastal Carolina in 1997. It was matched by Princeton in a 20-point loss to Monmouth in 2005. The fewest points ever by a Division I team was set by Arkansas State in a 75-6 loss to Kentucky in 1945. It was matched by Temple in an 11-6 loss to Tennessee in 1973.

So, should Saint Louis University consider moving down to Division II? Savannah State had a valid excuse--it was over matched with a 10-4 Big 12 Conference powerhouse program in Kansas State. What's Saint Louis excuse with GW not being an Atlantic 10 powerhouse this season?

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Ailing Hampton U. ready to open full MEAC slate

Photo: Freshman point guard Jordan Brooks, 5-9/165, C.H. Flowers High School, Mitchellville, Maryland is averaging 3.2 ppg and 2.5 assists per game.

Hampton University's men's basketball team continues to deal with injuries going into the full-on start to its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference schedule this weekend. The Pirates' top three players are all hurt to some degree as the squad comes out of the break. HU, the preseason favorite to win the MEAC, last played Dec. 29 when it defeated William and Mary 70-63.

Hampton(6-6, 1-0 MEAC) will host Bethune-Cookman Saturday and Florida A&M Monday.

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MSU Chad Simpson gets invite to NFL Combine

Slide Show: MSU All-American RB Chad Simpson - 2007

BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State University senior All-American running back Chad Simpson has earned the chance to increase his NFL draft possibilities in the coming months. Simpson has been invited to the 2008 NFL Draft Combine.

Simpson becomes the first Bear to earn a spot in the NFL Combine since current Minnesota Viking tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in 2003. Shiancoe was a 3rd round selection by the New York Giants.

Simpson, a first-team Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selection, was named MEAC Player of the Year after breaking Morgan State’s single season record for rushing yards. He became Morgan State’s third MEAC MVP in 28 years (Darrell Coulter, 1979), and the second in four years (Bradshaw Littlejohn, 2003) after running for 1,402 yards.

The Miami native also became the ninth All-American selection at Morgan State and the first in almost 15 years (Matthew Steeple, 1993) when he was selected to the American Football Coaches Association Football Championship Subdivision Coaches’ All-America Team.

Simpson has also been named to the inaugural Boxtorow/BASN Black College All-American Team and was selected as an honorable mention to The Sports Network’s FCS All-America Team.

Nearly 300 of the top college football players are invited annually to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, set for February 20-26. Top Executives, Coaching Staffs, Player Personnel Departments and Medical Personnel from all 32 NFL teams will be on hand to evaluate the eligible players for the upcoming NFL Draft.

-from Morgan State Sports Information

Editor's note: Chad Simpson led the MEAC in rushing in 2007 with 1402 yards on 276 carries at 5.1 yards per carry; 14 touchdowns, 127.5 yards per game, with longest run of 56 yards. He also finished in second place in all-purpose yards to MEAC leader--Florida A&M sensational freshman RB Philip Sylvester, with a total of 1778 yards for a per game average of 161.6.

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NCAA cuts Prairie View A&M women's basketball scholarships

Photo: Prairie View A&M University head women basketball coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke

Compiled by beepbeep

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – The NCAA on Tuesday penalized Prairie View A&M's women's basketball team for violations attributed to unfamiliarity with rules by coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, a former Houston Comets star and WNBA head coach for the Phoenix Mercury.

The Division I Committee on Infractions cited the transgressions as major violations in the PVAMU women's basketball program. The case involves violations of NCAA rules in the areas of institutional control, out-of-season practice and observation, extra benefits, and eligibility.

Penalties for the violations include four years of probation, a reduction in the number of women's basketball scholarships for two academic years, and a decrease in the number of women's basketball recruiting contact opportunities.

The committee attributed the majority of violations to the hiring of a head coach with no NCAA experience in rules education and the university's failure to educate her regarding rules compliance. In addition, the committee concluded that an environment of noncompliance existed in the university's athletic department.

The university previously appeared in a major infractions hearing in 2001 during which time the committee mandated that the university develop and implement a comprehensive educational program on NCAA rules. The committee stated in this most recent case that it was apparent the institution had not implemented this mandate from the committee, which led to the lengthy probation period.

Regarding the violations of impermissible tryouts and out-of-season practice activities, it was found that members of the women's basketball coaching staff conducted basketball drills and provided skill instruction to a number of women's basketball student-athletes on several occasions during the summer of 2005.

Coach Cooper-Dyke was named the Prairie View head mentor in July 2005.

Additionally, during the summer and fall of 2005, prior to the start of allowable preseason basketball practice, the head coach and two assistant coaches observed prospective student-athletes, with members of the women's basketball team, participating in pickup basketball games for brief periods of time in the university's facilities.

Also, during the summer of 2005, the head coach had an improper telephone call and an improper in-person, off-campus contact with a prospective student-athlete prior to the coach being officially recognized by the university as an authorized staff member.

This case also involves the head coach's provision of impermissible extra benefits to women's basketball student-athletes during the summer of 2005 and the 2005-06 academic year. Specifically, the head coach provided small amounts of cash ranging from $10 to $30, and in one instance, a personal item to numerous women's basketball student-athletes.

In addition, the head coach arranged for several student-athletes to receive impermissible complimentary admissions to professional basketball contests.

Regarding the eligibility violations, the university allowed an incoming freshman student who was not certified as a qualifier by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse to attend basketball practice sessions and engage in basketball practice activities with the team at a time when she was not allowed to do so according to NCAA rules.

It was also found that prior to the 2006-07 academic year, the university failed to record countable hours of athletically related practice and competition activities on a daily basis for each student-athlete as an individual in any team sport.

Based on these violations, the committee found that the university demonstrated a lack of institutional control over its women's basketball program during the summer of 2005 and the 2005-06 academic year. This finding was based on the university's failure to adequately educate the newly-hired women's basketball coach with regard to basic NCAA rules, as well as the environment of noncompliance that existed in the athletic department.

This environment set the stage for violations to occur and be ignored, as manifested when assistant women's basketball coaches and an athletics administrator witnessed violations in the women's basketball program and decided neither to confront the head coach nor to report the information to the proper authorities.

In determining the penalties, the Committee on Infractions considered the university's self-imposed penalties and corrective actions. The penalties, some of which were self-imposed by the university and adopted by the committee, are as follows:

• Public reprimand and censure.
• Four years of probation (January 8, 2008, to January 7, 2012).
• Reduction in women's basketball scholarships by three from 15 to 12 total for each of the 2007-08 through the 2009-10 academic years.
• For the first three weeks of the practice and playing season in the fall semester of 2007, the women's basketball team reduced practice hours from the maximum 20 hours allowed to 10 hours per week. (Self-imposed by university.)
• For the 2007-08 academic year, official paid visits for women's basketball will be reduced from the four-year average of slightly over four visits to two visits. (Self-imposed by university).

The Committee on Infractions consists of conference and institutional athletics administrators, faculty and members of the public. The committee independently rules on cases investigated by the NCAA enforcement staff and determines appropriate penalties. The committee's findings may be appealed to the Infractions Appeals Committee.

The members of the Committee on Infractions who reviewed this case are Josephine Potuto, the Richard H. Larson Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Nebraska College of Law and chair of the committee; Paul Dee, director of athletics at the University of Miami, and formerly the university's general counsel; Eileen Jennings, general counsel at Central Michigan University; Gene Marsh, James M. Kidd Sr. Professor of Law at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa School of Law; Alfred Lechner, Jr., attorney; Thomas Yeager, commissioner of the Colonial Athletic Association; and Dennis Thomas, the commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and formerly director of athletics at Hampton University.

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In a statement, Prairie View said it agreed with the findings and didn't plan to appeal the sanctions.

"Our athletics department views this report and its findings as an opportunity for the university to improve and address its NCAA compliance requirements," Prairie View President George C. Wright said. "We are currently working to implement corrective actions to meet and exceed the NCAA recommendations and requirements."

Cooper-Dyke, a two-time WNBA MVP, helped lead the Comets to the first four WNBA titles, winning the finals MVP each time. She's in the third year of her first college coaching job.

The Panthers went 7-21 her first season, then 19-14 last year, the school's first winning record. The team won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title and went to the NCAA tournament.

The team is 7-7 this season.

MEAC/SWAC SPORTS MAINSTREET COMMENTS: Another case of the NCAA killing a mosquito with an ax.... Cynthia Cooper-Dyke made mistakes and is certainly culpable, along with Prairie View A&M University athletic director Charles McClelland and compliance coordinator, Angela McMorris.

But is the punishment fair and reasonable?

The violations here were really the direct result of the failure to educate the coach on (NCAA) rules," said Josephine Potuto, the chair of the NCAA Committee on Infractions. "It was also a failure of the university to have a culture of compliance."

"I am relieved that it's all over, first off and then I'm relieved that the NCAA saw the violations for what they were," Cooper-Dyke told Houston television station KRIV. "They were mistakes that were made by a rookie coach with no previous NCAA experience and not very familiar with the NCAA rules and that was my mistake."

Cooper-Dyke is thrilled her team will still be able to play for the SWAC title and can still earn a spot in the NCAA tournament. The NCAA did not levy any post-season bans against Prairie View. McClelland says he remains totally committed to Cynthia Cooper-Dyke as the Lady Panthers head coach.

Reference: NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions Report No.277 Case No. M268

A 'Team of the Century' - Matthew Gilbert H.S.

Photo: Members of the 1958 Matthew Gilbert High School undefeated football team gather with assistant coach William Higgins (right) and New York City Councilman and Gilbert alumnus Larry Seabrook (fifth from left) as the team is honored Friday at the school's reunion at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. Seabrook worked to make sure the team was recognized for its achievement.

50 years later, Jacksonville, Fla. Matthew Gilbert High football champs finally recognized.

They were members of the 1958 Matthew Gilbert High School football team. They traveled as far away as Pensacola and Miami to find opponents and finished 11-0. But they couldn't play against their neighbors who attended Jacksonville's white high schools because of segregation laws. Last month, the 1958 Gilbert team was named one of the "Teams of the Century" by the Florida High School Athletic Association, the same governing body that didn't represent black schools in the '50s.

In 1958, the state association governing black high school athletics held a football championship for the first time. Gilbert's team traveled to Fort Lauderdale where it beat Dillard High School 14-7 in front of a crowd of 11,000. The reaction back home reflected the segregationist attitude of the city. They were a black team from a black school that won a black championship, and the city's white majority generally overlooked them.

The players knew how much they had accomplished that year, but they also knew not to expect widespread recognition. "It was the way it was," said Roy Mitchell, a senior tackle on the team. "Segregation was at its zenith at the time." Instead, they moved on.

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Photo: Bullet Robert "Bob" Hayes

They graduated from Gilbert and went on to college, the military or to work.

One of the players, Bob Hayes (Florida A&M University), eventually became an Olympic gold medalist in track and an NFL All-Pro standout. But at Gilbert, he wasn't even among the best. During the 1958 season, as a junior, he played behind more talented halfbacks.

Today, Bob Hayes remains the only player in history to win both an Olympic Gold Medal and NFL Super Bowl ring. It's a doggone shame that he is not immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

TSU Lady Tigers drops UT-Martin

Photo: TSU junior 5-7 guard Kendra Appling, Jackson High School, Jackson, GA, leads Lady Tigers in scoring with 23 points/8 rebounds.

Nashville, Tenn.--Despite getting off to a slow start the Tennessee State University women’s basketball team won its fourth straight contest by defeating UT-Martin 58-52 Monday night in the Gentry Center. With the win, Tennessee State (7-7, 4-1 OVC) extends its home winning streak to three while UT-Martin (3-12, 0-5 OVC) drops its tenth straight.

Tennessee State fell behind 5-16 early in the first half but recovered and went into the halftime break with a 33-25 lead. Kendra Appling led TSU with 23 points while Oby Okafor added 21. Crystal Fuller led UT-Martin with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Phyllisha Mitchell added 12 points.

The Lady Tigers return to action on Thursday at Samford. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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Savannah State set NCAA records at Kansas State

Photo: Savannah State University head basketball coach Horace Brodnax has a difficult job in turning the Tigers into winners with over-matched schedule of NCAA major powers.

Kansas State set two NCAA records and tied another by holding Savannah State to four points in the second half in an 85-25 rout Monday night. Kansas State (10-4) hounded the Tigers on the perimeter and pushed them away from the basket inside from the opening tip, holding them without a field goal during a seven-minute span of the first half to build a 16-point lead.

But that was nothing. Savannah State (8-13) missed its first 15 shots of the second half, falling behind 72-25 as Kansas State opened with a 35-1 run. The Tigers finished the second half 1-for-23, breaking the NCAA record for worst shooting percentage and fewest points in a half since the shot clock was introduced in 1986. The one field goal also tied the mark for fewest in a half. Savannah State shot 15.5percent overall, making just nine field goals - four from 3-point range.

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Quote of the Day from Savannah State Coach Horace Broadnax: On the lack of scoring...

“Look back over the past three years, we’ve been beat worse than this. We got beat by Oregon 89-23. I just want the guys to continue to play and do the things that we know how to do. This is the situation where when we are good, we’re good and when we’re bad, we’re bad. The lesson that I want them to learn is a life lesson. Can you move on? I don’t think this is the worst case scenario in these guys’ lives. I don’t like it, it doesn’t feel good, but I’m going to move on.”

Quote from Kansas State players on Savannah State’s 4-point second half performance...

“I’ve never seen that before; that is crazy. They were playing hard but they weren’t knocking shots down. They had a couple of open shots but they just couldn’t hit it.

Norfolk State rallies late for win over N.C. Central

Photo: NSU Tony Murphy, 6-4/220 senior guard, Eastside High School, Paterson, New Jersey.

NORFOLK, Va. — Junior Michael Deloach (Rocky Mount, N.C.) hit a short jumper off the glass with 30 seconds remaining in the game to give Norfolk State the lead for good, and Tony Murphy (Paterson, N.J.) went 4-of-4 from the free throw line in the final 21seconds as the Spartans earned an 87-83 victory over North Carolina Central on Monday night at Echols Hall.

Murphy and Corey Lyons (Bronx, N.Y.) scored 22 points apiece to pace a season-high five players in double figures for NSU (4-8), which has won two games in a row for the first time this season. Charles Futrell led all scorers with 34 points, and Bryan Ayala added 26 for the Eagles (1-20), who lost their 15th in a row.

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DSU lacking experience for another MEAC title run

Photo: Delaware State senior Roy Bright is a legitimate NBA prospect averaging 18 ppg/4.7 rpg.

Few reminders of its three consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships linger around the Delaware State men's basketball team these days. So far, it hasn't been pretty for DSU. The Hornets have suffered in all areas, from defense to scoring. The Hornets (3-9) recently completed their non conference season, with the exception of one game at Winston-Salem State.

Bright, the MEAC preseason player of the year, has been among the league's top scorers at 18 points per game. But he's made just 32 of 92 3-pointers, which points to one of Jackson's concerns.

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Roy Bright is the best player in the MEAC--period. He is a warrior on the court and is the go to player that can create his own shot in crunch time. I wouldn't transfer any MEAC conference banners yet, until the fat lady sings.

With the way most MEAC teams are over-matched playing the AP Top 25, it is difficult to measure how good or how bad our programs really are. The one question that was answered early on in out-of-conference play was that none of the MEAC teams will be hoisting the NCAA national championship trophy in the final basketball game of this season.

Bright is a winner and it would be a big mistake to overlook DSU Hornets in the dash for the championship.

Jacksonville Jam wins with Brian Greene scoring/rebounding

Photo: Former FAMU Rattlers Brian Greene scored his first double/double with 19 points/13 rebounds in Jacksonville Jam first win of season.

The Jacksonville JAM flew up to Reading, Pa, determined to get on track after a dismal shooting performance in the home opener on Friday night. They did not disappoint as Jacksonville (1-1) shot 55% from beyond the arc to beat the Reading Railers (0-1) 104-101 on Saturday night and get its first win in the 2008 Premier Basketball League season.

In a seesaw battle that had the JAM up by four at the half, only to find themselves down by four after the third quarter, the JAM again found themselves down by four with two minutes to go.

That's when former Florida A&M University guard/forward Brian Greene took over with two baskets down the stretch and Antonio Lawrence hitting a clutch three while the JAM defense shut the door to pull out the victory.

Six JAM players were in double figures led by Brian Greene with 19 points and 13 rebounds and Jerry Williams' 16 points.

(Former FAMU) Coach Mike Gillespie was proud of his team as he earned his first win in the professional ranks. "The guys played hard tonight and the key was that we hit our shots. That's what makes the difference."

Next up for the JAM is a home game against the Arkansas Impact on Friday Jan 11 at the UNF Arena.

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-Jax Jam press release

FCS (1-AA) shows argument for football playoffs isn't all academic

Either Ohio State or Louisiana State will claim the Bowl Championship Series title tonight, a designation drenched in ambiguity no matter who wins. For years, division I-A football officials have opposed the kind of playoff format that would avoid such murkiness, using final exams as part of the reason for favoring the current bowl structure. Players shouldn't have to balance football and academics when both become most demanding, the argument goes.

And yet, division I-AA players do it every season. Kenneth Peacock, the chancellor at three-time defending I-AA champion Appalachian State, meets annually with the presidents from his league, the Southern Conference. The topic of football distracting from academics -- or vice versa -- has never been brought up. "It's never been an issue," he said.

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