Hard work starting to pay off for FAMU's Hall

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Dennis Hall came to FAMU with all sorts of accolades as a receiver in 2008. That year he was the guy that a national television audience saw making all sorts of catches when Pahokee High defeated nationally ranked Byrnes High School on ESPN.

 

His recruiting stock soared and Illinois had the lead to sign him. It was too cold and he settled on FAMU, where he had to compete against the likes of Kevin Elliott and Brian Tyms.

 

Hall’s star faded right away and be began to languish, often becoming the brunt of locker-room jokes. He even lost his scholarship, but he got half of it back and was relegated to the practice squad.

Head coach Earl Holmes threatened to take it back this past spring, then the lights came on. Hall didn’t like what he saw.

 

“My classmates were surpassing me and I got tired of my mom coming up here and not seeing me play,” said Hall, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds. “Those things motivated me to go back to my ways that I had in high school when I was always a hard worker.”

 

CONTINUE READING 

SC State takes on new MEAC giant Bethune-Cookman

SCSU HEAD COACH BUDDY POUGH

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  — If South Carolina State wants to get back on top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, coach Buddy Pough said it has no choice but to knock off Bethune-Cookman on Saturday.

The Wildcats have won 16 MEAC games in a row, including a 27-14 win over the Bulldogs last season that acted as sort of a passing of the torch from an S.C. State team that won the league title three straight years.

"Bethune is what we used to be. They got to the point where they expect to win any time they play a conference game," Pough said.

S.C. State (5-2, 3-0 MEAC) is in Daytona Beach, Fla., to face the Wildcats (6-1, 3-0), the only other undefeated conference team. The records aren't a fluke. The Wildcats and Bulldogs are first and second in total offense and total defense in the MEAC.

CONTINUE READING

Struggling Livingstone stands in the way of Rams' 7th straight victory

SALISBURY, North Carolina  -- Coach Connell Maynor of Winston-Salem State tried to promote today’s opponent, Livingstone, but it wasn’t easy.

"They are improved,” he said of the Blue Bears, longtime doormats in the CIAA’s Southern Division.

Maybe so, but are they improved enough to stay with the No. 15-ranked team in NCAA Division II? The answer will come today, when the teams meet at 1 p.m. (WTOB 1380) at Alumni Memorial Stadium in Salisbury.

Based on last season’s numbers, the Blue Bears (2-5, 1-4 CIAA) are slightly improved. However, they’re still last in the Southern Division, and they’ve lost three straight to the Rams (6-1, 4-0 CIAA) by scores of 58-0, 63-7 and 58-0. Also, WSSU is 41-5 since 2010; Livingstone is 5-33.

Interim coach Daryl Williams, Livingstone’s offensive coordinator last season, says it will take time for the Blue Bears to be CIAA contenders. He has more than 30 new players this season, and there have been growing pains, he said.

CONTINUE READING

Week 9: HBCU Schedule and ScoreCard

WATCH IN 1080p HIGH DEFINITION, WIDE SCREEN

NC A&T - Halftime 10.19.2013 Breast Cancer Awareness Show
The Blue & Gold Marching Machine salutes the millions of women and men that have been victims of breast cancer, as well as their families, friends, and other loved ones who have maintained their unwavering support. This show's songs present a theme of strength and empowerment in the face of adversity, as well as a commitment to never giving up. Do your part to increase awareness and to stress the importance of early detection. Talk to a loved one, learn the facts, donate to the cause, and be there for support.  Thomas L. Jones, Jr., North Carolina A&T State University Blue & Gold Marching Machine

Saturday, October 26, 2013

OVC
#2 Eastern Illinois at #21 Tennessee State, 5 PM, H

CIAA
Shaw at Johnson C. Smith, 1 PM  H
#15 Winston-Salem State at Livingstone, 1 PM  H
Virginia Union at Bowie State, 1 PM
Virginia State at Lincoln (Pa.), 2 PM   H
Saint Augustine's at Fayetteville State, 2 PM
Elizabeth City State at Chowan, 3 PM  H

SIAC
Miles 38, Lane 26  (Thursday Final)
Stillman 35, Central State (Ohio) 33 (Thursday Final)
#27 Tuskegee at Kentucky State, 1 PM
Concordia -Selma at Fort Valley State, 2 PM  H
Benedict at Morehouse, 2 PM
Albany State at Clark Atlanta, 2 PM  H

MEAC
Old Dominion at Norfolk State, 1 PM
Morgan State at Howard, 1 PM  H
Delaware State at Hampton, 1 PM
North Carolina Central at Savannah State, 2 PM
North Carolina A&T at Florida A&M, 2 PM
South Carolina State at Bethune-Cookman, 4 PM

SWAC
Arkansas Pine Bluff at Mississippi Valley, 3 PM  H  LIVE VIDEO  LIVE AUDIO 
Texas Southern at Grambling State, 3 PM  LIVE AUDIO
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State, 3:30 PM, 72nd State Farm Magic City Classic  TV: ESPN3 (Live)
   ESPNU (Tape Delay: 10:30 PM ET)  LIVE VIDEO  LIVE AUDIO
Jackson State at Prairie View A&M,  5 PM  LIVE AUDIO
Alcorn State at Southern, 6:30 PM  LIVE VIDEO  LIVE AUDIO

OTHER CONFERENCES AND INDEPENDENTS
West Virginia State at Virginia-Wise, 1 PM
Edward Waters at Apprentice School, 1 PM
Bacone at Texas College, 2 PM,  H
Cheyney at #7 Bloomsburg, 2 PM
Fort Hayes State at Lincoln (Mo.), 3:30 PM
Oklahoma Baptist at Langston,  3 PM

(H) Homecoming
ALL GAMES TIMES ARE STATED IN THE EASTERN TIME ZONE

LINKS TO GAMES RADIO BROADCASTS (CLICK SOUND WAVE)

Miles vs. CSU

Johnson C. Smith vs. Shaw

Cheyney vs. #7 Bloomsburg

Albany State vs. CAU

Fort Valley vs. Concordia-Selma

Virginia State vs. Lincoln (Pa.)

Lincoln (Pa.) vs. VSU

Chowan vs. ECSU

Lincoln (Mo.) vs. Fort Hays

WATCH ALL VIDEOS IN 1080p HIGH DEFINITION, WIDE SCREEN

Will to Win, TSU Tigers Sweep Gamecocks 3-0

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE ATHLETICS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  –  After a straight sets win over Tennessee Tech on Tuesday, the Tigers continued to roll in an impressive performance over Jacksonville State.
 

Offensively the Tigers were paced by a double-double performance from junior Naomi Wells (15 kills and 13 digs). Wells hit .324 from the floor committing just four attack errors. Freshman Arijana Anderson posted 10 kills to finish as the second Tiger with double-digit kills.
 

Senior Erika Moss was the catalyst of the offense passing out a game high 37 assists to go along with 13 digs for a double-double performance.
 

On the defensive side of the action, Tennessee State had four players reach the double-digit plateau in digs. Junior Ileanushka Moldanado lead the way with 20 digs, followed by 19 from Moss, 13 from Wells and 11 from junior Jamie Cooper.
 

On the block the Tigers posted seven team blocks and junior Zoe Sostre finished with a career high four blocks.
 

Much like the first match-up between the two OVC foes the game began with both clubs trading points. A 9-4 run propelled Tennessee State (9-12, 5-5) from being knotted at 7-7 to having a 16-11 lead. The run gave TSU a five point advantage after a Moldanado ace, which forced Jacksonville State (11-13, 4-5) to call timeout.
 

Out of the timeout, Tennessee State continued to roll and connected on four of the next six points; including two kills from Sherryce Butler. With TSU leading 20-13 the Gamecocks used a 7-2 run to close within two, 22-20. Three consecutive points from the Tigers closed out the set; including a set winning ace from Erika Moss.
 

In the frame Tennessee State hit .308 from the field and both Wells and Butler recorded four kills apiece. Wells posted a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage converting on all of her attack attempts.
 

Tennessee State got out to a slow start in the second set and fell behind, 5-0. A well-used timeout by coach Kathy Roulhac ignited a fire behind the home team. Out of the stoppage in play, TSU took a 9-6 lead with the help of 9-1 run. In the stretch Butler picked up three points for the Tigers with two kills and a block.
 

After the run, the action went back-and-forth between the teams. The Gamecocks got within a single point on four occasions, the last time being 18-17. From there TSU closed on a 7-2 run, with three kills from freshman Arijana Anderson.
 

In the second stanza, Anderson tallied five kills with no errors to pace the attack. Swayzer (4), Wells (3), junior Zoe Sostre (3) and Butler (3) all recorded multiple kills. As a team the Tigers produced 18 kills with senior Erika Moss producing 16 assists.
 

The third set was tight from the onset with five lead changes to get the score 10-9 in favor of the Gamecocks. Tennessee State grabbed the 15-12 lead by way of a 6-2 run which was highlighted by two kills from Sostre.
 

Jacksonville State countered with a 5-2 run of their own to lock the match at 17 all and causing Roulhac to use a timeout. After the timeout TSU used a 3-0 span to regain the lead, 20-17. The Gamecocks responded with three consecutive points of their own, evening the match at 20 apiece.
 

With Jacksonville State leading 22-21 the Tigers used a 4-0 run to close out the set and the match 25-22. Sostre contributed two points in the span with a kill and a block to lead the charge. Wells connected on the match winning point with a cross-court kill.
 

In the final set Sostre finished with five kills, two blocks and a dig.
 

Abbey Heredia paced the Gamecocks offense with 12 assists, she also contributed a team high 14 digs to finish with a double-double.
 

The Tigers will have a week off before returning to action Tuesday when they visit OVC foe Austin Peay, the match is slated to begin at 7 p.m. in Clarksville, Tenn.

    TSU-Jacksonville State Stats

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

.Virginia University of Lynchburg names new football coach

LYNCHBURG, Virginia -- Virginia University of Lynchburg has named a new football coach.

VUL President Ralph Reavis appointed Luther Palmer head coach on Wednesday, Larry Toombs, spokesman for the college, said. Until Wednesday, Palmer was the defensive coordinator for the Dragons, who are 1-1 in conference play following Saturday’s 58-20 victory over Concordia College Alabama.

Contacted Wednesday night for comment on the new position, Palmer said he didn’t “know anything about that.”

Palmer played tight end for Willard Bailey — who has been with the program as head coach since it began in 2011 and on Wednesday was identified on the school’s website as head football coach and athletic director — when Bailey was head football coach at Virginia Union University.

Contacted Wednesday, Bailey said school officials have not notified him of staffing changes.

Three years ago, Bailey said Reavis asked him to restart the school’s athletic program — football specifically.

CONTINUE READING

Road to the Honda: Bethune-Cookman University

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -- Experience the energy and intensity of preparing for the most celebrated marching band event, Honda Battle of the Bands, with Bethune-Cookman University!

The Road to the Honda video series takes a behind-the-scenes look at the 8 bands that participated in the 2013 Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase.

For more information, visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.


WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

B-CU coach sees S.C. State as challenge, says he’ll stay with ‘what’s best for us’ in key MEAC clash

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  -- Facing South Carolina State always seems to bring out the boxer analogies from Brian Jenkins.

The Bethune-Cookman head football coach has likened the matchups during his three seasons at the helm to a “heavyweight” fight. During Tuesday’s Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference teleconference in discussing the latest clash this Saturday at Municipal Stadium, Jenkins sounded like he was ready to don the proverbial “gloves” again.

“It’s going to be a heavyweight fight,” he said. “You’ve got a good South Carolina State team that’s very aggressive on both sides of the ball. (S.C. State head football coach) Buddy Pough has that team playing at a high level. They’re a very attack-style team. I just hope we’ll be able to compete with them.


WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

“They’ve got a star-studded defense that runs around and they’re fast. Offensively, the quarterback (Richard Cue) is playing lights out and a physical, brutal offensive line. Running backs that are just tenacious runners. I just hope we can match up with them and see if we belong on the field with them.”

Bethune-Cookman has managed to buck conventional wisdom in thriving offensively with three starting quarterbacks. The 3 Ws (Jackie Wilson, Quentin Williams and Brodrick Waters) have combined to throw for more than 1,000 yards and six touchdowns and are used interchangeably depending on the flow of the game.

CONTINUE READING

S.C. State's Adams hopes squad is ready for B-CU after extra practice time

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- Whether it’s the “Wyatt-bone” in the past or the present “Speedway Offense” under Brian Jenkins, South Carolina State defensive coordinator Mike Adams has always welcomed the challenge of stopping Bethune-Cookman.

For the latest clash Saturday at Municipal Stadium, he’s looking to capitalize on the extra practice time the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-0) received from the bye week to devise the perfect game plan to slow down the 14th-ranked Wildcats.

“There’s no doubt we put a lot of preparation into the basics of their offense and we tried to expand all the different checks and calls that we can do to offenses like this,” Adams said. “So I’m hoping it’s more than enough time and our guys will be ready.”


WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

From having the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s top rushing offense and utilizing a three-quarterback system to enhance the ground game and take advantage of deep threats like All-Conference wide receiver Eddie Poole, Bethune-Cookman (6-1, 3-0) presents as difficult a matchup for Adams as Coastal Carolina and even Clemson.

CONTINUE READING

SSU faces NCCU for Homecoming

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- Savannah State University's football Homecoming game against North Carolina Central might be the Tigers' most important game this season, according to SSU first-year head coach Earnest Wilson III

SSU (1-7 overall, 0-4 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) will play North Carolina Central University (3-4, 1-2 MEAC) at 2 p.m. Saturday at T.A. Wright Stadium. The game will be radio-broadcast on WHCJ 90.3 FM.

"I'm telling the players that this is all about them," Wilson said. "We estimate 20,000 to 30,000 people coming to town just for Homecoming. We're telling our players this is for them. They're coming to honor you. They're coming to be a part of something.

"And in the end, after all the fun and festivities, the final thing is they want to be able to go back Monday morning to their office and tell about how their hometown team and their university team won. And that's what they're really looking to do. And we've got to honor that and go out there and play for them."

SSU will attempt to snap a five-game losing streak. The Tigers are coming off a 48-21 loss to Bethune-Cookman University last Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla.

NCCU will enter with a two-game losing streak. Last Saturday, Morgan State spoiled the Eagles' Homecoming with a 34-22 victory at O'Kelley-Riddick Stadium in Durham, N.C. NCCU lost, 44-3, to South Carolina State on Oct. 10 in Durham, N.C.

CONTINUE READING 

Former Rickards standout commits to FAMU baseball

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Darton State College baseball coach Scot Hemming isn’t known for dishing out accolades cheaply. So when he described infielder Tay Jerger as a player who will be “a great signing” for FAMU, he wasn’t just saying something good about one of his players.

“When we got Tay, he was pretty rough around the edges,” Hemmings said during a telephone interview. “Over the last year, Tay has cleaned his game up.”

Jerger is expected to be even more polished when he arrives on FAMU’s campus next fall. He told the Democrat that he’s committed to being a Rattler.



Jerger, a former infielder/pitcher at Rickards High School 18 months ago, is just the kind of recruit that Jamey Shouppe said he will add to the FAMU roster when he became the program’s new head coach earlier this year. He has already signed several other former junior college players in his effort to jump start a baseball program that has not had a winning season in three years.

CONTINUE READING

Stillman holds on for a 35-33 win over Central State

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama  – The Stillman Tigers and the Central State Marauders met under the lights of Stillman Stadium for a key SIAC Western Division matchup.  When the horn sounded at the end of the night, the Tigers held off a tough Marauder program 35-33 to get back into the winning swing of things.

While the temperature was starting to fall, the statistics piled up nicely for both teams.  Central State compiled 499 yards of total offense and won the time of possession battle registering over 35 minutes of ball control.  The Marauders gained 318 yards on the ground led by quarterback Michael Wilson's 139 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries.  CSU also got 15 carries for 105 yards from running back Isaiah Grooms and 15 carries for 63 yards from Priestly Shuler.  However, when the play was needed, Stillman's secondary came up with some big stops to either end drives or scoring threats.

Late in the fourth quarter, senior cornerback/linebacker Carlos Wilson had a key breakup which halted a CSU scoring drive.  And with just under a minute left in regulation, junior free safety Cameron Stallings broke up a 2-point attempt which would have tied the contest.

Stillman (5-3, 4-2 SIAC) got on the board first when Torrance Moise found Dondre Purnell for a four-yard pass play in the first quarter.  CSU's Wilson answered quickly, capping a drive with a two-yard plunge.  Stillman running back Jalen Hooks would score on a one-yard inside run briefly giving the Tigers a 14-7 lead before Wilson would score again from three yards out, tying the game at 14-14 after one quarter.

The Marauders would take the lead on a 42 yard field goal from Dustin Bryan prior to freshman Rovonta Johnson scoring from two yards out to make the halftime score 21-17 in favor of the Stillman Tigers.

With University of Alabama standouts D.J. Fluker and Chris Samuels watching from the sidelines, Stillman would continue playing tough football while looking to slow down the Marauder ground game.  Wilson would find Steven Heard for a 19-yard pass play to put the Marauders ahead 24-21 with 6:45 remaining in the third quarter.  Stillman's Johnson would cap a Tiger offensive possession with a four-yard run giving the Tigers a 28-24 lead heading into the fourth period.

In the final frame, CSU would get another field goal, this time from 22 yards out to close the gap to 28-27 with 6:31 remaining in the fourth period.  On the next offensive play, Moise connected with a streaking Reese Sturgis for a 55-yard strike that turned the momentum and the contest in favor of Stillman 35-27.

Central State would not go quietly into the chilled October night as they would march 75 yards on 15 plays, ended by Wilson's third rushing touchdown of the night - this one of six yards.  However, Stallings's pass breakup on the PAT proved to be the game winner.

For Stillman, Moise finished with 201 passing yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-23 attempts.  He also rushed five times for 59 yards.  Sturgis had four receptions for 112 yards while Jovontae Thurmon had ten carries for 55 yards.  Johnson finished with ten carries for 32 yards and two scores.  Dondre Purnell proved again to be a valuable performer, finishing with 114 kickoff return yards on five tries along with four catches for 27 yards.

Defensively, Robert Crosby had 19 tackles (ten solo) while Stallings had 11 tackles and a pass breakup.  Michael Herrod and Peter Dele each had nine tackles in the game.

Stillman now moves on to host Miles College on Saturday, November 2 at 5 p.m. at Stillman
Stadium.  Central State falls to 2-6, 2-4 in SIAC action.

COURTESY STILLMAN COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Preview: Tuskegee at Kentucky State

Tuskegee (6-1, 4-0, SIAC) travels to

Kentucky State (4-3, 2-2), 1 p.m., Frankfort, KY, Alumni Stadium

 

After six games on the road, Tuskegee finally enjoyed the friendly confines of home last week against Stillman College at Cleve L. Abbott Stadium. The location may have been different, but the result was the same as the powerful Golden Tigers claimed an easy 35-7 victory and remained unblemished in conference play.

 

Tuskegee will attempt to keep the positive momentum going Saturday as they travel to play Kentucky State (4-3). Tuskegee, which was picked to claim the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) title at the start of the year, amassed 391 total yards.

 

Senior quarterback Torrance Moise continued his torrid pace completing 29-of-49 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown. He added 68 yards on the ground. Receiver Dondre Purnell caught 11 aerials for 90 yards and Raymond Coats snagged five for 45. Kentucky State was beaten 40-17 by Miles College last week.

CONTINUE READING

Miles College defeats Lane 38-26 on senior night

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- Miles College picked up right where it left off this past Saturday in its 38-26 win against Lane College (Tenn.) Thursday night.

The Golden Bears returned to Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium, the scene of its 40-17 homecoming win against Kentucky State days before and put up another impressive performance in downing another Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe.

Just like they did this past Saturday, the Golden Bears jumped out to a three-touchdown lead, going up 21-0 in the first quarter on a trio of touchdown passes from quarterback David Thomas.

Playing his final home game in Miles' uniform the senior hit wide receiver Darren Fife on a 20-yard strike with four minutes and 44 seconds into the game. He hit tight end Delarius Webb on a 6-yard toss with 6:26 and connected with emerging deep threat Earnest Bell for a 45-yard touchdown pass with 2:39 to play in the first.

"Well, we just want to come out the gates early, come out fast," Miles coach Reginald Ruffin said of his team's quick start. "We tell the guys to strike, make sure we keep our feet on the pedal. We just want our guys to keep getting better. That's what we'e asked our guys to come out and play assignment football, get after it and that's what they did."





CONTINUE READING

TSU Tigers Look to Take Control of OVC Against EIU

WATCH LIVE | LISTEN LIVE | LIVE STATS | GAME NOTES

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  -- On Saturday, the No. 21 ranked Tennessee State football team will take on No. 2 ranked Eastern Illinois in what will be a matchup of one of the nation’s best defenses against the country’s most high-powered offense.

TSU (7-1, 4-0 OVC) and EIU (6-1, 3-0 OVC) are the only undefeated teams in Ohio Valley Conference play and the winner of the Tigers’ homecoming will control its own destiny in the race for a league title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Big Blue enters the pivotal matchup riding a seven-game winning streak and fresh off of a, 29-15, victory at UT Martin last Saturday. In that game, freshman quarterback Ronald Butler filled in for Mike German admirably, completing 11-of-19 passes for 160 yards and one touchdown. Junior Ryan Mitchell was Butler’s favorite target, as the receiver caught five passes for 84 yards and a score.

Mitchell has been TSU’s most prolific wide receiver so far in 2013, securing 21 passes for a team-best 422 yards and five touchdowns. Mitchell’s 20.1 yards per reception is tops in the OVC with receivers with at least 20 catches.

While the offense put up enough points to win last weekend on the road, TSU’s defense stole the show, and only allowed 4.1 yards per play, recorded 12 tackles for loss (five sacks), tallied two takeaways and forced 19 Skyhawk penalties.

The catalyst for the TSU defense this season has been junior Daniel Fitzpatrick. The Fort Wayne, Ind. native was recently unanimously named OVC Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles and returning an interception for a touchdown at Martin. The safety is also tied for the lead in the FCS in picks with five, and four of those have come in his last three games.

The Tigers’ defense is second in the nation in total defense (264 yards per game), first in passing efficiency defense (86.77), second in scoring defense (13 points per contest), second in third down conversion percentage defense (27.8%), and sixth in takeaways (21).

Big Blue will face its biggest test of the year when the Panthers’ high-flying attack comes to LP Field. EIU is first in the FCS in total offense (595.6 yards per game), passing offense (407.6 yards per contest) and scoring (48 points per game).

Preseason OVC Offensive Player of the Year Jimmy Garoppolo has led the Panther assault and is tops in the country in passing yards per game and total offense, averaging 390.7 and 394.9, respectively. His 31 passing touchdowns are seven more than the nation’s second-highest thrower.

The senior’s main weapon has been receiver Erik Lora who is third in the FCS with 928 yards and first in touchdowns 13.

Defensively, the Panthers are paced by Jordan Wickliffe who leads the team with 56 tackles and is first in the OVC with four forced fumbles.

TSU is 7-8 all-time versus EIU, but hasn’t faced the Panthers since 2011 – an, 18-17, Big Blue win.

The Tigers look to even the series and inch ever closer to their first NCAA Tournament since 1999 when they take on EIU at 4 p.m. on Saturday at LP Field.

    Game Notes

 

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama A&M's Reginald Bailey talks Bulldogs' defense prior to Magic City Classic

HOMEWOOD, Alabama--Saturday's 72nd State Farm Magic Classic could get defensive.

Despite being 2-5 (2-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference), Alabama A&M has the league's top-rated defense and is ranked fourth nationally among FCS teams. 

The Hornets have the league's second-rated offense averaging close to 40 points per game and the conference's best run defense. 

CONTINUE READING

Southern Jaguars’ Morgan getting around

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- There’s no shortage of versatile athletes on the Southern football roster. But even with all-conference players such as Lee Doss and Virgil Williams, and blossoming newcomers Lenard Tillery and Willie Quinn, wide receiver Justin Morgan may be the most complete athlete on the team.

Morgan — a sophomore from Pell City, Ala., 30 miles outside of Birmingham — came to The Bluff two years ago as a talented high school quarterback, center fielder and pitcher, where he batted .370 his senior season to go with 26 stolen bases.

“I was recruited as a quarterback, but I came in as an athlete,” Morgan said. “I ended up playing defensive back last season. And then heading into this season, I ended up at receiver; and against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (a 29-21 Southern win Saturday), I played some running back.”

Morgan even to quarterback when the Jaguars attempted a fake field goal.

He was on the receiving end of two Dray Joseph pass attempts. He attempted a pass of his own. He had one rushing attempt.



CONTINUE READING 

Black College Football Hall of Fame Announces 2014 Class

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Black College Football Hall of Fame announced its seven newest members today (Oct. 23rd). The Class of 2014 includes six players and one coach. The inductees were selected from a list of 25 finalists who had been determined earlier by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee is comprised of black college football sports writers, analysts and commentators Roscoe Nance (Chairman), Donald Hunt, Ty Miller, Charlie Neal and Lloyd Vance; former NFL General Managers Ernie Accorsi and Gil Brandt; long-time NFL scouts Charles Bailey and Charles Garcia; director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch; and historian Michael Hurd.

The Class of  2014 includes player inductees Robert Brazile (Jackson State University), Leroy Kelly (Morgan State University), John Stallworth (Alabama A&M University), Michael Strahan (Texas Southern University), Willie Totten (Mississippi Valley State University), Doug Wilkerson (North Carolina Central University), and coach inductee Marino Casem (Alcorn State University).

These men will be honored at the Fifth Annual Enshrinement Ceremony, presented by the Atlanta Falcons on March 1, 2014. The event will take place at the Loews Hotel in Atlanta in conjunction with Black College Football weekend.

“The history of Black College Football is compelling and must be shared,” said Atlanta Falcons Owner & Chairman Arthur Blank. “We are proud to support the Black College Football Hall of Fame, and we congratulate the Class of 2014.”

ROBERT BRAZILE (PLAYER)

Linebacker … Jackson State University (1971-1974) … Inducted into SWAC Hall of Fame (1995) … Inducted into Jackson State Hall of Fame (2003) … Houston Oilers (1975-1984) … 10 seasons … Selected by Oilers in 1st round 6th player overall (1975 NFL Draft) … 1975 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year … Elected to seven Pro Bowls … Named All-Pro six times … Named to 1970s NFL All-Decade Team … Retired  with 1,281 tackles which ranks 2nd All-Time in Oilers/Titans record book … Born February 7, 1953 in Mobile, AL.

LEROY KELLY (PLAYER)

Running Back … Morgan State University (1960-1963) … MSU Bears won the 1962 CIAA Championship with Kelly leading team in rushing, scoring and punting … Cleveland Browns (1964-1973) … 10 seasons … Selected by Browns in 8th round, 110th player overall (1964 NFL Draft) … 1964 NFL Champion with Browns … NFL Rushing Champ in 1967 and 1968 … Led NFL in touchdowns from 1966-1968 … Elected to six Pro Bowls … Named All-Pro five times … Named to 1960s NFL All-Decade Team … Won Burt Bell Award (1968) … Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (1994) … Born    May 20, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA.

JOHN STALLWORTH (PLAYER)

Wide Receiver … Alabama A&M University (1970-1973) … Two-time All-SIAC performer (1972-1973) … Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-1987) … 14 seasons … Selected by Steelers in 4th round, 82nd player overall (1974 NFL Draft) … Played in six AFC Championships and won four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII and XIV) … Elected to three Pro Bowls and was twice the Steelers MVP … Scored a touchdown in eight straight playoff games (NFL record) … NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1984) … Named to Steelers All-Time Team and 50th Season All-Time Team … Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (2002) … Born July 15, 1952 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

MICHAEL STRAHAN (PLAYER)

Defensive End … Texas Southern University (1989-1992) … Two time 1st Team All-SWAC and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year … Black College Defensive Player of the Year (1992) … Holds TSU Record with 41.5 career sacks … New York Giants (1993-2007) … 15 seasons … Selected by Giants in 2nd round, 40th  pick overall (1993 NFL Draft) … Elected to seven Pro Bowls … Named All-Pro six times … NFL record for sacks in a season (22.5) … NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2001) … Super Bowl XLII Champion … Named to 2000s NFL All-Decade Team … Retired with 141.5 career sacks … Named to Giants Ring of Honor … Born November 21, 1971 in Houston, TX.

WILLIE “Satellite” TOTTEN (PLAYER)

Quarterback … Mississippi Valley State University (1982-1985) … First Team All-American in 1984 … Set more than 50 Division I-AA passing records … Team averaged 59 points per game … Threw for a record 58 touchdowns in one year … Division I-AA’s all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711) and single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984) … Twice led the nation in passing efficiency … Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame (2005) … Buffalo Bills (1987) … One season … Played a season in CFL (Toronto Argonauts), and three seasons in Arena Football League (1988-1989, 1991) … Born July 4, 1962 in Leflore County, MS.

DOUG WILKERSON (PLAYER)

Guard … North Carolina Central University (1966-1969) … Three time All-CIAA honoree … Kodak All-American (1969) … #63 retired by North Carolina Central University (1970) … Inducted into North Carolina Central University Hall of Fame (1984) … One of fastest lineman to play the game (9.8sec 100yd dash) … Houston Oilers (1970), San Diego Chargers (1971-1984) … Selected by Oilers in 1st round, 14th pick overall (1970 NFL Draft) … Elected to three Pro Bowls (1981-1983) … Inducted into San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame (2000) … Named to Chargers 40th and 50th Anniversary Teams … Born March 27, 1947 in Fayetteville, NC.

MARINO “The Godfather” CASEM (COACH)

Coach … Alabama State University (1963-1964), Alcorn State University (1964-1985), Southern University (1987, 1988, 1992) … Won seven SWAC Championships at Alcorn State. Four time Black College National Champion (1968, 1969, 1974, 1984) … 1984 team finished as Number One team in all of Division I-AA football, the first ever for a HBCU … Resigned from Alcorn to become Athletic Director at Southern … Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2003) … Career coaching record is 159 wins, against 93 losses with 8 ties … Born June 23, 1934 in Memphis, TN.


COURTESY BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME & THE ATLANTA FALCONS

Alabama State defense tough against run

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- As the Southwestern Athletic Conference's second-leading scoring unit, Alabama State's offense has gotten a lot of press.

The Hornets are averaging 38.3 points per game and have scored 40 or more four times during their current five-game winning streak, heading into the 72nd Annual State Farm Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola Saturday at Birmingham's Legion Field.

Led by the likes of defensive tackles Derrick Billups and Justin Mitchell and linebackers Kourtney Berry and Leland Baker, the Hornets also have the league's top rush defense.

They're giving up only 106 yards per game on the ground, a number good enough to rank them among the top 10 nationally among FCS schools. It's a factor that will likely come into play when they face Alabama A&M running back Ball state transfer Barrington Scott, the SWAC's fourth-leading rusher with 744 yards on 182 carries and two scores through seven games.

CONTINUE READING

NSU Spartan Madness 2013

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

ODU-NSU ticket demand down but may rebound

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- When Old Dominion and Norfolk State last met in football, the demand for tickets was insatiable.

ODU hosted the Spartans in the first round of the FCS playoffs in 2011 and, like a good neighbor, provided NSU with 1,800 tickets - all of which got sold within hours.

ODU's tickets were quickly snapped up by its season-ticket holders.

Hours before the teams kicked off, tickets were on sale online for more than $100.

The hottest ticket in town drew 19,818 fans.



But when the teams meet Saturday for only the second time, it appears the fan appetite will be more subdued - at least on the Monarchs' side.

ODU received 2,000 tickets for the game, including 700 complimentary tickets. ODU sold slightly fewer than 1,000 and returned the rest to NSU late last week.

Tickets haven't flown out of NSU's box office either, but that's not unusual. Athletic director Marty Miller said that even for the school's biggest games, Spartans fans don't tend to buy early.

CONTINUE READING

Saint Augustine’s sweeps CIAA cross country titles

CARY, North Carolina  -- Saint Augustine’s University swept the CIAA men’s and women’s cross country titles for the second consecutive year at WakeMed Soccer Park on Thursday.

The Falcons and Lady Falcons have combined to win over 150 cross country and track and field conference crowns under coach George Williams.

“Our student-athletes and (assistant coach) Sandy Chapman did a great job of bringing home both championships,” Williams said. “Chapman, being a premier cross country coach, made it happen.”

The Falcons, led by Torion Bailey’s first-place finish, scored 47 points to place first in the 12-team men’s 8K run. Virginia Union University was second with 58 points and Virginia State University was third with 80 points.

The Lady Falcons placed four runners in the top six to score 29 points for the easy victory in the women’s 12-team 5K run. Virginia State, led by the first-place finish of Taylor-Ashley Bean, was second with 69 points and Winston-Salem State University was third with 76 points.

CONTINUE READING

SWAC suspends officials for poor clock management in Alabama A&M's loss at Southern

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama  -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference levied one-game suspensions against officials for poor clock management in Alabama A&M's 20-17 double-overtime loss at Southern (La.) Oct. 12th. 

 

Late in the game, referees let the clock run out when Southern was penalized for intentional grounding only to add time back on the clock after finding out the Jaguars still had a timeout remaining. 

 

"This was an unusual end to a game," Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner Duer Sharp said in a release sent out by the conference. "After a thorough review, we have determined the officials fell short of the high standards in which SWAC contests should be officiated.  We will continue to work with our coordinator of officials and game officials to make sure this situation does not occur again." 

 

Southern kicker Matthew Hill connected on a 37-yard field goal to win the game for the Jaguars.

 

CONTINUE READING

It's plain and simple -- just not easy: Alabama A&M has to stop Alabama State's running game

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- A scouting report for the week, with a drawing on the cover and a kaleidoscope of X's and O's tumbling about inside, sits on a stack of other paperwork on the corner of Brawnski Towns' desk in the Alabama A&M football offices.

There is wisdom and insight and many hours of work in the scouting report. There is also great simplicity in it as the Bulldogs (2-5) prepare to face Alabama State (6-1) in the Magic City Classic (Saturday, 2:30 at Legion Field).

Stop. The. Run.

Alabama State averages 272 yards per game on the ground. It's rushed the ball 343 times and thrown just 201 passes. The passing game might be further limited as starting quarterback Daniel Duhart has been dealing with a bad back. The Hornets' Isaiah Crowell, who transferred from Georgia after a star-crossed tenure there, is averaging 116.3 yards per game, with 16 carries a game.

"They line up and they're coming at you," said Towns, the Bulldogs' veteran defensive coordinator who is going into ...

CONTINUE READING 

Gerald Ensley: New book shows FAMU Jake Gaither's role in black equality

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Jake Gaither was not an Uncle Tom.

That’s one of the lessons of the new book, “Breaking the Line,” by Samuel Freedman — who paints a compelling new portrait of the late Florida A&M football coach.

It was Gaither, who arranged the state’s first football game between predominantly black and white college football teams — FAMU vs. University of Tampa in 1969 — which struck one of the most important blows for racial equality in Florida history.



“I think the record should show (Gaither) stepped up and did something hugely important,” Freedman said. “You can argue whether he should have stepped up sooner or more publicly. But when he did it, he did it in an immensely important way.”

Freedman, 58, is a celebrated New York Times columnist and author of four acclaimed books about education and religion. Freedman was in Tallahassee last week to speak at a Florida State University lecture series.

“Breaking the Line” is about two important events in black college football history: the purposeful development by Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson of the first black NFL quarterback, James Harris; and the FAMU-Tampa game.

CONTINUE READING