The Alcorn State University Braves (5-3, 4-1) marched into A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday, October 30th at 7:00 pm riding a five game win streak against the Southern University Jaguars (4-4), 3-2) who were looking to rebound from a disappointing Homecoming performance.
The Jags leapt out early in the first quarter at the 6:54 mark when running back Jerodd Sims scored on a 1-yard run into the end zone and with kicker Luke Jackson’s extra point the score was 7-0, Jaguars.
Alcorn responded in the second quarter at the 12:03 mark when wide receiver Tavarious Griffin caught a 27-yard pass from quarterback Felix Harper and with kicker Noah Kiani’s Point After Attempt (PAT) the score was now tied at 7. The Jags didn’t rest on their laurels and scored at the 2:35 mark when Jerodd Sims scored yet again, this time on a 3-yard run to pay dirt and with Jackson’s kick the score was now 14-7, Jags. The Braves scored right before halftime with 1 second remaining on the clock when wide receiver LeCharles Pringle scored on a 20-yard pass from Harper and with a successful PAT from Kiani the score was now tied at 14.
The third quarter saw the Jags take the lead at the 8:36 mark when quarterback LaDarius Skelton bulldozed his way in for a score with a 1-yard carry and with Jackson’s extra point the score was now 21-14, Jags. The Braves responded at the 4:53 mark when wide receiver CJ Bolar scored on a 39-yard pass from Harper and with Kiani’s PAT the score was now tied at 21.
The fourth quarter saw both teams score ‘tit for tat’ and tie the game at 35 but with 1 second remaining in the game Jackson kicked a 47-yard field goal to seal the victory for the Jags, 38-35.
Statistical leaders for the Braves were Harper who threw for 206 yards and four touchdowns while Duffy had 19 carries for 128 yards and a score while Bolar had 2 receptions for 53 yards. Defensively, linebacker Claudin Cherelus lead all tackles with 14 (10 solo, 4 assists).
The Braves’ next contest will be on Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 am at Daytona Stadium in Dayton Beach, Florida against the winless Bethune Cookman University Wildcats (0-8, 0-5).
