The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (2-0,3-3) secured the win against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions Saturday, October 5th, 38-28 in their Homecoming game at Spinks-Casem Stadium at 2:00 pm.
The Golden Lions came out swinging against the Braves when Quarterback Mekhi Hagens connected with Wide Receiver JaVonnie Gibson, who had 3 receiving touchdowns on the day, twice for two passing touchdowns to put the Lions up 14-0 against the Braves in the first quarter.
The Braves had a slow offensive start in the first half but were able to tie the game at 14 by halftime with a 22-yard passing touchdown by Quarterback Xzavier Vaughn to Wide Receiver Deablo McGee and a 27-yard rushing touchdown by Vaughn, who accounted for 2 rushing touchdowns, 1 passing touchdown and 374 total yards (214 passing, 157 rushing) on the day.
From here on out it was a back-and-forth battle between the Braves and the Lions’ offense. However, Alcorn was able to pull away from the Lions in the second half with three rushing touchdowns and a 21-yard field goal by Kicker Noah Kiani.
The rushing touchdowns came from Tight End Tavarious Griffin, who led the team in receiving yards with 89-yards, Vaughn, and Running Back Jacorian Sewell, who was second on the team in rushing yards with 20 carries for 111-yards. Sewell’s 6-yard rushing touchdown and Kiani’s extra point made the final score 38-28.
The Braves’ defense was led by Linebacker Kayvon Henderson as he led the team with seven total tackles, and Linebacker Steamarion Edwards was right behind him with six. Defensive Back Markel McLaurin, who had three tackles, came up with an interception early in the second quarter to give the Braves momentum.
This victory over the Golden Lions puts the Braves in first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) Western Division and on a three-game winning streak. The Braves next game will be on Saturday, October 12th as they travel to Grambling, Louisiana to compete against Grambling State University (3-2,0-1) at 2:00 pm at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
(Photo credit: Cedric Tillman)