The Alcorn State University Braves (0-0, 0-2) took on the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs (0-0, 1-1) Saturday, September 6th at 6:00 pm at Louis Crews Stadium looking for its first victory of this young season. But alas, due to a valiant effort, the Braves came up short.
The Bulldogs got on the board first at the 12:21 mark when Wide Receiver Jordan Chambers-Smith caught a 19-yard pass from Quarterback Cornelious Brown and with a successful extra point from Kicker Victor Barbosa the Bulldogs were up in the first quarter 7-0. Alcorn, not to be outdone, scored at the 9:40 mark when Running Back Reggie Davis scored on a 2-yard run and with a Grandin Wilcox extra point the score was now tied at 7. The game became a seesaw effect as A&M scored at the 6:52 mark making the score 14-7, A&M. The Braves’ retort to that was an 80-yard scamper to the endzone at the 6:12 mark from Running Back Jacorian Sewell and with a successful PAT (Point After Touchdown) from Wilcox the score was tied at 14. Alabama ended the first quarter with 7-yard run from Brown at the 2:43 mark making the score 21-14, Bulldogs.
The second quarter saw both teams settle into their respective game plans. A&M scored at the 8:22 mark when Brown scored on an 8-yard run and with Barbosa’s extra point the score was now 28-14, Bulldogs. The Braves, still with a lot of fight remaining within them, scored right before the half at the 1:09 mark when Wilcox nailed a 40-yard filed goal right between the uprights making the score 28-17, Bulldogs.
Coming out of the half and into the third quarter the Bulldogs remained with the hot hand as Tight End Travaunta Abner caught a 1-yard pass from Brown and with Barbosa’s extra point the score was now 35-17, A&M. Alcorn, looking to ignite a spark, scored at the 7:49 mark when Davis scored on a 20-yard run and with Wilcox’s successful extra point the score was now 35-24, A&M.
The Braves knew that it was do or die time in the fourth quarter and responded as such when Wide Receiver Jarvis Rush caught an 18-yard pass from Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert and with Wilcox’s extra point made the score 35-31, Bulldogs. The Bulldogs capped off the night with 19 seconds remaining in the game when Running Back Maurice Edwards scored on a 1-yard run making the final score 41-31, Bulldogs.
Alcorn’s statistical leaders had Tolbert with 23 completions for 168 yards and 1 touchdown, Running Back Jacorian Sewell averaged 9.6- yards per carry with 115-yards rushing and 1 touchdown, Rush had 7 receptions for 53-yards and 1 touchdown while defensively Stemarion Edwards lead the team with 10 tackles.
Alcorn’s next game will be Saturday, September 13th at 5:00 pm in Davis Wade Stadium against Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouse Mississippi State University Bulldogs (0-0, 2-0).
(Photo Credit: Jo’Wani Jones)
