The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (0-0, 1-2) defeated Edward Waters University (EWU) Tigers (1-0, 1-2) in their 2024 home opener Saturday, September 14th at Spinks-Casem Stadium, 38-7.
This win comes after the Braves fell to the UAB Blazers and the Vanderbilt Commodores to begin their season.
ASU had an all-around dominant day on the field despite a slow start in the first half. The Braves got on the scoreboard first with a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter by Kicker Noah Kiani, who was perfect on the day with all five extra-point attempts.
Alcorn then went on to score at the end of the second quarter after Quarterback Xzavier Vaughn, who accounted for 3 rushing touchdowns and 228 total yards (184 passing, 44 rushing) on the day, recorded his first rushing score with a 1-yard rush at the 2:18 mark which extended Alcorn’s lead to 10-0 after the first half.
The Braves’ offense turned things up a notch in the second half after Vaughn scored another rushing touchdown at the beginning of the third quarter. He would also go on to hit key receivers Ty Warren, who had 2 catches for 52-yards, and Tevarrius Adams, who had 3 catches for 62-yards.
The running game was on total display for ASU and played a huge part in their win. The Braves had a total of 201 rushing yards on the day. Taylor Macon rushed for 24-yards with a rushing touchdown and Kevin May rushed for 34-yards on four carries along with Vaughn’s dominant rushing performance.
The Braves’ defense held the Tigers to 53 rushing yards and 101 total yards. They forced a pair of turnovers with an interception by Defensive back Bakari McCall, and multiple fumble recoveries. Linebacker Stemarion Edwards led the defense in tackles with a total of five and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Edward Waters didn’t score until late in the game with a rushing touchdown from Running Back Kentrelle Williams. This win for the Braves should give them the momentum that they need going into their next game against McNesse State University (1-0, 2-2) in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Saturday, September 21st, at 7:00 pm.
(Photo Cred: alcornsports.com)
