The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (1-0, 2-3) defeated the Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Delta Devils (0-1, 0-5) 42-21 in their first Conference game of the 2024 season.
Alcorn opened the scoring up first with a 47-yard field goal by Kicker Noah Kiani, who was perfect on the day, converting two field goals and three extra point attempts.
The Braves would go on to score 24 points in the first half beginning with an 11-yard pass by Quarterback Xzavier Vaughn to Wide Receiver Damien Jones, then a major 55-yard rushing touchdown by Running Back Jacorien Sewell, who led the team in rushing yards with 12 carries for 164 yards, and lastly a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Vaughn coming at the 8:53 mark.
Despite the Braves’ defense giving up two rushing touchdowns in the first half, they still had some bright moments such as Defensive Backs Edwin Summerour having three interceptions on the day, and Andrew Smith having one in the first half.
The Braves’ defense held Valley to just one touchdown in the second half, which was a 10-yard passing touchdown by Quarterback Ty’Jarian Williams to Wide Receiver Cameron Nelson.
The Braves’ offense kept things rolling through the second half with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Tight End Tavarious Griffin and a 16-yard passing touchdown by Quarterback Tre Lawrence to Wide Receiver Deablo McGee, who led the team in receiving yards with 4 catches for 60 yards. This passing touchdown was Lawerence’s first passing touchdown of the season, which sealed the 42-21 victory for the Braves.
The Braves capitalized off of Mississippi Valley’s offensive and defensive mistakes which all played a huge part in the win. This will be needed in their next game as they return home on Saturday, October 5th to Spinks-Casem Stadium to face off against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (0-0,1-3) at 2:00 pm for their Homecoming game.