The Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Bulldogs (6-5, 3-3) came into Spinks-Casem Stadium Saturday, November 16th at 2:00 pm looking to stop the Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (7-3, 5-1) from clinching their sixth consecutive Eastern Division title and let’s just say things didn’t work out the way they would have liked.
The first quarter saw the Braves get on the scoreboard first at the 12:52 mark when Quarterback Felix Harper hit Wide Receiver LeCharles Pringle with a 37 yard touchdown pass and with Kicker Corey McCullough’s extra point the score was 7-0, Braves. The Bulldogs answered back at the 2:53 mark when Running Back Jordan Bentley scampered in on a 5 yard touchdown run and with Kicker Spencer Corey’s point after attempt (PAT) the score was tied at 7.
The second quarter saw a lot of defense between the two teams until ASU’s Running Back Niko Duffey scored at the 3:29 mark on a 1 yard run and with a McCullough extra point the score was 14-7, Braves. Being the offensive minded team that they are, AAMU scored at the 1:08 mark when Bentley scored on a 22 yard run and with Corey’s extra point attempt the score was now tied at 14. Alcorn gave the Bulldogs something to think about when they scored with 10 seconds remaining until the half when Harper connected yet again with Pringle on a 19 yard touchdown pass and with McCullough’s PAT the score was 21-14, Braves.
AAMU opened the third quarter showing the Braves that they meant business when they scored at the 11:20 mark when Bentley scored yet again on a 9 yard touchdown run and with Corey’s PAT the score was now tied at 21. ASU, not to be outdone, scored at the 9:27 mark when Harper connected on a 42 yard pass to Wide Receiver Raidarious Anderson but the extra point attempt by McCullough was no good making the score 27-21, Braves.
The fourth quarter was indeed a nail biter. The Bulldogs took the lead at the 14:46 mark when Bentley scored on a 42 yard run and with a successful extra point attempt by Corey the score was now 28-27, Bulldogs. The Braves stayed poised under pressure and scored at the 11:44 mark when Pringle caught a 44 yard pass from Harper and with a successful PAT by McCullough the final score was 34-28, Braves. With the win, ASU clinched its sixth consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Eastern Division title.
Offensively, Braves’ Quarterback Felix Harper completed 18 passes for 288 yards with 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Running Back Niko Duffy rushed for 100 yard with 1 touchdown and Wide Receiver LaCharles Pringle had 113 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. Defensive Backs Juwan Taylor and Qwynnterio Cole had 10 solo tackles each to lead the defense.
The Braves’ next opponent will be the Jackson State University (JSU) Tigers (4-7, 3-3). The game, which will be broadcast on ESPN 3 and WPRL 91.7 FM, will be Saturday, November 23rd at 2:00 pm at Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.