Alcorn State University Braves (ASU) (0-1, 0-4) football put together a strong showing in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play at the 36th Southern Heritage Classic on Saturday, September 27th at 6:00 pm in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, totaling 479 yards of offense in a tight 24-20 loss against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB) Golden Lions (1-0, 2-2).
The Braves were led by Running Back Jacorian Sewell, who turned in a career performance with 225 rushing yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Sewell’s 33-yard score in the second quarter tied the game at 13, and his five-yard run in the third put Alcorn in front 20-17.
Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert was efficient through the air, finishing 15-of-27 for 207 yards and one touchdown. His scoring pass came on a 24-yard strike to Wide Receiver Jamar Kaho in the opening quarter. Kaho finished the night with three receptions for 79 yards, while Kareem Burke led all Alcorn receivers with six catches for 102 yards.
The Braves’ defense held UAPB scoreless in the third quarter and came up with timely stops to keep the game within reach. Alcorn’s front seven applied pressure throughout the night, highlighted by Davion Carter’s fumble recovery that set up a scoring drive. Alcorn had a chance to retake the lead in the final minutes, driving inside the UAPB 20-yard line, but came up just short on its last possession.
The Braves will look to pick up their first win against Western Conference SWAC rival the Prairie View A&M University Tigers (2-0, 3-2) on Saturday, October 4th at 3:00 pm in Spinks-Casem Stadium.
(Photo Credit: Jo’Wani Jones)