The Alcorn State University Braves (0-1, 0-0) entered Spinks-Casem Stadium on September 3rd at 6:00 pm to take on the Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Lumberjacks (1-1, 0-0) to avenge their 6-5 record from 2021. The Braves would have a slight delay in their revenge due to continuous lightning delays which would push the game back until 9:22 pm.
Once started Alcorn came out of the gate in the first quarter and landed the first blow when Wide receiver Juan Anthony caught an 18-yard pass from Quarterback Aaron Allen at the 10:35 mark and with Kicker Noah Kiani’s extra point the score was 7-0, Braves. The Lumberjacks answered at the 2:32 mark when Kicker Chris Campos hit a 47-yard field goal making the score 7-3, Braves.
The second quarter opened with SFA scoring first at the 9:54 mark when Wide Receiver Josh Thompson caught a 7-yard pass from Quarterback Trae Self and with a Campos extra point the score was now 10-7, Lumberjacks. The Braves, not to rest on their laurels, scored on their next three possessions with 2 touchdowns and a field goal making the score at halftime 24-10, Braves.
The third quarter was all SFA as the Lumberjacks scored at the 5:15 mark when Wide Receiver Lawton Rikel caught a 33-yard pass from Self and with a Campos extra point the score was now 24-17, Braves. Stephen F. Austin was not done as they scored yet again at the 3:48 mark when Running back Jerrell Wimbley scored on a 20-yard scamper to the end zone and with a Campos PAT (point after attempt) the score was now tied at 24.
The fourth quarter was eventful as the Braves tacked on a field goal at the 7:34 mark when Kiani hit a 23-yarder making the score 27-24, Braves. Unfortunately, the Lumberjacks drove down the field and at the 2:22 mark Wide receiver Moe Wedman caught an 11-yard pass from Self and with a Campos extra point the final score was 31-27, Lumberjacks.
Offensively for the Braves, Allen was 12 for 26 with 159 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Jarveon Howard lead a rushers with 194 yards rushing on 21 attempts while Malik Rogers had 51 yards on 2 receptions and 1 touchdown. Terreance Ellis lead all Alcorn defensive players with 18 total tackles.
The Braves’ next game will be Saturday, September 10th at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana at 6:00 pm against non conference opponent Tulane University (1-0, 0-0).
