On Saturday, November 2nd, the Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (4-5,3-2) took on the Alabama State University (ASU) Hornets (5-3,4-1) in the Port City Classic which ended in a 21-17 loss for the Braves.
Neither team managed to score in the first quarter. However, the Hornets found themselves on the board first with a 90-yard interception by Safety Keane Lewis. The Braves were able to tie the game at halftime at 7 with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Tight End Tavarious Griffin, who led the Braves in receiving yards with 60 on 6 catches.
The Braves then managed to get the lead with a 23-yard field goal by Kicker Noah Kiani. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle between the two opponents. The Hornets closed out the third quarter with a 43-yard passing touchdown by Quarterback Kareem Keye to Wide Receiver Eric Horn making the score 14-10.
The Braves took the lead back once again early in the fourth quarter with a 17-yard rushing touchdown by Running Back/Wide Receiver Anthony Williams, who led the Braves in rushing yards with 66 on 7 carries. This wouldn’t be enough for the Braves as the Hornets secured the 21-17 victory with a 19-yard rushing touchdown by Running Back Marcus Harris II at the 7:53 mark.
Despite the loss, the defensive effort was there from 2025 HBCU Legacy Bowl selects, Linebacker Stemarion Edwards and Defensive Lineman Malachi Bailey. Edwards led the defense with 10 tackles and Bailey had five tackles with a fumble recovery. Defensive Back Geoffrey McKelton had six tackles to round out the group.
The Braves return home to the Reservation against the Texas Southern University (TSU) Tigers (3-5,2-3) Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 pm in hopes of turning the season around.
(Photo credit: Cedric Tillman)
