On September 4, 2016 the Alcorn State University Braves (0-0, 0-0) challenged the Bethune Cookman Wildcats (0-0, 0-0) at the 2016 MEAC/SWAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference/Southwestern Athletic Conference) Challenge in Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Challenge is the beginning of both conference’s playing schedule and it gives the MEAC/SWAC fans a taste of what to expect throughout the playing season but sadly to everyone’s disappoint this was not to be the case.
The first quarter saw both teams struggle offensively as each one was attempting to feel out the other. Both defenses played stellar football as three and out seemed to be the pattern of the first quarter.
After settling down in the second quarter the Wildcats got on the scoreboard first at the 12:50 mark when quarterback Larry Brihm Jr. completed a 28 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jontavious Carter and with a successful extra point attempt by kicker Uriel Hernandez the score was 7-0. But not to be outdone the Braves found life at the 8:51 mark when quarterback Lenorris Footman threw a 36 yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Jaborian McKenzie and with kicker Cory McCullough’s extra point the score was now tied 7-7. On the Wildcat’s next possession Braves’ cornerback Nicholas Brown forced a fumble to give the Braves excellent field position in Wildcat territory. One play later at the 8:25 mark Footman connected on an 18 yard touchdown pass with De’Lance Turner but the extra point by McCullough was blocked making the score 13-7 Braves.
At the 7:14 mark in the second quarter play was halted by officials due to weather concerns for both players and spectators. After a three hour game delay officials decided to call the game and rule it a ‘no contest’. The game according to both universities will not be made up.
The Braves’ next game will be played on September 10, 2016 against SWAC rival Alabama State University in Lorman, Mississippi at Spinks-Casem Stadium at 6:00 pm. The game will also be online at ESPN3.com.