The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (1-3, 0-1) opened up Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play on Saturday, September 24th at Spinks-Casem Stadium at 6:00 pm against the Prairie View A&M University (PVU) Panthers (2-2, 2-0). Alcorn was looking to exude dominance in the Western Division against the Panthers, but PVU denied that request with authority.
The first quarter was scoreless as both teams looked for an advantage over the other.
The second quarter saw the Braves get on the score board first at the 11:25 mark when Tight End Tavarious Griffin caught a 19-yard pass from Quarterback Aaron Allen and with Kicker Noah Kiani’s extra point the score was 7-0, Braves. Not to be outdone, PVU matched the score when Quarterback Trazon Connley scored on a 6-yard run and with Kicker Carlos Villagomez’s extra point the score was tied at 7. The Braves, putting the Panthers on notice early, scored again with 1 second remaining in the second quarter when Kiani nailed a 30-yard field goal to put the Braves up at the half 10-7.
The third quarter opened with flare as Alcorn’s Kiani smashed a 25-yard field goal at the 10:47 mark making the score 13-7, Braves. The Panthers responded with 29 seconds remaining in the third when Wide Receiver Trejon Spiller caught a 28-yard pass from Connley and with a Villagomez extra point the score was 13-14, Panthers.
The fourth quarter was nothing short of amazing as PVU scored at the 6:50 mark when Running Back Ahmad Antoine scored on a 4-yard run and with a missed extra point by Villagomez the score was now 13-20, Panthers. The Braves, sensing the urgency of the moment, put a 6 play, 76-yard score together when Wide Receiver Malik Rodgers scored on a 49-yard pass from Allen and with Kiani’s extra point the game was now tied at 20. Unfortunately for the Braves, Prairie View’s Kicker, Garcia Rodriguez, hammered a 46-yard field goal right between the uprights to seal the game for Panthers with the final score being 20-23.
Statistical leaders for the Braves saw Allen complete 26 passes for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns, Running Back Jarveon Howard rushed for 41-yards, Rogers had 3 catches for 86-yards and 1 touchdown while defensively Linebacker Terreance Ellis had 16 solo tackles.
The Braves next opponent will be the Alabama State University Hornets (1-2, 0-1) on Saturday, September 30th at 5:00 pm at ASU Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. You can catch the game on WPRL 91.7 FM or wprl.org.
(Photo Credit: Cedric Tillman)