The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves (6-2, 4-0), leaders of the Eastern Division met the Southern University (SU) Jaguars (4-4, 3-1), leaders of the Western Division, at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium on Saturday, October 26th at 2:00 pm to decide the true leader of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
It was an historic day on “The Yard” as fans gathered from everywhere to witness the retirement of Steve “Air II” McNair’s #9 jersey. The two SWAC leaders gave the fans a show that they’d never forget, well at least in the first half upon which the Jaguars dominated.
There was no scoring during the first quarter as both teams held up a strong defensive front.
Alcorn got on the scoreboard first in the second quarter when Kicker Corey McCullough booted a 37 yard field goal straight through the uprights at the 14:07 mark to make the score 3-0, Braves. Southern responded with their first offensive score of the day when Quarterback Glendon “Bubba” McDaniel scored on a 2 yard scamper into the end zone at the 4:03 mark but due to a botched extra point attempt the score was 6-3, Jaguars.
After some readjustments at the half, the Braves came out in the third quarter looking like world beaters. Alcorn’s Quarterback Felix Harper scored on a 1 yard run at the 12:48 mark and with a McCullough extra point attempt the score was 10-6, Braves. Seven minutes and 19 seconds later ASU scored again when Running Back De’Shawn Waller scored on a 4 yard pass from Harper and with a successful PAT (point after attempt) by McCullough the score was now 17-6, Braves.
Alcorn knew that winning this contest probably meant hosting the SWAC Championship game in December so they played with a chip on their shoulder. McCullough kicked a 31 yard field goal at the 11:20 mark to make the score 20-6, Braves. ASU continued to pour it on when Wide Receiver LaCharles Pringle caught an 11 yard pass from Harper at the 5:53 mark and with yet another successful point after attempt from McCullough the score was now 27-6, Braves. Southern was able to score at the 3:29 mark when Wide Receiver Hunter Register caught a 12 yard pass from Quarterback Ladarius Skelton and with a PAT from Kicker Martell Fontenot the final score of the game was 27-13, Braves.
Alcorn’s Quarterback, Felix Harper, went 19-of-26, for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Wide Receiver Chris Blair led in receiving yards with 108. Running Back De’ShawnWaller rushed for a game-high 81 yards. Defensively, Line Backer Solomon Muhammad led the team in tackles with 8. Defensive Lineman Malik Holbert added 3 sacks while Line Backer MiKail Webb and Defensive Back Qwynnterrio Cole each had an interception.
The Braves have a bye week next weekend, but will be back in action as they travel to Grambling, Louisiana to take on the Grambling State University (GSU) Tigers (3-4, 1-2) on November 9th, at 2:00 pm in Eddie Robinson Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN 3.