Compiled by Donald Hunt
For The Birmingham Times
After getting off to a slow start, Alabama State University put it all together picking up its first win of the season with a 41-21 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a Southwestern Athletic Conference contest last Saturday. The Hornets (1-4 overall, 1-3 SWAC) received some great individual contributions on both sides of the ball.
Alabama State senior running back Khalid Thomas had a season-high 143 yards on 22 carries while scoring two touchdowns. Thomas provided the Hornets with a terrific ground attack.
On defense, Alabama State was led by linebacker Darron Johnson who had eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for a loss. Johnson’s performance was good enough to earn him SWAC Newcomer of the Week honors.
After a great win, Alabama State will go on the road to face Prairie View (3-2 overall, 3-1 SWAC) on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Prairie View, Texas at 2 p.m.
Texas Southern edged Alabama A&M, 34-31, in an exciting SWAC matchup last Saturday. The Bulldogs freshman running back Jordan Bentley had a sensational effort scoring four touchdowns. Bentley had 20 rushing attempts for 114 yards.
Alabama A&M quarterback De’Angelo Ballard had a great day throwing the football. Ballard connected on 21-of-37 passes for 309 yards and one touchdown.
Bentley and Ballard have formed a great combination for the Bulldogs. Both players have set the tome offensively for the team with their running and passing ability. Alabama A&M will host Alcorn State (1-3 overall, 1-2 SWAC) on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
SIAC
In the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Tuskegee (5-0) continues to soar in the national rankings. The Golden Tigers are coming off an impressive victory over No. 21st ranked UNC-Pembroke, 21-16, last Saturday. As a result, Tuskegee has leaped to No.10 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll for Division II teams.
The recognition has been pouring in for the Golden Tigers. Tuskegee quarterback Kevin Lacey has been included on the Black College Football Hall of Fame Player of the Year Watch List. Lacey has completed 62-of-101 passes for 1,036 yards with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. In addition, Osband Thompson has been named the SIAC Defensive Player of the Week. Thompson had 13 tackles in the triumph over UNC-Pembroke.
Tuskegee will travel to Columbia, Ga., to face Morehouse (2-3 overall, 1-2 SIAC) in the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic. The kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
Albany State defeated Miles College, 35-33, in a close contest last Saturday. Miles College quarterback David Whipple was a huge standout for the Golden Bears. Whipple completed 29-of-41 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Whipple also rushed for one score.
Miles College (2-2 overall, 1-0 SIAC) will host Central State (0-5 overall, 0-3 SIAC) on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m.
