By Donald Hunt
For The Birmingham Times
Tuskegee University’s football team continues to play at a high level. The Golden Tigers (4-0) are coming off a very impressive 38-7 victory over Lane College last Saturday. Tuskegee quarterback Kevin Lacey put together a splendid performance against Lane College.
Lacey completed 16 of 24 passes for 218 yards and two touchdown passes. The 6-foot-6, 175-pound senior, had six carries for 61 yards including one TD on the ground. Lacey was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
In addition to Lacey, the Golden Tigers kickoff returner Ladarell Pettway received the SIAC Special teams Player of the Week. Pettway had a 64-yard punt return for a touchdown in the win over Lane College.
Tuskegee has climbed the ladder in the national rankings. The Golden Tigers are now ranked No. 11 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll for Division II teams.
Tuskegee will host No. 21 ranked UNC Pembroke on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. in a contest that features two of the best Division II teams in the nation.
In other SIAC action, Miles College got back on the winning track with a 31-7 victory over Morehouse College. The Golden Bears had a solid effort from running back Jamarcus Nance who had 96 yards on 11 rushing attempts. But Miles received some big plays in this contest from defensive backs Caleb Duncan and Cedric Poole. Duncan had a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown. Poole returned an interception 59 yards for a score. Miles College wide receiver Devin Brown had 80-yard punt return for a TD.
Miles (2-1 overall, 2-0 SIAC) will visit Albany State (1-3 overall, 0-1 SIAC) on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.
SWAC
In the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Alabama State is still looking for its first win. The Hornets (0-4 overall, 0-3 SWAC) dropped a 31-27 decision to Texas Southern last Saturday. Despite the loss, Alabama State received a brilliant performance from quarterback Quinterris Toppings who completed 21-of-31 passes for 323 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Hornets’ wide receiver Willis White had a tremendous game with eight receptions for 132 yards.
Alabama State will look to turn things around against visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-3 overall, 1-1 SWAC) on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
Alabama A&M lost to Southern University, 59-31, in a high scoring affair. The Bulldogs have the ability to score with quarterback De’Angelo Ballard, running back Jordan Bentley and tight end Jonathan Dorsey. However, the Bulldogs may need on the defensive side going forward. Look for linebacker Kenneth Davis to provide some consistent play with his tackling ability. Davis had 11 total tackles against Southern.
Alabama A&M will travel to Houston to face Texas Southern (2-2 overall, 2-1 SWAC) on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
