ALCORN STATE, MS – When the new head football coaches at Alcorn State and Grambling State face each other in September, it won't just be the mentor, Doug Williams, going against the pupil, Melvin Spears, it will be first cousins dueling for bragging rights as well!
ASU coach Spears' mother name is Edith. GSU coach Williams's mother's name is Laura. And they are sisters!
Coach Spears is looking forward to facing 'Big Red', the name that coach Marino Casem called Grambling back when Spears was playing at Alcorn State, and is hoping that it will be again be on the Labor Day weekend in Shreveport.
“We are still negotiating to get the game played on the date that it once was:” states Spears. “The Brave Nation wants it to be as it once was, the Battle of the Bands, the Golden Girls against Orchesis, Eddie Robinson vs. Marino Casem atmosphere, two outstanding football programs, in the outstanding family city of Shreveport and the game's outcome many times deciding the winner of the SWAC title.”
Spears also thinks that Braves quarterback Brandon 'Air Canada' Bridge, will increase attendance should the game return to the Port City: “We will fly on the wings of Air Canada and his supporting staff and Grambling on the backs of outstanding players. Two outstanding players bringing back memories of Steve McNair , Doug Williams, Gary Johnson, Roynell Young, Leslie Frazier, Everson Walls and others.”
Spears of Clinton High and Doug of Cheyneyville have always competed against each other. “Since we were kids we have been competitive, but my mentor, my hero, my cousin is responsible for me going to Alcorn State. When I worked for him at Grambling, I learned a lot of things about having an outstanding passing game and having a stingy defense. So learning so much from coach Casem as a player humbled me, then to work with my cousin at Grambling and now to have the chance to compete against him at this level, it's indeed a blessing and a dream come true.”
The Tigers defeated the Braves 38-28 last season in Grambling. In the overall series Grambling holds a 39-17-1 record and won the last three played against the Braves.
