ALCORN STATE, MS --It was definitely not Homecoming or Soul Bowl but the atmosphere on the yard definitely resonated the competitive nature and electric energy signifying an invader was intruding our territory as the “Battle on 61” turned into an instant classic with the Braves defeating the Jaguars 20-17 in a duel at Spinks-Casem Stadium.
Jag Nation as their fans are affectionately called came out in droves with intensions of dominating our home and we welcomed them and their gigantic egos to 1000 ASU Drive, where faith, family and football reign supreme yielding only to academic endeavors! It was the perfect day for tailgating and football with the sun shining bright, crisp northern winds cutting the air and the Sounds of Dynamite rocking the crowd with “Cherokee” the school fight song. Today was any football lovers' dream; energetic crowd, perfect rivalry, big plays and a dog fight to the finish.
Before the Braves took the field; the Alcorn family had the privilege of recognizing and honoring one of our own for his undying love for Alcorn and Braves athletics, Mr. Jerry Brooks. For nearly twenty years Brooks has covered Alcorn sports both at home and on the road; paving the way for larger markets to be exposed to the pride and tradition of Alcorn State. He is a native of nearby Fayette, MS and a 1988 graduate of Jefferson County High School. He received a Mass Communications degree from Alcorn State in 1993. Upon graduation, Brooks had a stellar career in photojournalism. Due to medical issues Brooks has officially hung up his photojournalist hat; whereas he opted for an early retirement from WJTV in August of 2012. He was presented with an autographed framed #9 jersey from Assistant Head Coach
Fred McNair, autographed team football from Head Coach
Jay Hopson and an appreciation plaque from the department of athletics. It was an emotional beginning setting the tone for an emotional ending for the Braves.
The “Primetime Braves” as they were dubbed during postgame; having only won two games this season with both being night features on national television, SWAC TV and ESPNU are proving that they aren't afraid to show up and show out under the bright lights. The irony in the matter is both schools defeated by the Braves hail from neighboring Louisiana with a proven track record of winning championships. Yet, the Braves were victorious in both contests. The last time the Braves beat both Grambling State and Southern University in the same year was 2006 and the last time the Braves beat Southern was in 2010 at home with a score of 27-20. As I think back, that game actually mirrored this game with big plays coming down the pipeline with mere seconds on the clock 'til the end of regulation.
In front of a packed house, the “Battle on 61” saw rookie quarterback
John Gibbs taking snaps under center with his first start in conference play. As the battle commenced, both defensive units held their own resulting in a scoreless first quarter. However, what the Jaguars weren't expecting was the Braves innate ability to pick four…..quarterbacks that is. With 13:14 on the clock, in the second quarter freshmen quarterback
Jordan Payne found the end zone to put the Braves up 7-0. In the third quarter of action for the Braves,
John Gibbs connects with
Joe Price on a 38 yard touchdown pass to extend the lead 14-0 with 4:16 remaining in the quarter. However, it was evident that it wouldn't be long before the Jags joined the party. One play and 75 yards later with only eleven seconds lapsed off the clock the Jaguars finally got on the board; however the PAT was no good rendering a score of 14-6. As Jag Nation erupted creating a football frenzy and igniting their team the Braves could only look on as the Jaguars returned a 50 yard punt ending the quarter knotted up 14-14. On a natural high coming out of an impressive quarter of play the Jaguars looked to score again, this time getting on the board by way of a field goal increasing the lead to 17-14. With emotions running rampant and the fear of dropping their fifth in a row the Braves fought back play-by-play as the clock continued to tick. As the heartbeat of any quarterback, the offensive line, got in sync
Jordan Payne took advantage of the perfect protection and walked into the end zone bursting the hearts of a stunned Jaguar team; letting them know that their two game winning streak stopped at Dwight Fisher Field. That touchdown catapulted the Braves to a 20-17 victory with bragging rights for the next year as to who runs Hwy 61….being defeated by the Braves this weekend in soccer and cross country as well!
“I want to win every game, I am proud of these guys and as a coach you want to see these kids battle adversity and come out triumphant,” said head coach
Jay Hopson.
The Braves are back in action next weekend as they travel to Huntsville, AL to take on the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M University. Kick-off is slated for 1:00 p.m.
For more on Braves athletics please visit our website
www.alcornsports.com and our social media outlets @AlcornStBraves on Twitter and Alcorn State University Athletics on Facebook.
