ALCORN STATE, MS - As the flags hung high, the sun shone bright and the burst of soul from the Sounds of Dynamite electrified the air, the Braves prepared to take the field for the first time in front of the home crowd. With the “Purple Out” in full effect thousands of fans graced Spinks-Casem Stadium to cheer on the purple and gold.
The Braves entered today's game undefeated in conference play, looking to build off of the momentum of their first conference win over defending SWAC champs Grambling State in the opening weekend of action. However, the Golden Lions were writing a different story non-reflective of their previous opening against Alabama A&M that concluded in a devastating loss.
The first quarter of action scoring drive resulted in a touchdown for UAPB after quarterback Benjamin Anderson connected with Dezmond Beverly for a 10 yard pass, illuminating the scoreboards with the point after attempt by Strickland perfect through the upright, giving the Golden Lions an early 7-0 lead.
As the clock reflected all 0's at the end of the first quarter, the Braves entered the second quarter with a resilient sense of urgency to protect home field.
Anthony Williams III, running back hailing from Jeanerette, LA, answered Beverly's touchdown with one of his own. Yet, a rush fumble by Ernesto Santillian resulted in a missed point after sending the Braves in at the half down by one with a score of 7-6.
With the second half underway, the Braves came out packing a powerful punch. However, a missed field goal attempt provided the Golden Lions with a window of opportunity to capitalize on their lack of execution. UAPB's John Toney 54 yard run put the Golden Lions up 14-6 with kicker Tyler Strickland closing out the quarter with a field goal sending them into the fourth quarter with a 17-6 lead over the home team.
Deep in the fourth the fans were privy to a sneak-peek at rookie quarterback
John Gibbs, as head coach
Jay Hopson opted to change quarterbacks in hopes of igniting the offense after a long scoring drive by Anderson put the Golden Lions up 24-6. Gibbs rushed for 21 yards and passed for 14 yards before throwing an interception to UAPB's David Watson with 2:27 left on the clock. Five plays and ten yards later the clock struck quadruple 0's; delivering the Braves their first taste of defeat in conference play.
“I didn't come in expecting to be 11-0…I know it's a process and I know where we are, you learn from it and you move on. We have a long road ahead of us as we face a tough team next week” said Hopson. “We still have more technique work to do and we have to get better with our execution” added Hopson.
“We came in the game prepared to win but like coach said, when you don't execute that's the difference in the game” said senior defensive lineman
Terrance Green.
The Braves return to action next week on the road against the Red Wolves of Arkansas State. Kick-off is slated for 6:00 P.M. at ASU Stadium in Jonesboro, AR.
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