NATCHITOCHES, La. – Alcorn State opened the 2025 football season on the road Thursday night, falling 20-10 to Northwestern State at Turpin Stadium in front of 9,434 fans.
The Braves (0-1) battled back from a 13-0 first-quarter deficit and cut the lead to three late in the third quarter, but a fourth-quarter touchdown by the Demons (1-0) sealed the result.
Northwestern State struck quickly, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game. Later in the first quarter, a punt return touchdown extended the lead to 13-0.
Alcorn's defense sparked a turnaround in the second half when defensive back Orlandus McLaurin picked off a pass and raced 72 yards for a touchdown, putting the Braves on the board. Moments later, kicker Grandin Willcox drilled a 51-yard field goal, the longest of his career, to make it 13-10 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Demons responded with a grinding 12-play drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run to push the margin to 20-10 with just over nine minutes remaining. Despite multiple opportunities, Alcorn's offense couldn't complete the comeback.
The Braves finished with 301 total yards, led by quarterback Jaylon Tolbert, who passed for 182 yards, and running backs Reggie Davis (65 yards) and Jacorian Sewell (61 yards) who paced the ground game. Wide receiver Elijah Griffin highlighted the passing attack with a 42-yard reception.
Defensively, linebacker TJ Jasper posted a game-high 11 tackles, while Stemarion Edwards added 10 stops. McLaurin's interception return was one of the Braves' biggest plays of the night and accounted for their lone touchdown.
Alcorn outgained Northwestern State 301-267 and held a narrow edge in time of possession, but 15 penalties for 123 yards hindered the Braves' momentum throughout the contest.
The Braves return to action next week when they travel to Huntsville, Alabama to face Alabama A&M, kick-off set for 6:00 p.m.
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