Tigers square off against in-state rival Mississippi Valley State

William Owens
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer

Entering this week’s game, the Jackson State Tigers will take on in-state rival, Mississippi Valley State University. The game will be played at  Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson Miss. at 3:00 pm.

The Tiger’s enter their homecoming game with a record of 3-4, but look to gain some extra momentum after winning their last game against Alabama State 37-34 by a late field goal.
The Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State arrive to the game with a record of 2-4, but look to expand their win column after defeating Grambling State 45-21.

Clayton Moore entered last game displaying pure efficiency with 5 total touchdowns (2 passing, 3 rushing). Moore played as a dual-threat quarterback throwing for 269 passing yards, and running for an additional 131 yards.

The Tigers defense suffered much of the game allowing 419 total yards, but made some key stops that lead to the victory. Qua Cox made the ASU quarterback think twice with a late 4th quarter interception that lead to a tie game.

MVSU is led this season by veteran running back, Brandon Stansell. Stansell has averaged 71 rushing yards per game this season (3rd best in the SWAC), and leads the league with 10 rushing touchdowns.

Senior linebacker, Keven Woods is the heart of the Delta Devils defense leading the team with 45 total tackles, which ranks ninth in the conference. Junior defensive tackle Robert Simpson is also a player to keep your eyes on. Simpson leads his team, as well as the SWAC in tackles for loss with 14.

Students have shown great interest for the rivalry game Saturday.

Devonta Woods, a sophomore biology pre-physical therapy major said, “My main interest for the homecoming game is to see how consistent our running game can be against their defense.”

Gentle Calhoun, a sophomore computer engineering major said, “I really want to see how good the defense plays, but I am ecstatic to watch the Sonic Boom of the South perform.”

This homecoming game should be a great competition as both teams have been awaiting to strap up their helmets against each other since the beginning of the season.