Nickolas Davis
MC Contributor/Staff
The Jackson State University Tigers have finally broken their losing streak with a solid 32-20 win over the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions. This is the first ever win for Coach Tony Hughes as a head coach in a college program.
Quarterback Brent Lyles started for JSU and went on to have 14 of 24 completions for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Tigers got out to a hot start on offense with a 48 yard scamper by true freshman Jordan Johnson on the 5th play from scrimmage. Five minutes later, senior Justin Jemison intercepted Brandon Duncan’s pass for a 71-yard touchdown return. After a successful two-point conversion that put the score at 15 – 0, the Golden Lions would drive down the field and score to make it a one score game before the end of the first quarter.
The Tigers would then score 10 straight points to put the lead to 18 with a 23 yard field goal by junior Christian Jacquemin and an outstanding 49 yard catch and run by junior Romello Shumake. The first half would end with a field goal by UAPB to bring the lead back to 15.
Going into the second half, the Tigers had over 150 yards rushing already and seemed to be clicking on all cylinders in all three phases of the game with a comfortable lead.
But UAPB didn’t lay down.
The Golden Lions received the ball, went down the field on a 13 play, nearly 8 minute drive that would end in a touchdown pass. UAPB then forced a punt and got another 3 points with a field goal from 46 yards out that hit the left upright on its way in.
This change in momentum wasn’t enough to get the Tigers out of rhythm.
Lyles rallied the troops and drove down the field finishing with a 15 yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Shaquille Ward. This would extend the lead to 32- 20 which would be the final score as the defense played lights out for the final quarter of the contest.
During the fourth quarter shutout, true freshman Khalil Johnson would force a fumble and true freshman Ryan Theyard would pick up and run for 49 yard before being tackled. This looked to be the final blow as the UAPB offense couldn’t get anything going for the rest of the game, even punting the ball on their final possession.
Jackson State looks to keep the winning spirit going as they play a bitter rival in Mississippi Valley State University on Oct. 1 at home. This will be the third consecutive year former Jackson State coach, Rick Comegy, will head the Delta Devils versus his former team. The Devils are 0-4 in competition thus far in the 2016 football season.
