William Owens
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The Tigers of Jackson State held on to their momentum from the prior three-game winning streak, defeating Alabama A&M 35-21. The game was held on November 10, 2012 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium at 4:00 p.m., and was needed to keep the Tigers SWAC Championship chances alive.
Senior Day added extra incentive for many of the JSU seniors who were thrilled to play, and anxious to add another win to their record, as they knew this would be the last home game they would ever participate in. Rico Richardson was a prime example of senior leadership, as he became one of only 6 Jackson State receivers to ever reach the 1,000 yards receiving club, and the first since 2002.
Richardson had two receptions and tallied 105 receiving yards bringing him to a total of 1027 receiving yards for the 2012 season. Richardson is 260 yards away from breaking the school’s record of 1286 receiving yards currently held by Sylvester Morris in 1999, so look for him to make big plays in the Magnolia Heritage Classic. Head coach Rick Comegy when asked about Richardson stated, “I would love to see him reach that record.”
With the win JSU’s record improves to 6-4, while Alabama A&M drops to 7-3.
Quarterback Deaunte Mason highlighted the Bulldogs offense with 193 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Clayton Moore threw for 233 passing yards including a 67 yard touchdown pass to Rico Richardson. Rakeem Sims additionally played a key role in the ground game with 21 rushes for 135 yards. After the game Coach Comegy stated,“I was very pleased with our play.”
Jackson’s State Sonic Boom of the South was not the only halftime highlight for the fans. During the half time festivities, JSU revealed the new school’s logo to thousands of fans present.
Following the halftime performances, Alabama A&M opened up the second half with Mason throwing a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7. The JSU defense continued to battle forcing an A&M fumble which was returned for 35 yards and a touchdown to advance JSU’s lead to 28-7 after a touchdown pass from Moore on a prior possession.
Sims then displayed excellent speed and balance as he rushed for his second touchdown of the game increasing JSU’s score to 35-7. AAMU scored again from another Mason touchdown pass to cut it to a 3 TD lead. Comegy felt that there were many things the team could improve on and stated, “ We just got to stop the penalties.”
However, JSU was victorious knowing they needed this game, and one more win to make it to the SWAC Championship game. Since 2006 Jackson State has a 5-1 record against Alabama A&M. This week, JSU will take on in-state rival Alcorn State University in Lamar, Miss. on Nov. 17. When asked about the rivalry between the two schools coach Comegy commented, “I know their coach is going to have their team sky high, and those guys are going to be playing well over their heads like no other.”
The JSU Division of Athletics Ticket Office is now selling Jackson State at Alcorn State football game tickets. General admission prices are $25. For more information contact the JSU Athletics Ticket Office at 601-979-2420.
The Tigers will be ready to strap up their helmets to play their most important game yet on Nov. 17.
