Donald Hewitt
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The Tigers of Jackson State University entered Saturday’s match-up against the Mississippi Valley State Devils with a huge momentum after a crucial win on the road against Alabama State University.
Led by the quarterback play of Clayton Moore and the dark-side defense, the Tigers slowed down the rushing attack of MVSU star transfer running back Issiah Crowell, who had 13 carries for a total of 64 rushing yards.
The game consisted of two stingy defenses not giving an inch on either side of the ball. Although the Tigers came out on top in a double overtime win, it wasn’t easy, especially against a defense ranked 2nd in the nation led by defensive tackle Robert Simpson who entered the contest with 13 tackles for loss.
Simpson added 3.5 more tackles for a loss and 14 total tackles to his resume but his individual effort wasn’t enough to keep the Tigers offense off the scoreboard.
Clayton Moore accounted for both Jackson State touchdowns and finished with 131 yards on 14-of-29 passing and rushed 16 times for 72 yards in the Tigers’ 14-7 overtime win on Saturday. His 9-yard touchdown pass to Rico Richardson gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead before MSVU’s Marcus Randle hit Richard Drake for a 71-yard touchdown pass to tie the game late in the fourth quarter.
“I am very proud of the way our defense stepped up and made big plays all throughout the game,” said head football coach, Rick Comegy.
Moore completed two passes in overtime before scoring on a 1-yard run to put Jackson State up 14-7.
MVSU (2-5, 2/3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) took over for its overtime possession but Jamal Carter tackled Brandon Stansel in the backfield, forcing the running back to fumble away the Hornets’ comeback hopes.
Jackson State (4-4, 4-2) out-gained MVSU 328-204, with the Tigers holding possession for over 58 minutes.
MVSU, who posted 23 rushing yards on 29 carries, hasn’t beaten Jackson State since 1994.
“I am happy for the team and proud of the way they are coming together and concentrating on one game at a time as they prepare to reach there ultimate goal of going to the SWAC Championship,” said Coach Comegy.
Next week is a bye week for the Tigers but they will be back in action on Nov. 3 against the Grambling State University Hornets at Grambling.
Nekeisha Walker contributed to this story
