LORMAN, Miss. - What a remarkable and historic season the Alcorn State football team put together in 2013. For the first time in 30 plus years, the Braves won nine games and recorded their first winning season since 2006. Overall, the Braves finished 9-3 and posted a 7-2 record in SWAC play by defeating Grambling State 48-0 in the Circle City Classic, battling back to knock off Southern in overtime 44-38, and wrapped the season up with a 48-33 victory over rival Jackson State. But 2013 is behind the Braves now and with the 2014 season just right around the corner, nothing more would please the Braves than to make the trip to Houston to play in the SWAC Championship game.
With the leadership of third-year head coach Jay Hopson and a host of Braves returning on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the sky is the limit in 2014. The experience the Braves possess on offense and defense should make them a top contender in the SWAC this upcoming season.
The Braves return nine players on offense that averaged 36.8 points per game (ranked second in the SWAC) and outscored their opponents 441-294. In the middle of the season the Braves went on a five game winning streak averaging 42.5 points, scored over 40 points in three of the four wins, and captured three consecutive road victories.
Defensively, the Braves ranked first in the SWAC in pass defense only giving up 188.2 yards per game. In six of the Braves games, the defense held their opponents under 20 points or less including two shutouts against Warner Univ. (57-0) and Grambling State (48-0). The defense was also second in the SWAC in defensive touchdowns with total of four on the season.
Offense
Junior quarterback John Gibbs, Jr. (6-6, 193, Houston, Texas) is expected to start for the Braves on offense after an outstanding 2013 campaign. Gibbs started in all 12 games for the Braves completing 56.8 percent of his passes and throwing for 2,567 yards and 21 touchdowns. For a guy who completed 201-of-354 passes, he only threw five interceptions the entire season. To go along with a great year in the air, Gibbs used his scrambling ability to rush for 455 yards on 100 attempts and scored four touchdowns.
In the backfield, the biggest question surrounding this season is who is going to replace SWAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year Arnold Walker after leading the SWAC in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and breaking the school’s 37-year career rushing yards record. Candidates to replace Walker include seniors Joe Price, Anthony Williams III, and Robert Clay. Price, who is really fast once he hits top speed, (5-9, 185, Flora, Miss.) rushed for 233 yards on 47 attempts and scored two touchdowns last season. Williams III (5-11, 195, Jeanerette, La.) is known for his nifty moves carried the ball 61 times for 255 yards and scored five touchdowns. Clay didn’t see much action last season only carrying the ball five times for 10 yards. Junior college transfer Darryan Ragsdale is also up for the starting job for the Braves backfield. He arrives on campus after a stellar career at Hinds Community College leading the Eagles to a winning season and a bowl game last season.
The Braves will look to throw the ball more this season and are loaded at the wide receiver position with everyone returning except All-SWAC performer Tavoris Doss. Second Team All-SWAC select Jordan Payne (6-1, 220, Racine Wis.) led the Braves in receiving touchdowns (9) on 24 catches and 350 yards receiving. Payne has huge upsize at the receiver position and can really break tackles in the open field. Tollette George (5-9, 155, New Orleans, La.) reeled in 52 catches for 637 yards (1st on the team in both categories) and three touchdowns. George is very quick on his feet and is expected to have another great season in 2014. Junior LaDarrien Davis (6-1, 196, Greenville, Texas) caught 23 passes for 371 yards and three touchdowns. Davis has great hands and is one of the go to guys on crucial downs. Other wide receivers to watch this season include Brandon Vessel, Jarvis Turner, and Zerick Rollins, Jr.
All the starters return on the offensive line led by 1st Team All-SWAC selectees Issac Sampson (6-5, 367, Mobile, Ala.) and Jonathan Scott (6-2, 291, Woodville, Miss.). Both Sampson and Scott are heading into their junior seasons with plenty of experience and great knowledge of the game. Freshman Detonio Dade (6-3, 290, Laurel) returns after earning a starting spot at the beginning of the season which led to him making the All-SWAC Second Team. Iskeli Ongosia (6-4, 290, Olosega Manoa, A.S.) and Jeffrey Reno (6-4, 303, Port Arthur, Texas) are the other starting returnees on the “O-Line” for the Braves.
Defense
The defensive front is loaded this season returning all three starters but the depth of the defensive line will help the Braves become more of a threat to their opponent. Second Team All-SWAC performer Deion Roberson (6-0, 255, Memphis, Tenn.) heads defensive line after recording 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and forced two fumbles. Junior college transfer Dion McNair (6-1, 293, Gainesville, Fla.) came through for the Braves in some key games last season has great reaction off the snap. McNair recorded 27 tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Darien Moody (6-2, 252, Columbus, Ohio), Stacey Garner (6-2, 235, Hattiesburg, Miss.), Carrington Aloese (6-3, 300, Olosega-Sili Mau’a, A.S.), and Mauola Malaga (6-3, 300, Pago Pago, A.S.) also return for the talented defensive front.
Junior Damon Watkins (6-1, 225, Temecula, Calif.) and senior William Thomas (6-0, 240, Thomasville, Ga.) and both posted career seasons at the linebacker position in 2013. Watkins was second on the team in tackles recording 75 on the season while Thomas totaled 72 and eight tackles for a loss. Freshman Michael Hurns (6-2, 210, Cleveland, Miss.) and Darien Anderson (6-1, 230, Miami, Fla.) each saw action last season for the Braves. One of the qualities Hurns and Anderson bring to the table is a plate full of energy and has the ability to make plays. Corey Williams (6-2, 235, Macon, Miss.) is another player of the Braves linebacker core that can step in make plays for the Braves. In Williams first season as Braves he recorded 11 tackles but improve over the spring has made strides to becoming a great linebacker.
The Braves secondary has been known for posting outstanding numbers in the past and last season the new kids on the block lived up to the name of “DB University” after leading the SWAC in pass defense. Several players from that electrifying group returns headed by First Team All SWAC select CJ Morgan (6-3, 210, Lake Wales, Fla.) and Second Team All-SWAC select Devon Francois (5-11, 190, New Orleans, La.). Morgan ranked first in the SWAC in pass deflections with 14, forced two fumbles, and intercepted two passes. Francois racked up 90 tackles last year to lead the Braves, recorded six pass deflections, and intercepted two passes. Junior safety Anthony Williams, Jr. (5-10, 185, Clinton, Miss.) also returns after totaling 46 tackles, 11 pass deflections and led the team in interceptions with a total of three. Others returning in the Braves secondary include Quinton Cantue (5-8, 180, Beaumont, Texas), Hendrick Taylor (5-9, 185, Clinton, La.), and Warren Gatewood (6-0, 175, Baltimore, Md.) Cantue and Gatewood can both lock down at the defensive back position while Taylor is known for his ferocious hits in on opponents.
Special Teams
Sophomore Haiden McCraney (6-1, 175, Jackson, Miss.) turned in an impressive first season as the Braves place kicker and punter. McCraney earned 1st Team All-SWAC honors after leading the SWAC in scoring (kicking) and averaging 41.3 yards per punt. He was also named SWAC Kicker of the Week three consecutive weeks last season. Coach Hopson expects more from his phenomenal freshman this upcoming season and hoped he has gained some experience from his first season on the collegiate level.
Another question surrounding the Braves is the return game. Last season, Tavoris Doss led the SWAC and FCS in punt return average (16.1 yards per game). Players such as Joe Price, Anthony Williams, Jr., and Deago Sama (missed the 2013 season with a hip injury) each proposed a challenge for the return duties this season.
Schedule Breakdown
Seven home games and a national televised game appearance on ESPN highlight the Braves 2014 schedule. The Braves open the season at home against Virginia University of Lynchburg on August 31st. The following week, the Braves travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. to face Conference-USA opponent Southern Mississippi in a marquee non-conference matchup. Louisiana College comes to town for the Braves final non-conference game of the season before entering SWAC play.
The Braves hit the road for their first SWAC contest in Itta Bena, Miss. to face the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley. The month of September ends with a showdown against defending SWAC Champion Southern University at Spinks-Casem Stadium. A few days later the Braves welcome SWAC East foe Alabama State on October 2nd to the “Reservation” for a Thursday night matchup on ESPN. Alcorn will travel to Grambling State on October 11th and return to Spinks-Casem Stadium for homecoming against Texas Southern. The Braves close out the month of October at Prairie View on the 25th.
After an open week, the Braves enter the month of November seeking revenge from
Alabama A&M on Nov. 8th after a one-point loss in 2013 which hurt their chances of securing a spot in the SWAC Championship game. The Braves close out the season at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 15th and a season finale matchup against rival Jackson State on Nov. 22nd.
The Season Will Be A Success If…
As mentioned earlier, the Braves have to replace Arnold Walker at the running back position. Hopson and his staff know they have a talented group of backs but which one of those players can become the go-to-guy in the backfield this season. If the Braves can get the running game going to go along with their effective passing attack then it’ll be hard for their opponents to slow the offense down. Not only will the Braves depend more on the backfield to make a statement but they also have to rely on the kicking game. McCraney has to come through for the Braves in crucial situations and if he is successful than expect the Braves to be playing for the SWAC title in December.