Alabama A&M Battles Hard in MEAC/SWAC Challenge
SWAC.org
ORLANDO, Fla. – Temperatures rose to the mid-90’s at Bright House Network Stadium Sunday afternoon as Alabama A&M University took on North Carolina A&T State University in the 10th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney. The Bulldogs fought tough in the first quarter, but A&T pulled away en route to a 47-13 victory. The MEAC currently leads the all-time series.
Alabama A&M scored first. After rushing for 21 yards on their second drive, the Bulldogs took to the air and Jaymason Lee connected with O’Darius Williams for a 32 yard gain. They were able to push deep into the Aggies redzone but couldn’t punch it through and converted a 20-yard field goal from Ceasar Diaz-Ramon to take the 3-0 lead.
The Aggies responded with a 26-yard touchdown run to take the lead (7-3) less than a minute later. Alabama A&M moved into a possession offense, grinding out first down after first down until they pushed back into North Carolina A&T’s red zone. But the Aggies defense held them off from pay dirt again and Diaz-Ramon converted on a 27-yard field goal to pull the Bulldogs within one, 7-6, with just 16 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
North Carolina A&T’s Cody Jones took the ensuing kickoff 95 yards in 15 seconds to extend the Aggies lead before the end of the first quarter. They would use the momentum to score four more touchdowns in the second quarter. They headed into the break ahead 38-6.
The Aggies continued to press offensively while its defense held A&M scoreless through the third quarter. The Bulldogs finally gained momentum at the start of the fourth quarter. Brandon Wells (Calera, Ala./Calera) moved the ball 47 yards before connecting with Jonathan Dorsey for a 5-yard touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs return to action on the road again Saturday, Sept. 6 in a 1 p.m. matchup against Tuskegee. They won’t open in Huntsville until homecoming weekend at the 5th Annual Louis Crews Classic when they take on SWAC rival Grambling State at 2 p.m.
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