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Friday, SePtember 16, 2011 - Page 5
Jaguars, Tigers set for grudge match MoRRis dillaRd
The Southern Digest
The Southern University football team has been a popular topic on campus all week, ending a seven-game losing streak with last week’s 21-6 win over Alabama A&M in the Jaguars’ home and Southwestern Athletic Conference opener. Now, the Jaguars (1-1, 1-0 SWAC) prepare for a Saturday showdown against rival Jackson State at A.W. Mumford Stadium, looking to place another tally in the win column while getting revenge from last year’s loss to the Tigers (2-0, 0-0 SWAC). “No matter what our record is coming into the game we always look forward to playing Jackson State, especially with the bitter taste they left in our mouth last year,” said SU quarterback Dray Joseph, the conference’s reigning offensive player of the week. The NCAA hit both programs with a postseason ban because of low APR scores, which were released earlier this year.
The SWAC barred the two teams from December’s SWAC Championship game, despite the NCAA stating that the game is not considered a postseason contest. Wide receiver LaQuinton Evans, who posted a fourcatch, 102-yard outing against AAMU, said a win against JSU is important regardless of the situation. “We can’t go to the championship, so figure that we have to spoil everybody in the SWAC,” Evans said. “We can’t lose. We got to protect our house.” Although the Jaguars were PHOTO BY TREVOR JAMES/DIGEST voted least favorite to win the Southern linebackers Jamie Payton (56) and Anthony Balancier (49) corral Alabama A&M Kadarius Lacey Western Division, Southern short of a first down during last week’s Jaguar win. The Jags take on archrival Jackson State Saturday. head coach Stump Mitchell yards and five touchdowns in last declared Saturday the SWAC Rick Comegy said that playing season’s 49-45 shootout loss. “We dodged a bullet last year,” year’s shootout and shattered championship, encouraging fans football and winning football games are more valuable for his Comegy said. “They’re going to several of JSU’s passing records, to come out and show support. “This really is a SWAC players than using the situation be confident that they can come is a talent that is tough to bring out and get this win. “It’s a game down, according to defensive championship as far I’m as motivation. “We don’t use it at all,” Comegy that you want to chalk up on coordinator O’Neil Gilbert. concerned,” said Mitchell. “The thing I like about Casey “You’re probably looking at two said. “I think being as good as your side.” The Tigers return 2010 is that he’s mobile and tough,” of the best teams in the SWAC we can be is more motivational.” Comegy said he does not SWAC offensive player of the Gilbert said. “He’s very, very that won’t have at this particular point in time a chance to play in the Southern team that lost to year, senior quarterback Casey athletic and with a strong arm. He’s one of the top quarterbacks Tennessee State two weeks ago Therriault. the championship.” Therriault, who threw for 317 in my opinion.” Jackson State head coach to show up, especially after last