TXHSFB: Final Scores and Box From 8/27/2015

Irving Nimitz defeated Keller Timber Creek 31-20 to open the season.

Texas High School Football is back in full swing. Below are the results of Thursday, August 27th.

Courtesy of DallasNews.com

Away		Home		Boxscore/Time
Adamson	58	Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis (at Fort Worth's Handley Field)	10	Final Boxscore
Arlington Lamar	30	Richland (at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletic Complex)	29	Final Boxscore
Arlington Seguin	22	West Mesquite (at Mesquite's E.H. Hanby Stadium)	9	Final Boxscore
Bryan Adams	45	Roosevelt (at Pleasant Grove Stadium)	12	Final Boxscore
Fort Worth Carter-Riverside	40	Conrad (at Franklin Stadium)	12	Final Boxscore
Fort Worth North Side	6	Thomas Jefferson (at Alfred J. Loos Complex/Couch Field)	26	Final Boxscore
Garland Lakeview Centennial	34	Irving (at Irving Schools Stadium)	7	Final Boxscore
Irving Nimitz	31	Keller Timber Creek (at Keller ISD Athletic Complex)	20	Final Boxscore
Keller	35	Midland (at Midland's Grande Communications Stadium)	28	Final Boxscore
Lewisville	20	Rowlett (at Garland's H.B. Johnson Stadium)	38	Final Boxscore
Mansfield Summit	48	Wichita Falls (at Wichita Falls' Memorial Stadium)	14	Final Boxscore
Mesquite Horn	38	McKinney Boyd (at McKinney's Ron Poe Stadium)	41	Final Boxscore
North Crowley	14	Grapevine (at Grapevine's Mustang-Panther Stadium)	31	Final Boxscore
Princeton	39	Frisco Independence (at Toyota Stadium)	27	Final Boxscore
Saginaw Chisholm Trail	21	Carrollton Creekview (at Carrollton's Standridge Stadium)	10	Final Boxscore

10 Fantasy Football Players To Grab in the Late Rounds (Sponsored by DraftKings)

The top players are going to get drafted in every league early. Experienced NFL Fantasy Football owners know that bragging rights are won and lost in the late rounds.

In the fantasy football, injuries and bye weeks are inevitable for every owner throughout a long season. NTXGAME and DraftKings have teamed up to give you the right GM touch you need to build a winning roster.

 

 Markus Wheaton - WR

While Martavis Bryant is getting all the attention in the pass-happy Steelers offense, people are going to overlook his counterpart on the other side Markus Wheaton. He has really come on this offseason and has the speed to take the top off any secondary.

Virgil Green - TE

Owen Daniels' big fantasy numbers are a thing of the past due to injuries. Virgil Green is his backup in Denver and we all know Peyton Manning will throw to sure handed reciever  in any situation.

Jameis Winston - QB

Normally, you can not trust a rookie QB, but Winston has ran for a TD in every preseason game thus far. He may not be as accurate, but once teams start to game plan to keep him in the pocket the passing attack of the Bucs will get better.

Richard Rogers - TE

With the injury to Jordy Nelson, Aaron Rodgers will have to spread the ball around to the TE more. Rodgers is fantasy gold and you have to have one of his targets on your team.

Ty Montgomery - WR

This rookie WR for the Green Bay Packers has been penciled in as the replacement WR for Jordy Nelson. That is enough for you to take a flyer on him.

Willie Snead - WR

When the New Orleans Saints go to a three-wideout set, chances are Willie Snead will be the third guy. The Saints have elevated him above Nick Toon because of his stellar training camp and preseason play. Drew Brees has built some trust in him.

Eddie Royal - WR

You may not like Jay Cutler, but he has quickly fallen for new WR Eddie Royal. If the chemistry gets to Cutler-Marshall levels then consider this a steal.

Teddy Bridgewater - QB

If he is available late, take him. He could win a you a matchup during your starting QBs bye week. He has a goal to have a 70% completion rate this season.

David Cobb - RB

Cobb will not fly under the radar any longer once he is named the starter in Tennessee. If your league drafts before the end of preseason, then many of your fellow owners will not have a clue on this guy.

Allen Robinson - WR

If speed kills then consider Allen Robinson to be Agent 47, He could be feast or famine in the Jags offense, but a good WR3 when facing a favorable defense.

Bonus: Pick Up Another Defense/ST

This strategy has always worked for me. The ability to change a defense against a weak offense can win you more games than you think.

Can Rangers Make The Playoffs

Adrian Beltre and the Texas Rangers will try to bounce back from a 6-5 loss
to the Toronto Blue Jays to continue their playoff push. 

The Rangers have wrapped up their series in Detroit against the Tigers. Winning eight of their last ten games, the Rangers are now 64-59, and just 3.5 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the A.L. West standings. After winning three games of four against the Tigers, the Rangers have increased their chance of not only earning a Wild Card playoff spot, but they’ve increased their chance on winning the division.

(By Alex Al-Kazzaz for BlitzWeekly.com)

Martin Perez took the mound for the Rangers in Game 1. Pitching only five innings, Perez allowed six hits, surrendered three runs and struck out four batters. The Rangers offense was completely shut down and they were able to only get one hit. The Rangers ended up getting blanked 4-0 by the Tigers.

Colby Lewis was on the mound for Game 2. In seven innings, Lewis allowed six hits, surrendered no runs, and struck out two batters, and earned his 14th win of the season. The Rangers offense again struggled, but managed five hits, and the Rangers ended up blanking the Tigers 2-0.

Yovani Gallardo pitched for the Rangers in Game 3 and had a good night. Gallardo pitched six innings, allowing eight hits, surrendering no runs, and striking out four batters. This time, the Rangers offense looked good and recorded ten hits that gave the Rangers the 5-3 win.

Cole Hamels took the mound the final game of the series. Hamels finished his day allowing eight hits, surrendering two runs, and striking out two batters. The Rangers went on to win 4-2, increasing their winning streak to three, and being one step closer to the Wild Card round.

The Rangers will begin a three-game series at home against the Toronto Blue Jays today. The Rangers could reach the first place position if they can sweep Toronto, and if Houston loses their next three games.

Upcoming Schedule
8/25   vs Blue Jays    7:05 pm
8/26   vs Blue Jays    7:05 pm
8/27   vs Blue Jays    1:05 pm
8/28   vs Orioles        7:05 pm
8/29   vs Orioles        7:05 pm
8/30   vs Orioles        2:05 pm

Orlando Scandrick Out For The Season; Pics and Player Reactions

Draya Michelle posts an x-ray of Orlando Scandrick

Orlando Scandrick notified ESPN's Ed Werder via text message that he has torn both his ACL and MCL ligaments in his knee.

After going down breaking on pass to rookie Lucky Whitehead, safety Barry Church called for the training staff as Orlando went down.

Scandrick  has been the best secondary player for the Cowboys during training camp. His loss would be a huge blow to a defense that is already missing a few key players for various reasons: Greg Hardy, Ronaldo McClain, and others.

Corey White, free agent CB from the New Orleans Saints, will now have to take on a bigger role. White had a good outing against the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game last week. Tyler Patmon, Mo Clairbourne, and rookie Byron Jones could be called upon to fill the void.

Cowboys Reaction

Sending prayers out to Orlando Scandrick...Fear he has a torn acl. Your the best bud.

— Tony Romo (@tonyromo) August 26, 2015

It's been confirmed that Dallas #Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick has a torn ACL after being carted off practice field on Tuesday. Sad news.

— Drew Pearson (@DrewPearsonLive) August 26, 2015

Video: Dirk Drops 18pts, 7 Boards Against Poland in 23 Minutes

Dirk Nowitzki puts up numbers for German national basketball team. 

Dirk Nowitzki shows no signs of retirement against the Poland national team. He scores 18 points, with 7 rebounds in only 23 minutes of play with his German national team.

2015-16 Dallas Mavericks Schedule

Texas A&M: Kyle Allen Starts Over Kyler Murray

Aggies name Kyle Allen as starting QB. Photo credit: TAMU

Former Allen quarterback and three-time Texas state champion Kyler Murray will have a brand new football experience his first year at Texas A&M. For the first time he will be the second QB on the depth chart.

Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin announces that sophomore Kyle Allen will start the season. That does not necessarily mean that Murray will not see the field this season however.

Allen took the reigns of the Aggie offseason late last year after the flame-out of the highly touted Kenny Hill. He would lead the team to a Liberty Bowl victory earning MVP honors in the process.

Playing both QBs equally does not seem likely for Sumlin or offensive coordinator Jack Spavital. But A&M will rely on Murray's big play ability if needed to spur the offense into gear. He may be small in statue, but he makes up for it with his speed and raw talent.

Allen was one of the top quarterback recruits in the country when he committed in Arizona, adding to a list of top quarterbacks under Sumlin's tenure. Murray also has a professional baseball option if the position becomes too much of a bottleneck.

The Aggies kickoff the season against Arizona State at NRG Stadium in Houston September 5th.

SWAC: 2015 Southern Jaguars Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org

Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo

2015 Football Preview: Southern

Courtesy Sam Peshek

Fri, August 21, 2015

Returning an abundance of experience on both sides of the ball, the Southern University Jaguars are expected to be in the thick of the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship race for a third consecutive year.

Southern (9-4, 8-1) ranked third in the league in scoring offense (34.2 points per game), fourth in total offense (415.3 yards per game) and rushing offense (193.3 ypg) and sixth in passing offense (222.1 ypg) while advancing to the 2014 SWAC championship game.

Mandated to cancel spring practice as part of Academic Progress Rates sanctions, the Jags will have some catching up to do once camp opens.

Quarterback Austin Howard is back with a year of experience after starting as a true freshman. Fresh out of West St. John High School, Howard completed 168-of-325 passes for 2,334 yards and 17 touchdowns with only eight interceptions.

Junior Lenard Tillery (209 carries, 1,196 yards, 9 touchdowns; 19 receptions, 196 yards) is a proven asset in the backfield.

Five of Howard's top six targets are back, including first-team All-SWAC Willie Quinn (62 receptions, 892 yards, 5 TDs), who is joined in the senior-laden receiving corps by Justin Morgan (22-392-4) and Mike Jones (16-305-2). Also back is senior tight end Montrell Jones (16-168-1).

Southern must revamp up front following the departure of first-team All-SWAC standouts Zach Brown and DeWayne Houston from a unit which allowed just eight sacks. The return of Anthony Mosley, who started for SU's 2013 SWAC championship team before sitting out the entire 2014 season as an academic casualty, should speed up the rebuilding process.

Defensively, the Jaguars ranked seventh across the board in the SWAC in scoring defense (32.7 ppg), total defense (423.5 ypg), rushing defense (173.5 ypg) and passing defense (250 ypg).

Four of the top five tacklers return in senior linebacker Demetrius Carter (101 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks), senior defensive back Dionte McDuffy (61 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 interceptions), junior LB Roshund Turner (54 tackles, 2.5 TFL) and sophomore DB Bryan Anderson (54 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 INTs). Among the others to keep an eye on are junior DB Blake Monroe (49 tackles) and senior tackle Gabe Echols (41 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks).

Southern's special teams were among the best in the league, ranking first in punt return yardage (18.7), second in kickoff return yardage (23.6) and third in punting (36.7). Additionally, fourth-year coach Dawson Odums' Jaguars were the SWAC's least-penalized team (55.7 ypg).

Doubling as a dynamic return specialist, Quinn returned 25 kickoffs for a 25.8-yard average and 13 punts for a stellar 22.2-yard norm, including a pair of touchdowns.

Junior punter Paul Randall Soden punted 63 times for a 40.7-yard average and senior kicker Greg Pittman was 11-of-17 on field goals.

SOUTHERN SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME

Sept. 5 at Louisiana Tech 6:00

Sept. 10 at Mississippi Valley* 6:00

Sept. 19 Jackson State 6:00

Sept. 26 at Georgia TBA

Oct. 10 at Alabama State* 6:00

Oct. 17 Prairie View A&M* 4:00

Oct. 24 Texas Southern* (at Houston) TBA

Nov. 7 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff* 2:30

Nov. 14 Alabama A&M* 4:00

(Bayou Classic at New Orleans)

Nov. 28 Grambling* TBA

Bold Games: Home
* Conference games

Video

Cowboys Loss Leaves More Questions At RB; Report Cards

Tony Romo hands off to Darren McFadden. Cowboys lose second preseason game
to 49ers. Photo credit: Dallas News

It was hard to watch the performance of the Cowboys running game a day after watching DeMarco Murray run for a touchdown in an Eagles uniform.
by +Rodney Fisher

Radio Broadcast: DeSoto Eagles vs Arlington Martin Warriors at 4pm CST (August 29th)

DeSoto Eagles vs Arlington Martin Warriors
August 29, 2015 at 4pm
Live Broadcast

SWAC: 2015 Grambling State Tigers Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org

Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo

2015 Football Preview: Grambling State

Courtesy Sam Peshek

Sat, August 15, 2015

Aspiring to build on a monumental turnaround, the Grambling State Tigers aim to continue their progress in Year 2 of the Broderick Fobbs era.

Taking over at his alma mater, Fobbs inherited a team coming off of unprecedented one-victory campaigns. Regrouping from an 0-3 start, the G-Men rattled off seven straight victories en route to a 7-5, 7-2 finish.

GSU's six-victory improvement did not go unnoticed. Edging out Southern by two points, the Tigers were picked to win the SWAC West in the conference's preseason media poll.

Riding the arm of Johnathan Williams, the Tigers ranked 12th nationally while leading the SWAC in passing with 277.2 yards per game.

GSU was fourth in the league in scoring with 32.2 points per game and sixth in total offense with 403.9 ypg.

Appearing in nine games as a junior, Williams threw for 2,454 yards and 18 touchdowns vs. seven interceptions. A dual threat, he led the team in rushing with 118 carries for 484 yards and eight scores.

Returning its top three receivers — senior Chester Rogers (53 receptions, 712 yards, 4 TDs), sophomore Chad Williams (45-572-5) and junior Verlon Hunter (30-574-7) — the passing game should thrive once again.

Grambling is looking for more production from a running attack which ranked eighth in the conference (126.7 ypg). Junior Jestin Kelly (97-271-4) is the top returning running back.

Defensively, the Tigers graduated four of their top five tacklers from a unit which led the SWAC in sacks (45) while ranking fifth in scoring defense (32.2 ppg), eighth in total defense (435.7 ypg) and fourth in rushing (169.4 ypg). The main area of concern is the secondary as the Tigers ranked 108th nationally out of 121 Football Conference Subdivision teams in pass defense (266.2 ypg).

Linebackers Aaron Breed and Steve Orisakwe leave big shoes to fill after combining for 16.5 sacks and 44 tackles for negative yardage.

Senior defensive back Nicholas Peoples (64 tackles, 2 interceptions) was fourth on the team in tackles, tops among the holdovers.

Other returnees of note include senior DB Mike Roach (52 tackles, 1 INT, 7 pass breakups), senior lineman Jamison Goins (39 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks) and junior linebacker Arkez Cooper (36 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks).

A pair of seniors, LB Henry Taylor (19 tackles) and lineman Jevonta Williams (23 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks) are coming off promising springs.

Both specialists return in sophomore Marc Orozoco (12-of 17 field goals, 44-of-47 PATs) and junior Jonathan Wallace, who punted 66 times for a 38.2-yard average with 24 kicks killed inside the 20.

GSU kicks off the season at California on Saturday, Sept. 5. 

GRAMBLING STATE SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME

Sept. 5 at California Noon

Sept. 12 Bethune-Cookman 4:00

Sept. 19 at Alabama State* 6:00

Sept. 26 Prairie View A&M* (at Dallas) 6:00

Oct. 3 at Jackson State* 2:00

Oct. 10 Alabama A&M* 3:00

Oct. 17 Alcorn State* (HC) 2:00

Oct. 24 Mississippi Valley* 2:00

Nov. 7 Texas Southern* (at Shreveport) 2:00

Nov. 14 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff* 2:30

(Bayou Classic at New Orleans)

Nov. 28 Southern* 1:30

Video

SWAC: 2015 Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org

Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo

2015 Preview: Mississippi Valley State

Courtesy Sam Peshek

Thu, August 13, 2015

Mississippi Valley State enters its second season under coach Rick Comegy and expectations for year two are a lot higher than last season.

Following the graduation of 19 seniors, the Delta Devils' incoming freshmen have the opportunity to play immediately.
Coming off of consecutive 2-9 campaigns, the Delta Devils last achieved a winning season in 2006.
MVSU strugggled defensively last year, sliding from fourth in the SWAC in total defense (371.3 yards per game) to ninth (414.8 ypg) in the 10-team league. A year after leading the conference with 18 interceptions, the Delta Devils managed only four picks the entire 2014 season. MVSU also ranked dead last in the SWAC in sacks (17) and ninth in scoring (37.4 points per game) and rushing (207 ypg).
MVSU (1-8 SWAC) ranked 10th in the conference in scoring (17.7 ppg), total offense (307.8 ypg), passing (185.5 ypg), sacks allowed (44) and ninth in rushing (122.4 ypg).
Senior quarterback Quantavius Peterson threw for 874 yards last season with seven interceptions and six touchdowns while splitting time with 2014 senior Patrick Ivy. Junior Dontrinell Scott was impressive in limited action off the bench, completing 20-of-31 passes for 231 yards in four games.
Julian Stafford, the team's primary playmaker the past two seasons, leaves a tremendous void to fill. A first-team All-SWAC selection, Stafford caught 67 passes for nine touchdowns and a league-best 1,037 yards.
Sophomores Joshua Price (19 receptions, 177 yards, 2 TDs) and Keenan Daniels (9-203) are the top holdover receivers.
MVSU is looking for a major upgrade in its running game after averaging 3.2 yards per carry and generating only 11 touchdowns all season.
Senior Jerrell Moore (53 carries, 294 yards, 1 TD) and junior Jeremy Dobson (63-253-1 in 8 games) are the top returnees.
Senior defensive back Le'Trey Jones was a bright spot defensively last season with a team-high 74 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and a pick.
Other key incumbents include DB Charles Moore (45 tackles, 2.5 TFL), senior linebacker LaDerius Hooker (42 tackles) and lineman Khalil Young (41 tackles, 11 TFL, 4 sacks).

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY SCHEDULE
DATE        OPPONENT                    TIME
Sept. 5      at New Mexico                 6:00
Sept. 10   Southern*                         6:00
Sept. 19    at Alcorn*                         2:00
Sept. 26  Alabama State*               6:00
Oct. 3       at Jacksonville State        1:00
Oct. 10     at Prairie View A&M*       1:00
Oct. 17   Texas Southern* (HC)     2:00
Oct. 24    at Grambling*                     2:00
Oct. 31   Jackson State*                 4:00
Nov. 7     at Alabama A&M*             1:00
Nov. 21  Arkansas Pine Bluff*      1:00
Video

SWAC: 2015 Jackson State Tigers Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo 2015 Football Preview: Jackson State Courtesy SWAC.org Fri, August 07, 2015 Setting out to rebound from its first losing season in four years, Jackson State (5-7, 3-6 SWAC) looks to return to its winning ways in 2015. With the return of East St. Louis (Illinois) High School teammates LaMontiez Ivy and Daniel Williams, the Tigers have the pieces in place to improve offensively. Despite ranking No. 2 in the SWAC in passing offense (273.8 yards per game), JSU finished eighth in the 10-team league in both scoring (25.8 points per game) and total offense (376.1 ypg). One of six incumbent offensive starters, Ivy is poised to build upon a breakthrough sophomore season after completing a school-record 64 percent of his passes for a SWAC-best 3,209 yards and 22 touchdowns vs. 14 interceptions. There is no doubt as to Ivy's favorite target as Williams ranked first in the SWAC with 73 receptions, third in receiving yardage with 1,004 and second in touchdowns catches with nine. Defenses can't focus entirely on Williams as the Tigers return their top four receivers. Jairus Moll (34-485-6), Devin Fosselman (32-292-1) and DeSean McKenzie (22-356-3) are all back for their senior seasons. Second-year head coach Harold Jackson is looking for an upgrade in the running game after the Tigers ranked last in the SWAC and 111th out of 121 FCS teams with a meager 102.2 ypg. Jarius Moore (77 carries, 380 yards, 3 TDs) and Robert Johnson IV (64-304-1) provided the bulk of the production in the backfield. Part of the Tigers' struggles in developing an effective running game can be attributed to injuries on the offensive line. Junior Markus Cook is the mainstay up front after splitting time between left guard and center last fall. Penciled in at left guard, Cook is joined on the projected starting five by junior left tackle Christian Marshall, sophomore center Robert Harris, sophomore right guard Vincent Hunter and sophomore right tackle Stephen Gilbert. New defensive coordinator Alonzo Lee inherits seven returning starters from a unit which ranked in the top half of the conference in most categories last year, including fourth in scoring (27.6 ppg), third in total defense (366.8 ypg) and second in pass defense (195.2 ypg). Lee re-positioned a couple of key players from linebacker to defensive end while scrapping the 3-4 in favor of the 4-3 over the spring. Last year's leading tackler, Javancy Jones (108 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) has moved up front. Teddrick Terrell (27 tackles, 3 TFL) has returned to the edge after spending an injury-plagued 2014 season at linebacker. A second-team All-SWAC defensive end in 2013, Terrell logged 46 tackles, 13.5 TFL and three sacks. Jones and Terrell will flank junior Cornelius Henderson (50 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles) on the D-line. Other players to watch are junior linebacker Stacy Noble (65 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) and senior left cornerback Robert Porter (61 tackles, 1 interception, 9 pass breakups). Page 2 of 2 - As for the kicking game, senior Ryan Deising converted 18-of-23 field goal tries, including a school record-tying 50-yarder. JSU SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Sept. 5 at Middle Tennessee State 6:00 Sept. 12 Tennessee State (at Memphis) 6:00 Sept. 19 at Southern* 6:00 W.C. Gordon Classic (White Out) Sept. 26 Texas Southern* 6:00 Oct. 3 Grambling State* 6:00 Oct. 17 at Alabama A&M* 1:00 Oct. 24 Arkansas Pine Bluff* (HC) 2:00 Oct. 31 at Mississippi Valley* 4:00 Nov. 7 Alabama State* (Veterans Night) 6:00 Nov. 21 at Prairie View A&M* 4:00 Nov. 28 Alcorn State* (Senior Day) 2:00 Bold Games: Home * Conference Games Video

SWAC: 2015 Alcorn State Braves Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo 2015 Football Preview: Alcorn State Courtesy Marq Mitcham Fri, July 31, 2015 Fresh off its first Southwestern Athletic Conference title since 1993, the Alcorn State Braves have a tough act to follow. With several key components in place from last year's 10-3 (7-2 SWAC) team which defeated Southern 38-24 in the conference championship game, fourth-year head coach Jay Hopson's Braves are expected to be in the thick of the race once again. Senior quarterback John Gibbs Jr., the 2014 SWAC co-Offensive Player of the Year, is back to direct an offense which ranked second nationally among FCS teams in scoring (44 points per game), fifth in rushing (285.2 yards per game), eighth in total offense (493.1 ypg) and 19th in third down conversions (.447). Gibbs threw for 2,842 yards and 21 scores with only seven interceptions in 324 passing attempts. Also a threat with his feet, he averaged 7.5 yards per carry while rushing for 1,006 yards and 11 scores. Among the running backs, sophomore Arron Baker (113 carries, 725 yards, 13 touchdowns) and senior Darryan Ragsdale (87-691-7 TDs) head a crowded backfield. Senior Joe Price, who missed the entire 2014 season with an injury, and juniorDe'Lance Turner are also pushing for playing time. With Gibbs utilizing his entire receiving corps during the championship season, the Braves return eight receivers with 14 or more catches. Junior tight end Jordan Payne (25 receptions, 463 yards, 5 TDs) averaged 18.5 yards per catch en route to earning first-team All-SWAC accolades. Among the holdover wide receivers are sophomore Chalres Hughes (25-413-2) and junior Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie (19-196-2). First-team All-SWAC performer Isaac Sampson (6-5, 367, jr.) is back to anchor an offensive line which allowed only seven sacks last season. On the defensive side, the Braves must replenish a unit which lost four of its top five tacklers after ranking No. 8 nationally in scoring defense (19.5 ppg) and rushing defense (108.7 ypg) and tied for eighth with 18 interceptions. Senior linebacker Damon Watkins ranked second on the team in tackles with 79 while accounting for 10.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a pair of interceptions. First-team All-SWAC honoree senior Darien Moody (34 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks) gives the Braves a dominant force up front. The secondary should again be an asset with seniors Quinton Cantue (50 tackles, 1 interception), Anthony Williams III (48 tackles, 3 INTs) and first-team All-SWAC Warren Gatewood (34 tackles, 3 INTs, SWAC-best 16 pass breakups) in the mix. Williams led the conference in punt returns with 26 for a 16.6-yard average, including an 82-yard touchdown. Haiden McCraneywill handle all of the kicking after converting 8-of-12 field goals and averaging 43.8 yards on 43 punts as a freshman. ALCORN SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech 7:30 p.m. cst Sept. 12 at Alabama State* 4:00 p.m. cst Sept. 19 Mississippi Valley* 2:00 p.m. cst Sept. 26 Concordia College 2:00 p.m. cst Oct. 3 UAPB* (at Little Rock) 4:00 p.m. cst Oct. 17 Grambling State* (HC) 2:00 p.m. cst Oct. 31 at Southern* 4 p.m. cst Nov. 7 Prairie View A&M* 2:00 p.m. cst Nov. 14 at Texas Southern* TBA Nov. 21 Alabama A&M* 2:00 p.m. cst Nov. 28 at Jackson State* 2:00 p.m. cst Bold: Home Games *Conference Game

SWAC: 2015 Alabama State Hornets Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo 2015 Football Preview: Alabama State Courtesy SWAC.org Mon, July 27, 2015 Brian Jenkins takes over at Alabama State where the Hornets are hoping to improve upon a 7-5, 5-4 2014 showing. Jenkins was lured to Montgomery, Alabama following a highly-successful stint at Bethune-Cookman. Under Jenkins' tutelage, the Wildcats won or shared the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title in each of his four seasons and claimed a pair of HBCU national championships. Despite the loss of running back Malcolm Cyrus (1,662 yards, 12 touchdowns), the SWAC's leading rushing and co-Offensive Player of the Year, the Hornets should continue to run the ball effectively. Senior left guard Damian Love and right tackle Jylan Ware, both of whom earned first-team All-Conference accolades last fall, are back to anchor an offensive line which helped pave the way for the nation's 12th-ranked ground attack (227.8 yards per game). Also back are junior center Kerry Williams and junior tight end Brandon Barnes. Cyrus' graduation means more opportunities for junior Khalid Thomas. Besides rushing for 545 yards and five touchdowns on 89 carries, Thomas led the conference in punt returns with an 11.4-yard average on 38 tries. At quarterback, Daniel Duhart returns for his senior season after completing 176-of-323 passes for 2,318 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Waiting in the wings is junior Quinteris Toppings. Averaging 22.3 yards per catch, junior wide receiver DeMario Bell (28 receptions, 625 yards, 4 touchdowns) emerged as a big-play threat last season. Sophomore Jamir Hannah added 26 grabs for 290 yards. Jenkins' 2014 Bethune-Cookman team led the nation in total defense (237.5 ypg) and rushing defense (79.9). At ASU, he inherits one of the SWAC's top defenses and one of the Football Conference Subdivision's premier defenders. First-team All-SWAC junior linebacker Kourtney Berry spearheads a unit which ranked No. 2 in both scoring (24.7) and rushing defense (151.1). Leading the conference in tackles for the second straight year, Berry recorded 128 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Overall, ASU returns its top four tacklers. Among the remaining notable veterans are senior linebacker Daerius Washington (98 tackles, 15 TFL, 4 sacks), senior strong safety Najee Bright (44 tackles, 5 interceptions), junior free safety Ka'Ra Stewart (58 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and junior Torey Davis (46 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks). Sophomore Preston Clark will handle the placekicking and punting assignments. ALABAMA STATE SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Sept. 6 at Tennessee State 6:00 Sept. 12 Alcorn State* 6:00 Sept. 19 Grambling State* 6:00 Sept. 26 at Mississippi Valley State* 6:00 Oct. 1 at Texas Southern* 6:30 Oct. 10 Southern* 6:00 Oct. 15 at Arkansas Pine Bluff* 6:30 (State Farm Magic Classic) Oct. 31 Alabama A&M* (at Birmingham) 2:30 Nov. 7 at Jackson State* 6:00 Nov. 14 Prairie View A&M* (HC) 2:00 Nov. 21 Miles 2:00 Bold: Home Games * Conference Games

SWAC: 2015 Alabama A&M Bulldogs Football Preview

Courtesy SWAC.org

Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo

2015 Football Preview: Alabama A&M

Courtesy Marq Mitcham

Fri, July 24, 2015

Despite having only eight seniors on their roster, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs were picked to finish in the middle of the pack in the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division as the league conducted its annual Media Day poll last week.

For the Bulldogs to improve upon last year's 4-8 (3-6 SWAC) mark, second-year head coach James Spady's first order of business is to find a quarterback.

Jaymason Lee's graduation left AAMU without a single signal-caller to have thrown a pass at a four-year school.

Going into fall camp, Southwest Mississippi Community College transfer De'Angelo Ballard has a slight edge over redshirt freshman Damion May, true freshman P.J. Garrett and redshirt frosh Cody Lui-Yuen.

AAMU must also replace its best receiver in Montaurius Smith (67 receptions, 1,035 yards, 6 touchdowns). Juniors O'Darius Williams (33-432) and Tevin McKenzie (28-391-2) will be asked to take up the slack.

The top three rushers return in sophomore Harvey Harris (156 carries, 651 yards, 6 TDs), senior Brandon Eldemire (143-530-6) and sophomore Bryan Brower (111-447-2).

Up front, the Bulldogs are looking for improvement after ranking sixth in the conference in scoring (26.2) and allowing 43 sacks.

Yielding 32.7 points per game, AAMU also ranked sixth in the conference in scoring defense. However, the sophomore-laden unit is expecting noticeable improvement with the return of the top eight tacklers.

Sophomore linebacker Bryan Brower (not to be confused with his twin brother of the same name) tallied a team-high 83 tackles and seven tackles for loss as a true freshman.

Also returning to the fold are senior defensive lineman Anthony Lanier (54 tackles, 18 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles), sophomore defensive back Justin Lucas (46 tackles, 2 interceptions), junior DL Germaine Calmes (44 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 FF), sophomore cornerback Devonte Simon (43 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 5 pass breakups), sophomore DB Danny Johnson (39 tackles, 2 INTs), sophomore LB Diondre Lewis (36 tackles, 4 TFL, 4 sacks) and sophomore DB Dexter Reese (34 tackles, 5 INTs, 9 PBU).

ALABAMA A&M SCHEDULE

DATE OPPONENT TIME

Sept. 5 at Cincinnati 6:00 p.m. cst

Sept. 19 at Prairie View A&M* 6:00 p.m. cst

Sept. 26 at Arkansas Pine Bluff * 1:00 p.m. cst

Oct. 3 at Coastal Carolina 5:00 p.m. cst

Oct. 10 at Grambling* 3:00 p.m. cst

Oct. 17 Jackson State* 1:00 p.m. cst

(State Farm Magic City Classic)

Oct. 31 Alabama State (at Legion Field, Birmingham) 2:30 p.m. cst

Nov. 7 Mississippi Valley State* 1:00 p.m. cst

Nov. 14 at Southern* 4 p.m. cst

Nov. 21 at Alcorn* 2:00 p.m. cst

Nov. 28 Texas Southern* 1:00 cst

Bold: Home Games
* Conference Games

SWAC 2015 Football Media Day

Courtesy SWAC.org Courtesy: SWAC.org View Photo Recap: 2015 SWAC Football Media Day Courtesy SWAC.org Fri, July 17, 2015 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southwestern Athletic Conference officially opened the 2015 footballseason with its annual SWAC Football Media Day. The event was held at the Birmingham Marriott and featured several workings including the All-SWAC Preseason Team announcement with a live video and radio broadcast stream. It was carried live by the SWAC Digital Network which featured each of the head coaches from all 10 schools within the SWAC along with several guest including ESPN analyst Jay Howard.  Over 150 media members attended this year’s gathering which featured a radio row with guest from Boxtorow, Open Mic Broadcasting, and WPRL of Alcorn State. The SWAC released a pair of public service initiatives to highlight the conference member institutions, promote the upcoming 2015 Toyota SWAC Football Championship in Houston, Texas on December 5.  The league also gave the audience a preview of the all new Celebration Bowl which is set for December 19 in Atlanta, Ga.  The matchup will feature the winner of the SWAC’sfootball championship game and the regular season victor from the MEAC. 2015 SWAC General PSA

Mavs Sign JaVale McGee

MAVERICKS SIGN CENTER JAVALE MCGEE

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed free agent center JaVale McGee. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

McGee (7-0, 270) is a seven-year veteran with career averages of 8.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 19.9 minutes per game in 382 games (158 starts) with Washington, Denver and Philadelphia. He has shot 54 percent from the field for his career.

McGee appeared in 23 games for Denver and Philadelphia in 2014-15, averaging 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 11.1 minutes per contest.

A native of Flint, Mich., McGee spent two seasons at the University of Nevada. As a sophomore, he averaged 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. McGee declared for the NBA Draft following his sophomore season and was the 18^th overall selection by the Washington Wizards in 2008.

McGee’s father, George Montgomery, was a second-round draft pick of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1985 and his mother, Pamela McGee, played in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks and Sacramento Monarchs.

© 2015 Dallas Mavericks

Cowboys vs Chargers: 5 Cowboys To Watch

Greg Hardy returns to football. Photo credit: Dallas Cowboys 

The preseason game of the Dallas Cowboys may not feature your favorite player, or even the starters, but there a five players you need to stay up and keep your eyes on.

1. Greg Hardy - DE

Hardy will be more than hyped to return to live football action after playing only one game in 2014. All indications from training camp prove that the chance the Cowboys took to improve the pass rush was worth it. Greg has taken the role of a leader on the defensive front line. Tonight he gets a chance to return to the field.

2. La'el Collins - OL

Although Collins went undrafted, he has first round talent. Many believed he would take the starting spot from Ron Leary at right guard, so tonight will be important. He should get plenty of reps early and have the chance to showcase his talent.

3. Randy Gregory - DE

Gregory has had a impressive camp so far working against the offensive line of the Cowboys, but tonight he will be at full speed. The team is counting on him to the be the second punch with Hardy in the pass rush.

4. Brandon Weeden - QB

Fans can not forget how important Tony Romo is to this team. His injury history has taught us all that the backup will get some playing time this season. Weeden was far from impressive last year and at this point is the only option if Romo should go down. Hopefully, in his second year with the team he has more confidence.

5. Gus Johnson - RB

There are no guarantees that Derek McFadden will be healthy enough to play for the Cowboys. The smaller statue of Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar make them liabilities to be an every-down back. The undrafted Gus Johnson from Stephen F. Austin will get the rock enough tonight to either make or break his pro career as a Cowboy.

Look for the Cowboys Report Card following every Dallas Cowboys game...