MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Isaiah Crowell rushed for a career-high four touchdowns to lead Alabama State to a 49-30 win over Alcorn State in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) action.  The win was the third straight for Alabama State after dropping their first two games of the season.

“This was a very big win for us,” Head Coach Reggie Barlow said.  “Alcorn is a very good team and there is a reason they came in here undefeated in the SWAC.  I was glad we came out focused early in the game and was able to score some early points to keep some pressure on them.”

The game was not as close as the final score indicated as ASU led 42-7 and 49-13 in the fourth.  Alcorn State was able to score the final 17 points of the game to make the score a little closer.

After scoring three times in the first half, Crowell opened the scoring in the second half on ASU’s first offensive play.  After Leland Baker recovered an Alcorn fumble on the first play of the second half, Crowell’s one yard run put ASU up 35-7.  That would be the only score of the third quarter.

On the first play of the fourth quarter Daniel Duhart found Brandon Barnes from eight yards out to push ASU’s lead out to 42-7.  ASU’s final score came on a Rodney Cross four yard run to push the lead out to 49-13.

On a night when ASU’s (3-2/3-1 SWAC) passing game was off mark, the rushing game finished the with 297 yards.  ASU had over 300 yards rushing, but on their final offensive play a bad snap over the quarterback’s head dropped their rushing just under 300 yards.  ASU has now rushed for over 200 yards in each game this season.

“Obviously to win the game you have to be able to rush the football,” Head Coach Reggie Barlow said.  “We want to show we can run it.  We felt like we could run the ball against them so we decided to establish the run and was hoping that it would open up the passing game for us.”

“We weren’t as accurate, we weren’t as precise as we could be in the passing game, but there are things we can work on.”

Crowell finished the game with 133 yards on 19 carries.  Rodney Cross had a career-highs in carries (13) and yards (67).  Malcolm Cyrus finished the game with 60 yards on nine carries.

Duhart was the victim of several dropped passes and finished the game completing eight of his 18 passes for 74 yards and one score.  Arsenio Favor completed his only pass of the game for 19 yards.

Defensively Kourtney Berry once again led the Hornets with 13 total tackles (7 solo, 6 assists).  He also had a sack and two tackles for loss.  His fumble recovery and 30 yard return in the first quarter led to Crowell’s first touchdown.

Deandra Rashada finished with 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 assists).  ASU’s defense had four sacks and 12 tackles for losses.  They also forced four turnovers with three fumble recoveries and an interception by Najee Bright.

ASU’s defense held the vaulted running game of Alcorn (3-2/2-1 SWAC) to 114 yards, 50 yards less than their, per game average.  They held Alcorn’s leading rusher, Arnold Walker, to only 60 yards on 14 carries.

“I really thought they would stay with it (running game) even though he (Walker) wasn’t picking up the yardage,” Barlow said.  “There were times when he broke tackles and he ran the ball strong, but I guess with them being behind early on and going down by 21 or 28 they had to throw it to get back in it.”

The first half saw ASU’s rushing game at its best as they Hornets scored two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter and another two in the second quarter.  ASU finished the first half rushing for 135 yards, but could only muster 37 passing yards on four of 12 passing.

Crowell scored twice in the opening quarter, the first following a Kourtney Berry fumble recovery and return to Alcorn’s four yard line.  Crowell took the ball around right end for the score.  His second score came from 25 yards out with 2:39 left in the first stanza.

Cyrus then scored on an 18 yard run with 12:08 left before halftime and Crowell finished the ASU scoring from four yards out with 2:21 left.  Crowell finished the half with 99 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Alcorn State avoided the first half shutout as John Gibbs hit Jarvis Turner from 44 yards out with only 14 seconds left before the half to cut the lead to 28-7.

After consecutive home games, the Hornets will be back on the road next week when they travel to Houston, Texas to play Texas Southern at 6 p.m.

Wednesday October 16    11:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Avenue North
Strategies For Building the SEC Brand
Presented by Charlie Hussey, SEC Associate Commissioner for Network Relations
 
The Southeastern Conference has had a great deal of success by any measure – from national championships on the field and success in the classroom to expansion and most recently the announcement of the new SEC Network launching August of 2014.  So, how will the SEC brand and position the SEC Network and cater to fans of all interests? Join us October 16th as Charlie Hussey, SEC Associate Commissioner for SEC Network Relations, will share some of the strategies for keeping the SEC on top.

In addition to working with the SEC’s TV packages and sponsorship program for the past eight years, Hussey has served as primary contact for the SEC Corporate Sponsorship Program and has developed and implemented marketing and branding initiatives for the league while overseeing all matters relating to the league’s licensing program.

The SEC Network will launch with more than 1,000 events in the first year of operation including more than 100 men’s and more than 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games and selected events from the other 17 SEC sports. The network will also feature studio shows and coverage of special events such as signing day and football pro days.  Each SEC school will have the opportunity to produce and develop content for various platforms.
New Members & Prospective Members – Join us at 11:00 am for an informative session on the many benefits of joining AMA. Membership really does come with privileges.
Students $10 Members $20 Guests $30
Register at www.BhamAMA.com

by Gwen DeRu

Danica Patrick Joins the Talladega Experience

The driver lineup in the Talladega Experience for the Camping World RV Sales 500 on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Talladega Superspeedway keeps getting better and better.

NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track has announced that NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year candidate Danica Patrick will join Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin for separate question/answer sessions with fans who purchase the popular Talladega Experience package, NASCAR’s premier hospitality venue.

Located just outside Talladega’s historical frontstretch where countless races have been won and lost at the 2.66-mile facility, the Talladega Experience is just one of the many ticket upgrades available to Talladega Superspeedway ticket holders. It is designed for the FAN, with the ultimate goal of providing each guest with a world-class experience and memories that last a lifetime.

Those memories come from putting fans as close to the competitors as possible just hours before the drop of the green flag. Patrick, the Dayton 500 pole sitter, ran consistently in the top half of the field in her Talladega Sprint Cup debut in May before being involved in a late-race accident.

In addition to the up-close and personal access during hospitality visits by Hamlin, Earnhardt, and Patrick, the Talladega Experience offers other “can’t miss” opportunities, which include unlimited catering and beverages, pre-race pit road tours inside the track, access to the start-finish line during driver introductions, VIP parking, event souvenirs, and more.  The package, which must be accompanied by a Frontstretch Grandstand or Tower ticket, is $145 and can be purchased by calling 877-Go2-DEGA or visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

“We are excited to announce Danica Patrick’s involvement with the Talladega Experience,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “She loves racing here at Talladega and loves the fans. As a result, she has become a fan favorite here, and giving our guests this unique access into her day leading up to the green flag will be a huge opportunity. True Danica fans and true race fans will not want to miss this!”

Other ticket upgrades available during the Camping World RV Sales 500 weekend include Pre-Race Pit Passes, Fan Suites, the Paddock Club, and the Acceleration Package. For additional information, fans are encouraged to call 877-Go2-DEGA or visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

The most competitive racing in NASCAR combined with a mix of southern hospitality returns to Talladega Superspeedway October 18-20, 2013 for the Camping World RV Sales 500 Weekend, which also features the fred’s 250 Powered by Coca-Cola NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. For tickets and information visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA. This is more than a race…This is Talladega!

Birmingham, Ala. — Friday, September 27, Samford University’s Women’s Soccer Team hosted “Kickin’ It for Kids with Cancer,” an evening to raise funds and awareness for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

Despite outshooting their opponents 33-6, the Lady Bulldogs played the Golden Eagles to a scoreless tie. But off the field, the players even gave the shirts off their backs to help a cause.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation was founded by Samford alumni, Amy Jo Osborn; President of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, whose son was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer when he was eight weeks old.

“The Austin Hatcher Foundation provides families faced with pediatric cancer with the essential tools needed to cope and thrive at the onset of pediatric cancer,” says Amy Jo Osborn. “A big thank you to volunteer, Emily Featherston, Graham Yelton and coach’s Todd and Jay Yelton. We have been providing Hope for Cope Drumming Therapy for local families at Children’s of Alabama for over a year.  It was really nice to have our Hope for Cope instructor, Walker Wright, there to accept the game ball during halftime on behalf of the Austin Hatcher Foundation.”

Player jerseys from the game were donated to a silent auction that was part of a fundraiser called Kickin’ It for Kids with Cancer. The event, which also sold hundreds of T-shirts and raised money by receiving some proceeds from sales at Nothing But Noodles and Chick-fil-A, was a fundraiser for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer.

For more information visit www.hatcherfoundation.org/kickin-it/.

To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation visit www.hatcherfoundation.org, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/austinhatcherfoundation and on Twitter at @austinhatcherfo.

Stillman College Homecoming

Thousands of Stillman alumni and friends from across the nation will be in Tuscaloosa for the College’s annual Homecoming celebration, which begins on Sunday, October 6, and concludes on Saturday, October 12. Listed below is a partial listing of Homecoming activities:

On Sunday, October 6, the Christian Student Association (CSA) will host a Worship Service at 11 a.m. in the Harold N. Stinson Auditorium. That evening at 4 p.m., a Gospel Concert featuring Josh Rogers of BET’s Sunday Best will be held in Birthright Alumni Hall. General admission is $5.

On Monday, October 7, a Non-Greek Step Show will be held in Birthright Alumni Hall at 7 p.m.  General admission is $5.  Stillman students will be admitted free of charge with a student ID.

On Tuesday, October 8, at 7 p.m., “I Will Always Love You: An Evening of Pop Music Dedicated to Alumni and Friends of Stillman College” will be presented by the Stillman College Choir’s Swing Ensemble in Birthright Alumni Hall.

On Wednesday, October 9, the Sophistication Unlimited Modeling Troupe Fashion Show will be held at Birthright Alumni Hall. Tickets are $3 in advance/$5 at the door.

On Thursday, October 10, the 137th Founder’s Day celebration will be held at 11 a.m. in Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church.  The Founder’s Day speaker will be Patricia Kirk-McAlpine, a 1973 Stillman graduate who rose to the highest rank possible for Federal Civilian employees, the rank of Senior Executive Service (SES), prior to her retirement in 2010.
The Educator Hall of Fame will be held in the Warner Presentation Room in the Wynn Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Educator’s Hall of Fame are $25. This event will be followed by Stillman’s Got Talent & Homecoming Block Party, which will take place at the outdoor amphitheater on Greek Row.

On Friday, October 11, the Homecoming Golf Tournament will be held at The Links. Registration begins at 7 a.m. The cost is $75. At 12:30 p.m., the Blue Pride Luncheon will begin in the Hay Center Cafeteria. Admission is $7. There is no charge for guests with a meal card. At 5 p.m., the President/Alumni reception will be held in the Education Building. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a pep rally, followed by fireworks at Stillman Stadium. A Victory Bonfire will begin at 7:45 p.m. at the Physical Plant Parking Lot.

On Saturday, October 12, the annual Homecoming Parade will take place in downtown Tuscaloosa. The Parade begins at 9 a.m. and starts on the corner of 22nd Avenue and University Boulevard and ends on the corner of 22nd Avenue and 11th Avenue. Later that day at 1:30 p.m., the Homecoming game against Benedict College will commence. Tickets to the game are $15 for adults, $7 for children 12 and under and $25 for Executive Seats.
At 5 p.m., the Thomas E. Lyle Battle of the Bands will be held at Stillman Stadium and a Greek Step Show will be held at 8 p.m. at Birthright Alumni Hall. Step Show admission is $10 for students in advance. General admission is $15 in advance. All tickets are $20 at the door.

To maintain order and safety, parking and logistics are planned as follows: on Friday, October 11th, all RVs and tents will enter through the 40th Street gate beginning at noon. The gate at Brown Memorial will close at the regularly scheduled time (6 p.m.) and will remain closed to traffic from vehicles. The gate at 18th Street will be exit only. To be re-admitted into this gate, attendees must have the designated parking pass. The 40th Street gate will be for Exit Only with the exception of RVs and buses. No motorcycles or four wheelers will be allowed past the parking location near the entrance, and no animals will be allowed.
On Saturday, October 12th, all pedestrians and vehicle traffic arriving on the campus at the main gate after 8 a.m. must pay an entry fee: adult walk-on ($5) / children 12 years old and under walk-on ($1) or parking fee ($10) to gain admittance to the campus. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.
The main gate at Brown Memorial will remain closed. The pedestrian gate will open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. The main gate will be Entrance Only until 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., it will be open to two-way traffic. After the football game, 40th Street will become Exit-Only.
Vendors may secure a spot for $375. RVs (tailgating) will cost $175 and tents (tailgating) will cost $100. To reserve a spot or for more information, vendors should contact Key West Edwards at 205-366-8963 or at kedwards@stillman.edu. To reserve a space for RVs and tents, contact Daphne Hood at 205-366-8874 or at dhood@stillman.edu.

 MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University sophomore linebacker Daerius Washington, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and College Sports Madness SWAC Defensive Player of the Week.
Washington had five total tackles (2 solo, 6 assists) in the win over Grambling State. His big play of the game was his interception and return of 19 yards for a score with two minutes remaining in the first half to send ASU into the locker room with a 28-7 lead. Washington also added a half tackle for a loss as the Hornets’ defense held Grambling State to only 12 yards rushing in the game.
WASHINGTON RECEIVES ANOTHER HONOR

Alabama State University sophomore linebacker Daerius Washington was the top vote getter in the Heritage Sports Radio Network’s (HSRN) Fan Poll in week four of the 2013 season.

With his vote total, Washington was named the Defensive Player of the Week.  He had eight tackles in ASU’s 52-21 win over Grambling State last week.  His standout play was his interception and 19 yard return for a score with two minutes left in the first half.

His score sent ASU into the locker room with a 28-7 lead.  He also sparked a Hornet defense that held Grambling to only 12 yards rushing for the game.