Bethune-Cookman University

Top 10 HBCU Chants, Taunts, and Rally Calls

/ J Bell / 3 Comments

After watching the Crimson Tide roll LSU in the BCS title game, I watched 30,000 Alabama fans unleash the Rammer Jammer taunt on the Bayou Tigers.

It’s juvenile, opposing fans hate it, but it’s completely awesome.  That got me to thinking about the best chants, taunts, and rally calls in the HBCU world.  Admittedly, I have not visited every HBCU’s home stadium/gym so I am sure that there are a ton of chants, taunts, and rally calls that are worthy of Top 10 consideration but not included in the list below.  The only prerequisite needed to make the list below is that the chant, taunt, or rally call must have words attached to it.  So without further ado and in no particular order, here are my Top 10 HBCU chants, taunts, and rally calls.

In no particular order:

I’m So Glad –Tennessee State’s “I’m So Glad” is the granddaddy of HBCU chants.  It’s not an original composition but it was TSU that first introduced this arrangement to the band world.    And if imitation truly is the highest form of flattery then TSU should blush constantly as nearly every HBCU band play a version of this tune these days.

Get Up for the Bulldogs – Adopted from P-Funks “Get up for the Down Stroke”, South Carolina State’s “Get Up for the Bulldogs” is everything that you want in a college chant.  The words are easy to grasp, it get’s the Bulldog faithful energized, and it’s extremely catchy.  I have even had to make myself stop chanting this tune more than a few times in matchups between SCSU and my beloved Wildcats.

 Aggie Pride – …two simple words that say so much.  North Carolina A&T alums are an extremely proud bunch and for very good reason.  The institution is rich in academic, cultural, and athletic history.  This rally call serves as both public praise to a fellow Aggie for his/her accomplishments as well as a reminder of NCA&T’s rich history.

 J-S-U Rock the house  – Okay, so Grambling claims to be the first to jam the “G-S-U rock the house chant”, but it was Jackson State who rocked it best!  Sorry Grambling but the Sonic Boom wins.

Chew Tobacco Spit – Winston Salem

Chew Tobacco, Chew Tobacco, Chew Tobacco Spit;
if you aint a Ram; then you ain’t $#!+. 

I hate everything about this taunt but by definition, that’s what makes a taunt great. It’s suppose to get under the skin of the opposition.

Hail Wildcats – This Bethune-Cookman chant is sometimes used to promote crowd participation, sometimes used as a taunt, and sometimes used as a rally call to offer praise to fellow BCU alums.

Hail Wildcats (echo),
Hail Wildcats (echo),
Hail Wildcats (echo),
Hail (insert opposing team’s name); Hell No!

Behold – “Behold the Green and Gold” is heard at the conclusion of the opening fanfare of the Spartan Legion’s halftime shows.  But this rally call makes the list for its usage as an at-a-boy to fellow Norfolk State supporters.

We Beat that A$$ – One of the lesser known taunts in the HBCU world yet one of the best.  In fact, I’m not even sure that Hampton still uses this taunt.  But back when Joe Taylor and his Hampton Pirates were mopping up the HBCU world, the HU band and student section were sure to let you know about it.  Once victory was certain, it would begin:

We Beat that Asssssssss
We Beat that Ass
We Beat that Ass
We Beat that Ass.

It’s crude I admit but to the victor go the spoils.

Strike, Strike, and Strike Again –We’ve all heard the FAMU faithful making that hissing sound while someone recites some poem at the end of which we’re all reminded that a Rattler will Strike, Strike, and Strike again.  It’s pretty frustrating, but pretty cool too.  Here’s the full text to the Rattler Charge:
When the dark clouds gather on the horizon,
When thunder and lightening fill the sky,
When fate is but a glint in the eye of a fallen Rattler,
And hopes are lost friends,
When the sinew of the chest grows weary,
From those hard charging line backers,
And the muscles and the legs grow tired,
From those hard charging running backs.
You must always remember that the
RATTLERS WILL STRIKE, AND STRIKE AND STRIKE AGAIN!

Let’s Go Wildcats – Not much needs to be said, just take a listen.

A Candid Conversation with Coach Brian Jenkins

/ J Bell / 2 Comments

Coach Brian Jenkins speaks with reporters after his team's 26-16 victory in the Florida Classic

Bethune-Cookman University head coach Brian Jenkins just concluded his second season at the helm of the Wildcat football program.  The Wildcats followed up a remarkable 10-2 season in Jenkins’ first year with an 8-3 overall record and a 2nd place finish in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.  Through 23 games, Jenkins has won 18, compiling an impressive .783 winning percentage for the Daytona Beach, FL institution.  While wins and losses are important to every coach, Jenkins’ real testament has been in the way his players have performed off the field.  Since his arrival, graduation rates have improved and players have become a mainstay in the community, forging a strong relationship with the Daytona Beach, FL community and surrounding areas.

On Thursday,  HailWildcats.com contributor Bradford Gillens and I had the pleasure of speaking to Coach Jenkins via conference call on everything from his rating of the team’s performance this past season to his prediction of this year’s Liberty Bowl. (Jenkins is a 1993 graduate of U. of Cincinnati and the Bearcats take on Vanderbilt in this year’s game).

Questions and Answers:

 
Assess your team’s performance this season, what grade would you give and why?  How about yourself; assess your own coaching performance.  What grade would you give yourself and why.

“I would give us a B.  We started out OK…then got flat mid-way and got punched in the mouth.  Once we got punched in the mouth we finished strong and I really thought an injustice was done by not selecting us for the playoffs….but you know, sometimes God sends you things for you to learn for the future…(the snub) taught us that you can’t stumble and slip up.”

On his coaching grade…

“I would give myself a B or B-.  I think some things contributed to us going flat.  One of the #1 things I did after the (North Carolina) A&T game was evaluate myself and correct some things I was doing…then I went back and looked at the coaching staff, then we went to the kids. I think I did a decent job of not panicking and letting the floodgates open and as a result we were able to finish the season with six straight wins.”

This season, the offense employed more of a “ground and pound” attack with your stable of runningbacks, which was a stark contrast to the vaunted Speedway offense we saw last year.  Was that a philosophical change due to the departure of Danny Barrett and Mark Orlando and arrival of Rob Spence, or simply a result of you tailoring the offense to the strengths of your personnel?

“It was definitely tailored to the strength of our personnel.  It’s the same offense we ran last year with just a tweak here and there.  Every year I’ve been in this offense we’ve always had a decent running game.  It wasn’t a change in philosophy, it also goes to show people we can do both.  We can run the ball when needed and pass when needed.  So that should definitely help us going into year three.”

What happened with Jamarr Robinson?  He began the season in impressive fashion against Prairie View, but by mid-season was relegated to the #3 QB on the roster?  Why didn’t we see more of him the second half of the season?

“Well Jamarr got a serious injury that takes such a long time to recover from.  Every time we would put him back in the game to try to give him some reps he would re-injure himself.  He suffered from turf toe in both feet and as a result it reduced his role a little bit.  Luckily for us David (Blackwell) and Jackie (Wilson) were able to step up in his absence and play at a high level for us.”

Ryan Davis was selected as the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year following a stellar senior season but was probably over shadowed this preseason by other Wildcats.  What do you attribute to Davis having such a breakout year?

“Definitely his work ethic, attitude, knowing his role, accepting coaching; anything a star player would contain, he had it and did it.  I think he finally figured out his craft at the DE spot and he said “Hey I’m gonna give it everything I got so when I hang this Wildcat hat up, I’ll know I gave it my all.  I know he’ll tell you he would not have been able to play at that level if the other 10 guys on the defense weren’t performing at a high level as well.”

Talk about the play of Ryan Lewis and Reggie Sandilands.   What have they meant to this team since you’ve been here?

“Very solid, experienced players.  Very sound, even though people were not thinking their name were getting called a lot.  Those kids brought a lot to our team and conference, but both of those guys are really, really sound.  Just to show you how good of kids they are, one is graduating in December (Sandilands) and the other is on pace to graduate in May (Lewis).  You can’t say enough about guys like that.”

On how he feels about them…

“Very proud, because it allows me to know that the message me and the coaching staff are preaching is getting through to them.  It also lets me know that they take pride in being a part of the bloodline and vision Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune set forth during the inception of the university.  I told those guys, when your playing days are done, your names will fall amongst the likes of Larry Little because of the type of career had here and the type of men you have become.  When I look at the way they have responded on the field, in the classroom, and in the community it let’s me know that they really believe that there is something special about being a Cookman Man”

There hasn’t been a MEAC team advance past the first round in an FCS Playoff game since 1999.  Whereas you have an upstart program like Old Dominion who in 3 years has produced more playoff victories than every school in the MEAC except FAMU, SCSU and NC A&T.  What are your thoughts on what the conference can do to improve their chances of victory in the postseason?

“The first thing we have to do is get more than one team in.  Anytime you have a conference that’s putting four and five teams in the playoffs every year, they’re gonna have a chance at more victories.  I think the teams with the best records should be selected to the playoffs regardless of conference affiliation.”

On Old Dominion’s rise to power in such a short while:

“A school like ODU has progressed really fast, but again you have to look at their conference. They play in the CAA and that conference historically gets 4-5 teams in the playoffs every year.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t play with them.  A team from our conference (Hampton) took them to the wire in the beginning of the season (45-42 loss)….what we have to do is schedule teams like that through the year and beat those teams in the regular season, if we can do that we’ll see things take a turn for the better for the MEAC.”

On the MEAC’s perception among other conferences

“I don’t think college football respects our conference…if you look at the coaches we have in this conference, they’ve put together really good programs. Why college football doesn’t respect our conference is beyond me, I just don’t understand it.”

On FCS Playoffs being compared to BCS

“You know, I never understood what Boise State was feeling until this season when we were passed up for the playoffs.  This year you got two teams in that were 7-4…and neither of those teams beat teams that were at the top of their conference.  I think some things need to be re-evaluated or looked at.  We (MEAC) definitely need to have more than one team in the playoffs.”

Are you still upset about your team’s playoff snub?  How well do you believe your team would have matched up against this year’s playoff participants?

“I feel we would’ve matched up very strongly. No disrespect to any playoff teams, but we would’ve come away with some victories in the playoffs this season.  We were healthy unlike last year, we had some depth unlike last year, and we would’ve gone into this game with our best team to achieve victory.  I was really looking forward to having an opportunity to prove that we deserved to be in the playoff field.”

What are some of the immediate needs B-CU needs to address in order to get back to their championship form of 2010?

“Defensively we’re losing Ryan Davis, Ryan Lewis, and Reggie Sandilands.  We’re also losing Jean Fanor, who’s just as good as any safety in the conference.  So it’s definitely a task trying to replace those guys.  That’s kind of like all your stallions have run and won all the races they can run for you and you have to let them go free.”

Can you provide a general overview of your offseason calendar?

“Work, work, work, work, and more work.  First in the classroom, second in the community, and third in the weight room.  We do have a calendar because we’re very structured and detailed here…so we’ll evaluate ourselves very strongly going into spring practice.  Take it into spring and correct and recover.  Then we’ll get a chance to get in and evaluate some young talent.”

When does spring football begin?

“We never really have a set date.  Our guys have to earn the right to participate in spring football.   There are certain tests our guys have to go through in order to practice spring football.  I’ve been around coaching for a very long time.  Sometimes I think players lose sight of the fact that football is a privilege, not a right, therefore you need to work to get that gift and not take it lightly.  Our guys will forever be grateful and be humble for the opportunity to play football at the Great Bethune-Cookman University.”

Looks like your alma mater drew Vanderbilt in the Liberty Bowl.  Do you still follow the Bearcats on a weekly basis, and if you do, what is your prediction of the game?

“I follow as much as I can.  I don’t get back to support them as much as I’d like.  A good friend of mine and godfather of my son, Tim Banks, is the co-Defensive Coordinator there and I’m supporting what he’s doing.  The head coach (Butch Jones) has the program going in the right direction.  You don’t hear about the players getting arrested or doing foolish things.  That’s how you know he has them headed on the right path.  Coach Franklin is also doing a great job at Vanderbilt.”

Coach thank you for that long winded answer but you still never made a prediction.  Who are you going with in the game Cincinnati or Vanderbilt?

“(Laughs) I see you caught on to me there.  I thought by giving you a long answer where I talked good about both schools I would get out of having to choose one of them.  I’m going with the Bearcats to win and I know this is gonna come back to get me because I’m gonna see James (Franklin) at the coaches convention and I’m gonna have to buy dinner or something if that does happen.”

You created quite a buzz with those new helmets.  Did you have any idea that the fans would react so favorably to the head gear?  Who designed the helmets?  You now have 75 uniform combinations.  I’ve heard some call BCU the Oregon/Maryland of the HBCU world with all of the uniform combinations.  Who will decide which uniforms will be worn in each game next season?  Can we expect any new alterations to the uniforms and/or head gear next season?

“I told my wife that these helmets might be my tombstone if they don’t go right.  It kept the traditional colors, but brought some freshness and newness to the program…very happy it all worked out.  And I tell you what; it kind of gave us some juice as a team.  We brought out the first (maroon and gold) ones against Morgan St. (49-23) and we had a big win and the second set (black) we wore in the Florida Classic (26-16 over FAMU). 

There is still more (uniform changes) to come”

On the chief designer of the helmets

“I designed the helmets.”

On B-CU the Oregon/Maryland of the HBCU world with all of the uniform combinations…

“I’m starting to hear that and that’s OK with me.  Anything we can take from good programs and use for ourselves we’ll definitely take that.  I don’t think that’s a bad tag to have.”

On who will decide which uniform combinations will be worn in each game next season…

“We have a Leadership committee selected with a group of young men from every class.  They select the uniforms they want to wear.  In order for that selection to take place, they have to perform in the classroom and have no violations during the week.”

How rewarding was it for you to win your first Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Classic this season?

“It was very rewarding.  Anytime you can beat a high caliber team like FAMU it’s very rewarding.  Especially knowing last year you had ‘em on the ropes and had ‘em staggered and they come back and got you.  It was also good for me to go up against a coaching legend such as Joe Taylor and I will always consider it to be a bright spot in my coaching career.”

Coach we’re 13 days away from your two year anniversary as the head coach of Bethune-Cookman.  What stands out as the thing you are most proud of accomplishing in that time period?

“The off the field success, man.  The culture change by our young men, graduation rate of our athletes…and they’re not just getting bachelor’s degrees they’re attaining master’s degrees as well.  Last year I had two graduates from the Master’s program, this year I have eight.  I tell the guys all the time as long as we take care of things off the field, everything on the field will fall into place.”

“I also want to thank you guys for all of the hard work that you do covering Bethune-Cookman University football.  You guys do a first class job with your sites and continue to put the word out about all of the good things we’re doing here, so thank you guys again.”

BCU’s Ryan Davis earns MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Honors

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2011 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year-Ryan Davis

Associated Press– Bethune-Cookman’s Ryan Davis earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor as voted on by the MEAC head football coaches and sports information directors. 

Ryan Davis led the MEAC in sacks (12.0) and tackles for loss (21.5) and ranked in the top 10 nationally in both categories.  He ranked third on the team in tackles with 65 this season including 40 solo and 25 assisted.  He also recorded 17 quarterback hurries, eight forced fumbles, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.  He was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week once this season and was named the FCS Defensive Player of the Week once by the Sports Network. 

Sophomore running back Isidore Jackson joins Davis as a first team All-MEAC selectee.  Jackson finished the year as the conference’s second leading rusher gaining 866 yards on 146 carries with 7 rushing touchdowns.

The MEAC’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker  Ryan Lewis, was an second team selectee as were fellow linebacker Reggie Sandilands, safety Jean Fanor, offensive lineman Natiel Curry, and offensive lineman Terrance Hackney.

Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley and North Carolina A&T State running back Mike Mayhew were selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Co-Offensive Players of the Year.

Greg McGhee of Howard earned the Rookie of the Year award and Norfolk State’s Blake Matthews was selected as the Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Seven-year head coach Pete Adrian of Norfolk State was named the Coach of the Year.  Adrian led the Spartans to its first-ever MEAC football title following a 9-2 overall finish and 7-1 mark in conference play.  The Spartans earned the conference title following a 47-14 victory over Morgan State on Saturday, Nov. 12.  The No. 19th ranked Spartans rose to its highest-ever ranking in the Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top 25 poll and earned the MEAC’s automatic berth with the title. 

Senior Mike Mayhew capped off a tremendous four-year collegiate career with yet another conference top honor after receiving Rookie of the Year honors just three years ago. In 11 games Mayhew led the MEAC in rushing with 231 carries for 1,120 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 18 passes for 93 yards. Mayhew was named to the All-MEAC Preseason First Team and was MEAC Offensive Player of the Week once this season. He ranks 23rd in the nation in rushing and averaged 101.8 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry.

Chris Walley led the MEAC in most of the passing categories this season including total yards (2,309), average per game (209.9), efficiency (148.5) and completions (211).   He also led the conference in total offense averaging 235 yards in 11 games.  The 6-2, senior from Tallahassee, Florida ranks 18th in the nation in pass efficiency and 33rd in total offense.  Walley completed 69.2-percent of his passes (211-305) with 17 passing touchdowns and ranked third on the team in rushing with 89 attempts and 276 total yards with five TDs on the ground. He was selected as the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.

Greg McGhee led the Bison and was third in the MEAC in total offense averaging 197.5 yards per game.  The rookie connected on 56-percent of his passes (182-321-5) with 1,784 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts.  He was second on the team in rushing with 388 yards on 116 carries with four rushing touchdowns.  The Pittsburgh, Pa. native was selected as the MEAC Rookie of the Week five times this season.

Blake Matthews aided a powerful Spartan offense that accounted for 4,319 total yards including 1,843 yards on the ground. Behind Matthew’s blocking Norfolk State finished second in the MEAC in total offense and passing offense. He provided protection for four different players to rush for over 200+ yards. He also allowed senior quarterback Chris Walley to throw for 2,309 yards and 17 touchdowns. Matthews was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week once this season and anchored a line that only gave up 13 sacks on the year.

2011 All-MEAC FOOTBALL HONORS

Player of the Year: Chris Walley, Norfolk State and Mike Mayhew, North Carolina A&T

Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Davis, Bethune-Cookman                                            

Offensive Lineman of the Year: Blake Matthews, Norfolk State

Rookie of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard                                                                                                   

Coach of the Year: Pete Adrian, Norfolk State

2011 All-MEAC FIRST TEAM

Offense

POS Name CL School Hometown
QB Chris Walley r-Sr. Norfolk State Tallahassee, Fla.
RB Isidore Jackson r-So. Bethune-Cookman Mossy Head, Fla.
RB Mike Mayhew Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
TE Lamont Bryant Sr. Morgan State Newport News, Va.
WR Willie Carter Sr. Howard Denmark, S.C.
WR Xavier Boyce r-Jr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
OL Kendall Noble r-Sr. Norfolk State Rocky Mount, N.C.
OL Steven Robinson r-Sr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
OL Corey Gwinner r-Sr. Howard Ypsilanti, Mich.
OL Blake Matthews r-Sr. Norfolk State Manassas, Va.
C Shelly Anthony r-So. Florida A&M Atlanta, Ga.
Defense        
DL Ryan Davis Sr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
DL Sackie Kerkulah r-Sr. Howard Willingboro, NJ
DL Josh Turner r-Sr. Norfolk State Chesterfield, Va.
DL Pat Washington r-Sr. South Carolina State Hollywood, S.C.
LB Keith Pough r-Jr. Howard Orangeburg, S.C.
LB Corwin Hammond r-Sr. Norfolk State Louisville, Ky.
LB Donovan Richard r-Sr. South Carolina State Georgetown, S.C.
DB John Ojo Jr. Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
DB Micah Pellerin Sr. Hampton New Orleans, La.
DB Justin Ferrell Sr. North Carolina A&T Danville, Va.
DB Dominique Ellis r-Sr. South Carolina State Union City, Ga.
P Branden Holdren Jr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
P/K Ryan Estep r-Sr. Norfolk State Chesapeake, Va.
Ret Edmond Baker r-Jr. Florida A&M Miami, Fla

2011 All-MEAC SECOND TEAM

Offense

POS Name CL School Hometown
QB Greg McGhee Fr. Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB Asheton Jordan Jr. South Carolina State Summerville, S.C.
RB Travis Davidson Jr. Morgan State Redford, Mich.
TE Joe Hawkins Jr. Norfolk State Chicago, Ill.
WR Wallace Miles r-Sr. North Carolina A&T Atlanta, Ga.
WR Kevin Elliott r-Sr. Florida A&M Orlando, Fla.
OL Alex Harper r-Sr. North Carolina A&T Baltimore, Md.
OL Terrance Hackney So. Bethune-Cookman Chapel Hill, N.C.
OL Lawrence Brewer Sr. Morgan State Fort Washington, Md.
OL Branden Curry r-Sr. Florida A&M Hollywood, Fla.
C Natiel Curry r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
         
Defense        
DL Joey Christine Sr. Norfolk State Stephens City, Va.
DL Corey Berry r-Sr. Howard Orangeburg, S.C.
DL Ian Davidson Sr. Hampton Washington, DC
DL Zackary Stewart Sr. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
LB Reginald Sandilands Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
LB Delbert Tyler So. Hampton Monroeville, Pa.
LB Ryan Lewis Sr. Bethune-Cookman Pompano Beach, Fla.
DB Jean Fanor r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DB DeVonte Reynolds r-Sr. Norfolk State Warsaw, Va.
DB Christian Thompson Sr. South Carolina State N. Lauderdale, Fla.
DB Lanny Kelly Sr. Howard Richmond, Calif.
P Jordan Stovall Jr. Hampton Elgin, S.C.
P/K Trevor Scott r-Sr. Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
Ret Geovonie Irvine r-Jr. North Carolina Central Durham, N.C.

BCU Thumps Morgan 49-23

/ J Bell / 12 Comments

Last Saturday’s 49-23 Homecoming thumping of Morgan State was a near perfect microcosm of The Fighting Wildcats 2011 football season. 

 Much like the first half of this season, the first 2 quarters of Saturday’s contest were filled with both explosive plays –174 yards of total offense and 2 defensive turnovers– and untimely penalties –6 for 54 yards– for the Wildcats.  BCU looked vulnerable as a result and clung to a 14-10 halftime lead.

 The Wildcats seemed to sure up a few things in the halftime locker room and looked completely dominant and playoff worthy in the second half; outscoring MSU 35-13 in the process.

Isidore Jackson had another solid afternoon rushing for 94 yards (1 TD) on 20 carries and catching 2 passes for 22 yards. Senior fullback Johnathan Moment enjoyed his best statistical game of the season accounting for 106 yards of total offense (78 rushing; 28 receiving) and two touchdowns in the contest. 

Jackie Wilson

Sophomore quarterback Jackie Wilson continues to play well.  Wilson completed 67 percent of his passes (10/15 for 186) and rushed for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns on the afternoon.  “The game is starting to slow down to me,” Wilson said after the contest. 

 Although Wilson’s insertion into the starting lineup has seemed to stabilize the Wildcat offense, Coach Brian Jenkins states that there will continue to be an open competition for the starting quarterback spot.  Jenkins went on to state that David Blackwell almost received the starting nod this week instead of Wilson.

 The Wildcat starting defense held the Morgan State offense to 173 yards of total offense and 10 points through 3 quarters.  Senior linebacker Ryan Lewis led the way with 7 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss.  The Bear offense accumulated 137 yards of offense and 13 points in the final quarter mostly against BCU’s second and third teamers.  Even still, Coach Jenkins was none-too-happy about how his defense finished the contest; and he was particularly upset about yielding a 44-yard touchdown run to Travis Davidson with 58 seconds remaining in the contest.  “No matter the score, I want my guys to execute.”  “We had one guy out of position and a few others who didn’t make the play that was to be made” Jenkins stated.  Davidson finished the afternoon with 133 yards rushing on 17 carries for the Bears.

Bethune hosts upstart Savannah State next Saturday in Daytona Beach at 4:00 p.m.

Florida Classic could see Millionth Fan

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Bethune Band

Orlando, Florida (NOVEMBER 2, 2011) –  Game officials are preparing for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University, and it is possible that a special milestone may be reached at this year’s edition the nation’s top HBCU Classic.

Should the game reach an attendance mark of 63,200, the one-millionth fan of the game since it came to Orlando in 1997 will walk through the gates of Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Heading into this year’s 32nd overall edition of the game, 936,800 fans have attended the game in its 14 previous years in Orlando. Game officials expect to hit the 1,000,000 mark this year based on current ticket sales projections combined with an annual attendance average of nearly 67,000.

“Since 1997, FAMU, B-CU and the City of Orlando have truly built something special together,” said Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan. “The Classic weekend is one of the great rivalry experiences in college athletics and this year’s game could see fan number 1,000,000 walk through the gates — yet another milestone to celebrate in a series already rich in tradition.

”Should the 1,000,000th fan enter the gates, he/she will receive:· Two free Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic tickets in Orlando for life· Instant seat upgrade for two in the Uprights Club for this year’s game· A BCBS Florida Classic merchandise prize pack. 

The 2011 BCBSFL Classic – featuring the McDonald’s halftime show — takes place on Saturday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. Fans interested in purchasing tickets should go to Ticketmaster.com and for game information, log on to www.FloridaClassic.org.

Jackie Wilson earns MEAC POTW honors

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A Wildcat football player has earned MEAC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the second consecutive week.  Quarterback Jackie Wilson was selected as this week’s MEAC Offensive Player of the Week.  Also honored this week was Corwin Hammond of Norfolk State (Defensive Player of the Week).

D’Vonte Grant of North Carolina A&T and Tracy Martin of Morgan State was selected as the Co-Rookie’s of the Week while Lawrence Brewer, also of Morgan State, was named the Offensive Lineman of the Week.  Blake Erickson of South Carolina State was selected as the Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively.

Wilson (QB, 6-0, 210, So., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) completed 12 of 15 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown in the Wildcats’ 34-6 win over North Carolina Central. He also carried the ball nine times for 113 yards with another touchdown on the ground. 

Hammond (LB, 6-1, 220, r-Sr., Louisville, Ky.) recorded a season-high 12 tackles, nine solo, in the Spartans’ 14-10 win over North Carolina A&T to remain in first place of the conference standings.  He registered five tackles for a loss of 17 yards including one sack for a nine-yard loss.  He also forced a fumble and broke up a pass in the win.

Grant (LB, 5-11, r-Fr., Charlotte, NC) collected a career-high 17 tackles, 15 solo, in the Aggies loss to Norfolk State.  He tallied 3.5 tackles for a loss of 14 yards and recorded a broken up pass.

Martin (RB, 5-9, 190, r-Fr., Beltsville, Md.) ran for 154 yards on 38 carries with two touchdowns in the Bears’ (12-0) shutout victory over Delaware State. 
Brewer (OL, 6-5, 290, Sr., Ft. Washington, Md.) graded out at 98-percent on his assignments as he paved the way for the Bears to record 314 offensive yards in the win over Delaware State.  He helped the team post 289 yards on the ground and racked up five pancake blocks.

Erickson (PK/P, 5-10, 165, Sr., Cantonment, Fla.) finished a perfect 4-of-4 on PATs and connected on a 22-yard field goal in South Carolina State’s 31-0 win over Howard.  He averaged 38.8 yards on six punts, including a long of 66 yards.  He also handled the kickoff responsibilities, averaging 58.7 yards on six attempts.

Other Top Performer

Jean Fanor (B-CU) posted six tackles, two solo, with one interception and one forced fumble in the Wildcats’ win over North Carolina Central.

Last week’s Contest

The Bethune-Cookman offense racked up 525 yards of Total Offense spoiling the homecoming of 12,516 North Carolina Central fans.  Isidore Jackson and Jackie Wilson both eclipsed the 100 yard rushing mark in Saturday’s contest. 

On the opposite side of the ball, the Wildcat defense held the Eagles scoreless until the 13:17 mark in the 4th quarter.  DJ Howard led the Cats with 8 tackles.

The Wildcats are currently playing as well as anyone in the MEAC and will look to continue their impressive late season push in a homecoming matchup against the surprising Morgan State Bears.  Morgan State and Norfolk State are the only remaining 1-loss conference teams. 

Jekyll-and-Hyde Eagles are a mystery, even to their coach, Henry Frazier

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Associated Press

NCCU QB Michael Johnson

DURHAM — Sounding ominous just days before Halloween, N.C. Central coach

Henry Frazier III said he’s never sure whether the Eagles he sees all week at practice will be the same ones who will show up on game day.

“We’ve been Jekyll-and-Hyde all season. I really don’t know which team is going to show up,” Frazier said.

It’s as if the Eagles looked at the schedule and circled the contests they believed required their “A” games, Frazier said.

If that’s the case, it would seem Saturday’s game against Bethune-Cookman (2 p.m., nccueaglepride.com) is highlighted, because it’s homecoming, and there’s something about putting on a good show for the alums.

The Eagles better come ready to play, because Bethune-Cookman is no joke, Frazier said. The Wildcats can run it, pass it and sure enough will hit, he said.

“That 49 on defense is something else. He’s a grown man out there,” Frazier said about Bethune-Cookman defensive end Ryan Davis. “Their defense is a bunch of grown men running around.”

Last week against Norfolk State, Davis had 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered another and was credited with a quarterback hurry, all of which made him not only the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week but also brought in Bethune-Cookman’s first National Football Championship Subdivsion Defensive Player of the Week award from The Sports Network/Fathead.com, given weekly to the top defender in the nation.

It’s not just Bethune-Cookman’s defense that furrows Frazier’s brow.

“Everything is of concern,” Frazier said.

NCCU’s defensive backs will have to make sure Wildcat wide receiver Eddie Poole is accounted for, and Bethune-Cookman doesn’t have just one or two running backs but a stable of them who all see time in the backfield and know what to do when they get their hands on the ball, Frazier said.

“They break tackles,” Frazier said. “We’re talking gang tackling.”

Bethune-Cookman running back Isidore Jackson last week was the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week after averaging 6.5 yards per carry and finishing with 206 yards.

“All of our running backs are capable of doing what Ike did,” Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said.

The Wildcats (4-3) have at least five solid running backs, but if one of them particularly is doing his thing out there on the field, then that guy might get most of the carries, Jenkins said.

NCCU (1-6) has yet to win a game in the conference since returning this season as a full MEAC member.

“North Carolina Central is probably the best one-win team that I’ve seen, and I don’t mean that with any disrespect,” Jenkins said. “They’re no slouch, now.”

Jenkins said NCCU probably should have beaten South Carolina. State, a team that for years has set the standard in the MEAC.

“They had South Carolina State on the ropes,” Jenkins said.

He was referring to S.C. State’s 49-38 over the Eagles earlier this season. NCCU has lost five straight, including last week’s 30-27 overtime defeat at Hampton.

“We’re not looking at them lightly or overlooking them,” Jenkins said of the Eagles. “They’re very disciplined and sound.”

Frazier wouldn’t agree about that discipline part. The Eagles committed 133 yards of penalties in each of their last two games. Those flags have been real thorns, Frazier said.

Still, eliminate NCCU’s record and what the Eagles are is a good football team, Jenkins insisted.

“Offensively, their quarterback gets rid of the football pretty fast, and they throw the ball up and down the field on people,” Jenkins said.

NCCU’s offense is efficient and can score, the Eagles play swarming defense and overall that team just plain plays hard, Jenkins said.

Thing is, there’s no telling which NCCU ball club will show up for the game, according to Frazier.

http://heraldsun.com/pages/sports_nccu

Wildcats keep MEAC hopes alive in 14-6 defeat of #24 Norfolk State

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

Eddie Poole extends his consecutive games reception streak to 19 against Norfolk State--Photo Courtesy of The Virginian Pilot

The 24th ranked and conference unbeaten Norfolk State Spartans entered Thursday night’s nationally televised contest  boasting the conference’s top offense, number 1 scoring defense, and the conference’s best offensive player through the midpoint of the season in QB Chris Walley. But it was the Wildcats who dominated both sides of the ball and exited Dick Price Stadium with a convincing 14-6 victory.

For the second consecutive week, Junior running back Isidore Jackson set a single game career high with 206 yards rushing on 34 carries.  Jackson’s determined running along with a dominant performance by the Bethune Cookman offensive line helped the Wildcats outgained  Norfolk State on the ground 245 yards to 97.

Jackie Wilson got the start at quarterback for the Wildcats.  Wilson passed for a modest 88 yards on 8 of 16 attempts including a 7 yard touchdown completion to KJ Stroud with 11:56 remaining in the 3rd quarter.  It was the Rutger’s transfer first td reception in a BCU uniform.  Wilson played the entire game with his throwing hand heavily wrapped.  The nature and severity of Wilson’s injury is unknown but is a reason for concern.  Last week’s starter, David Blackwell, dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the contest against Fort Valley State and it is believed that Jamarr Robinson has an undisclosed leg injury which has limited his play and/or availability.

Brian Jenkins and the coaching staff deserve a ton of praise for developing a winning gameplan that protected the Wildcat quarterback given the current injury situation at the position.

The Wildcat’s two touchdowns on the evening came on their opening possession of the game and the opening possession of the second half.  It was all of the scoring the Cats needed on the evening as the Wildcat defense prevented the Spartans from getting into the endzone only yielding two long field goals in the contest.

The Wildcat defensive front-7 dominated the Spartans offense all night.  Defensive End Ryan Davis was quite simply the best player on the field and registered as good of a defensive performance as you will ever witness.  Davis accounted for 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery on the evening.  Davis and the Wildcats limited NSU to less than 250 yards of total offense and produced 3 turnovers.  The last of which was a game sealing Dion Hanks interception in the endzone with :50 seconds remaining in the contest.

With the victory on Thursday night, the Wildcats keep their slim hopes alive of winning a share of the 2011 MEAC crown.  BCU will take the field again next Saturday in Durham, NC against upstart North Carolina Central. 

 

Scoring Summary

FIRST QUARTER

COOK

NORF
  TD 04:08 Anthony Jordan 2 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick)

7

0
SECOND QUARTER

COOK

NORF
  FG 02:18 Everett Goldberg 50 Yd

7

3
THIRD QUARTER

COOK

NORF
  TD 11:56 Keith Stroud 7 Yd Pass From Jackie Wilson (Sven Hurd Kick)

14

3
  FG 07:27 Everett Goldberg 47 Yd

14

6

Team Stat Comparison

  Bethune-Cook. Norfolk St
1st Downs

19

16
3rd down efficiency

6-15

5-15
4th down efficiency

0-0

0-0
Total Yards

333

249
Passing

88

152
Comp-Att

8-16

17-28
Yards per pass

5.5

5.4
Rushing

245

97
Rushing Attempts

54

36
Yards per rush

4.5

2.7
Penalties

8-59

6-31
Turnovers

2

3
Fumbles lost

0

2
Interceptions thrown

2

1
Possession

31:40

28:20
Bethune-Cookman Passing
 

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

INT
J. Wilson

8/16

88

5.5

1

2
Team

8/16

88

5.5

1

2
                 

 

Norfolk State Passing
 

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

TD

INT
C. Walley

14/24

88

3.7

0

1
N. Flores

3/4

64

16.0

0

0
Team

17/28

152

5.4

0

1
Bethune-Cookman Rushing
 

CAR

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
I. Jackson

34

206

6.1

0

49
R. Scott

8

34

4.3

0

15
J. Wilson

7

14

2.0

0

15
A. Jordan

2

1

0.5

1

2
-. Team

3

-10

-3.3

0

0
Team

54

245

4.5

1

49
                     

 

Norfolk State Rushing
 

CAR

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
T. Hedgeman

16

54

3.4

0

13
K. Lewis

4

44

11.0

0

17
N. Flores

7

16

2.3

0

4
R. Maynes

1

-1

-1.0

0

0
C. Walley

8

-16

-2.0

0

3
Team

36

97

2.7

0

17
Bethune-Cookman Receiving
 

REC

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
M. Francois

3

56

18.7

0

29
E. Poole

2

20

10.0

0

14
K. Stroud

1

7

7.0

1

7
P. Harris

1

7

7.0

0

7
R. Scott

1

-2

-2.0

0

0
Team

8

88

11.0

1

29
                     

 

Norfolk State Receiving
 

REC

YDS

AVG

TD

LG
X. Boyce

6

76

12.7

0

45
R. Garrett

4

36

9.0

0

14
V. Hairston

4

35

8.8

0

14
K. Johnson

1

3

3.0

0

3
K. Lewis

2

2

1.0

0

2
Team

17

152

8.9

0

45
Bethune-Cookman Interceptions
 

INT

YDS

TD
D. Hanks

1

12

0
Team

1

12

0
                 

 

Norfolk State Interceptions
 

INT

YDS

TD
R. Volcin

1

0

0
D. Reynolds

1

0

0
Team

2

0

0
Bethune-Cookman Kick Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
C. Keith

2

39

19.5

26
J. Moss

1

4

4.0

4
Team

3

43

14.3

26
               

 

Norfolk State Kick Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
V. Hairston

2

41

20.5

23
M. Cooperwood

1

19

19.0

19
Team

3

60

20.0

23
Bethune-Cookman Punt Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
P. Cleckley

1

14

14.0

14
C. Wilson

1

0

0.0

0
Team

2

14

7.0

14

 

Norfolk State Punt Returns
 

NO

YDS

AVG

LG
M. Cooperwood

2

14

7.0

7
V. Hairston

1

6

6.0

6
Team

3

20

6.7

7
Bethune-Cookman Kicking
 

FG

PCT

LONG

XP

PTS
S. Hurd

0/1

0.0

—

2/2

2
Team

0/1

0.0

—

2/2

2
                   

 

Norfolk State Kicking
 

FG

PCT

LONG

XP

PTS
E. Goldberg

2/2

100.0

50

0/0

6
Team

2/2

100.0

50

0/0

6
Bethune-Cookman Punting
 

TOT

YDS

AVG

TB

-20

LG
K. Kowalski

7

256

36.6

0

3

58
Team

7

256

36.6

0

3

58
                       

 

Norfolk State Punting
 

TOT

YDS

AVG

TB

-20

LG
T. Muenzer

7

260

37.1

0

2

51
Team

7

260

37.1

0

2

51