The SPIRAL Tropical Bowl is a premier FBS Division I level College Football All Star Game played in Daytona Beach, Fla., annually in mid January. The SPIRAL Tropical Bowl showcases the top college football seniors to NFL scouts and GM’s who travel from around the country to the event. The weekend is focused on scouting, teaching, and football. The Inaugural 2016 game was held at FIU/FIU North Stadium and the 2017 SPIRAL Tropical Bowl in cooperation with the City of Daytona Beach moved to Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fla., and has since returned .The SPIRAL Tropical Bowl has partnered with the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center as the main Host Hotel for the “Tropical Bowl Weekend.” The organizing company East Preps LLC. is responsible for several high end college football all star games at FIU since 2013 and the SPIRAL Tropical Bowl has featured 70+ NFL Scouts and 26+ NFL Teams. Over 110 SPIRAL Tropical Bowl alumni have gone on to the NFL since it’s inception in 2016. https://www.tropicalbowl.com/home
Credits: Orlando Sentinel
The annual all-star game for seniors from Football Bowl Subdivision programs will kick off at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday in DeLand, Fla. The game will be played at Spec Martin Stadium, home of Stetson University and can be viewed online at FloFootball.com. The Tropical Bowl website estimates, through its parent organization (East Prep LLC), that upwards to 40% of players that participate and actually pursue a Pro career are placed and many players play from the NFL to Europe!
Best of luck to Jimmie and Trevor! Hail Wildcats!
Top 5 Victories of Sims Era
To all of the ‘armchair quarterbacks’, ‘expert second-guessers’ and ‘guys who think they know more about football than those who actually get paid for it’; I have excellent news for you. Our busy season is upon us. By this time next week, we get to fuss, yell and rave over our first 2019 results and I cannot wait.
Before we look ahead at the season to come, let’s first look back at some of Bethune’s best moments under now fifth year head coach Terry Sims. Here are the Wildcats’ Top 5 Victories under Terry Sims as ranked by the staff at HailWildcats.com.
- Wildcats Weather Storm to Beat Southeastern Louisiana University on the Road (2017)
The Bethune-Cookman football team stepped into Strawberry Stadium in Hammond, Louisiana with their hearts filled pending the looming threat of Hurricane Irma bearing down on their loved ones back home in Florida. By night’s end, BCU weathered a different kind of storm overcoming 3 turnovers, a rash of penalties and a 4th quarter deficit to defeat Southland Conference foe Southeastern Louisiana 28-23.
The Wildcats racked up 482 yards of total offense in the contest including 354 yards passing from Larry Brihm. Despite the offensive explosion and the defense limiting SELA to under 300 yards of total offense, Sims men entered the 4th quarter trailing 16-14. Brihm connected with Jawill Davis for a 2 yard touchdown reception at the 11:00 mark and ran for a 1 yard touchdown with 4:34 left on the clock to push BCU ahead for good 28-26.
Defensive backs Trevor Merritt, Diquan Richardson and Elliott Miller all snagged interceptions in the contest with Miller’s coming via the one handed variety. The Wildcat defense sealed the contest by turning over SELA on downs with 1:27 left on the game clock.
It was a great win, against a quality opponent, under adverse circumstances.
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Oh Hail Mary…Oh Hail Yeah (2017)
The 2017 matchup against North Carolina Central was an ugly game for 59 minutes and 57 seconds. The game was sloppy, the score at halftime was 0-0 and our beloved Wildcats only amassed 178 yards of total offense while racking up 8 penalties for 100 yards. That’s bad…but like so many of the recent BCU vs NCCU contests, the final seconds were filled with drama. Central scored its first touchdown of the evening with 16 seconds remaining giving them what seemed to be a certain victory. However, on the game’s final play from scrimmage, quarterback Larry Brihm rolled to his left, fired up a 48 yard Hail Mary and had his prayer answered in the hands of Keavon Mitchell.
The Wildcats escaped another visit to Durham with a last second 13-10 dramatic win.
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FAMU’s Title Hope’s Crushed as BCU Secures 8th Straight Florida Classic Win (2018)
So here is the scene: the Mighty Rattlers from the Highest of Seven Hills entered the 2018 Florida Blue Florida Classic with a shot to earn a share of the MEAC crown and punch their first ever ticket to the Celebration Bowl. All that stood in between them and Atlanta was 11 yards of contested field, 52,142 screaming fans and a Bethune-Cookman team that had defeated them seven straight years.
This was a dream scenario for FAMU. This is why we love sports. These are the moments athletes dream about night after night, year after year, practice after practice. Unfortunately, for FAMU, some dreams do not come true and turn into the nightmares instead.
Trailing by 7 points, the FAMU offense drove to the BCU 11 yard line with 17 seconds remaining in the game. FAMU quarterback Ryan Stanley was forced outside of the pocket by BCU’s Marcus Ford and tossed a pass into the flat. The Wildcat’s Tydarius Peters had a beat on the quarterback, stepped in front of Stanley’s pass and returned it 90 yards untouched to secure the Wildcat’s 8th straight victory in the contest.
All Florida Classic victories are special but this was a little more so considering the dramatic ending and all that was on the line.
- NCCU Blocked…Well First there was a Goal line Stand and then BLOCKED (2015)
Like the #5 game on this list, this was another contest impacted by a fast approaching hurricane. The threat of inclement weather forced the 2015 matchup against North Carolina Central to be moved up a few hours. The soggy conditions led to a sloppy first half with BCU carrying a 7-6 lead into intermission.
Thankfully both teams grew into the game and the second half came to life with a six touchdown explosion . NCCU scored the first 3 touchdowns of the 3rd quarter while BCU ended the contest with the final 3 touchdowns. Quentin Williams hooked up with Jawill Davis for two 29 yard touchdowns but it was Michael Jones’ 6 yard run that put the Cats ahead 28-26.
Central had one last opportunity to overcome Bethune’s rally and drove the ball as deep as the 1 yard line on their final drive. The Central ball carrier’s helmet crossed the goal line but the Wildcats kept the ball from breaking the plane. The Eagles lined up for a go-ahead field goal that was shorter than an extra point. Easy right! Game over…’Not so fast my friend’ as Lee Corso would say.
Elliot Miller came off the edge and BLOCKED Central’s 16 yard field goal try.
So to recap, we had a change in game time, a 19-point deficit overturned, a goal line stand and a blocked chip shot field goal for the win. I think that is enough to qualify this as a great win.
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Never as Good as the First Time (2015)
Terry Sims first win as a head coach came on the hallowed grounds of Eddie Robinson Memorial Stadium, included 1047 yards of combined offense, 109 total points and a 56-53 win over Grambling State University. We are not exactly sure how Coach Sims dreamed up his first win but we are pretty sure it wasn’t like this.
Quarterbacks Quentin Williams (244) and Larry Brihm (219) combined to pass for 463 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jawill Davis finished the contest with 8 receptions for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Williams started the game under center but an ineffective start and a hot GSU offense forced Coach Sims into a quarterback change in attempts of sparking his team. Brihm entered in relief and did just that.
The Wildcats and Tigers entered halftime tied 14-14 but that is when the real fun began. The G-Men wrestled back the momentum in the contest and pushed their second half advantage to 39-28. The Tigers strong play in the third quarter forced Sims to boldly but correctly switch quarterbacks again and Williams re-entered the game and quickly led the Wildcats on an eight play scoring drive. Less than two minutes later, Williams engineered another scoring drive giving BCU its first second half lead 41-39.
Bethune and Grambling exchanged leads for the remainder of the contest and combined for 81 points after intermission. Fortunately, for the visitors from Daytona, time expired while BCU was still leading 56-53.
The win helped propel Sims to his best ever record (9-2) and his only share of the MEAC title.
Sims and his men will look to secure another early season win over a SWAC opponent when they face off against Jackson State next Sunday, September 1st at 3:00pm in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Wildcats are 2-0 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge claiming a 38-28 win over Alabama State in 2012 and a 63-14 victory over Prairie View A&M in 2011.
As always, HailWildcats.com will be there to bring you the best fan perspective of the 2019 football season.
Hailwildcats.com BCU vs NC A&T GAME WATCH PARTY Oct. 21st, 2017 @ 12:45 p.m. (Houligan’s)
CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!!
Hailwildcats.com invites you to our WILDCATS “PREY TOGETHER” Game Watch Party on October 21st, 2017 starting at 12:45 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Aggies of North Carolina A & T University on ESPN3. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREENS” of HOULIGAN’S at 1725 W. International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see
“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”
Just as in the past, the bar will have drink specials and food for Wildcat Alumni and fans. Kick off is at 1 pm…be there early as Saturday is a very popular at Houligan’s.
SEE YOU THERE!
Hailwildcats.com WILDCATS “PREY TOGETHER” GAME WATCH PARTY Oct. 22nd, 2016 @ 1:30 p.m. (Daytona Ale House)
CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!
Hailwildcats.com invites you to our WILDCATS “PREY TOGETHER” Game Watch Party on October 22nd, 2016 starting at 1:30 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Spartans of Norfolk State University on ESPN3. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREENS” of Daytona Ale House at 2610 W. International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see
“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”
Just as in the past, the bar will have drink specials and food for Wildcat Alumni and fans. The Ale House has secured the patio area for us all but don’t be late as seating is first come first serve. Kick off is at 2 pm…be there early as Saturday is a very popular at Ale House.
If you’re not AT the game, we want to see you at the Daytona Ale House on 10/22. Please share this event in all of your circles.
We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($102.00 value) to the 2016 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 19, 2016 @ 2 pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday October 29th, 2016. You may pre-purchase raffle tickets below:
(1) Raffle Ticket $5.00
(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00
JOIN US FOR FOOD, FUN, and FOOTBALL!
Daytona Ale House 2610 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Fl 32114We look forward to seeing you there! The Party starts at 1:30 P.M.
2016 Season Preview ~ Meet the Squad
If you have spent any time in or around Daytona Beach since the beginning of this decade, you know there are three constants on which you can bank.
1 ~ the deliciousness of an order of Honey Wings from Bethune Grill; (love those)
2 ~ a full parking lot at Krispy-Kreme when the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign begins flashing;
3 ~ Bethune-Cookman ending the season atop the MEAC standings.
The Wildcats have won or shared the MEAC crown in all but one year this decade. They have averaged over 9 wins a season in that span, produced MEAC Player of the Year awardees on both sides of the ball, sent talent on to the professional ranks…….well you get the point. BCU football has been pretty dang good since 2010 and this year should be no exception.
Terry Sims (9-2 in 2015) enters his second season with much of his 2015 MEAC Co-Championship team still intact. Sims’ squad returns 7 offensive starters, as many on defense, the punter, placekicker, return specialists, Elvis, Bigfoot, ‘eerybody’ is back for the party. Simply put, the talent is in place for BCU to make yet another run at the conference crown and perhaps earn their first ever trip to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.
Offense
Phillip Norman
The Wildcats led the conference in several offensive categories a season ago including Scoring Offense (31.4 ppg) and Total Offense (445 ypg). Trevin Huff, Phillip Norman and Dazzie Morris return as starters along the offensive front. The trio will try to help set the stage for BCU’s high powered offense. Job Buissereth (6’4”, 325) and David Bryant (6’7”, 336) will look to anchor the right side of the line. Ja-Quan Lumas and Michael Boland are both expected to see regular action at the tight end position. Lumas finished the year with 3 receiving touchdowns and could see more red zone targets this year.
Larry Brihm has had flashes of brilliance for BCU (think 2014 Florida Classic and 2015 comeback win against Grambling State). His experience in Jim Pry’s offense makes him the favorite to take over the reins at quarterback for the now departed Quentin Williams. Brihm will need to show more consistency in the pocket if he plans to remain the unquestioned primary signal caller throughout the course of the season. Redshirt freshman Arkevious Williams and JUCO transfer Anthony Cruz will look to challenge Brihm for snaps.
WR- Frank Brown vs NSU 2015
Wide receiver is easily BCU’s deepest position. JaWill Davis , Frank Brown, Keavon Mitchell, Jontavious Carter, and Jaime Wilson have all had great moments in Maroon and Gold jerseys. Davis (39 rec, 6 TDs) is perhaps the best deep threat of the bunch while Brown (30 rec, 6 TDs), is the most reliable route runner and pass catcher of the crew. Travares Copeland is a North Carolina State transfer looking to add his name in the mix of this already talented bunch. Copeland can be dynamic with the ball in his hands and has the ability to contribute as a receiver, return specialist or ball carrier.
Speaking of ball carriers, Michael Jones has evolved from former walk-on into a Preseason All-MEAC 1st Team running back. Jones is a multidimensional player who contributes in both the run and pass game. In fact, he led the Wildcats in All-Purpose yards (880) a season ago. Freshman Tupac Isme and Marcus Levy should also find regular minutes in the backfield.
Defense
The Wildcats return all four starters as well as their first line rotational guys along the defensive front. Kevin Thompson and Todney Evans developed nicely as last season progressed and both look physically stronger this year. Thompson and Evans have exceptional athleticism and quickness at the defensive end position. Both have a chance to be stars in this league if they can meet the physicality demands of the position. DaMarcus Womack weighs in at 6’3”, 350 pounds. He along with the familiar faces of Jamal Thomas, DiShawn Ray and Anthony Meyer will look to plug the middle of the defense more consistently than we saw a year ago. Malik Slaughter was a highly touted JUCO player who is now looking to be an impact player at the FCS level.
All-MEAC Preseason selectee Trenton Bridges’ responsibilities will extend far beyond bringing down opposing running backs when he line up at middle linebacker this year. Bridges will be counted upon to make the right defensive checks and for leading a linebacking crew that will feature first year starters flanking him on both sides. Atreyu Farrior, Werley Placide and Veion Robinson have first dibs at making their names as starters in Yogi Jones’ defense.
Diquan Richardson is the leader of a secondary that is expected to be much improved in 2016. Arthur Williams provides BCU with some much needed length at corner while Sophomore Elliott Miller is a speedy cover guy who looks to build on a solid 2015 campaign. Former cornerback and UCF product Jeremy Davis switches to safety.
Another year of seasoning should help this year’s Wildcat defense rebound from a season that saw them fall to the middle of the pack in most defensive categories.
Coach Sims and his 4 time defending MEAC championship squad kick things off this Sunday at 1:00 against Alcorn State in the 12th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The game will be televised on ESPN and streamed on WatchESPN.
Congratulations to Mrs. Emma Price on winning (2) 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic Tickets
Congratulations to Mrs. Emma Price of Daytona Beach on winning the Hailwildcats.com BCU vs Norfolk State “Watch Party” Raffle for (2) 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic Tickets. If you missed the past raffle, you have another opportunity this week, details below! Congrats again Mrs. Emma Price!
Hailwildcats.com will host a WILDCATS “LETS GO” Watch Party on Thursday November 13th, 2014 starting at 7 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Pirates of Hampton University on ESPNU. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREEN” of Buffalo Wild Wings at 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see
“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”
We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($54.00 value) to the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 2pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday November 15th, 2014. You may pre purchase raffle tickets below:
(1) Raffle Ticket $5.00
(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00
JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL, FOOD, and FUN!
Buffalo Wild Wings 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Fl 32114We look forward to seeing you there! Kickoff at 7:30 P.M.
Hailwildcats.com WILDCATS “LETS GO” WATCH PARTY Nov. 13th, 2014 @ 7p.m. (Buffalo Wild Wings Daytona Beach, Fl)
CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!!
Hailwildcats.com will host a WILDCATS “LETS GO” Watch Party on Thursday November 13th, 2014 starting at 7 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Pirates of Hampton University on ESPNU. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREEN” of Buffalo Wild Wings at 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see
“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”
We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($54.00 value) to the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 2pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday November 15th, 2014. You may pre purchase raffle tickets below:
(1) Raffle Ticket $5.00
(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00
JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL, FOOD, and FUN!
Buffalo Wild Wings 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Fl 32114We look forward to seeing you there! Kickoff at 7:30 P.M.
Hailwildcats.com WILDCATS “LETS GO” WATCH PARTY Nov. 6th, 2014 @ 7p.m. (Buffalo Wild Wings Daytona Beach, Fl)
CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!!
Hailwildcats.com will host a WILDCATS “LETS GO” Watch Party on Thursday November 6th, 2014 starting at 7 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Spartans of Norfolk State University on ESPNU. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREEN” of Buffalo Wild Wings at 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see
“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”
We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($54.00 value) to the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 2pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday November 8th, 2014. You may pre purchase raffle tickets below:
(1) Raffle Ticket $5.00
(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00
JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL, FOOD, and FUN!
Buffalo Wild Wings 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, Fl 32114We look forward to seeing you there! Kickoff at 7:30 P.M.
Jenkins tabbed MEAC Coach of the Year; 12 @BCUGridiron athletes earn All-MEAC honors
Norfolk, VA – Fourth-year head coach Brian Jenkins of Bethune-Cookman was selected for his third Coach of the Year honor. Jenkins led the Wildcats to a 7-1 MEAC mark and a 10-2 overall record. The Wildcats defeated Florida A&M, 29-10, to clinch a share of the conference’s regular season title and secure the MEAC’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division I (FCS) Championships. The Wildcats are currently ranked 12th in both the Sports Network’s FCS and FCS Coaches Poll. He has led Bethune-Cookman to three MEAC titles in four years and fell just one game shy of back-to-back undefeated MEAC finishes.
Howard quarterback Greg McGhee was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year and Joe Thomas of South Carolina State earned the Defensive Player of the Year honors, as voted on by the MEAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors.
North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen earned the Rookie of the Year award and Tristan Bellamy, of S.C. State, was selected as Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Junior Greg McGhee led the MEAC in total offense (272.9 avg./g) and ranked second in passing yards per game (198.2 avg./g). He completed 228 passes on 385 attempts (59%) with 16 touchdowns in 12 games this season. He also finished the season ranked third in the MEAC in rushing with 896 yards (74.7 avg./g), on 157 attempts, and three touchdowns. McGhee ranks 19th in the nation in total offense and 31st in completions per game (19). He earned conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades twice this season. McGhee is the tenth Bison to earn the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year honor and first since Ted White in 1996.
Joe Thomas recorded 116 total tackles, 84 solo, with a conference-best 19 tackles for a loss during the 2013 campaign. Thomas collected 7.5 sacks, sixth in the MEAC, with one interception, five breakups, five hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to help the Bulldogs finish as the nation’s No. 1 rushing defense (80.5 avg./g) and No. 2 scoring defense (14.0 avg./g). Thomas earned Defensive Player of the Week honors once this season and is currently listed on the Sports Network’s Buck Buchannan Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) defensive player. Thomas becomes the 13th Bulldog to earn the conference’s top defensive award, however he is only the second to have been selected in more than 10 years (David Erby 2010).
As a freshman, North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen led the MEAC in rushing, averaging 104.4 yards per game (,) on 195 attempts with eight touchdowns. He earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week accolades three times and Rookie of the Week honors twice this season. A native of Bunn, North Carolina, Cohen became the first freshman in North Carolina A&T State history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Cohen’s is currently listed on the Sports Network’s Jerry Rice Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top FCS freshman. Cohen is just the second Aggie to be named Rookie of the Year. He joins the school’s all-time rushing leader, Mike Mayhew, who earned the honor in 2009.
Tristan Bellamy aided a dominating Bulldog offense that accounted for 4,101 yards of total offense , including 2,000 yards on the ground. Behind Bellamy’s blocking S.C. State finished second in the MEAC in scoring offense (29.6 ppg), and third in total offense (341.1 avg./g). Bellamy earned the conference’s Offensive Lineman of the Week honor twice this season. Bellamy is the sixth Bulldog to earn Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades.
South Carolina State led all schools with 13 student-athletes recognized on the three MEAC post-season teams. The Bulldogs have five student-athletes earn first-team honors, in addition to two-of-four top awards.
Bethune-Cookman finished close behind with 12 student-athletes to earn post–season honors, in addition to five first-team selections.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) – 2013 Football All-Conference Teams
First Team
| Pos. | Name | Cl. | School | Hometown |
| QB | Greg McGhee | Jr. | Howard | Pittsburgh, Pa. |
| RB | Tarik Cohen | Fr. | North Carolina A&T | Bunn, N.C. |
| RB | Rolandan Finch | Grad. | Norfolk State | New Albany, Ind. |
| WR | Tyler McDonald | Sr. | South Carolina State | Summerville, S.C. |
| WR | Milton Williams III | Jr. | Delaware State | Upper Marlboro, Md. |
| TE | Joseph Hawkins | r-Sr. | Norfolk State | Chicago, Ill. |
| C | Andrew Edourad | Jr. | Bethune-Cookman | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| OL | Karim Barton | Sr. | Morgan State | Los Angeles, Calif. |
| OL | Alex Monroe | Sr. | Bethune-Cookman | Jacksonville, Fla. |
| OL | Domanic Wilson | r-So. | South Carolina State | Lake City, S.C. |
| OL | Rashard Brown | Sr. | Bethune-Cookman | Kissimmee, Fla. |
| DEFENSE | ||||
| Pos. | Name | Cl. | School | Hometown |
| DL | Miles Groom | So. | Hampton | Richmond, Va. |
| DL | Andrew Carter | r-Jr. | South Carolina State | Hamlet, N.C. |
| DL | Alex Glover | Jr. | South Carolina State | Charlotte, N.C. |
| DL | Rodney Gunter | Jr. | Delaware State | Haines, Fla. |
| LB | Lynden Trail | r-Jr. | Norfolk State | Miami, Fla. |
| LB | Jarkevis Fields | Sr. | Bethune-Cookman | Samford, Fla. |
| LB | Joe Thomas | r-Sr. | South Carolina State | Blackville, S.C. |
| DB | Nick Addison | Jr. | Bethune-Cookman | Tampa, Fla. |
| DB | Darrin Marrow | r-Jr. | Norfolk State | Virginia Beach, Va. |
| DB | Justin Blake | r-Sr. | Hampton | Piscataway, N.J. |
| DB | Ademola Olatunji | Jr. | Howard | Riverdale, Md. |
| P | Lawrence Forbes | r-Fr. | Morgan State | Upper Marlboro, Md. |
| PK | Anthony Prevost | Fr. | Hampton | Chesterfield, Va. |
| RS | Adrian Wilkins | r-So. | North Carolina Central | Forest City, N.C. |
Second Team
| Pos. | Name | Cl. | School | Hometown |
| QB | Cory Murphy | Sr. | Delaware State | Sunnyvale, Calif. |
| RB | Isidore Jackson | Sr. | Bethune-Cookman | Mossy Head, Fla. |
| RB | Anthony Philyaw | Fr. | Howard | Redondo Beach, Calif. |
| WR | Eddie Poole | Grad. | Bethune-Cookman | Belle Glade, Fla. |
| WR | Simon Heyward | Sr. | Savannah State | Savannah, Ga. |
| TE | Kris Drummond | Jr. | Savannah State | Washington, D.C. |
| C | Tristan Bellamy | r-Sr. | South Carolina State | Johnston, S.C. |
| OL | William Robinson | r-Jr. | North Carolina A&T | Clinton, Md. |
| OL | Nathan Isles | Sr. | North Carolina A&T | Atlanta, Ga. |
| OL | Darren Pinnock | Jr. | Morgan State | Miami, Fla. |
| OL | Kory Alpichi | Jr. | Hampton | Winchester, Calif. |
| DEFENSE | ||||
| Pos. | Name | Cl. | School | Hometown |
| DL | Dyron Dye | Grad. | Bethune-Cookman | Sanford, Fla. |
| DL | Javon Hargrave | So. | South Carolina State | Salisbury, N.C. |
| DL | LeBrandon Richardson | Jr. | Bethune-Cookman | Miami, Fla. |
| DL | Deon King | So. | Norfolk State | Reston, Va. |
| LB | D’Vonte Grant | Sr. | North Carolina A&T | Charlotte, N.C. |
| LB | Delbert Tyler | Sr. | Hampton | Monroeville, Pa. |
| LB | Tazmon Foster | Sr. | North Carolina Central | Henderson, N.C. |
| DB | D’Vonte Graham | Sr. | North Carolina A&T | Tallahassee, Fla. |
| DB | Michael Jones | Fr. | North Carolina Central | Baltimore, Md. |
| DB | Kimario McFadden | Sr. | South Carolina State | Riverdale, Ga. |
| DB | Carvin Johnson | Sr. | Hampton | New Orleans, La. |
| P | Christian Faber-Kinney | r-Fr. | Hampton | Williamsburg, Va. |
| PK | Nick Belcher | r-Sr. | South Carolina State | Sumter, S.C. |
| RS* | Tubotein Taylor | Sr. | Morgan State | Anaheim, Calif. |
| RS* | D’Vonte Graham | Sr. | North Carolina A&T | Tallahassee, Fla. |
Third Team
| Pos. | Name | Cl. | School | Hometown |
| QB | Richard Cue | r-Sr. | South Carolina State | Florence, S.C. |
| RB | Lamont Brown | r-Fr. | Morgan State | Suffolk, Va. |
| RB | Justin Taylor | r-Sr. | South Carolina State | Atlanta, Ga. |
| WR | Antwon Chisholm | Sr. | Hampton | Belle Glade, Fla. |
| WR* | Lenworth Lennon | r-Jr. | Florida A&M | Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. |
| WR* | Malik Golson | r-Fr. | Delaware State | Smyrna, Del. |
| TE | Termarrick Hemingway | r-So. | South Carolina State | Loris, S.C. |
| C | Joshua Matthews | Sr. | Howard | Bowman, S.C. |
| OL | Toree Boyd | Fr. | Howard | Miami, Fla. |
| OL | Deonta Allen-Wright | r-So. | Howard | Midolthian, Va. |
| OL | Blake Matthews | r-Sr. | Norfolk State | Manassas, Va. |
| OL | Anthony Kibler | Jr. | Bethune-Cookman | Belle Glade, Fla. |
| DEFENSE | ||||
| Pos. | Name | Cl. | School | Hometown |
| DL | Tyree Hearn | Sr. | North Carolina A&T | Durham, N.C. |
| DL | Damon Gresham Chisholm | So. | Howard | Covington, Ga. |
| DL | George Riddick | Jr. | Norfolk State | Suffolk, Va. |
| DL | Tevin Toney | Sr. | Bethune-Cookman | Sebring, Fla. |
| LB | Marquis Smith | So. | Savannah State | Prince Georges County, Md. |
| LB | Cody Acker | Jr. | Morgan State | Greenbelt, Md. |
| LB | Ernest Adjei | Sr. | Delaware State | Woodbridge, Ga. |
| DB | Terrick Colston | So. | Delaware State | Lakeland, Fla. |
| DB | Travis Crosby | Sr. | North Carolina A&T | Charlotte, N.C. |
| DB | John Wilson | Sr. | Savannah State | Athens, Ga. |
| DB* | Tim Burke | Sr. | Bethune-Cookman | Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. |
| DB* | Patrick Aiken | r-So. | Florida A&M | Miramar, Fla. |
| P | Oleg Parent | Jr. | North Carolina Central | Lake Forest, Calif. |
| PK | Cody Jones | Fr. | North Carolina A&T | Gastonia, N.C. |
| RS | Darius Drummond | Sr. | South Carolina State | Asheville, N.C. |
*indicates tie
Q&A with Coastal Carolina Blog/Fan Forum: CoastalFans.com
So we caught up with Randy from the CoastalFans.com blog/forum for a Q&A session on this weekend’s 1st round matchup between Bethune-Cookman and Coastal Carolina. A big thank you to Chanticleer super-fan Randy for his time and effort.
Q1) After securing the first playoff win in school history a season ago, how have expectations changed this season for Coastal Carolina? Would Chanticleer fans consider this year a disappointment if CCU did not win a playoff game?
A: Expectations were hopeful after last season, with many fans predicting CCU would finish somewhere in the neighborhood of 9-3 heading into the postseason. I don’t think it would be fair to the hard work & effort our players have put in this year to brand their entire season – a 10-2 effort which has set a ton of all-time program records – as a “disappointment” just because of one loss.
Q2) Head Coach Joe Moglia has hit the ground rolling in Conway leading CCU to back to back Big South titles and playoff appearances in his first two seasons. What has made Coach Moglia so successful so quickly? Is he not long for the office in Conway or do you expect him to stick around with the hopes of building CCU into a FCS powerhouse?
A: Coach Moglia has consistently said that it would take a “dream job”-type scenario to pull him away from Conway. Specifically, he says it would have to be a job where both CCU’s AD & President tell him that he has to take it. Moglia’s not going anywhere for the likes of Toledo, Buffalo or UConn. He will be here for the foreseeable future unless that “dream job” comes along. Personally, I’m more worried about us retaining OC Dave Patenaude if our offense continues to put up the numbers it has been putting up since he came on board.
Q3) Any concerns about the mood/health of the team after losing to SEC power South Carolina 70-10 in your last outing and 2 of the last 3 games overall?
A: There is absolutely no concern about the team’s health after playing South Carolina. We came out of that game with no new injuries to any of our players. As far as the “mood” of the team, I don’t think losing a game to a top-10 FBS team is really cause for much concern. Besides – if I recall correctly, Bethune-Cookman got blown out by ACC powerhouse Florida State by a score of 54-6 & went on to win their next five games by an average margin of 19.4 points.
The loss to CSU, a five point loss on the road against a top-20 FCS school, did indeed sting. But I think it refocused our players on their ultimate goal, which is to still be playing football in January.
Q4) Running back Lorenzo Taliaferro is a Walter Payton Award Finalist, linebacker Quinn Backus is a Buck Buchanan Finalist, Matt Hazel has had a stellar career there, but who are some of the lesser known guys who have made significant contributions this season?
A: Other players to look out for include RB DeAngelo “Hop” Henderson, WR DeMario Bennett and KR Devin Brown. Hop has consistently shown himself to be our future starter at RB, rushing for 536 yds on the season. Bennet, a Senior transfer from South Carolina, has been our #2 receiver all year and is just as dangerous as Hazel. Brown, a RS Freshman, has been explosive on special teams for us this year. Brown set a program record with a 95 yd kickoff return for a touchdown against VMI.
Q5) Prediction on Saturday’s 1st round contest?
A: Bethune-Cookman is certainly no pushover, with one of the top defenses in the FCS. However, CCU has already squared off against several of the top-10 defenses at our level & done very well. We are winning games by an average of 22.6 PPG, and while BCU is only giving up an average of 12 PPG against FCS competition – I don’t think they’ve faced an offense quite like ours this season.
The Wildcats also consistently hurt themselves with penalties, having been flagged a total of 115 times for 944 penalty yards on the season. While the “energetic” coaching style of Brian Jenkins may indeed inspire his players, it unfortunately causes his team to make too many mistakes on which I think the Chanticleers will capitalize.
I do expect this to be a hard-fought game, and I do expect BCU to come out with a chip on their shoulder as they seem to feel they need to avenge their loss to the Chanticleers in last year’s FCS playoffs. The Wildcats obviously have a stellar defense, and it will be interesting to see how they contain RB Lorenzo Taliaferro (who has only lost 11 yards all season) and how they respond to our threats at WR. All that said – I think the Chants take this contest at home, 31-20.
hailwildcats.com 