Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Stadium issue still unresolved

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

DAYTONA BEACH — Although practices start in a month and tickets are already on sale, Bethune-Cookman University’s football team still doesn’t have an agreement with the city to use Municipal Stadium this fall for games.

“We’re having frank discussions,” said Lynn Thompson, Bethune-Cookman’s athletic director. “At this point we’ve had a couple of meetings. We want to put this behind us.”

The city proposed a $3 per ticket surcharge, the same proposal that was rejected last year, and Bethune-Cookman said no again.

“We’re waiting for a response,” Thompson said. “We want a figure and a process that works for everybody.”

The city is going through the college’s counter proposal, which includes some creative ideas such as Bethune-Cookman officials and athletes volunteering at the new Midtown Cultural and Educational Center and putting on free football camps for kids. The city should have a reply soon and then another meeting should be held soon after that, Percy Williamson, the city’s leisure services director, said this week.

Click here for the full story.  http://www.news-journalonline.com/sports/college/2012/06/29/bethune-cookman-university-daytona-beach-at-odds-over-fees-for-municipal-stadium-games.html

God’s Speed Tank Johnson

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Former Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Director Lloyd “Tank” Johnson,” recognized by many as the father of what is today’s Florida Classic, passed away Sunday. He was 77.

A 1958 graduate, Johnson served as athletic director from 1972 to 1991, His visionary leadership oversaw the Wildcats’ ascent to Division I and partnership with Florida A&M’s Hansel Tookes in laying the groundwork for the Florida Classic, which made its debut in Tampa in 1978. The archrivals had met to capacity crowds at Florida State University, Daytona International Speedway and Orlando, the current site, prior to that.

Johnson also served as a defensive coordinator for the Wildcat football team from 1961-78 in addition to coaching track and field in the days where coaches would oversee multiple sports.

He was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall Of Fame in 1995 and is also included in several addition halls of fame, including the 100-percent Wrong Club of Atlanta.

As a student, Johnson was on the Wildcat football, basketball, track and golf teams in 1952-54. After a two-year stint in the army he returned to B-CC in the fall of 1956 and competed in football, golf and track for the next two school years before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1958.

Johnson also served on the City of Daytona Beach Planning Board.

He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn, and was preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Lynn.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.  Please visit www.b-cuathletics.com for updates and continued coverage of the passing of a Wildcat legend.

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

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

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.

Jackie Wilson earns MEAC POTW honors

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

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