Top 5 Victories of Sims Era

August 19, 2019August 19, 2019 / J Bell / Leave a comment

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 4^th 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 4^th 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.

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.

FAMU’s Title Hope’s Crushed as BCU Secures 8^th 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 8^th 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 3^rd 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.

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.

5 Questions from Fall Camp

August 15, 2015August 16, 2015 / J Bell / Leave a comment

The Bethune-Cookman football program has spent most of the last five seasons nationally ranked and atop the MEAC standings. In that same timeframe, the Wildcats have posted more victories than any other conference school and advanced to the postseason on four occasions. Yet despite its recent run of success, the buzz surrounding the program has been relatively quiet heading into the 2015 campaign. Questions abound as to rather BCU’s window of success is closing or if the Cats are poised to continue their reign as one of the premier programs in the HBCU and FCS ranks.

Here are 5 mysteries that must be solved if Bethune-Cookman is to remain consistent in its winning ways.

The Man following the Man

1st year head coach Terry Sims

First year head coach Terry Sims inherits a roster full on talent but lacking in experience. Sims won’t be afforded a honeymoon period to acquaint himself or his young squad to the high expectations in Daytona Beach. Wildcat fans fully expect Sims to continue and build upon the success of former head coach Brian Jenkins.

Sims is well respected within the BCU athletic department. He is ultracompetitive, detailed-oriented, and perhaps better credentialed than was Jenkins when he first took over the reins in 2010. But there are some aspects of the head coaching position for which only the crucible of experience can prepare you. The manner in which Sims responds to tense, split-second and sometimes unpredictable moments on and off the field will go a long way in determining the success of this year’s squad.

Fantastic Four or Fantastic No-more???

Yogi Jones is arguably the best defensive coordinator in the MEAC. He will need to rely on all of his experience and know-how to ready a defense that features nine new starters including an all new front four.

Donald Smith #16

Not only will the defensive line feature four new starters but the four new starters were not even enrolled at Bethune-Cookman this time last year. Thankfully, they all have some post-high school playing experience under their belts and they all possess great athleticism and potential. Getting this group of new faces to actualize their talents and replace the production void left by the likes of Erik Williams, LeBrandon Richardson and Rony Barrow will be quite a task even for Yogi Jones.

Inexperience at Linebacker

Donald Smith returns as the lone starter at linebacker. We expect Robert Way, our preseason pick for breakout player of the year, and Deland high school product Trenton Bridges to join Smith as the starting linebackers. All three guys will lay a good thump on you. We just want them to get in the habit of getting ball carriers on the ground and racking up tackles. We’ll worry about highlight reel hits down the road.

OC or Oh-No?

While Yogi Jones has proven his mettle as a great defensive coordinator, the jury is still out on 4^th year offensive coordinator Jim Pry. BCU has never averaged more than 30 points per game or more than 400 yards of total offense under Pry’s guidance. In fact, Pry’s units rarely racked up huge numbers in his previously stints as offensive coordinator at Dartmouth, Akron and Duke. Granted, you can’t measure success by statistics alone and the offensive talent he had at his disposal while serving as OC at the aforementioned schools generally were not as good as the competition he faced. But coaching is a bottom line business. Pry will need to have the BCU offense prepared to carry more of the weight this season to give the new faces on defense time to jell and gain experience.

Step it up QB

In 2010, BCU entered Fall Camp unsure who would emerge as the primary signal caller. Senior Matt Johnson stepped up, made the job his own, and proceeded to have one of the best seasons any Wildcat quarterback has ever experienced. We’re hoping redshirt senior Quentin Williams can find some of that same magic in his final year.

Williams has not been bad as a starter but he has struggled with consistency at times. Q needs to step up his production this season. Whether he does or doesn’t isn’t an issue of talent but one of confidence.

Larry Brihm will challenge Williams for snaps all season and the thought of both quarterbacks taking meaningful snaps is not out of the question.

The Terry Sims era of Bethune-Cookman football begins on Saturday, September 5^th when the Wildcats travel to South Florida to take on FBS powerhouse University of Miami. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN3.

B-CU predicted to finish atop the MEAC

July 29, 2014 / J Bell / 1 Comment

Norfolk, VA—The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) unofficially kicked off its 2014 football season at this past Friday’s Annual Press Luncheon. To the surprise of few, the league’s coaches and sports information directors predicted Bethune-Cookman would defend their crown and finish the season atop the league standings.

Under the guidance of fifth year head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats have established themselves as a perennial MEAC power and FCS Top 25 program. BCU enters the season looking for its third consecutive MEAC crown and seventh (7^th) MEAC title overall.

2013 Co-Champions, South Carolina State, were predicted to finish 2^nd in the league. North Carolina A&T, Howard, and Delaware State round out the Top 5.

Four Bethune-Cookman student-athletes received First Team All-MEAC recognition, two more were named to the All-MEAC Second Team, and one Wildcat picked up Third Team honors. Howard quarterback Greg McGee was selected as Offensive Player of the Year while Norfolk State linebacker/defensive end Lynden Trail picked up Defensive Player of the Year honors.

BCU will kickoff the 2014 campaign in South Florida on August 30^th against in-state foe Florida International. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

2014 Predicted Order of Finish

(First Place Votes in Parenthesis)

School Points

1. Bethune-Cookman 487

2. South Carolina State 457

3. North Carolina A&T 338

4. Howard 309

5. Delaware State 229

6. Norfolk State 225

7. Hampton 200

8. North Carolina Central 187

9. Morgan State 148

** Florida A&M and Savannah State are not eligible for post season competition therefore is not listed on the above prediction order

2014 Football All-Conference Preseason Teams

Offensive Player of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard Defensive Player of the Year: Lynden Trail, Norfolk State

	Name		School	Hometown
QB	Greg McGhee		Howard	Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB	Tarik Cohen		N.C. A&T	Bunn, N.C.
RB	Anthony Philyaw		Howard	Los Angeles, Ca.
WR	Milton Williams III		Delaware State	Washington, D.C.
WR	Desmond Lawrence		N.C. A&T	Durham, N.C.
TE	Kris Drummond		Savannah State	Washington D.C.
C	Andrew Edouard		Bethune-Cookman	Philadelphia, Pa.
OL	Domanic Wilson	r-Sr.	S.C. State	Lake City, S.C.
OL	Willie Robinson	r-Sr.	N.C A&T	Clinton. Md.
OL	Darren Pinnock		Morgan State	Miami, Fla
OL	Devin Flowers	r-Sr.	S.C. State	Charlotte, N.C.
OL	Toree Boyd		Howard	Miami, Fla.
DEFENSE
	Name		School	Hometown
DL	LeBrandon Richardson		Bethune-Cookman	Miami, Fla.
DL	Miles Grooms		Hampton	Richmond, Va
DL	Alex Glover		S.C. State	Charlotte, N.C.
DL	Andrew Carter		S.C. State	Hamlet, N.C.
LB	Lynden Trail	r-Sr.	Norfolk State	Miami, Fla.
LB	D’Vonte Grant		North Carolina A&T	Charlotte, N.C.
LB	Tavarus Dantzler		Bethune-Cookman	Homestead, Fla.
DB	Darrin Marrow	r-Sr.	Norfolk State	Virginia Beach, Va.
DB	Cameron Alston	r-Sr.	Howard	North Augusta, S.C.
DB	Mike Jones		N.C. Central	Baltimore,Md.
DB	Marquis Drayton		Bethune-Cookman	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P	Lawrence Forbes	r-So.	Morgan State	Upper Marlboro, Md.
PK	Anthony Prevost	r-So.	Hampton	Chesterfield, Va.
RS	Adrian Wilkins	r-Jr.	N.C. Central	Forest City, N.C.

Second Team
OFFENSE
	Name		School	Hometown
QB	Quentin Williams	r-Sr.	Bethune-Cookman	Tampa, Fla.
RB	Lamont Brown III	r-So.	Morgan State	Suffolk, Va.
RB	Justin Taylor	r- Jr.	S.C. State	Atlanta, Ga.
WR	Joseph Cervalo	r-Sr.	Delaware State	Venice
WR	Thomas Martin	r-So.	Morgan State	Naples, Fla.
TE*	James Lynch	r-Jr.	Norfolk State	Darby, Pa.
TE*	Temarrick Hemingway	r-Jr.	S.C. State	Loris, SC
C	Ronald Canty	r-Sr.	N.C. A&T	Chester, S.C.
OL	John Smith	r-Jr.	Howard	Atlanta. Ga.
OL	Jerron Searles		Delaware State	Atlantic City, N.J.
OL	Keonte Cash		Florida A&M	Miami, Fla.
OL	Justin Myler	r-Sr.	Norfolk State	Woodbridge, Va.
OL	Chris Pressley		N.C. Central	Upper Marlboro, Md.
DEFENSE
	Name		School	Hometown
DL	Rodney Gunter		Delaware State	Lake Hamilton, Fla.
DL	Damon Gresham-Chisolm		Howard	Covington, GA
DL	Ronnie Barrow		Bethune-Cookman
DL DL	Demarco Bisbee Javon Hargrave	r-Jr.	Morgan State S.C. State	Lansing, Mich. Salisbury, NC
LB	Joshua Thorne		Hampton	Oxon Hill, Md.
LB	Cody Acker		Morgan State	Landover, Md.
LB	Marquis Smith		Savannah State	Prince Georges County, Md.
DB	Khambrel McGee		Hampton	Miami, Fla.
DB	Devonte Johnson		Florida A&M	Tallahassee, Fla.
DB	Tony McRae		N.C. A&T	Laurinburg, N.C.
DB*	Patrick Aiken	r-So.	Florida A&M	Pembroke Pines, Fla.
DB*	Keenan Lambert	r-Sr.	Norfolk State	Norfolk, Va.
P	Christian Faber-Kinney	r-So.	Hampton	Williamsburg, Va.
PK	Chase Varnadore		Florida A&M	Tallahassee, Fla.
RS	Tony McRae		N.C. A&T	Laurinburg, N.C.
Third Team
OFFENSE
	Name		School	Hometown
QB	Damien Fleming		Florida A&M	Jacksonville, Fla.
RB	Jorrian Washington	r-Sr.	Hampton	Los Angeles, Ca.
RB	Dae-Hon Cheung		Delaware State	Coatesville, Pa.
WR	DennisRowe	r-Sr.	S.C. State	Columbia, S.C.
WR	Jhomo Gordon		Bethune-Cookman	Palm Bay, Fla.
TE TE*	Nathan Scruggs Nate Ingram	r-Jr. Graduate	N.C. Central Howard	Jacksonville, Fla. Sicklerville, N.J.
C	Erick Dickerson	r-So.	S.C. State	Goose Creek, SC
OL	Mike Phillips		Norfolk State	Virginia Beach, Va.
OL	Clevonne Davis		N.C. Central	Miramar, FL
OL	Afolabi Ayangbayi		Savannah State	Union, NJ
OL	Ryan Templeton		Florida A&M	Chicago, Ill
DEFENSE
	Name		School	Hometown
DL	Michael Neal		N.C. A&T	Greensboro, N.C.
DL	Daniel Pinnix		N.C. A&T	High Point, N.C.
DL	Deon King		Norfolk State	Reston, Va
DL	George Riddick		Norfolk State	Suffolk, Va.
LB	Justin Hughes		S.C. State	Virginia Beach, Va.
LB	Marcell Coke		Norfolk State	Orlando, Fla.
LB	Justin Dixon		Savannah State	Duluth, Ga.
DB	Ronald Robinson		Delaware State	Jersey City, N.J.
DB	Julien David		Howard	Coral Springs, FL
DB	Ryan Smith	r-So.	N.C. Central	Upper Marlboro, Md.
DB DB P	Greg Brown DeShaun Summers Domnic Frescura		Savannah State Morgan State N.C. A&T	Tucker, Ga. Hampton, Va. South Pasadena, CA
PK	Cody Jones		N.C. A&T	Gastonia, N.C.

Game Photos vs. Coastal Carolina (1st round FCS Playoffs)

December 1, 2013December 1, 2013 / J Bell / 1 Comment

Tampa Jefferson retires Quentin Williams’ number 3 jersey

February 14, 2013July 27, 2013 / J Bell / 1 Comment

BCU QB Quentin Williams

Nobody had a season like quarterback Quentin Williams did in 2010.

Nobody broke records like Williams did when he helped lead the Jefferson Dragons to the school’s first state championship.

And now nobody will wear Williams number again.

The team retired Williams’ No. 3 jersey during a ceremony at the Dragons end of the season banquet this past Saturday.

During his senior season, Williams set new state records for season passing touchdowns (56), passing yardage (4,451), as well as career touchdown passes (109). He also broke Tim Tebow’s career passing yardage record. Williams ended up with 10,384.

The Dragons defeated Miami Norland 44-34 for the Class 3A title. The victory capped off a spectacular season for Williams, who went onto Bethune Cookman.

Last season for the Wildcats, Williams played in 10 games and threw for 1,173 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also rushed for 635 yards and three touchdowns.

Full Story: BayNews9 Sports

Missed Opportunities cost BCU chance to secure 1st playoff victory

November 24, 2012July 27, 2013 / J Bell / Leave a comment

You can use two words to sum up Bethune-Cookman’s 24-14 first round playoff defeat to Coastal Carolina: MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.

On BCU’s first two (2) possessions of Saturday’s matchup against the Chanticleers, quarterback Quentin Williams overshot passes to Jhomo Gordon, KJ Stroud, and Eddie Poole that would have been surefire touchdowns.

Daytona Beach native DJ Howard had an opportunity to return a pick six from inside the CCU 15 yard line on the Chants opening offensive possession, however, the Spruce Creek product was unable to hold on to the interception. So instead of the Wildcats leading by 2 or 3 scores early in the contest, they found themselves trailing 17-0 heading into halftime.

“In the playoffs you’ve got to seize opportunities. If you don’t, the opportunity will go right pass you” quarterback Quentin Williams stated. He went on to state “in the playoffs it’s not about who’s better or who’s worse, it is about who takes advantage of the opportunities”.

While BCU missed on its chances, CCU took full advantage of the Wildcats’ miscues and scored 10 points off of 2 BCU turnovers in the second quarter.

Coastal Carolina opened the game’s scoring on a 6 play 75 yard drive with 13:50 seconds remaining in the 2^nd quarter. The drive was capped by a 14 yard option run by Marcus Whitener. The Wildcats initially defended the play well but senior quarterback Aramis Hillary pitched the ball late allowing Whitener to run untouched for the opening score.

The Chants doubled their lead when All Big South 1^st team receiver Matt Hazel outleaped Tim Burke in the left corner of the endzone to cap a 9 play 58 yard drive with 7:23 left in the 2^nd quarter.

“I told coach to call that play” Hazel stated. (They were) “in man coverage across the board. Aramis threw a great ball and I saw it at the last minute and just went and got it”.

Controversy struck on BCU’s next possession. Trailing 14-0 midway through the second quarter, Williams hit tight end Jordan Murphy for a short gain. Murphy was originally ruled down on the play but a booth review overturned the call.

Coach Brian Jenkins went ballistic when the game’s head official announced the decision to overturn the call.

“(Jordan) did fumble. We had a couple of players in the area but (when the official blew the play dead) they stopped. Their player recovered the ball but if you blow the play dead, I don’t understand how you go back and review it. My argument was you blew the play dead so it negates anything else” Jenkins stated.

Quentin Williams echoed his coach’s sentiments: “when Murph (Jordan Murphy) caught the ball, I heard the official blow the whistle. That’s why I stopped.”

Coastal took over possession at the BCU 43 yard line as a result of the play. 5 plays later, Apopka High School product, Alex Catron, pushed CCU’s lead to 17-0 on a 35 yard FG conversion. The score remained unchanged heading into intermission.

Early in the 3^rd quarter, redshirt freshmen Nick Addison picked off an Aramis Hillary pass in the endzone to help breathe life into the Wildcats. But the Chanticleer defense kept BCU off the scoreboard on the ensuing possession.

Brodrick Waters entered the contest for an ineffective Quentin Williams on the Wildcats second possession in the 3rd quarter. Waters broke on a 57 yard run on his first drive under center. BCU got the ball as deep as the CCU 4 yard line on the drive but a false start penalty pushed the ball back to the CCU 11 yard line.

Coach Jenkins suffered his second visible meltdown of the game and had to be physically restrained by BCU administrators and coaches after the false start penalty was called against his squad.

“We had our guys go from a 2 point stand to a 3 point stand and they called us for a false start. None of our guys jumped. Two officials called offsides and one called illegal shift. When I asked for an explanation I got three different answers”.

Jenkins’ was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his reaction to the call and cost his team an opportunity for a chip shot field goal. The result of the play put the ball on the 26 yard line but instead of attempting a 43 yard FG, Jenkins decided to go for it on 4^th and 26.

Waters found KJ Stroud in the back of the endzone on the 4^th and 26 play and BCU seemed to be back in business. But it wasn’t meant to be. The television replay showed Stroud’s hand landed out of bounds before his foot landed in the endzone. The overturned touchdown call embodied BCU’s afternoon of missed opportunities.

Coastal Carolina safety, Johnnie Houston put the game out of reach when he returned a Brodrick Waters’ interception 68 yards to put Coastal ahead 24-0. Houston’s return was the 2^nd longest interception return in school history.

A 74 yard touchdown pass from Quentin Williams to David Blackwell with 6:44 left in the game gave Bethune its first points of the afternoon. Williams connected with KJ Stroud in the back of the endzone on the 2 point conversion attempt to cut the lead into a two possession contest (24-8).

Isidore Jackson’s 10 yard touchdown run capped off the game’s scoring. Jackson, who needed just 8 yards rushing to reach 1,000 on the season, finished the contest with 77 yards on the ground and 1,069 on the year. Jackson’s 1,069 yards represents the 3^rd best rushing season in BCU history.

Quentin Williams threw for 215 yards and 1 touchdown. It was the first time he surpassed the 200 yard passing mark in his career.

Jarkevis Fields led the Wildcats defense with 15 tackles. Nick Addison pitched in with 10 tackles, 1 fumble recovery and an interception.

The MEAC is now 0 for its last 17 as a conference in the FCS playoffs.

Redshirt freshmen, Nick Addison and Quentin Williams, vowed to take this bad feeling and get better in the offseason. Both players stated that Bethune-Cookman will win a playoff game before their eligibility expires in three years.

The Wildcats are now 0-4 in the FCS playoffs.

The win secured Coastal Carolina’s first ever playoff victory. The Chanticleers will travel to Norfolk, Virgina next week to take on #4 ranked Old Dominion.

Wildcats continue their dominance over Norfolk State in Daytona Beach

October 21, 2012November 12, 2012 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Ike Jackson runs pass NSU defenders

Coach Pete Adrian and his Norfolk State Spartans came to Municipal Stadium looking for their first ever victory over Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach. The Spartans left the World Most Famous Beach on Saturday evening on the wrong end of a 48-3 woodshed beating.

The 48 points was Bethune’s highest scoring output of the season and the most points the Wildcats have scored since defeating Savannah State 59-3 in November last season.

Redshirt freshman quarterback, Quentin Williams, finished the afternoon with a career high 157 yards passing completing 9 of 11 attempts with 2 touchdowns. Fellow quarterback, Brock Waters, finished the contest with a team high 103 yards rushing. Waters also hooked up with Jhomo Gordon on a 13 yard touchdown strike midway through the 4^th quarter.

The Wildcats raced out to an early 7-0 lead after taking the opening possession 75 yards on 16 plays. The drive culminated with a 5 yard Quentin Williams to Eddie Poole touchdown reception. Poole out-leaped defensive back Natturner Harris in the corner of the endzone to secure the catch.

“I give credit to KJ (Stroud) for that touchdown reception” Poole stated. “KJ set the play up when he saw the coverage and he actually switched sides with me. I just told Quentin to lob the ball up and I would go and get it. I definitely feel that anytime there is one-on-one coverage, I should and I will win that match-up”.

KJ Stroud’s generosity was rewarded early in the second quarter when Williams hit the senior receiver on a 28 yard leaping touchdown reception.

The two passing touchdowns sandwiched a 69 yard DJ Howard fumble return for a touchdown. Isidore Jackson added two rushing touchdowns in the 2^nd quarter to stretch BCU’s lead to 34-0. Everett Goldberg put Norfolk State on the board with a 33 yard field goal late in the second quarter.

Brodrick Waters scored on an 8 yard run with 6:54 remaining in the 3^rd quarter and hooked up with Jhomo Gordon on a 13 yard pass with 6:58 left in the contest.

Coming into the contest, NSU boasted the 3^rd ranked defense in the nation yielding just 270 yards per game. The Wildcats surpassed the 270 yard mark by halftime outgaining the Spartans 271 yards to 72 yards through the first two quarters and 435 yards to 239 yards in the game.

The Wildcat defense stretched their consecutive game with an interception streak to 14. The defense forced 3 Norfolk State turnovers in total. Donald Smith led Wildcat defenders with 6 tackles including 1 tackle-for-loss.

“It was a tremendous team victory” coach Jenkins remarked. “It is difficult to keep your momentum and focus after a bye-week and our players should be commended”. “We had some miscues that we need to address but this was the most complete game of the season for us”. Coach Jenkins ended his postgame press conference stating that his heart goes out to Norfolk State Head Coach and former BCU defensive coordinator Pete Adrian. Coach Jenkins would not elaborate on the specifics but he did state that the veteran coach was faced with some things that are very tough right now and that his prayers are with him.

Bethune’s victory sets-up a huge battle for first place next week with North Carolina Central. BCU and NCCU are the only remaining unbeatens in conference play. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 in Daytona Beach.

Team Stat Comparison

	NORF	COOK
1st Downs	16	21
Total Yards	239	435
Passing	164	171
Rushing	75	264
Penalties	6-65	7-55
3rd Down Conversions	3-11	11-17
4th Down Conversions	0-1	1-2
Turnovers	3	1
Possession	24:37	35:23

Passing Leaders


Norfolk State	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
Basmagian	12/24	119	5.0	0	1

Bethune-Cookman	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
Williams	9/11	157	14.3	2	0

Rushing Leaders


Norfolk State	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Hedgeman	5	29	5.8	0	11
Riddick	7	18	2.6	0	7

Bethune-Cookman	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Waters	9	103	11.4	1	19
Jackson	11	57	5.2	2	33

Receiving Leaders


Norfolk State	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Demps	4	67	16.8	0	37
Boyce	6	60	10.0	0	13

Bethune-Cookman	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Gordon	2	62	31.0	1	49
Stroud	4	60	15.0	1	28

Scoring SummaryFIRST QUARTER NORF COOK

TD 08:20 Eddie Poole 5 Yd Pass From Quentin Williams (Sven Hurd Kick) 0 7

TD 03:41 D.J. Howard 69 Yd Fumble Return (Sven Hurd Kick) 0 14

SECOND QUARTER NORF COOK

TD 12:37 KJ Stroud 28 Yd Pass From Quentin Williams (Sven Hurd Kick) 0 21

TD 08:26 Isidore Jackson 33 Yd Run (Pat Failed) 0 27

TD 01:13 Isidore Jackson 1 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick) 0 34

FG 00:05 Everett Goldberg 33 Yd 3 34

THIRD QUARTER NORF COOK

TD 06:54 Brodrick Waters 8 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick) 3 41

FOURTH QUARTER NORF COOK

TD 06:58 Jhomo Gordon 13 Yd Pass From Brodrick Waters (Sven Hurd Kick) 3 48

BCU tops Hampton 38-26

September 29, 2012September 29, 2012 / J Bell / 1 Comment

Associated Press

HAMPTON, Va. — Bethune-Cookman forced seven turnovers — including a pair of interceptions by Nick Addison — to take a 38-26 decision from Hampton Saturday night in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action.

The Wildcats (3-2, 2-0) picked off four Hampton (0-4, 0-2) passes and recovered three more forced fumbles. Of the Pirates’ final 10 possessions, six ended in turnovers, and another finished with a turnover on downs.

At one point, Hampton tossed interceptions on three consecutive drives, with Bethune-Cookman using those picks to rack up 17 consecutive points and take a 31-10 lead. Among those scores was a 90-yard interception return by Addison, the fourth longest in school history and the team’s first interception return for a score since 2010. On top of his two picks, Addison led the Wildcats with 11 tackles.

Jeremi Schwartz gained a sizable chunk of Hampton’s total offense, amassing 205 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

Quentin Williams got the start at quarterback for the Wildcats and took all of the snaps under center until midway through the 4th quarter. Williams finished the contest with 1 rushing touchdown and 1 passing touchdown going 9-for-12 for 96 yards in the process.

Safety Nick Addison led the defense with 11 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions, including one he returned 90 yards for a BCU touchdown.

The win snapped a two game losing skid for BCU.

Team Stat Comparison

	COOK	HAMP
1st Downs	21	30
Total Yards	320	536
Passing	118	279
Rushing	202	257
Penalties	20-181	17-152
3rd Down Conversions	4-12	6-14
4th Down Conversions	0-1	1-2
Turnovers	0	7
Possession	28:52	30:28

Passing Leaders


Bethune-Cookman	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
Williams	9/12	96	8.0	1	0

Hampton	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
Champion	20/33	208	6.3	1	3

Rushing Leaders


Bethune-Cookman	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Scott	12	82	6.8	1	46
Jackson	16	79	4.9	0	15

Hampton	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Schwartz	25	201	8.0	1	51
McCloude	5	56	11.2	0	26

Receiving Leaders


Bethune-Cookman	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Harris	1	28	28.0	0	28
Jackson	2	23	11.5	1	13

Hampton	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
Griffin	6	99	16.5	1	28
Riddick	5	66	13.2	0	28

Scoring Summary FIRST QUARTER COOK HAMP

TD 10:46 Quentin Williams 5 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick) 7 0

FG 08:12 Taurean Durham 30 Yd 7 3

TD 00:19 Rodney Scott 1 Yd Run (Sven Hurd Kick) 14 3

SECOND QUARTER COOK HAMP

TD 12:38 Andre Griffin 11 Yd Pass From Travis Champion (Taurean Durham Kick) 14 10

FG 04:36 Sven Hurd 42 Yd 17 10

THIRD QUARTER COOK HAMP

TD 11:40 Nick Addison 90 Yd Interception Return (Sven Hurd Kick) 24 10

TD 07:22 Isidore Jackson 13 Yd Pass From Quentin Williams (Sven Hurd Kick) 31 10

FOURTH QUARTER COOK HAMP

TD 08:16 Javaris Brown 25 Yd Pass From Jaylian Williamson (Taurean Durham Kick) 31 17

TD 05:37 David Blackwell 20 Yd Pass From Brodrick Waters (Sven Hurd Kick) 38 17

SF 04:03 Ball Through End Zone 38 19

TD 01:09 Jeremiah Schwartz 1 Yd Run (Taurean Durham Kick) 38 26

Week Three Wrap-Up

September 18, 2012September 18, 2012 / J Bell / Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports

The first quarter of the season is over and we find ourselves still trying to figure out just how good this team can be this year. After stumbling out of the gates against both Alabama State and South Carolina State, the Wildcats struck first against Miami this past weekend but made far too many execution errors to give themselves any chance of pulling off an upset.

Moral Victories won’t do

It was obvious from the postgame interview that Coach Jenkins was not at all happy with his team’s performance. In fact, Coach Jenkins’ responses and overall disposition were much more reflective of a coach who felt like his team ‘let one slip away’ as oppose to a coach whose undermanned team was within 14 points of the University of Miami with 9:00 left in the contest. The worse part about Saturday’s contest wasn’t losing, I mean we are talking about “The U”. They have much more overall talent, they can offer 22 more scholarships (FBS-85; FCS-63), and they had the best player on the field in running back Duke Johnson; but the volume of dropped passes, missed assignments, poor tackling, untimely penalties and overall poor execution by Wildcat players was troubling.

The easy thing to do is to simply write this off as BCU playing against a better team and being forced into execution issues. The problem with that logic is that BCU has not played a full 4 quarters of crisp football all season long. And oh by the way, Tennessee State is the #1 ranked team in HBCU football and they come to town in a few days. The Wildcats can ill-afford to go through any periods of lull or poor execution against the Big Blue Tigers if they hope to stay undefeated in FCS play.

Make the decision for the coach

Here’s the deal. BCU has three talented quarterbacks who all offer something different. I would give up pork for 3 weeks if one of the QBs elevates the consistency of his play, separates himself from the bunch and become the Wildcat’s sure-fire starting quarterback. You can say that I am praying for the next Matt Johnson to arise from this bunch and to do so quickly.

Jackie Wilson has the most in-game experience of the trio. Wilson has started all three games this season and he has not done anything to warrant losing the starting nod. Wilson had most of last season and the first three games of this year to claim sole ownership as THE quarterback; but like a year ago, he is again stuck in a rotating quarterback system. Good things seem to happen whenever Brock Waters is on the field, but Waters is sometimes erratic with his throws. Quentin Williams represented well in his first collegiate game action but the sampling is way too small to draw any real conclusions.

Neither quarterback has played pooly, but consistency at the position is the difference between this team having a good season and making a legitimate playoff run. Hopefully one of these three guys will have a tremendous week of practice and make the decision for the coach with his play.

The only person that will be more excited than me if this happens is Coach Jenkins himself. It will be the first time in a year and a half that he won’t be asked “who’s the starter at QB this week”. That alone may be enough to allow him to finally crack a smile.

What to watch for at the Wildcats’ Spring Game

April 18, 2012April 19, 2012 / J Bell / 1 Comment

The 2012 Spring Game will be played on April 21st at 4:00 p.m. at Municipal Stadium

In less than 72 hours, the maroon and gold faithful will receive their first glimpse at the 2012 version of the Fighting Wildcats.

I must admit that the actual Spring Game means very little in the grand scheme of things. Coaches only install a fraction of their offensive and defensive systems during Spring drills, the starters receive fewer reps than they normally would during the regular season, and half of this year’s recruiting class have yet to even graduate from high school. However, the Spring game is the best and only real football-like barometer that we can use to measure our favorite football squads in late April.

So with that disclaimer, here are some of the players and positions that I will be paying keen attention to during Saturday’s glorified scrimmage.

Anthony Jordan (Running Back) — The 230 pound bruiser from North Atlanta High School led the squad with 9 rushing touchdowns last season. He has been one of the most raved about players in Spring drills this year. Jordan, who has an exceptional work ethic, is trying to prove to the coaching staff that he can be more than just a short yardage back.

Lavon McCoy (Offensive Guard) — BIG Lavon McCoy; and by BIG I mean almost 400 pounds BIG, was a highly touted prospect with offers from USC, Oregon, and the University of Washington coming out of high school. He is one of those players that Coach Jenkins has mentioned that we’re very fortunate to have. Last year, McCoy played exclusively on the defensive side of the ball. He demonstrated very good foot work and quickness at defensive tackle. This year he is moving to the offensive side of the ball and is expected to play offensive guard. His Junior College highlight film shows him playing both defensive tackle and offensive guard. McCoy looks great as a defensive tackle prospect but even better as an offensive guard. It will be interesting to see how productive McCoy can be against FCS competition.

Tavarus Dantzler (Linebacker) — Tavarus Dantzler has been penciled in as the next big thing at linebacker for the Wildcats. He has good size at 6’3″, 230 lbs, but his game is built on speed. Dantzler can flat out fly. Defensive Coordinator Yogi Jones has stated that he believes Dantzler can be a very special player and an all conference performer. Let’s hope that Dantzler rises to the occasion and fulfill his potential.

Defensive Line — Ryan Davis was simply the best defensive player in HBCU football last year. I am not quite sure that one player will be able to fill the void left by Davis’ departure. Instead, the Wildcat defensive front may look to maintain last year’s productivity levels by committee. Harold Love, Anthony Woodard, and Tevin Toney all had very good campaigns last year. Erik Williams rejoins Coach Earl Lane’s defensive unit after being sidelined with an injury a season ago. Brandon Bryant and LeBranden Richardson are UCF transfers who will look to have an impact on the defensive line as well.

Jim Pry (Offensive Coordinator) — Okay, so we will not be able to make any legitimate or rational assessments about new offensive coordinator, Jim Pry’s, play calling after Saturday’s contest. But what I hope to see is Pry’s influence on the passing game; and how the quarterbacks and receivers are understanding the principles of Pry’s passing attack. Pry is a disciple of the vertical passing game. His route combinations are not stagnant or predefined. Instead, receivers have options on each route (think Mike Leach and the Air Coryell offenses).

Quarterback — Jackie Wilson ended last season with a 66% completion rate and showed tremendous growth as the Wildcats primary signal caller. But Wilson is not a shoe-in to be the starting quarterback in 2012. Former Florida Mr. Football, Quentin Williams, is competing with Wilson and Broadrick Waters (La Tech transfer) to be Brian Jenkins’ trigger-man come September.