Saturday’s Literacy Classic in War Memorial Stadium brought thousands of fans from near and far to witness the game between the undefeated (SWAC) GSU Tigers versus the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Golden Lions (3-3).
The beginning of the game seemed to be in favor of the Golden Lions, as they took an impressive start as both their offense and defense played vigorously. Putting the first points on the board the Lions, Chris Ewald kicked for a 46-yard field goal. As the first quarter came to an end the Tigers appeared to not be themselves with a final score of 3-0.Still going strong UAPB’s RB Adrian Moore ran for a 3-yd touchdown giving them a 10-0 lead in the beginning of the second quarter.
Although the Tigers had a slow start in the first quarter their momentum had a quick turn around as WR Mario Louis caught a 73-yd pass from Carrothers getting the Tigers back in the game. It was no stopping the Tigers after this explosive touchdown victory. The second quarter played a pivotal part in acquiring points on the scoreboard and taking the lead from the Lions. Frank Warren scored two touchdowns on runs of 15 and 8, giving them a 10-pt. lead. Closing the second quarter out DB Trey Williams returned a 71-yd fumble from WR Chris Bolton, scoring the final touchdown of the quarter. Warren’s third touchdown gave the Tigers a 35-10 lead at the top of the third quarter. This was also a very monumental part of the game as he passed NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton on the Southwestern Athletic Conference all-time rushing list.
He became Grambling’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2001, and he is the only player in FCS this season to have 3 separate 200-yard rushing games. Warren moved into the fifth spot in league history with 3, 608 career rushing- yards.
“Frank is running the ball extremely well,” Broadway says on www.swac.org/sports. “He has unbelievable balance, great vision and ‘Sweet Feet.’ Hence, the nickname.”
Just when Lions fans had given up hope, WR Raymond Webber caught an 80-yd pass from QB Josh Boudreaux making the score 35-17. Josh Boudreaux completed 24 of 41 passes for 438 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4-4, 3-3) setting a new school record for passing yards in a game
Raymond Webber became Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s All-Time Leader in receptions, setting the new mark at 150 breaking the previous Robert Marshall’s record of 149 which was made over two decades ago (1987-89).
“Webber has truly had an amazing career,” said UAPB Offensive Coordinator Jerry Mack.
“His success is a direct testament to his hard work in the weight room and on the football field.” www.uapblionsroar.com/news
In the final quarter of the game, UAPB’s FB T.J. Shelton caught a 2-yd pass from QB Boudreaux closing the game at the 10-pt spread, 35-25.
The unfortunate loss to the Tigers knocked the Lions out of the running for what every player dreams of, the SWAC title, but the undefeated Tigers are still in the running.
This weekend GSU’s very own takes on Concordia College in Ala. hoping to further their chances of getting another SWAC championship win.