Deep Cover: Jaguars dig deep for the win over improved PVU

Though they were coming off three consecutive wins, the Southern University Jaguars (7-3, 5-1) still felt that they had something to prove. Prairie View A&M University Panthers coming in with an improved team and a record (3-6, 2-4) felt that they had something to prove also. Last year, at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, the Jags ousted the Panthers 56-6 in front of a crowd of over 17,000 fans giving the Panthers another loss in a long losing streak against the Jaguars. The Panthers have not beaten Southern since 1971 with a score of 21-3…Redemption was on their mind.
The first play of the game was a telltale sign of the eventful evening to come as Ezra Landry fumbled the opening kickoff. Although, the Jags started off quite sluggish in the first quarter, they managed to come back to life in the second quarter as they scored 17 unanswered points.
Quarterback Anthony Fisher left the game in the second quarter with 16 attempted passes for six completions and one interception. Backup QB Quincy Richard then began his first game with a 33-yard pass to WR Drayton Bridges for a touchdown.
The Panthers scored three unanswered touchdowns against the Southwestern Conference Athletic Conference’s leading defense. The Jaguars defense had not allowed a single touchdown since the second quarter of the game against FAMU
“As a whole, we played hard…I didn’t do all I needed to do…However, I feel like I came through when they needed me,” said wide receiver Al’Trevion Joubert of his and the team’s less than stellar performance.
With 5:36 remaining in the third quarter, Joubert scored a touchdown off a 20-yard pass from Richard, making the score 23-20. The Panthers then responded by blocking Francisco Villagrano extra point attempt, which was returned by PVU’s Bobby Perry for a safety. Charles Washington then received a 64-yard pass from Jamaal Foster for PVU’s final touchdown and largest scoring margin for PVU ending the third quarter, Jaguar 23, PVU 28.
The fourth quarter marked a revival of the Jags starting with WR Byron Minor rushing 17 yards for a touchdown with 11:21 left in the game.
“The best game of my career,” said wide receiver Byron Minor, who had 91 yards rushing including one touchdown for the evening.
Tight end Roderick Jones followed up with a one-handed 16-yard pass touchdown from Richard.
Quincy Richard capped off an impressive first game by making a ten-yard touchdown run with 00:40 left in the game.
Richard ended the game with 37 attempted passes with 14 completions and three interceptions.
“We fought hard for everything we earned, and worked for…when you are hot, no one can stop you if it’s your time,” said Opelousas native Quincy Richard.
The Jaguar defense, led by Robert Chapman, had a combined eight sacks for a total loss of 59 yards. The defense got a scare from the Panthers offense in the third quarter but pulled through in the end.
“At halftime, Coach told us we had to win the game, I responded by telling the team throughout the second half ‘we will win’ and we did.” said Chapman.