Jags weather Katrina’s emotional storm

Hurricane Katrina’s lingering affect on the Southern University football team is one that will not subside any time soon, said Jaguars head coach Pete Richardson.
After the storm blew out any hopes of the Southern and McNeese State game in Lake Charles on Sept. 3, players were dealt the reality of just how much Katrina will influence this season.
Richardson said football was always the mission, but the storm had attracted some of the team’s focus. While trying to concentrate on practices, players from southeastern Louisiana and surrounding Gulf Coast communities struggled as they waited to hear from families and friends.
“You can play and try to get focused for that time, but still the reality of that whole situation is once that game is over you still have to be confronted with what’s going on,” said Richardson. “I think that’s where the senior leadership on your football team has to come. They have to understand that we have a responsibility to reach our goals and that’s to win the championship.”
There is light at the end of the tunnel. The Southern-McNeese State match up was not a conference game; it will not affect the Jaguars’ chances at a conference title.
However, starting Saturday, all games will count and the Jaguars will have to take on Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Miss. The Delta Devils defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 30-17 last week in Chicago.
Last season, Southern hosted the Delta Devils and beat them 17-14.
“It will be a real challenge for us because offensively, they have some skilled wide receivers that have some size and speed and defensively they have line backers that give us a great deal of trouble,” Richardson said.
Co-captain and senior offensive lineman, Lunda Wells said though the Jaguars have not had the opportunity to play and Mississippi Valley State is playing at home and coming off a win, the Jaguars are still ready to go.
“I think we will do pretty well,” said Wells. “Everybody is really anxious to go out and play.”
The Jaguars will have to handle the Delta Devils throwing ace Aries Nelson. Last season, the junior quarterback ended the season with 1733 passing yards and nine touchdowns. Against the Golden Lions, he completed 19 of his 25 passes for 269 yards. Junior fullback Walter Burnette’s ground performance complimented Nelson’s performance with 22 carries for 86 yards.
To counteract Mississippi Valley State, the Jaguars are not without an arsenal. Senior wide receiver James Vernon returns after catching 56 catches, 730 yards and 6 touchdowns. Other receivers, senior Antonio Overstreet and senior Emile Bryant will join Vernon with sophomore quarterback J.C. Lewis at the helm. In the five games he played last season, he completed 13 of 21 passes and one touchdown.
“Offensively we should be in good shape,” Richardson said.
Senior defensive back Darwon Hammond said the defensive line should hold up well.
“This week we looked a lot better as a group, “Hammond said. “I think we have as much, if not more talent, but it’s coming through playing as a unit and with experience.”
Another concern of the Jaguars due to Hurricane Katrina was hotel reservations for this weekend game. Because of the influx of evacuees staying at Gulf Coast hotels, the athletic department was helped by the Ramada Inn to get accommodations.