Two points separated the Southern University Jaguars (5-6 overall, 4-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) in their 27-25 victory over the Texas Southern Tigers (4-7 overall, 3-4 SWAC). Two points prevented the Jags from facing their first losing season under Jags head coach Pete Richardson Saturday. Two points got the senior class their final win at their final game at A.W. Mumford Stadium.
Sophomore running back Peoples rushed 17 times for a total of 101 yards got one touchdown in the Jaguars win.
Peoples and sophomore kicker Colby Miller were recognized as the SWAC’s Specialist and Newcomer of the Week, respectively, for their efforts in Southern’s victory. Miller targeted two of his three field goals in the Jags win and also punted three times for 107
yards.
Wide receiver Michael Hayes and defensive back Chris Cooper joined fellow senior classmates in being honored at Southern’s last game. The win at the players’ last home game made the occasion much sweeter.
“It was a special win for us tonight,” said Cooper. “It was very special, but we have to get out there and win another special game in two weeks.” Cooper had 11 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. That special game is the 2002 State Farm Bayou Classic XXIX.
The annual Southern-Grambling State match-up is the arguably the most sentimental and important game of all for the whole team including Richardson. But he doesn’t seem to be worried.
“We fall and then we shoot ourselves in the foot, but we have a lot of character on this football team, said Richardson. ” But I think the seniors…they played hard…and I think they realized that things didn’t go well for them this year. But now we are making plays and as soon as we get some people back we will be fine.”
