NO STING ZONE: Jaguars repel hornets to survive and advance

Coaches often say, if you win the turnover battle, you win the game. Well that statement proved to be true Saturday, against Alabama State. The Jags forced four fumbles, recovered three, and snagged an interception to go along with the fumble recoveries. After the game was said and done the Jags forced four turnovers that ultimately led to a 21-28 win over conference foe Alabama State. As the season winds down the name of the game is survive and advance. Conference play is nearing its final two weeks, and so is the stretch of the season. Teams are playing their best football, as the games become twice as important in regards to the conference standings. However, Southern started off slow, they did not muster a point in the first quarter and committed one turnover themselves. The second quarter proved to be different, as a host of explosive plays took place. Plays that included an 18 yard touchdown strike from quarterback Austin Howard to the dynamic playmaker Willie Quinn, who finished the game with 9 catches for 100 yards and a score, an interception by safety Dionte McDuffy, his first of the season, early in the quarter to spark the Jaguars’ offense, two 40 yard field goals from kicker Gregory Pittman, and a fumble recovery by receiver Devon Gales; which led to one of Pittman’s 40 yard field goals. The Jags proved to be surviving 12-7 before Alabama State’s Malcom Cyrus uncapped an 81 yard run which led to a touchdown just before the half ended. At the half the Jaguars trailed 14-12. However, the opening kick of the third quarter was recovered by the Jaguars’ defensive back Gideon Woodson-Levey and forced by receiver Mason Caesar. As the third quarter advanced, quarterback Austin Howard found receiver Reggie Travis, who finished the game with 9 catches for 153 yards and a score, wide open for a 22 yard touchdown pass with 9:29 left in the quarter; Howard finished the game 25-47 with two touchdowns and was the leading rusher with 58 yards on 8 carries and the touchdown to win the game, the Jaguars appeared to be surviving again. Moments later, defensive lineman Aaron Tiller forced a fumble which was recovered by safety Kevin King; that turnover led to another 40 yard field goal by Pittman just before the quarter ended. During the beginning stages of the fourth quarter, Alabama State quarterback Daniel Duhart found his receiver Wyndell Archie for a 31 yard touchdown strike to tie the game at 21; but with 9:20 left in the ballgame, quarterback Austin Howard put Southern back on top with a 9 yard touchdown run. The Jags appeared to be surviving again 28-21. They would survive the rest of the game. Southern was outgained in all but one offensive category, but nonetheless they survived. The defense proved itself to be tough down the stretch, grounding a potent rushing attack that had success throughout the ballgame. However, when the time came to make a play, the Jaguars did just that. As the season is coming down the home stretch, the Jags have two more home games against Texas Southern (5-4) and Mississippi Valley State (2-7) before they face rival Grambling State (6-3) in the annual Bayou Classic. As the season comes to an end, let’s hope the Jaguars can continue to survive and advance to their second SWAC Championship.