Silenced Roar: Dog Day Defense Tames Golden Lions

The Southern University Jaguars faced off against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions in football. The Jags were coming off an open week and came into the game 1-2, while the Lions were 1-3. The question surrounding the Jags was, could the offense get going early and dominate? This would be the perfect opportunity for the Jags to see before taking on bitter rival Florida A&M next week.
Graduate student quarterback Harold Blood threw an interception early to start the game, but the Dog Day defense made sure the Golden Lions didn’t capitalize. The Jaguar offense wasted no time showcasing their talent and speed against the Golden Lions’ defense. The offense came out electric so much that not even a full 4 minutes into the game, Harold Blood connected with junior wide receiver Chandler Whitfield on a 42-yard passing touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead. Later in the first, the productive Jaguars’ offense would settle for a 42-yard field goal, coming from junior kicker Joshua Griffin, allowing the Jags to build their lead to 10-0. The Jags would have another explosive play late in the second quarter as Harold Blood would connect on a 30-yard passing touchdown to graduate student wide receiver August Pitre III, making the score 17-0. The miscues piled up for the Golden Lions, and the Jags offense seemed to capitalize as the Jags were able to get a controversial late 42-yard field goal to end the half, having the lead 20-0.
The second half proved to be all about the intensity of the Jaguars’ Dog Day Defense. The Golden Lions got the ball to start the second half until sophomore defensive tackle Ckleby Givens forced a fumble, and graduate student defensive tackle Tahj Brown recovered it. The Southern offense wasted no time, as on the assuming play, graduate student transfer from Alabama A&M Gary Quarles Jr. rips off an explosive 33-yard touchdown run, making the score 27-0. The Dog Day Defense would force 3 more turnovers, including an interception and forced fumble by graduate student defensive back Jordan Carter. Junior cornerback Kriston Davis would force another fumble. The moral of the story was “All Gas, No Brakes” for the Southern tenacious defense. The Southern Jaguars came off the open week strong and delivered a shutout, winning 27-0 against UAPB, becoming 2-2 on the season.
Adjustments and improvements were displayed as the Jaguars’ talented running back room showed, having 230 yards on the ground, led by Gary Quarles Jr. with 102 yards and 1 touchdown. According to WAFB Channel 9 news, Gary Quarles Jr. commented, “The offensive line was consistent all night; they made it happen…I am proud of them boys.” The offensive line did answer the call and showcased their ability to annihilate opposing defenses. Harold Blood finished with a 90 percent completion rate, going 18 for 20, with 225 yards passing and 2 touchdowns.
The angry defense for the Jaguars forced 4 turnovers and had 6 sacks in the game. They also allowed a dismal 221 yards of total offense. According to WAFB Channel 9 news, Tahj Brown spoke on the defense expectations, “Our goal is to get a shutout every week…We are a stingy defense; we don’t want nobody to get anything on us.” It is safe to say they accomplished their mission this week. Coach Dooley gave his defense high praise as well, “For a defense to do this here, and I know they had a dynamic rushing attack…having the number one rusher in the conference and had a quarterback that can make plays downfield…to see them step up; it’s expected, and it came through for us. The Jags gained momentum heading into a matchup against Florida A&M, at home Saturday, October 7 at 6 PM.