Will to Win: Despite being down early, Jags’ scratch their way to victory in Gulf Coast Challenge

Despite a rough start, the Southern University Jaguars still found a way to begin conference play with a win over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, as the two schools participated in the Gulf Coast Challenge at Ladd Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama last weekend.
Southern began the game with the ball and attempted to incorporate the hurry-up offense early on. While doing so, the Jaguars were able to score quickly, thanks to a 10-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback John Lampley to senior tight end Dennis Craig. However, two interceptions later, thrown by Lampley, stalled the SU offense and put the the defense in difficult positions throughout the first quarter, allowing the Bulldogs to take a 21-6 advantage at one point in the game. A couple of possessions later, the Jaguars controlled the ball with decent field position, reached the Bulldog 39 yard line. Following an 11-yard completion to sophomore receiver Kendall Catalon, and a 22-yard run by Lampley, the offense again coughed the ball up on the 1 yard line, and the ball is recovered by defensive lineman Eli Jackson.
With the Bulldogs on their own 1 yard line, Junior defensive end Jahmal Tillman stormed into the Bulldog backfield, stopping their starting running back in the end zone, giving the Jaguar defense a safety. At this point, the Jaguars still were behind 21-8.
Following the safety kickoff, the Jaguars gave the ball right back to the Bulldogs. As Lampley stepped back to throw, he was stripped from behind by the Alabama A&M defense, giving the Bulldogs possession at Southern’s 49 yard line with 5:57 remaining in the 2nd quarter.
After a quick three-and-out by the Bulldogs, the Jaguars set up shop on their own 23 yard line. The Jaguars struggled at first to get a first down, but due to a roughing the kicker penalty by the Bulldogs, the Jaguars were able to start fresh again at their own 35 yard line with 1:05 remaining. A couple of big plays later, the Jaguars were able to punch the ball into the end zone off of a Lampley screen pass to running back Devon Benn. The Jaguars went into the half trailing to Alabama A&M, 21-15.
Adjustments were made coming out of halftime as the Jags were able to force a turnover on downs on Southern’s 30 yard line. With 11:47 remaining in the 3rd, the Jaguars were able to march down the field due to big plays from John Lampley and Devon Benn. Now on the Bulldogs 2 yard line, running back Benn runs the ball into the end zone, giving the Jaguars back their first lead since the first quarter. The Jaguars now lead 22-21.
On the ensuing possession, the Jaguar defense stepped up again, as junior nose tackle CeaJae Bryant stripped the ball from quarterback, giving the Jaguars the ball back at the Bulldogs 33 yard line with 6:11 remaining in the 3rd. Three plays later, junior running back Jamarqueza Mims scores on a 25-yard run as the Jaguars now lead, 29-21. The Jaguars have scored 23 unanswered points.
At the 5:00 mark in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs ferociously stormed down the field after powerful plays on offense. Alabama A&M was able to run it into the end zone, bringing the game within 2 points. However, on the two-point conversion, the stout Southern defense performs a goal-line stand, preserving a 29-27 edge.
The Bulldogs attempt the onside kick with 1:13 remaining, but is unsuccessful, sealing the 29-27 come-from-behind victory for the Jaguars. Quarterback John Lampley completed 24 of 38 passes for 204 yards with two touchdowns and is the leading rusher of the game with 99 yards. Running back Devon Benn adds 86 yards on the ground.
Although the players weren’t available to speak after the game, head coach Dawson Odums expressed how happy he was with the team. “I know the heartbeat of the team, and we got guys that’s going to compete,” said Odums. “I feel like this can jumpstart something special.”
The Jaguars improved their record to (2-2, 1-0 SWAC) and the Bulldogs fell to (1-3) (0-1 SWAC). This coming Saturday, the Jaguars will face a tough Alcorn State team for homecoming. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. and the game will be a white-out game.