HUMBLE AND HUNGRY Jaguars remain Undefeated in SWAC play, Tillery shatters SWAC rushing record

On Last Saturday, the Southern University Jaguar football team took a road trip down to Lorman, Mississippi for what was an intense football contest against the Braves of Alcorn State University. Coming into this game, the Jags were in high hopes of keeping their conference winning streak alive (4-0), while the Braves seek for a win to stay number 1 in the East of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). However, the Jags had a losing streak to break against Alcorn as they have lost to them in their last 5 meetings. Fortunately, they did just that with a 41-33 victory over the Braves to increase their record to 5-0 in conference and 5-2 overall.
“Defensively, we forced some turnovers. Offensively, we put the ball in the end zone,” said SU Head Coach Dawson Odums. “When you do that, it makes coaching fun.”
SU’s defense shift the momentum early with Alcorn running back De’Lance Turner’s fumble, forced by junior defensive end Aaron Tiller and recovered by red-shirt freshman nose tackle Ceajae Bryant. Even though the Braves offense turned over the ball 4 times against the defense, they manage to put up 572 yards in total offense with 5 offensive touchdowns. Fortunately, the Jags hung tough and made some drive stopping plays. Sophomore defensive back, Andrea Augustine of Monroe, Louisiana who led the team in total tackles (8) in the game, spoke on the locker room pep talk the coaches gave to the team.
“We have to stick together and if something bad happens, we have to play the next play,” said Augustine.
Junior free safety Bryan Anderson of New Orleans, Louisiana also had a big game forcing one of the two interceptions in the game, along with 7 tackles with one of them being on crucial fourth down play. The other interception belongs to SWAC’s interception leader, junior defensive back Danny Johnson. Anderson, however, played a game with a bigger purpose or “a chip” on his shoulder. This past summer, Anderson lost a close friend and former high school teammate, Tollette “Tonka” George, to a gunshot wound. George played the wide receiver position and graduated from Alcorn. George also wore the same number 5 as Anderson. At halftime, Alcorn’s band gave a tribute to George in remembrance during their performance. Anderson also dealt with health conditions through out his career but in this game, made a big comeback performance. Anderson briefly spoke on how much his performance meant to him.
“It felt good to be back, and it felt even better to do it here. … There’s no better feeling than doing it here,” Anderson said. “It feels unexplainable.”
Anderson referred back to a comment said by Odums. He said, “Like coach said, this is the last game of October. This is what sets teams apart so we had to get it done.”
In the first half, Braves kept senior running back Lenard Tillery in check with only 48 rushing yards on 10 attempts and 1 rushing touchdown. However, this didn’t prevent him from staying motivated in the 2nd half as Tillery finished off the game with 195 rushing yards (8.1 avg.) on 24 attempts along with 3 touchdowns. In addition, Tillery earned something very special on that afternoon. He now holds the honor of being called the SWAC’s All-Time Leading Rusher with 4,132 career-rushing yards. Tillery spoke briefly about his accomplishment and what it took to get it done.
“I have been reflecting on it ever since people put my name in the conversation. Just to think about the journey that I had to battle and overcome, it’s an amazing process,” said Tillery. “Shout out to the offensive line and the wide receivers for blocking down the field…which made the running game a lot easier. Also, to the tight-ends who are a versatile part of our offense.”
Tillery initially broke the record during a 33 yard run on 3rd and 14, which later he ended the drive with 22-yard scamper into the end zone for his last rushing touchdown. However, he says it’s a team effort while mentioning former quarterback and SU alum Dray Joseph.
“It’s not all about me…going back to my freshman year when Dray Joseph was at quarterback, it was easy for me to get lanes,” said Tillery, then ended, “Personal records are good but you have to realize that it’s all about the team and the team helped me get to this point.”
SU’s offense ended the game with 257 rushing and 237 passing. Junior quarterback Austin Howard ended 195 in passing yards with 2 touchdowns and 31 yards rushing. After the first quarter, Howard shook off the nerves in the atmosphere and got in rhythm. Howards says the motto is to start fresh every week.
“We followed the process and the game plan…we finally settled and started doing what we do best,” said Austin. “We have to go 1-0 each week…have to follow the process.”
The Jags will host the Tigers of Texas Southern University this Saturday in A. W. Mumford Stadium for 4 PM.