Southern rallies to knock off Hornets

The second half has been heartbreaking, an indicator of improvement in all phases of the game. The Jaguars started off Saturday's game against Alabama State a little slow on offense, but managed a game-winning scoring drive to escape the Cramton Bowl 26-23.

It marked the first career touchdown run for sophomore fullback Brian McCain, who dove over defenders stretching the ball across the goal-line for the score.

"The offensive line got a good push," McCain said. "We played a good game and as a team."

Jaguars (4-6, 4-4) knew how their season was going and chose not to drop their heads, but finish through.

"It's not a long ride today," senior defensive end Dexter James said celebrating the win with senior linebacker Jamie Payton, who returned to the team after serving a two-game suspension. "We're going to be happy on this ride back."

The Jaguars next game is scheduled Nov. 26 against in-state rival Grambling State, who won the last meeting 38-17.

The Jaguars trailed the Hornets' 23-19 with 2:59 remaining before the end of regulation. Southern coach Stump Mitchell knew a field goal wasn't enough for a win.

"We were still in it," Mitchell said. "They weren't ahead by a whole lot of points. We knew all we needed was a touchdown, a field goal would not work."

The Hornets' scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter with three consecutive scoring drives, limiting the Jaguars to 56 yards of total offense and two fumbles.

Freshman quarterback JP Douglas led the offenses' final possession, completing five passes for 62 yards. Douglas replaced starter Dray Joseph in the first quarter, who was 7 of 16 for 72 yards and sacked once.

Saturday marked the fifth win over a conference opponent for Mitchell, whose first victory came last season over Mississippi Valley.

"These guys have played extremely hard all year," Mitchell said. "Unfortunately, we were our own enemy."

Payton said he missed his brothers {referring to teammates} and was happy to rejoin the unit after missing the last two games. He was suspended by the SWAC for his role in a brawl Oct 15. His 10 tackles Saturday led for the sixth time this season.

"We been through so much adversity, I knew we would pull this one out," said Payton, who returned an interception 43 yards in the third quarter and recovered a fumble in the second. "We just came out, played fast and played some good football today."

The loss was the Hornets second against conference opponents, who lead the East Division title race.

"It was a game that we started off slow," Coach Reggie Barlow of ASU said after the game. "Southern played with a lot of confidence. We had our opportunities to score and win but it didn't happen."

The Jaguars defense prevented Barlow's offense from gaining momentum after scoring on its opening drive. From there, the Hornets punted four times, fumbled and missed a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter after a Jaguar turnover.