The Alabama State University Hornets are on fire as they won their fourth consecutive game in the Port City Classic on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The Hornets defeated the Grambling State University Tigers 17-6. The Hornet defense had an elite performance holding the Tigers to zero points in the first half.
On the opening kickoff, Hornets wide receiver BJ West returned it 90 yards for a touchdown, but a holding penalty wiped the points off the board. The Hornets still quickly found their way into the endzone as quarterback Damon Stewart threw a 19-yard pass to wide receiver Kisean Johnson, making the score 7-0.
The Tigers started their first drive picking up a few first downs. Quarterback Myles Crawley completed a pass to wide receiver Lyndon Rash. Running back Chance Williams picked up a first down.
Hornets defensive back Amon Scarbrough intercepted an overthrown ball by Crawley to give Hornets possession of the ball. Stewart scrambled for a pick up of eight yards. Running back Marcus Harris would pick up the first down on the next play, but a holding call pushed the offense back 10 yards.
On 3rd and long, Johnson caught a pass but it was not enough for the first down.
The Hornets kicker Baylor Cannon missed a short field goal, and the score remained 7-0 heading into the second quarter.
Things did not get better for Grambling State as Crawley fumbled the ball on a quarterback run and it was recovered by Scarbrough.
Alabama State had great field position thanks to the turnover. Harris picked up eight yards on first down. Stewart once again connected with Johnson for a touchdown, extending the Hornets lead 14-0.
The Tigers ended up in a third and 23 situation after back to back false start penalties by the offensive line.
They failed to convert the third down. Kicker Tanner Rinker missed the 39-yard field goal wide left as time expired in the second quarter. The score heading into halftime was 14-0.
The Tigers got the ball to start the third quarter. Crawley completed a pass to wide receiver Antonio Jones for a first down. Tigers wide receiver Javon Robinson caught a pass for another first down, but the drive eventually stalled thanks to Hornets defensive end Terrell Lightfoot Jr. sacking Crawley for a huge loss.
Neither offense managed to put any points on the board in the third quarter as both teams traded punts back and forth.
Cannon extended the Hornet lead 17-0 after making a 32-yard field goal to begin the final quarter.
Time was ticking for the Tigers. Crawley connected with Robinson for a gain of 21-yards. The offense started to find rhythm. Chance Williams picked up two 1st downs to get the Tigers into Hornet territory.
Grambling State finally got on the board when wide receiver Tylon Williams caught the 17-yard touchdown pass from Crawley with 12:08 left in the fourth quarter. The extra point attempt was no good and the Hornets still led 17-6.
Harris had a 12-yard run as the Hornets began to take their time in an attempt to run out the clock. On third and seven, Stewart’s pass was intercepted by Tigers defensive back Kevin Thomas.
The Tigers converted third and 10 with a catch by Jones. With only a minute left in the game, Hornets defensive back Cail Jackson Jr. intercepted Crawleys’ pass, ruining any chance of a comeback for the Tigers.
