The Alabama State University Hornets defeated the Miles College Bears 24-3 on Sept. 7 in front of 20,276 fans at the university’s new stadium. The Hornets improved to 1-1, while the Bears fell to 0-2.
Hornets freshman quarterback James Hayes started his first game in the black and gold uniform after it was revealed fellow quarterback Andrew Body is out for the season, and Jonah O’Brien is recovering after suffering a concussion in the first game.
Hayes threw for 88 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Daquon Kincey had a breakout game, rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown.
Kincey averaged 10.5 yards per carry. For the Hornet defense, linebacker Treqwan Thomas stuffed the stat sheet with six tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks and three forced fumbles.
The Hornets scored first with Hayes launching a deep ball 60 yards down the sideline to wide receiver Asa Gregg, who caught it with one hand, for the touchdown. Thomas caused Bears quarterback Kamren Ivory to fumble on fourth-and-five, giving the ball back to the Hornets.
Hornets running back Jamarie Hostzclaw and A.J. Gates had short runs. On third down, Gregg dropped a pass.
The Bears were forced to punt again after Hornets cornerback Caleb Offord broke up a pass. Kincey gained 11 yards on first down.
Hostzclaw picked up nine yards as the first quarter came to a close. The Hornets managed to get into the red zone, but the drive stalled. Kicker Baylor Cannon drilled a 22-yard field goal to increase the Hornet lead to 10-0.
Hayes’ pass was intercepted by Bears freshman cornerback Jalyn Chambers. Ivory connected with wide receiver Franck Pierre for a pick up of six yards.
Jaquel Fells dropped a wide-open touchdown pass from Ivory. The Bears had to settle for a 44-yard field goal to get on the scoreboard 10-3.
Hornets wide receiver Robert McMinn returned a punt for a touchdown, but it was called back because of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. That did not halt the Hornets as Kincey broke free for a 64-yard rushing touchdown to increase their lead 17-3.
The Hornets would score again before halftime. Hayes found wide receiver Jalen Jones for an eight yard score. The Hornets maintained their lead 24-3.
Ivory found Pierre for a 29-yard gain before connecting with wide receiver Jaih Andrews for 15-yards.
Bears running back Jonero Scott fumbled the ball and it was recovered by Hornets safety Keane Lewis. The Hornet offense went three-and-out. On the punt, the snap was fumbled and recovered by Bears defensive end Roc Dowdell.
Bears tight-end Travaunta Abner caught a 21-yard pass. The Bears got into the red zone, but Ivory was sacked on third down by Hornets defensive end Stefon Young-Role.
The Bears attempted a short field goal but it was no good.
Hornets quarterback Zach Sims checked into the game after Hayes was shaken up when he got sacked on a play. Kincey had a huge 20-yard run, but the offense was unable to capitalize.
Ivory threw his second interception of the game when Hornets cornerback James Burgess snatched the ball out of the air.