Oct. 8, 2006

Final Stats

Alabama State headed to the 33rd Gulf Coast Classic with couple of goals: establish the running game, reduce penalties and turnovers, and most importantly, pick up a big win over SWAC rival Jackson State.

Although ASU's Jay Peck had his fourth consecutive 100 yard rushing game and the Hornets doing a bit better protecting the ball, it was not enough as they fell to Jackson State 19-13.

For the first time this season, the Hornets scored first as Anthony Johnson connected on a 30-yard field goal.

Jackson State would take the lead as their multidimensional quarterback Jimmy Oliver hit Chris Johnson on a 43 yard touchdown pass. The extra point was no good.

Oliver and Johnson combined for another scoring strike just before halftime. JSU went for two points on the conversion, but were stuffed by the Hornets. Sill, the Tigers went to the locker room with a 12-6 lead.

In the 3rd quarter, ASU quarterback T'Chelpio Woods, who started in place of the injured Alex Engram, drove the Hornets down the field. However, a Woods' pass was intercepted by Ken Woodard and returned 79 yards for a touchdown. JSU hit the extra point for a 19-6 advantage.

Woods led the Hornets on a 14-play, 73-yard drive culminating in a 9-yard touchdown pass to James Earl Cray. Johnson's extra point was good, closing the deficit to 19-13.

JSU"s defense would close the door, picking off a Woods' Hail Mary attempt at the goal line as time expired.

Despite the loss, Woods' performance earned him the starting role in next week's game at Prairie View A &M.

"He (Woods) played admirably," ASU head coach Charles Coe said. "It's his job."

The Hornets are now 2-3 in the SWAC and 2-4 overall.