Montgomery, Ala. – Alabama State University's athletic department announced its 2009 Hornets football schedule during a press conference Monday and revealed the new season's gridiron action has six home games slated to play at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl.
The Hornets open their 2009 season on Sept 5 in a home game that pits Alabama State against Concordia College, said Head Football Coach Reggie Barlow.
“In putting together our schedule, we listened to our fans who told us they wanted to see the Hornets play more at home and that's just what we gave them,” Barlow said.
After the season opener at Cramton Bowl, he said ASU will then take the team on the road against Savannah State for a 4 p.m. kickoff on Sept 12 in Savannah, Ga. After the first road game, the Hornets return home to play against Edward Waters at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19.
ASU then opens its conference play against SWAC opponent Miss. Valley State at 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 before returning again to Cramton Bowl for a 1 p.m. game on Oct. 10 against Prairie View A&M.
The Hornets will remain at home for the next two consecutive games, first playing against Grambling State - the 2008 SWAC Champions - at 1 p.m. on Oct. 17, and then playing against eastern conference rival Alcorn State at 1 p.m. on Oct. 24.
Next comes one of the most famous of all HBCU football classics as ASU battles in-state rival Alabama A&M in the 68th annual Magic City Classic at Legion Field in Birmingham with a start time scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Halloween Day, Oct. 31.
The Hornets will continue play on the road against powerhouse Jackson State at 1 p.m. on Nov. 7 before heading to Mobile to play in the 36th annual Gulf Coast Classic against Southern University on Nov. 14.
The regular season wraps up with the granddaddy of all classics, which is the 86th annual Turkey Day Classic against Tuskegee. The teams will battle at Cramton Bowl at 1 p.m. on Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day, in what is sure to be a monster of a football game.
ASU athletic director Monique Holland, who joined Barlow at Monday's announcement, said she felt the 2009 schedule is a success because more games will be played at home.
“We wanted the student-athletes to be here more,” Holland said, “and I felt like it was important to limit the amount of class time they would be missing.”
“Most of all, I am glad our great fans will have more opportunities to see our Hornets play right here at home, which is good for both our athletes and our fans alike,” she said.
ASU 2009 Football Schedule
Sept. 5 Concordia – Home – 7:00 P.M.
Sept. 12 Savannah State – Away – 4:00 P.M.
Sept. 19 Edward Waters – Home – 7:00 P.M.
Sept. 26 Mississippi Valley State – Away – 1:00 P.M.
Oct. 3 Open
Oct. 10 Prairie View A & M – Home – 1:00 P.M.
Oct. 17 Grambling State – Home – 1:00 P.M.
Oct. 24 Alcorn State – Home – 1:00 P.M.
Oct. 31 Alabama A& M – Birmingham – 2:30 P.M.
Nov. 7 Jackson State – Away – 1:00 P.M.
Nov. 14 Southern University – Mobile – 2:30 P.M.
Nov. 21 Open
Nov. 26 Tuskegee – Home – 1:00 P.M.
