The Alabama State University football team held a one-hour walkthrough practice at Pillow Academy Friday afternoon as Saturday's 2011 season opener at Mississippi Valley State approaches tomorrow at 5 pm. 

The game can be heard live on 90.7 WVAS-FM and can be seen live over the internet free of charge on www.swac.org. Hornets Football Gameday Central on www.bamastatesports.com will have links for live stats, live radio and live video. 

The Hornets departed Montgomery shortly after 8:30 a.m. Friday to a rousing sendoff by the ASU Campus Students, Faculty, Staff, band and cheerleaders. After arriving around 2:30 p.m., the Hornets departed to the nearby high school for practice. 

“I liked the mood,” head coach Reggie Barlow said. “These guys are focused. In our call outs, we are always looking to see if they are alert on the sidelines and communicating the calls. I thought they did a good job of that. That is definitely an indicator that they are focused.” 

In the final hours before kickoff, Barlow wants his team to review their assignments but also be prepared to make THE play. 

“For me as a player, I always thought about making the big play,” he said. “I share that experience with them and that, while you are in their room, you should be thinking about and visualizing yourself making the big play. That's what it's about - knowing your assignments, playing within the scheme and then just going out and making the big play.” 

Having experienced numerous season openers as a Hornet player and assistant coach, as well as eight years in the NFL, Barlow, entering his fifth season opener as head coach, still has his own share of emotions. 

“I'm always a little jittery,” he said. “I have to settle myself down, as I'm excited about the opportunity for these guys and can't wait to watch them play. I'm pretty monotone as far as my emotions personally, but the closer it gets to game time, the more excited I get.” 

-HORNETS-