ITTA BENA – It took two hours and 39-minutes and 59-points to determine a winner between the hosting Delta Devils and the visiting Tigers of Texas Southern University. TXSO was able to overcome the MVSU rally to win the contest 38-21.
The Delta Devils won the coin toss and elected to defer until the second half. The Tigers took possession on their own 25-yardline after a touchback. The possession wasn't perfect but Texas Southern was able to enter the end zone and add the point after (8:20).
On the Delta Devil possession, Mississippi Valley didn't go three and out, but they were unable to get the gears to clicking. MVSU was forced to punt the ball. The quarter concluded with the Tigers driving the ball into the Delta Devils' territory.
Less than a minute into the quarter, Texas Southern scored, capping a 10-play, 58-yard possession. With the point-after soaring through the uprights, TXSO took a 14-0 lead. Offensively, Mississippi Valley started to heat up, but the drive ended on a stripped ball, which was ruled a fumble; giving Texas Southern possession.
The Tigers took the opportunity to go down the field and score, making the score 21-0. After allowing 21-unanswered points, Mississippi Valley came to life. A 19-yard pass from Christopher Fowler to Quinn McElfresh led to the first points for the Delta Devils. Nicholas Jacquemin stepped up and sent the ball sailing through the uprights. At halftime the score was 21-7.
Exiting the locker room, Mississippi Valley surged to life. After an exchange of possession, the Delta Devils' Fowler was able to launch a 36-yard bomb to McElfresh for the MVSU TOUCHDOWN! Jacquemin added the extra point, making the score 21-14.
The remainder of the third was scoreless, thus it all came down to the final quarter. The dynamic duo of Fowler and McElfresh scored once again, this time on a 61-yard connection. Jacquemin, as true as always, knocked down the extra point. TSU responded with three touchdowns to seal the contest.
Christopher Fowler tallied 313 yards on 46 attempts and three touchdowns. He went 26-46-313 and one interception.
Quinn McElfresh finished with 135 yards on five receptions and three touchdowns. Steven McIntosh recorded 65-yards on five receptions, while Booker Chambers added 21-yards on four catches.
Defensively, Adam Hamilton put up great numbers. He finished the contest with ten solo tackles, five assists, for a total of 15. Jamenta Shaw finished with eight total tackles (4 solo and 4 assists).
For the first time in weeks, the Delta Devils will lace up their cleats outside of Rice-Totten Stadium, when they travel to Lorman, Mississippi, to face the Braves of Alcorn State University on November 11. Kickoff is slated for: 2:00 pm.
