Box Score

Itta Bena, Miss.- Caleb Brunson's clutch interception brought out the turnover chain, Caleb Johnson escaped for a 50-yard touchdown scamper on the next play and, in a matter of moments, Mississippi Valley State's matchup with Arkansas Pine Bluff was tied at 17-17 midway through the fourth quarter.

"It was so surreal because I told them in the defensive huddle that if we stop them, we're going to score," MVSU head coach Vincent Dancy said. "I congratulated (Brunson), and the next thing I know (Johnson) breaks through for a 50-yard touchdown." 

But as quickly as the Delta Devils' rally arrived, their comeback hopes were crushed. After MVSU's next drive was stalled around midfield, Tyrin Ralph broke loose for a 90-yard punt return that gave the Golden Lions a 24-17 victory over the Delta Devils, spoiling the first home game at Rice-TottenStadium since 2019.

MVSU (0-2, 0-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) got off to a strong start thanks to running back Dedderian Williams, who exploded for a 36-yard run on his first carry of the day. The big gain set up a 46-yard field goal by Orlando Fernandez, the SWAC Specialist of the Week from the Delta Devils' season-opening loss to Jackson State three weeks ago.

MVSU's 3-0 lead held for the rest of the first quarter, but then UAPB's offense woke up. The Golden Lions (3-0, 3-0 SWAC) found the end zone on the first play of the second quarter and added to their momentum on the ensuing kickoff by recovering a perfectly-placed onside kick. UAPB quarterback Skyler Perry capitalized on the extra possession, connecting with senior receiver Josh Wilkes for a leaping toe-tap grab. The Golden Lions added a chip-shot field goal with two seconds remaining in the first half to take a 17-3 lead at the break.

Fortunately for the home crowd on hand for the Saturday's sunny SWAC showdown, the Delta Devils emerged from the locker room with a new energy. Their opening drive of the second half spanned 76 yards on eight plays, capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Johnson. 

After allowing over 300 yards passing in the season-opening 43-7 loss to Jackson State, MVSU's defense bounced back and shut out the SWAC's top-rated offense in the second half. After the Delta Devils erased their two-touchdown deficit with eight minutes to play, though, their costly special teams mistake on Ralph's game-winning punt return proved to be the difference. 

"I'm proud of this football team," Dancy said. "We're coming up short, but I can see we're right there. Through all the ups and down, this football team is tough, they grind and they play with their heart. They leave it all out on the field."

- Contact Riley Overend at 662-581-7273 or roverend@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow @OverendOut on Twitter.
 

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