JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi Valley State University football battled in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division matchup Saturday afternoon but came up short against rival Jackson State, falling 38-7 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Delta Devils (3-7, 2-4 SWAC) showed flashes of offensive production while creating opportunities defensively, but the Tigers (7-2, 4-2 SWAC) used several explosive plays to pull away in the second half.
Jackson State jumped out to an early 10-0 advantage in the opening quarter before Mississippi Valley State responded with an impressive nine-play, 73-yard scoring drive that carried into the second quarter. Running back
Dezmond Ray capped the possession with a five-yard touchdown run at the 14:18 mark, and
Luka Sari converted the extra point to trim the deficit to 10-7.
The Delta Devils continued to compete throughout the first half, with their defensive unit making several key stops to keep the contest within reach. However, Jackson State added a late second-quarter touchdown to take a 17-7 lead into halftime.
Ray led Mississippi Valley State's rushing attack, finishing with 65 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, including a game-long 31-yard run. He also contributed a 16-yard reception to finish with 81 all-purpose yards.
Carter James added 26 rushing yards on 10 attempts.
Through the air,
Dayvian Bluitt paced the Delta Devils' receiving corps with four receptions for 48 yards, including a 29-yard catch. Bluitt also contributed 43 kickoff return yards to finish with a team-high 91 all-purpose yards.
Jaylen King added a 17-yard reception, while
Caleb Brownlow hauled in three passes.
Quarterback
Josh Brown completed eight passes for 31 yards, while
Jordon Davis provided a spark in relief, completing both of his attempts for 48 yards.
Defensively, Mississippi Valley State received strong individual performances from
Joey Davis,
Javieane Stevens and
Jamari Stokes, who each recorded seven total tackles.
Stevens continued to make his presence felt in the backfield, collecting two tackles for loss totaling nine yards, along with a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
Joel Queisser added five tackles, including a nine-yard sack and a forced fumble.
Tyrell Johnson recorded an interception for the Delta Devils, while
Derrick Sinegal Jr. recovered a fumble to give Mississippi Valley State two takeaways on the afternoon.
Will Hawkins also contributed three tackles and two pass breakups.
Despite trailing, the Delta Devils continued to battle defensively, limiting Jackson State to 119 rushing yards while recording four tackles for loss and a sack.
Mississippi Valley State controlled the time of possession, holding the football for 35:04 compared to Jackson State's 24:56. The Delta Devils finished with 171 yards of total offense, including 92 rushing yards.
Jackson State extended its advantage in the third quarter behind a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Jared Lockhart, including an 81-yard connection with Jency Riley Jr. The Tigers added another touchdown late in the fourth quarter to secure the 38-7 victory.
Lockhart finished with 299 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Li'Darious Pryor contributed 63 rushing yards and a touchdown for Jackson State.
The Delta Devils will look to regroup as they continue their final stretch of SWAC competition.
Mississippi Valley State returns to action Saturday, November 14, traveling to Tallahassee, Florida, to face Florida A&M in its final road contest of the 2026 season.
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