LORMAN — Down by one headed into the fourth quarter, the Alcorn State University football program scored the final 10 points of the game to win the 2018 SWAC Championship 37-28 over Southern on Saturday at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium.
The go-ahead score was a 41-yard field goal by junior Louisville High School graduated Corey McCullough with 11:31 left. The Braves (9-3, 6-1 SWAC) put the game away with a 14-yard touchdown run by junior De'Shawn Waller with 3:47 remaining.
Junior quarterback Noah Johnson, the 2018 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, was named the 2018 SWAC Championship Offensive MVP after the game. He threw for 135 yards on 18-of-25 passing, and rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns against the Jaguars (7-4, 6-1 SWAC).
The SWAC Championship Defensive MVP was honored to junior Brelion Hollis. He led the Braves with seven tackles including 0.5 sacks. Alcorn sacked SU quarterback Ladarius Skelton six times and junior Terry Whittington had 1.5.
Former Louisville High School standout Chris Blair had a catch for the Braves. He has recorded a team-high 39 catches on the season for 487 yard and six touchdowns.
Alcorn outgained SU 518-347 in total offense including 370-123 in rushing. Waller, the 2018 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, ran for a game-high 177 yards and three touchdowns including an 83-yard score.
Johnson connected with eight different receivers in the air. Senior Dayall Harris hauled in a team-high six receptions for 50 yards.
Back on defense, junior Javen Morrison grabbed an interception and returned it 38 yards. Sophomore Qwynnterrio Cole tied for a team-high seven tackles and also had a pair of pass break-ups. Both Morrison and Cole were All-Conference First-Team honorees.
Skelton was dangerous all night for the Jags as he totaled four touchdowns. He threw for 194 yards and a score and ran for 65 yards and three touchdowns. Trey Smith caught seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Up next, the Braves will play for the HBCU Championship when they take on North Carolina A&T from the MEAC in the 2018 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. (CT) in Atlanta.
Editor’s note: An article featuring Winston County links to the win will be in the 12-12-2018 edition.
