Alabama St Beats Miles College in Labor Day Classic, 21-13

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It was that time of year again for Alabama State as they took on the Golden Bears of Miles College for the annual Labor Day Classic. This was the Hornets’ first home game and Auburn transfer Dematrius Davis was set to start the game.

On the Hornets’ first possession, they scored on a quick two-play 59-yard touchdown drive. First play Davis made a pass to receiver Jeremiah Hixon behind the line of scrimmage then Hixon made a pass to fellow receiver Isaiah Scott. Next play, Davis would throw a 14-yard slant touchdown pass to receiver Jayce Madlock.

Davis unfortunately would go down with a shoulder injury and would not return for the rest of the game. Backup quarterback Myles Crawley would be called to step up. He would throw a 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Darius Edmonds on his first throw of the game to make it 14-0 in back-to-back scoring drives for ASU. Morehouse transfer running back Santo Dunn showed his athleticism as he zig-zagged his way for a late touchdown in the first quarter to make it 21-0 but the team couldn’t muster any more points against the Golden Bears.

Miles College looked to show some fight and climb back after a pair of field goals. The team got back within one score after a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Millhouse to Collin Woods with 2:54 to go in the fourth quarter.

Both teams struggled in the turnover battle with both teams having multiple. Miles had two fumbles lost and Alabama State had six total turnovers, one interception, and five fumbles lost.

On the ground ASU had no problem moving the ball totaling 113 rushing yards on 31 attempts, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Sophomore runningback Ja’won Howell was the leading rusher of the day with 44 yards on 11 attempts averaging 4.4 yards a carry. A name to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Through the air, the passing game was pretty exceptional as well: 221 passing yards, 11-20 passing, and 11.1 yards per pass with two passing touchdowns. Four of their receivers got two receptions each averaging 25 yards each reception, and two of them had touchdowns. Looks like Coach Robinson’s offense was to put up numbers and points by spreading the ball around.

Some keys for the Hornets going forward though would be tackling on special teams. A lot of missed opportunities due to missed tackles.

The final score in this one would be 21-13 Alabama St.

Next up for Alabama St is a road game against UCLA on Sept. 10.