rumbled into the end zone on a four yard run with just 3:37 into the opening quarter to take an early 7-0 lead. The Steers of Texas College, a division of NAIA were not intimidated by the crowd nor the size advantage of the Jags.Texas College struck back, as running back Johnathan Combs (18-130 yds, 1 td) darted and dashed his way from 32 yards out to tie the score at 7-7. After a Breck Ackley field goal, the Jaguars defense, rated at the bottom of the SWAC division against the run, broke down again, allowing wide out Donte Spillman to slice through Southern's secondary to score on a 38 yard touchdown grab from quarterback Olan Johnson, giving the visitors a 14-10 lead in the second period. "It seemed like my touchdown got their defense mad," said Spillman of his score and spike of the football at mid-field on the Southern emblem. "I got caught up in the emotions and I probably shouldn't have done that knowing it was their homecoming."
Apparently, the sideshow was what Southern needed, as quarterback Thomas Ricks and the offense began their own fire works that erupted in the quarter. Ricks tossed two scoring passes, a 34 yarder to WR Gerald Landry, his first career, and a seven yarder to Antonio Overstreet, and ran in for a score to ignite the Jags. His 55 yards rushing on the ground led SU to a 24-14 half time lead.
By the third, the Jaguars and Ricks continued its dominance over Texas College as Ricks (25-35-218 yds, 3 tds, 1 ins.) scored his second running touchdown of the night to extend the score. "I just wanted to do whatever I could to make something happen, said Ricks. We needed a spark bom somewhere, and our wide receivers got opened and the O-line blew open some holes for me and the running backs to move the ball down the field."
While the Jaguars defense dominated in the second half, shutting down TC ace back Combs, the Jags secondary made sure its contribution to the win didn't go unnoticed, as former Warren Easton cornerback Ahmad Treaudo picked off his SWAC leading seventh pass to end the Steers drive.
"We gave up some big plays, but I still see our defense improving," said Southern winning coach Pete Richardson. "I thought Ricks was very poised out their controlling the offense, and the receivers did a good job of getting open." Richardson, who's contract expires at the end of the season, says he won't discuss the matter publicly, but hopes it gets done.
Tidbits
Saints Notes: The team returned back to the practice field after resting through the bye week after the win over Oakland. They return back to the West Coast this weekend taking on the San Diego Chargers (5-3) and its talented running Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Most of the walking wounded are practically healed going into Sunday's contest, which has a 3:pm kickoff.
NFL Injury News and Notes: Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre does not have a broken thumb as first diagnosed on his throwing hand as previously thought. In fact, the hand is just swollen and sprained and is not expected to keep him from starting in the next game versus Minnesota after a bye week. In Washington, ex-Saint return specialist Chad Morton is lost for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while returning a kick-off. Former LSU WR Josh Reed sprained his knee while returning a punt and is day to day, while Minnesota WR Randy Moss continues to struggle with a pulled hamstring suffered here against the Saints. His status this weekend won't be decided until game time. Detroit all time career sack leader Robert Porcher has retired after a 13-year career, hauling down 95 1/2 sacks.
NBA Notes: Minnesota T-Wolves forward Letrell Spreewell says he's willing to seek a trade instead of helping the team win a championship unless his contract is extended. With the new season just getting started, the league heads into action with its first minority owner in Bob Johnson of the Charlotte Bobcats, the former CEO at Black Entertainment Television. Elsewhere, New Orleans native Avery Johnson officially retired from the game to become first assistant in Dallas under head coach Don Nelson. The goal is to take over as head coach when "Nellie" retires.
College Hoops! Local teams are tipping off the new season, as SUNO, powerhouse under head coach Earl Hill is 1-0 after a 125-79 season opening route of Concordia. Roberto Ferreira, a preseason NAIA all-American led the Black Knights with 25 points. Speaking of pre-season awards, seniors Tim Green and Jonathan Harper of Xavier were both chosen to the GCAC allconference team.
College Gridiron: LSU all-American center Ben Wilkerson is done for the season after rupturing the patella tendon of the knee on the final play of the Tigers win over Vandy.
More NFL Notes: The Miami Dolphins plan to sue former Saint running back Ricky Williams for breach of contract and are seeking a $8.6 million in compensation in the suit. The former Heisman trophy winner left the team just before training camp disputing a drug test with the league. Williams now wants to return to the league and apparently is willing to face the penalty.
Your scores, comments, questions and observations are always welcomed! Send to "Sports Machine" c/o Data News Weekly, Ty Green. May the Force of God be with you All!
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