Week 6 SIAC by  Sofistakat September 28-30, 2006

Clark Atlanta Panthers (1-3, 0-3) vs. Kentucky State Thorobreds (2-2, 1-1), 1 p.m., Alumni Stadium, Frankfort, KY

The Ponies had an unexpected bye as severe weather canceled it matchup against Central State. CAU lost by 7 to conference leader Lane in Jackson. The Panthers offense seems to play pretty well in the first half of games, but can’t seem to carry that momentum into the 2nd half. Expect the Ponies to be chomping at the bit as they try to stay in the conference race. ¼ Horses over ATL Black Kats

Ft. Valley St. Wildcats (1-2, 2-3) vs. Howard Bison (0-3, 0-2), 1 p.m., Greene Stadium, Washington, D.C. 

The Wildcats take a break from conference play to journey up to the nation’s Capital, still smarting from a 34-20 loss to Tuskegee. Ft. Valley gained 299 yards of offense but had an unusually high number of penalties in the game (12 – 144 yards). The Valley had been experimenting with the QB position, but seems to have settled on Zedrick West, who had a pretty good game last week (15-30, 163 yards) despite throwing 2 interceptions. The Bison roamed up to Piscataway, only to be gored by the Scarlet Knights in a 56-7 loss. The Bison tried to make a game of it, but penalties and turnovers led to their swift demise. Thankfully CB Thomas Claiborn snatched up a fumble late in the 4th and rumbled 70 yards for the TD to prevent a shutout. Ft. Valley has been playing good defense, which should pose problems for Howard. I have it on good authority that some of the Wildcat Posse will make the journey up from middle Georgia. Don’t be surprised to see a couple of busloads of royal blue/gold Kats sitting on the visitors side. Warning: They have been known to take over if you let them. Wildkitties over Howard.

Tuskegee Golden Tigers (3-1, 3-1) vs. University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (Coach: Mo Forte; 1-3, 1-2), 13th Annual Gateway Classic, 4 p.m., Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO

The Golden Tigers got back on track last week, beating Ft. Valley 34-20 at the annual catfight, hosted in Macon this year by the Gridiron Network. QB Kevin Huff seems to have recovered from his benching last week, accounting for 259 of TU’s 395 yards of offense. The 4th qtr. started with the game tied at 20, but the offense scored on its first two possessions and the Tiger defense stiffened, preventing Ft. Valley from scoring on its three possessions. Pine Bluff hosted the Salukis from Southern Illinois and apparently forgot that salukis are hunting dogs. The reminder was swift and not pretty. After tying the game at 7 on a 98 yd pass play from QB Chris Wallace to Jason Jones, the Lions briefly took the lead on a FG early in the 2nd qtr. SIU scored two quick TDs to lead 21-10 at the half. UAPB scored once more to start the second half and then the Hounds turned into wild dogs, scoring 27 unanswered points while not allowing the Leos to cross the 50 yd. line but twice in the 2nd half. Tuskegee won last year’s contest 13-9 so Pine Bluff will try to avenge that loss. If the Golden Cubbies play a complete game, they will be purring all the way back to Alabama. Bama Golden Cubbies over Arkansas Leos.

Lane Dragons (5-0, 2-0) vs. Stillman Tigers (1-3, 0-3), 5 p.m., Stillman Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

The Bama Tigers suffered another tough loss last week to its down-the-road neighbor Miles. If QB Charles McCullum could get ANY help from his receivers, Stillman could possibly be undefeated at this point. He accounted for 290 of Stillman’s 311 yds of offense in the 21-14 loss to Miles televised on ESPNU Sunday evening. The Tigers defense held the Bama Bears to only 127 yds of total offense but a blocked punt recovered for a TD and a ridiculous non-call on the 2-point conversion attempt led to the Tigers demise. (more later) Meanwhile the Dragons still sit atop the conference, despite seeming to have lost some of the offensive power shown early in the season. The Lizards just slid by Concordia 27-20 and staved off a late rally by CAU in 23-15 victory last week. This could be a high scoring game if the Stillman receivers improve their catching ability. Lame Lizards over Bama Kats.

Albany Golden Rams (2-2, 2-0) vs Benedict Tigers (2-3, 1-2), 6 p.m., Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, SC

Benedict was shutout in its stadium dedication game against Lenoir-Rhyne 16-0. The Bears held the SC Tigers to a measly 139 yards in total offense while gaining 264 yards on offense. The Tiger defense played well but the receivers couldn’t seem to catch the ball. Albany had a bye last week. The Rams have been struggling offensively but the running game seems to have picked up a little. This game will be a test for both offenses but expect the GA Goats to butt their way to victory. GA Goats over SC Tiggers.


Miles Golden Bears (3-1, 3-0) vs Savannah State Tigers (0-3), 6 p.m., Ted Wright Stadium, Savannah, GA

What can be said about Savannah State? The Tigers lost to Liberty 28-0. QB Garrett Williams (15-25, 168 yards) played better but threw two interceptions. Chad Cone rushed for 93 yards. The Orange Cousins are still a work in progress. But Coach Lemon will right this ship eventually - we hope. Miles has won its last three games but have very little offensive punch, barely mustering 127 yards of offense in a 21-14 victory over Stillman. The defense has been the Bama Bears saving grace but if they expect to win the conference, the offense will need to break out – and soon. This game is ripe for an upset. Orange Cousins over Bama Bears.


Morehouse Maroon Tigers (2-3, 1-3) vs Alcorn State Braves (Coach: Dr. Johnny Thomas, 0-3, 0-2), Silver Dollar Classic, 2 p.m., Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
Morehouse stopped a three-game losing streak with a 17-13 win over Concordia. The Maroon Cousins have no running game (32 yards on 33 carries) and had to rely heavily on QB Reuben Dupree’s passing game (17-24, 269 yards). The Braves got scalped by Alabama State in a shootout at Jack Spinks Stadium in Lorman 33-28. The Braves scored in each quarter but gave up 350 yards of offense (183 yards rushing). Expect Alcorn to exploit the ‘House’s lack of a running game and watch for pressure on Dupree. The Braves should win this one with no problem – even in L.A. Purple Braves over Maroon Cousins.

Short shot: SIAC Players in NFL (Offense): Jacksonville Jaguars (Derrick Wimbush, RB, Ft. Valley); Green Bay Packers (Calvin Russell, WR, Tuskegee), St. Louis Rams (J.D. Washington, RB, Morehouse)

Long pour: Offensive Player of the Week: Ruben DuPree, Morehouse (Sr, QB, 5-9, 180, Atlanta, GA); Defensive Player of the Week: Derrick Scott - Morehouse (Sr, DB, 6-2, 190, Bronwood, GA); Co-Newcomers of the Week: 
Curtis Johnson - Clark Atlanta (Jr, DE, 6-3, 240, Lauderhill, FL) and Muhammed Abdur-Rahman - Morehouse (Fr, K, 5-10, 189, Decatur, GA); Co-Special Teams Players of the Week: Christopher Khan - Tuskegee - (So, P, 6-0, 193, Tuskegee, AL) and Jacoby Jones - Lane (Sr, KR, 6-4, 210, New Orleans, LA); Offensive Lineman of the Week: Ross Thompson - Morehouse (Sr, C, 6-0, 290, Houston, TX)


Last call: The Toyota Heritage Classic featuring Kentucky State and Central State was canceled last weekend due to severe weather in Lexington. The Classic Committee and the schools made this determination for the safety of the student athletes and fans and that is admirable. However, refunds are not being given to ticket holders. Instead, 2006 tickets are going to be honored at the 2007 game. I have never heard of such a thing. Tickets should be refunded at point of purchase. A year from now, folks probably won't remember the "safe place" where the ticket will be placed. Shame on the Committee...

Sobering thoughts: If anyone watched the Stillman-Miles game televised on ESPNU Sunday evening, you witnessed yet another embarrassing display of SIAC officiating. Late in the 3rd qtr, with Stillman leading 7-6, Miles scored on a blocked punt and attempted a 2 point conversion. The Miles player heaved the ball with both legs clearly laying on the ground. The receiver caught the ball in the endzone and the conversion attempt was ruled good. It was amusing to hear Charlie Neal say that perhaps he’d have to call his “good friend Dr. Moses Norman.” For those who don’t know, Dr. Norman is the supervisor of football officials for the SIAC. Well Charlie, please don’t waste your phone call or your breath. Those of us who frequently wander this conference see this type of nonsense EVERY week. It has become so ridiculous (as have most things in this conference) that it is beyond laughable. What is sad is that the student athletes deserve better. Yes, officials do make mistakes – they are human just like the rest of us. But at some point, there needs to be some type of accountability. I’m just glad that the nation got to see the type of nonsense these young people have to deal with from week to week. Perhaps NOW something will change.