October 2006 Football

Tigers Spoil Homecoming For Boll Weevils
October 28, 2006
 

MONTICELLO, AR ---  The University of West Alabama Tigers (6-3, 3-3 GSC) racked up 229 rushing yards en route to a 37-14 victory over the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils (1-8, 1-5 GSC) on UAM’s homecoming day.

The Weevils opened scoring just over two minutes into the game, when Lafayette Fredrick (Fr., Hot Springs, Ark.) connected with Jamie Dunn (So., Wilmot, Ark.) on a 21-yard touchdown strike to give the Weevils an early 7-0 lead. However, the Tiger offense responded, tying the game at 7-7 just over a minute later on a James Reiter touchdown run.

West Alabama took a 14-7 lead on the first series of the second quarter on a three-yard run by A.J. Holloway with 11:14 remaining in the half, and after forcing the Weevils into a three-and-out on their next possession, took advantage of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by the Boll Weevils, tacking on another three points on a 29-yard field goal by Mitch Warfield.

The Tigers continued to run the ball on their next drive and extended their lead to 20-7 on a 30-yard field goal by Warfield.

After forcing the Weevils to punt again, the Tigers continued their offensive push, capping a five-play, 76-yard drive with a 47-yard touchdown pass from Reiter to Chris Coach with 59 seconds remaining in the third quarter, giving the Tigers a 27-7 lead.

The UAM offense went three and out again, and Warfield pushed the UWA lead to 30-7 with a 26-yard field goal, his third of the day.

The Weevils pushed into West Alabama territory on their next drive, but on a third down, quarterback Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss) fumbled and the Tigers recovered at their own 31 yard line.

On West Alabama’s next drive, Ricky Miller (Sr., Tustin, Calif.) recovered a fumble, carrying it to the West Alabama 45 before pitching the ball back to Brandon Mayweather (Sr., Crossett, Ark.), who carried the pitch in for the score to pull the Weevils to within 30-14.

UAM recovered an onside kick to take possession at the 50-yard line, and pushed to the West Alabama 24-yard line, but the Tigers recovered a fumble and Tim Kelley scooted 68 yards for the score to push the Tiger advantage to 37-14.

Fredrick led the Weevils with 134 yards passing and one touchdown, completing 10 of 16 passes. Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) led the UAM ground attack, rushing 16 times for 64 yards.

UWA’s Jerin Wright carried 26 times for 131 yards.

Jordan Wisener (So., North Little Rock, Ark.) led the UAM defense with ten tackles, four solo. 

The Boll Weevils return to action on Saturday, November 4, as they travel to Valdosta, Georgia to face Valdosta State University. Kickoff from Bazemore-Hyder Stadium is scheduled for noon central.
 
Weevils Drop Double-Overtime Heartbreaker To West Georgia
October 21, 2006
 

MONTICELLO, AR ---  James Kennebrew broke a 26-yard run in the second overtime period to propel the West Georgia Wolves (1-6, 1-4 GSC) to a 20-14 win over the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils (1-7, 1-4) on Saturday at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.

The Wolves opened scoring late in the first quarter, as Brett Yenser connected with Jay Holbrook on a 14-yard touchdown strike to give West Georgia a 7-0 lead with 3:05 remaining in the opening quarter. Ryan Guardia (So., Hurly, Miss.) was set to attempt a 31-yard field goal that would pull the Weevils to within 7-3 on the opening play of the second quarter, but the snap sailed high and snapper Anthony Stanford (Jr., Louisville, Miss.) took off with the ball, coming up just short of the first down marker and giving West Georgia the ball on their own five-yard line.

After West Georgia fumbled the ball later in the possession, the Weevils marched into West Georgia territory, only to see a first-down pass intercepted in the end zone and West Georgia took over at their own 20.

Yenser put the Wolves up 14-0 after capping a five play, 80-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run with 5:29 remaining in the half.

The Weevils responded immediately on the ensuing drive, as on the first play, Lafayette Fredrick (Fr., Hot Springs, Ark.) connected with Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) on a 69-yard touchdown pass to pull UAM to within 14-7.

Coming out of the half with a 14-7 lead, West Georgia seemed poised to extend their lead, but kicker Nick Adams missed a 19-yard field goal wide right early in the third quarter to keep the UWG lead at seven.

On the Weevils’ opening drive of the fourth quarter, Matt Fryfogle (Sr., Lucedale, Miss.) punctuated a ten play, 57-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run to knot the game at 14-14 with 8:25 remaining.

Neither team was able to score as time expired in regulation, sending the contest to overtime.

West Georgia took possession first in overtime, and the UAM defense promptly sent the Wolves 15 yards backwards after Kennebrew lost four yards on the opening rush and Ryan Poole was sacked on both second and third downs. 

Poole’s desperation pass was intercepted on fourth down by Solomon Edwards (So., Wilmot, Ark.) and the Weevils took possession at the West Georgia 25.

UAM was unable to move forward, falling victim to a pair of penalties that set up a desperation fourth-down pass by the Weevils that fell incomplete.

After forcing a UAM turnover in the second overtime, Kennebrew broke free on third and eleven to score the winning touchdown for the Wolves.

Fredrick led UAM with 183 yards, completing 11-of-25 passes, while Shipp carried 23 times for 94 yards. Shipp was also UAM’s leading receiver with five catches for 95 yards and one touchdown.

Germaine Webster (Fr., Harvey, La.) led UAM with 13 tackles, eight solo, 2.5 tackles for losses totaling 18 yards, and 1.5 sacks for losses totaling 13 yards.

The Boll Weevils return to action on Saturday, October 28, hosting West Alabama for UAM’s Homecoming. Kickoff from Convoy Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium is set for 3 p.m. with the Walk of Champions scheduled for 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the UAM Radio Network and online at www.uamsports.com.
 
Weevils Seek To Snap Four-Game Skid
October 17, 2006
 
MONTICELLO --- The University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils will look to snap a four-game losing streak this Saturday as they play host to the winless West Georgia Wolves at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.
 
Saturday’s game marks the tenth meeting between the two schools in a series that has traditionally been dominated by West Georgia.  The series, dating back to the 1995 season, saw UWG win the first seven meetings from 1995 to 2001. The two teams rotated off one another’s schedule in 2002 and 2003, and when the two teams met again in 2004, the Weevils picked up their first win in the series, a 31-27 victory at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.
 
The Boll Weevils are coming off a 47-7 loss at the hands of #3 North Alabama in Florence that saw the Weevils struggle on both sides of the ball against a squad that surged into first place in the Gulf South Conference after Saturday’s game.
 
“I’ve never been good at making excuses,” said Boll Weevils head coach Gwaine Mathews. “That was just a dog-gone good football team and we’re not quite there yet.”
 
This week, the Weevils will face a team who have had similar struggles on offense, as the Wolves only average 9.3 points per game, last in the GSC. Defensively, the Wolves have been comparable to the Weevils, with the Wolves ranking sixth in the league and the Weevils ranking seventh in the league in total defense.
 
“This game is definitely a winnable game for us,” said Mathews. “I like our chances.”
 
The Weevils will look to redshirt freshman Lafayette Fredrick (Fr., Hot Springs, Ark.) to get the start at quarterback in place of the injured Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss.). Fredrick saw his first collegiate action in the third quarter against North Alabama, completing seven of 15 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown.
 
“UNA did some things on defense that stopped our run,” said Mathews. “When they do that we’ve got to be able to throw the ball. I think Lafayette will bring some of that to our offense. I think we will be an improved team with him under center.”
 
Sophomore tailback Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) will get the starting nod at tailback, as injuries to John L. Williams (Jr., Gainesville, Fla.) have been slow to heal. “Delvin wasn’t at 100 percent against North Alabama,” said Mathews. “He’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”
 
The UAM offense will look to hit their stride against a West Georgia squad that has been solid on defense this year, but has not been on the winning end of a ballgame yet this year and knows that the road just gets tougher as they host Delta State, North Alabama, and Valdosta State in the three weeks following Saturday’s game.
 
UAM’s defense hopes to prolong UWG’s struggles on offense this year, as the Wolves have managed just seven offensive touchdowns all year.
 
“They’re a better team than their record shows,” said Mathews. “Saturday’s game will be a good one.”
 
Kickoff from Convoy Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium is set for 6 p.m., with the Walk of Champions scheduled for 4 p.m. The game will be carried live on the UAM Radio Network and online at www.uamsports.com.
 
Weevils Fall To North Alabama
October 14, 2006
 

FLORENCE, AL ---  The University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils (1-6, 1-3 GSC) were unable to stop the third-ranked North Alabama Lions’ offensive juggernaut, as the Lions rolled to a 47-7 victory over the Weevils on Saturday at Braly Municipal Stadium.

UNA’s Eric Packer opened scoring with a 46-yard touchdown reception with 11:14 remaining in the opening quarter, and the Lions would continue to roll through the first half, extending their lead to 31-0 before the intermission.

UNA continued to push ahead in the third quarter, extending their lead to 47-0 on a 22-yard field goal by Scott Shurden with 2:19 remaining in the third.

The Boll Weevils were able to avoid the shutout in the fourth quarter, when Lafayette Fredrick (Fr., Hot Springs, Ark.) connected with Jamie Dunn (So., Wilmot, Ark.) on a nine-yard touchdown strike with 2:38 remaining in the contest.

Fredrick completed seven of 15 passes for 129 yards, while Matt Fryfogle (Sr., Lucedale, Miss.) led the Weevils on the ground with 14 carries for 52 yards. Germaine Webster (Fr., Harvey, La.) led UAM defensively with seven tackles.

UNA rolled up 468 yards of total offense to UAM’s 273.

The Boll Weevils return to action on Saturday, October 21, as they return to Convoy Leslie Cotton Boll Stadium to host West Georgia. A 6 p.m. kickoff is scheduled. The game will be carried live on the UAM Radio Network and online at www.uamsports.com.
 
Weevils Set To Face #3 North Alabama
October 10, 2006
 
MONTICELLO, AR ---  The University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils face an uphill challenge this weekend, as they travel to Florence, Alabama to take on the third-ranked University of North Alabama Lions.

The Lions enter the game with a record of 5-0, with a 4-0 mark in Gulf South Conference play and are tied with Henderson State for first place (Valdosta State, at 3-0 in GSC play trails the two 4-0 teams by half a game), while the Weevils have struggled to a 1-5 record, with a 1-2 record in GSC play.

“As head coach and defensive coordinator, it just blows my mind how we can give up 21 easy points (six came off a fumble recovery) in the first half and then come back and only give up six points in the second half,” said Mathews. “Up front, defensively, I don’t think that in the first half we came to play. In the second half we played a lot tougher.”

Mathews knows that the Weevils continue have no margin for error both offensively and defensively, as the Weevils face off against a highly-touted UNA squad.

“It doesn’t get any easier for us,” said Mathews. “They’re the number three team in the country. They’re number one in the league in offense. They have some really good players, and it’s their homecoming. They’ll have an electric atmosphere, and they’ll have a lot of fans in the stands. It’s a great place to go play a football game.”

The Lions feature two of the top ten rushers in the Gulf South Conference, as Tim Hicks and Eric Packer  rank seventh and ninth respectively in rushing offense, the top-rated passer in the Gulf South Conference, as well as one of the top offensive threats in all of college football, wide receiver and kick returner Anthony Merritt.

“Merritt is an amazing player,” said Mathews. “He’s like a Reggie Bush out there. You have to pay attention to him.”

Despite all of UNA’s weapons, however, Mathews is hopeful that his Weevils will not only be able to compete with the Lions, but even capture a big victory. “We’ve got to figure out a way to win some of these last five games,” said Mathews. “I think we’re capable of beating anybody we’ve got left on our schedule.”

The Weevils have been without the services of tailback John L. Williams (Jr., Gainesville, Fla.) for the last two games due to injury, but the emergence of Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) at tailback has Mathews hopeful that the Weevils’ rushing attack will finally be able to get on track. “We’ve been very sporadic offensively,” said Mathews. “I think Delvin added some excitement to our offense, he definitely adds some power.”

Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss.) remains a game-time decision for Mathews and his staff after taking a hard hit late in the Henderson State game, and should he be unable to play, redshirt freshman J.C. Ross (Fr., Crossett, Ark.) will get the start for the Boll Weevils.

One player that caught Mathews’ eye on the offensive side of the ball was tight end Josh Green (Fr., Camden, Ark.), who caught two touchdown passes in the 33-17 loss. “I think we’re going to keep seeing Josh making tremendous plays for us,” said Mathews. “He made some great catches the other night, and he’s starting to get more and more comfortable.”

Mathews also continues to be pleased with his team’s effort on special teams. “We’ve got to be at or near the top of the country in blocking field goals and extra points,” said Mathews. “We’ve done a great side on that side of things.”

Saturday’s game will serve as UNA’s homecoming. Kickoff from Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence is set for 6 p.m., with the game carried live on the KWRF-FM 105.5 in Warren, KWRF-AM 860 in Warren, and KXFE-FM 106.9 in Dumas.
 
Weevils Fall To Henderson, 33-17
October 5, 2006
 

MONTICELLO --- Henderson State quarterback Garrett Manning passed for 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Reddies topped the University of Arkansas at Monticello Boll Weevils 33-17 on Thursday night at Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium.

The Reddies opened scoring on their first drive of the game. After forcing a three-and-out on UAM’s opening drive, the Reddies reeled off a six-play, 49-yard drive, capped with a ten-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Jason Factuar to take a 7-0 lead with 11:14 remaining in the opening quarter.

UAM’s offense went three-and-out on the next drive, but the UAM defense was able to step up on the first play of the next HSU drive, as Lavar Wyatt (Jr., Newport, Ark.)  intercepted a first-and-25 pass after an HSU penalty to give the Weevils the ball on their own 48-yard line. The UAM offense marched down field, tying the game as Elijah McDonald (So., Morton, Miss.) connected with Josh Green (Fr., Camden, Ark.) on a 16-yard touchdown strike to cap an eight-play, 52-yard drive and tie the game at 7-7 with 4:17 remaining in the first quarter.

The Reddies struck back once again, pushing ahead 14-7 after a two-yard run by Bernard Palmer with 32 seconds remaining in the quarter.

On the Weevils’ next drive, disaster struck as McDonald’s fumble was recovered by HSU’s Sam Carter, who returned the loose ball 50 yards for the score to give HSU a 21-7 lead.

The Reddies once again forced the UAM offense into a three-and-out, and HSU marched downfield once again, taking a 27-7 lead on a 14-yard pass by Manning to Kevin Austin. Lavar Wyatt blocked the extra point attempt.

The UAM offense was able to drive into HSU territory on their next drive, pulling to within 27-10 when Ryan Guardia (So., Hurly, Miss.) connected on a career-long 46-yard field goal.

Leading 27-10 at the half, the Reddies pulled ahead 33-10 with 24 seconds left in the third quarter as Manning connected with Kevin Austin on a ten-yard strike, but once again the Reddies failed to make the extra point as Brian Giambastiani’s kick sailed wide right.

On the opening drive of the fourth quarter, the UAM offense pushed downfield, and McDonald connected with Green on a six-yard touchdown strike to pull the Weevils to within 33-17, but the UAM offense was unable to get any closer as the Reddies hung on for the victory.

McDonald completed 9-of-17 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns, while Delvin Shipp (So., Wilmar, Ark.) led the UAM rushing effort, carrying 13 times for 69 yards.

Wes Ables (Jr., Hampton, Ark.) led the UAM defensive effort with 13 tackles.

The Weevils return to action next Saturday, as they travel to Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Alabama to face North Alabama. A 6 p.m. kickoff is scheduled.
 

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