By Mark F. Gray, AFRO Staff Writer, mgray@afro.com

BOWIE STATE CLINCHES CIAA NORTH

Each year Bowie State sets its goals and the first is always to win the CIAA North Division, which puts them in the conference championship game.  The mission was accomplished on Nov. 2 in the first half, as the Bulldogs cruised to a 65-20 over The Lincoln (PA) Lions, at Bulldogs Stadium. 

It was the fourth time in five seasons Bowie State clinched the division title and sent the Bulldogs back to the CIAA Championship game with one regular season game remaining.  BSU played with a championship poise and jumped on the Lions with a 28-0 first quarter spurt that gave them a lead, and the game was on cruise control from there.

Bowie State clinched the CIAA North title after winning against the Lincoln (PA) Lions at Bulldogs Stadium on Nov. 2, Howard University’s Kyle Anthony set a record during their last game, even though the team lost against NC Central, and Morgan lost miserably to Norfolk State. (Courtesy Photo)

The Bulldogs played three different quarterbacks with junior Ja’rome Johnson leading an evolving unit that posted 406 yards of total offense. Johnson, a D.C. native completed 13-of-17 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns to give them spark as the game started. Johnson connected with Geordan Clark for a 23-yard touchdown pass which capped their first quarter scoring.

In relief, another junior quarterback, Gaston Cooper, went 10-of-16 completing passes for 126 yards.  Cooper hit Montez Clay with a 22-yard touchdown-pass and the rout was on from there.

BSU defensive back Demetri Morsell continues making a bid for CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. Morsell, a sophomore  from Upper Marlboro’s Wise High School, had two interceptions for the second time in as many weeks. His first-quarter-pick opened their scoring after a return of 36 yards. In the second quarter his next aerial theft went 64-yards for another score, electrifying the Senior Day crowd.  He leads the conference with eight interceptions which is two ahead of his teammate Tevin Singleton. 

The Bulldogs find themselves playing for a perfect regular season this week and suddenly are a prohibitive favorite for their second consecutive CIAA championship.

NEXT: 11/9 At Elizabeth City State (Elizabeth City, NC)

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WR Anthony Sets Record in Howard Loss To NC Central

Senior wide receiver Kyle Anthony finally gave Howard fans something to feel good about in the final stages of a horrific season.  The senior from Miramar, Florida became the all-time career reception leader in school history during their 28-6 loss to North Carolina Central.   The loss was the Bison’s fifth straight, which marred the historic day at Greene Stadium. 

Anthony broke the mark of 184 receptions, held by former Bison great and head coach Gary “Flea” Harrell, who played from 1990-93 and was a member of their first Black College National Championship team.  He finished the game with nine catches for 57 yards.

Despite the team’s struggles, Anthony still remains a legitimate NFL prospect. He has prototype size at 6’3” 205 pounds and should have tens of scouts at his pro day next spring.  However, the end of fall can’t come soon enough for the rest of the team.

NEXT: 11/9 at S.C. State (Orangeburg, SC)

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MORGAN BLASTED AT NORFOLK STATE HOMECOMING   

Morgan State couldn’t build on the momentum from their best performance of the year against Florida A&M and took a step back during the 48-0 loss at Norfolk State.  

The Bears gave up 529 yards to the Spartans including 215 yards on the ground and did their part to be the best homecoming visitor.  There were no bright spots for MSU which dropped to 1-8, (1-5 MEAC).  

NEXT: 11/9 NC A&T (Baltimore, MD) WEAA-FM