MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WLBT) – Jackson State could not overcome a 14-0 first-quarter deficit, losing 20-13 to Alabama State on Saturday at ASU Stadium.
Jackson State fell to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in SWAC play, while Alabama State improved to 6-4 and 4-3. The loss cost the Tigers their hold on first place in the SWAC East.
Alabama State scores twice in about a minute
Jackson State’s defense got the first takeaway of the game when Khamauri Rogers intercepted Alabama State quarterback Aaron Frye on a deep pass near the Tigers’ goal line. The Hornets still struck first. Frye ran 39 yards for a touchdown with 6:27 left in the first quarter to make it 7-0.
Alabama State added to its lead almost immediately. Jency Riley Jr. fumbled after a 6-yard catch on Jackson State’s next possession. Alabama State’s Zaquan Patterson picked up the loose ball and fumbled again while returning it, and teammate Myles Richardson recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. The Hornets led 14-0 with 5:28 left in the quarter.
Tigers cut into the deficit before halftime
Jackson State got on the board early in the second quarter, when Jared Lockhart threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Joanes Fortilien on fourth down. That made it 14-7 with 13:29 left in the half. Andrew Ivaniciuc kicked a 23-yard field goal just before halftime, and the Tigers went to the break trailing 14-10.
Neither offense scores in the third quarter
The third quarter went by without a point. Jackson State’s first possession of the second half ended when Lockhart fumbled at the Alabama State 44-yard line, and the Hornets recovered. Alabama State could not capitalize, and Jackson State still trailed 14-10 entering the fourth quarter.
Field goals decide it
Ivaniciuc’s 25-yard field goal with 10:45 remaining pulled Jackson State within 14-13. Alabama State answered with a pair of field goals from Andrew Abu-Akel. His 47-yarder, the longest of his season, made it 17-13 with 5:17 left, and a 40-yarder with 1:55 remaining stretched the lead to 20-13…