Southern Arkansas University

2000 ‘Rider Football

Volume 1 -- Issue 8 http://www.saumag.edu/athletics Monday, October 23, 2000

Southern Arkansas University vs. University of Arkansas-Monticello

~~HOMECOMING~~

When: October 28, 2000 Where: Magnolia, AR @ Wilkins Stadium Kickoff Time: 2:30 p.m.

The Coaches

This will be the eighth game for Southern Arkansas University first-year head coach John Bland (U. of Ark. ‘89), who is now 3-4. University Arkansas-Monticello head coach Clarence Holley (Arkansas Tech ‘85) is 11-8 in his second year with the Boll Weevils.

The Series (SAU 41-28-1)

This is the 71st meeting between the Muleriders and Boll Weevils in a series that began in 1913 with a UAM win. SAU won for the first time in 1915. SAU’s biggest win in the series was 91-0 in 1925 and UAM’s largest margin was 51-13 in 1978. SAU’s longest win streak in the series was 11 in a row from 1967 until 1978 while UAM won five in a row from 1962 until 1967 and five from 1992 until 1997. SAU’s last win in the series was 44-7 in 1998 and UAM won last year 23-20 in two overtimes but had to forfeit the win for the use of ineligible players.

Media Coverage

KVMA 107.9 FM in Magnolia, Ark. with Dan Gregory on play-by-play and Jay Adcox as color commentator; KHBM 93.7 FM in Monticello, Ark. with Mike Moss and Tim Munn calling the action. The game will also be broadcast live on the internet by Creative Sports Network of Conway, Ark. Fans may enter the website at http://www.csnsports.com and by double-clicking the “CSN Live Feed” and the “listen live” hyperlink. An alternate website is

http://www.kasr.com.

Of Interest

In Arkansas Tech’s 24-6 win over SAU last week, the Wonder Boys held the Muleriders out of the end zone with SAU’s only points the result of two field goals. The ‘Riders were last kept out of the end zone in 1996 when Valdosta State blanked them at Valdosta 42-0. That SAU team was much like the present...saddled with injuries, including starting quarterbacks. The 18-point ATU win was the biggest margin of defeat since the loss at Valdosta in the seventh game of the ’96 season. Since 1997, SAU lost by seven at Central Arkansas (20-13) and to Albany State by four in the NCAA National Playoffs (10-6), to West Georgia by four (17-13) and Delta State by one (26-25) in ’98 and to UAM by three (23-20 in two overtimes but later forfeited) and to Arkansas Tech by three (20-17) in overtime in ’99. In 2000, SAU lost to Valdosta State by one (30-29), West Georgia by 10 (38-28) and Delta State by two (30-28). Until last Saturday, the West Georgia loss three weeks ago was SAU’s biggest since 1996. Until the present slide, SAU won 26 of 31 games with all the wins by a touchdown or more.

So far this season...

Southern Arkansas University vs.

@ Southeastern Oklahoma State W 28-15

Valdosta State L 29-30

Ouachita Baptist W 10-0

@ West Alabama W 35-21

@ West Georgia L 28-38

Delta State L 28-30

@ Arkansas Tech L 6-24

University of Arkansas Monticello vs.

@ Tusculum College W 23-17

@ North Alabama W 40-21

Okla. Panhandle State W 80-0

West Alabama W 57-17

West Georgia L 21-31

@ Ouachita Baptist W 43-21

Arkansas Tech W 45-38

@ Central Arkansas W 44-24

The Rankings

In Don Hansen’s National Weekly Football Gazette Top 40 poll, the Boll Weevils are ranked 11th this week as the Muleriders dropped to 35th. D2Football.com lists Monticello as receiving other votes this week. In the American Football Coaches Association poll (as of 10/17/00) Arkansas-Monticello was ranked 20th as the ‘Riders dropped out. USAFootball.com (as of 10/15/00) ranked UAM 18th as SAU was listed as receiving other votes.

Injuries

Injured ‘Riders:

Tim Barrington - QB - probable - knee

Larnelle Sinegal - RB - questionable - knee

Chad James - DL - questionable - ankle

Eric Woods - DB - questionable - shoulder

Injured Boll Weevils:

Danielle Rollins - LB - doubtful - elbow

Corwin Elliot - RB - questionable - hip pointer

John Paul McMurry - QB - out - shoulder

Jerreal Dillon - DB - out - knee

Steve Bradford - FB - out - knee

GSC Last Week

No.5 West Georgia 38 - Ouachita Baptist 10

No. 9 Delta State 48 - Henderson State 24

No. 12 Valdosta State 50 - West Alabama 20

No. 20 Arkansas-Monticello 44 - Central Arkansas 24

Arkansas Tech 24 - SOUTHERN ARKANSAS 6

Harding 37 - North Alabama 36

GSC This Week

No. 20 Arkansas Monticello @ SOUTHERN ARKANSAS, 2:30 p.m.*

Arkansas Tech @ Henderson State, 2:00 p.m.*

No. 9 Delta State @ Central Arkansas, 3:00 0p.m.*

Harding @ No. 5 West Georgia, 12:30 p.m.*

No. 12 Valdosta State @ North Alabama, 6:00

(GSC/CSS Game of the Week)

West Alabama @ Ouachita Baptist, 2:00 p.m.*

(* = Homecoming)

GSC Next Week

Henderson State @ Arkansas-Monticello, 2:00 p.m.

Delta State @ Arkansas Tech, 2:00 p.m.

Central Arkansas @ Southern Arkansas, 2:00 p.m.

Harding @ West Alabama, 1:00 p.m.

West Georgia @ North Alabama, 6:00 p.m.

Ouachita Baptist @ Valdosta State, 12:00 p.m.

GSC Rankings

Conf. Overall

Delta State 6-0 8-0

West Georgia 6-0 8-0

Arkansas-Monticello 5-1 7-1

Valdosta State 5-1 7-1

Arkansas Tech 4-2 4-3

Harding Univ. 3-3 4-4

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS 2-4 3-4

Ouachita Baptist 2-4 2-5

North Alabama 2-4 2-5

Central Arkansas 1-5 2-6

Henderson State 0-6 1-7

West Alabama 0-6 1-7

Coach John Bland says...

“We went to Arkansas Tech (last week) with hopes for a victory. We played a solid first half of football. I felt like ATU controlled the game in the second half. The majority of our team played well and had enough focus to get the job done. I believe we had several players who did not give 100 percent...the emotional or physical preparation was not there. To compete in this league (GSC), you have to bring everything you have each week.”

ATU played a solid game and took advantage of our miscues. We have been unfortunate to the injury bug, losing (quarterback) Tim Barrington for the game. Although (backups) Ted Williams and Derrick Berry played well, losing a leader like Tim has some negative effect on the entire team. Our players need to find a way to play with the same enthusiasm and intensity they have when Tim is there. I believe they gained some confidence in the young (freshmen) quarterbacks (Williams and Berry).”

“(Defensive tackle) Chad James, (free safety) Eric Woods and (fullback) Larnelle Sinegal also did not make the trip due to injury. All four of these players should be back for the UAM game. (Linebacker) Marco Board was also limited during the ball game.”

“On offense, we were able to move the ball but didn’t seem to be clicking on all cylinders. Ted did a good job executing the option but our throwing game still needs improving. I feel like our offensive line played hard and for the most part played solid. (Halfback) Kevin Wilcott played one of his better games. You could tell that Kevin was stepping up and laying it on the line for the ‘Riders.”

“Our defense did a good job containing Tech’s multiple offense and held their ground with the exception of a few big plays. Although Board was limited, when he was in the game, he made a difference running to the ball and making plays. (End) Joey Robinson graded high for the defensive line and is getting better every week. (Cornerback) Carl Bucknor was the leader in the secondary. He was able to hold (ATU wide receiver Greg) Washington most of the day and came up with a great interception.”

“(Deep snapper) Ernest Pressley had another exceptional week with all perfect snaps on the field goals and punts. (Punter and holder Garron) Spickard was solid and (kicker) Jason Williams came through with our only two scores of the day.”

“We had no (new) injuries during the game that should hold anybody out for the UAM game. We should also have everybody back who sat out (the ATU game). Whether they will be 100 percent or not, we will see this week during practice.”

“UAM is a team that is loaded with talent and they play with great emotion. They fly around the ball on defense and will hit as good as any team we have seen this year. Their biggest improvement I have seen from last year’s team is their offense. They have a balanced attack and are explosive in both their running and passing games. We will have to play with great emotion and total focus to put ourself in position to win.”

Last Season

Underdog UAM took a 3-0 lead on a 27-yard field goal with 14:05 to go in the second quarter by Kevin Craft. That was still the score at halftime. The Boll Weevils extended the margin to 10-0 with 11:39 to go in the third period on a 63-yard pass from quarterback John Paul McMurry to wide receiver Greg Lawson and Craft’s PAT.

The 10-point deficit appeared to awake SAU as quarterback Tim Barrington kept for a 44-yard touchdown jaunt and Jason Williams booted the conversion at the 9:50 mark in the third stanza and Williams tied the game 10-10 on a 27-yard field goal with 1:05 remaining in the quarter.

The Muleriders scored their 17th straight point to take the lead for the first time on a 16-yard keeper by quarterback Adam Pendergrass and Williams’ PAT, 5:27 to play in the game.

Eric McGehee’s one-yard plunge capped a 73-yard Weevil drive and Craft toed the PAT with no time remaining to deadlock the game.

UAM got in position to tie it on a third and 17 situation at the UAM 45 when McMurry found McGehee behind the SAU secondary for 53 yards to the ‘Rider two. On fourth down, the Weevils were still on the two and Gary Turner was stuffed and fumbled, which was recovered by SAU linebacker Eddie Key on the one. Just when it appeared SAU had won the game, a yellow flag was discovered among SAU’s elation and UAM’s dejection. The ‘Riders were penalized for offside and UAM capitalized to punch it over on their fifth try from the shadow of the goal.

In the first overtime, UAM was held for one yard

on three plays and Craft booted a 42-yard field goal for a 20-17 UAM lead. On SAU’s possession from the 25, they reached the 20 but was penalized, forcing Williams into a long fourth down field goal to tie it and force another overtime. In the second overtime, UAM reached the SAU five but faced fourth and five. Craft came on for a 26-yard field goal that put UAM up 23-20 and eventually the winning points. On first down, Pendergrass was intercepted by UAM’s Aaron Fletcher, ball game.

While SAU piled up 411 yards total offense to UAM’s 342, both were crippled by penalties and turnovers. UAM was penalized 12 times for 110 yards and SAU 10 times for 109 yards. SAU suffered seven turnovers on three lost fumbles and four interceptions while UAM lost two interceptions but had no lost fumbles.

UAM later forfeited the win to SAU.

Team Leaders

SAU Leaders:

QB Tim Barrington has rushed for 589 yards and passed for 765 for 1,354 total yards. HB Forrest Curry has rushed for 470 yards. OL Michael Boster, Trey LaValle and Adam Creek have graded high all season. WR’s Mike Beck has caught 22 passes for 350 yards and Jason Bennett 14 for 187. LB’s Marco Board and Eddie Key and SS Brian Davis are the three leading tacklers on defense with DL Kevin Dotson, Matt Turner and Joey Robinson grading highest.

UAM Leaders:

RB Corwin Elliott is the leading rusher with 755 yards in seven games. QB’s Kevin McCarn and John Paul McMurry have passed for 1,749 and 521 yards, respectively. WR’s Derrick Armstrong has caught 40 passes for 857 yards, Greg Lawson 23 for 351 and Corey Rider 16 for 444 yards.The huge OL is led by Cedric Robinson (6-7, 320), Travis Schureman (6-1, 320), Rhaun McGregor (6-5, 320) and Marcus Hill (6-1, 302). The baby of the unit is Wayne Thompson (6-2, 275). LB Danielle Rollins is the leading tackler with 76 in six games with LB Jamarcus Owens second with 63.

Facts on UAM

Location.......... Monticello, Arkansas

Conference.......... Gulf South

Affiliation.......... NCAA Division II

Chancellor.......... Dr. Fred Taylor

Athletics Director.......... Alvy Early

Head Coach.......... Clarence Holley

Asst. Coaches.......... Chris Boone, Brian Early, Darren Hiller, Greg Stevens

Sports Information Dir........... Tim Munn

Nickname.......... Boll Weevils

Colors Kelly Green & White

Enrollment.......... 2,200

Founded.......... 1909

Stadium.......... Convoy Leslie-Cotton Boll (3,500)

Pressbox Phone. (870) 460-1068 or 1568

Internet Address http://www.uamont.edu/~athletics/

Facts on SAU

Location.......... Magnolia, Arkansas

Conference.......... Gulf South

Affiliation.......... NCAA Division II

President.......... Dr. Steven G. Gamble

Athletics Director.......... Jay Adcox

Head Coach.......... John Bland

Asst. Coaches.......... Tommy Laurendine, Carey Baker, Clay Jennings and Jason Sanders

Sports Information Dir........... Landon Stevens

Nickname.......... Muleriders

Colors Royal Blue & Old Gold

Enrollment.......... 3,035

Founded.......... 1909 (SAU ‘76)

Stadium.......... Wilkins (6,000)

Pressbox Phone. (870) 235-4117

Internet Address http://www.saumag.edu/athletics/

University of Arkansas-Monticello

Depth Chart

Offense

Pos. No. Name Cl. Ht. Wt.

WR 4 Greg Lawson JR 6-0 190 WR 89 Corey Rider SR 6-2 180

LT 77 Cedric Robinson SR 6-7 320

LT 69 Kyle Colwell SO 6-3 285

LG 61 Marcus Hill SO 6-1 302

LG 50 Jeremy Wilson JR 5-10 265

C 72 Travis Schureman SR 6-1 320

C 52 Omar Soof JR 6-2 275

RG 56 Wayne Thompson SO 6-2 275

RG 74 James Weems FR 6-2 280

RT 79 Rhaun McGregor SR 6-5 320

RT 75 Darrick Sanders FR 6-4 350

TE 17 Jim Chapman SR 6-2 233

TE 85 Ken Lockhart FR 5-11 215

WR 19 Derrick Armstrong JR 6-2 190

WR 21 Tyrone Bennett SO 5-9 160

QB 5 Kevin McCarn SR 6-0 190

QB 13 Kasey Nonette JR 6-2 200

FB 44 Terrance Spratt JR 5-11 240

FB 48 Zach Gugliotti FR 6-1 225

TB 2 Corwin Elliott SO 5-8 190

TB 33 Anthony Brown SO 5-10 175

Defense

Pos. No. Name Cl. Ht. Wt.

DE 95 Whitney McCartney SO 6-4 275

DE 51 McLean Obichere JR 6-2 235

DT 90 Mario Elliott JR 6-0 275

DT 94 Kimo Trussell JR 6-0 270

DT 55 Henry Foumai JR 6-0 285

DT 91 Tory Preston SO 5-10 281

DE 82 Lewis Campbell SO 6-3 219

DE 96 Garren Rockwell FR 5-11 245

LB 57 Jamarcus Owens SR 6-0 235

LB 40 Daniel Morris SR 5-11 210

LB 43 Lonnie Nelson SR 5-5 224

LB 40 Daniel Morris FR 5-11 210

LB 6 William Johnson SO 6-1 207

LB 34 Dustin Coon FR 5-11 215

CB 3 DeKendrick Haskins JR 6-0 185

CB 22 Shaun Thompson SO 5-11 170

CB 31 Derrie Vernon SR 5-8 160

CB 26 Kevin Johnson JR 5-11 180

SS 39 Jamie Abrams SO 5-10 195

SS 7 Daniel Henderson FR 5-11 190

FS 18 Shaun Manning SO 6-4 170

FS 8 Al Head JR 6-0 175

Special Teams

PK 10 Kevin Craft SR 5-11 190

DS 95 Whitney McCartney SO 6-4 270

H 13 Kasey Nonette JR 6-2 200

P 16 Sean MacMillan JR 6-0 195

PR/KR 4 Greg Lawson JR 6-0 191

KR 21 Tyrone Bennett SO 5-9 160

Southern Arkansas University

2000 Depth Chart

(as of 10/23/2000)

Offense

Pos. No. Name Cl. Ht. Wt.

TE 85 Adam Creek SR 6-2 240

TE 42 Ryan Baker RSFR 6-1 200

LT 69 Michael Boster SR 6-4 300

LT 74 Tim Hopkins JR 5-11 247

LG 75 Shane Clancy JR 5-11 267

LG 60 Cody Harrison FR 5-5 240

C 50 Trey LaValle JR 6-1 260

C 66 Ty Ford SR 6-1 250

RG 76 Rory Green JR 6-0 290

RG 72 Bill Parker SO 6-2 264

RT 73 Tate Smith JR 6-1 240

RT 70 Jonathan Cox SR 6-2 270

SE 15 Michael Beck SR 5-11 166

SE 21 Jason Bennett SO 5-10 170

QB 5 Tim Barrington SR 6-0 205

QB 16 Ted Williams FR 5-8 187

LHB 2 Kevin Wilcott SR 5-7 177

LHB 32 Rodney Evans FR 6-0 183

RHB 9 Forrest Curry JR 5-10 180

RHB 8 Randy Givens RSFR 5-9 185

FB 33 Scott Schroeder SOTR 5-11 225

FB 8 Randy Givens RSFR 5-9 185

Defense

Pos. No. Name Cl. Ht. Wt.

DE 84 Joey Robinson JR 6-3 251

DE 99 Matt Turner SR 6-3 240

DT 90 Chad James SO 6-1 240

DT 65 Mario Olvera FR 6-0 268

NG 97 Kevin Dotson SR 6-1 280

NG 52 Michael Christian RSFR 6-0 253

DE 77 Kenny Pettway FR 6-3 204

DE 43 Michael Webb JR 6-1 230

MLB 1 Marcoles Board SR 6-2 220

MLB 47 Alfonzo Davis SR 5-8 205

SLB 14 DeVares Campbell SO 5-11 200

SLB 11 Tim Rose RSFR 5-11 192

WLB 7 Eddie Key JR 6-2 206

WLB 44 Andrekus Dixon FR 6-2 187

LCB 4 Tony Jennings SR 5-9 170

LCB 27 Justin Lemon FR 5-7 164

RCB 6 Carl Bucknor SO 5-10 185

RCB 29 John Bradley FR 5-9 170

SS 17 Jordan Babineaux FR 5-11 180

SS 24 D.J. Keithley RSFR 5-7 167

FS 26 Brian Davis RSFR 6-0 160

FS 31 Austin Taylor FR 5-9 170

Special Teams

K/P 10 Jason Williams

P/K 13 Garron Spickard

DS 59 Ernest Pressley

KR 2 Kevin Wilcott

HO 13 Garron Spickard