Alabama State celebrated homecoming with good food, good people, good weather, and a good ol’ fashioned 52-35 thumping of the visiting Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
Mama said there would be days like this. She didn’t say the Wildcats would give up 387 yards on the ground. Jahbari Kuykendall led the team out of the backfield with 106 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Marcus Harris, Jr., Karl Ligon, and Jamarie Hostzclaw all rushed for over 50 yards on the day.
Quarterback Andrew Body added 95 yards on the ground and 171 yards on 11-of-16 passing. He also threw for a pair of scores.
Hornets Head Coach Eddie Robinson, Jr. credits the offensive line with the team’s success. “I think it’s the offensive line,” said Robinson. “Those guys are playing at a high level. Coach Carr and Coach Green are doing an exceptional job.”
Bethune-Cookman struck first. Starting quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom dropped a beauty in the hands of Maleek Huggins in stride for an 85-yard touchdown.
Alabama State responded with a nine-play drive for a 79-yard score. Body caught the Wildcats’ defense by surprise, lofting a 13-yard pass to Derick Harden in the middle of the end zone to tie the game.
The Hornets scored another 17 points before the Wildcats were able to respond. And that is how the game went. Each score by the Wildcats resulted in several scores by the Hornets.
Harris’ touchdown early in the fourth widened the gap to 52-21. The added distance allowed Robinson to give the guys on the depth chart some experience.
More importantly, the Hornets avoided the dreaded trap game before facing Jackson State next week in what could decide the SWAC Eastern Division.