The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team lost to Southern 31-7 Saturday night at Simmons Bank Field.
“What a great atmosphere,” said UAPB head coach Cedric Thomas. “You’re talking about college football. The fans came out in droves. I thought they did a great job of showing support from a community standpoint, and even Southern because they travel well. The atmosphere was electric, and that’s a testament to these young brothers. We talked about last year where we couldn’t expect anybody to invest in the product if you didn’t put a good product out there. It says within the 12 months we’ve been here and establishing this culture, to see the fans come out and invest in the product was awesome.”
Trailing 14-0 after one, the Golden Lions (3-2 overall, 1-1 SWAC) got on the board in the second quarter, as an interception by Blake Conner set up a touchdown. A three-play, 25-yard drive ended with Omar Allen’s 13-yard scoring run to cut the deficit to 14-7 with just over 12 minutes to play until halftime.
However, UAPB would not be able to close the deficit, as Southern (2-3, 1-0) scored a touchdown late in the third quarter before adding 10 points in the fourth.
“It didn’t end the way we wanted, but the numericals nor the W’s and L’s will define us,” Thomas said. “You’re talking about building a culture. That’s not 14, 13 months. Sometimes it takes a lifetime. So I’m excited about the journey. I’m excited about the whole wherewithal of where we are. I couldn’t be me more proud of those young brothers who came out and fought their tails off.”
Courtesy: UAPB Athletics
