Grambling, LA – The weather was perfect for the western division match- up between the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions and The Grambling State Tigers.
The Golden Lions struck early to get the ball the rolling. Ben Anderson found Willie Young a 66 yard post route for the game’s first score on the Golden Lions first play from scrimmage. The Golden Lions would reach the end zone once again when Ben Anderson scored on seven yard scamper to push the lead to 14-0.
Grambling would answer the bell when Juwan Martin rumbled 13 yards for Grambling’s first score of the ball game.
UAPB would find pay dirt once again before the half ended Justin Billing’s found end zone on a one yard plunge to push the lead to 21-7. Tyler Strickland would add a 30 yard field goal to just before half to give the Golden Lions a 24-7 lead going into the intermission.
Grambling would add two more scores in the fourth quarter to give the game its final tally of 24-17.
Offensively, the Golden Lions one –two punch of Justin Billings and Dennis Jenkins came through in true fashion. Billings led all rushers with 130 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Jenkins had 105 yards on 19 carries, respectively.
Anderson was 14 for 22 for 208 yards through the air and one score. Anderson also threw two interceptions and was sacked once.
Defensively, the Golden Lions were led by Jer-ryan Harris with 9 stops, six solo and three assisted. As a defensive unit the Golden Lions sacked the Tigers quarterback four times and picked him off twice. Brandon Thurmond added to his NCAA leading sack total by racking up two more today, which gives him 15.5 sacks for the year.
Bill Ross got his third interception of the season and pushed his SWAC leading tackles total over 100 for the second straight year. Xavier Lofton picked off the Tigers Frank Rivers in the fourth quarter to as time ran out on the clock the seal the victory for the Golden Lions.
Next up for the Golden Lions will be the season finally November 17th against Prairie View A&M. This will be senior day for the Golden Lions. Kick-off is set for 2:30.
Courtesy: UAPB Sports Information
