For DeSean Jackson, his first HBCU homecoming was a success.
After his Delaware State team dominated Southern Connecticut State 70-23, the program’s first homecoming win since 2018, the Hornets’ head coach took time to reflect on a week full of activities and dedication to detail by his players.
“I wasn’t familiar with HBCU homecomings, but I was partaking as well,” Jackson said during Monday’s MEAC coaches’ conference. “We had a concert on Thursday, and we told our guys, as long as we get our work done, y’all have some fun, but make sure your butts are in bed by curfew.”
Curfew, and not much else, was a problem for the Hornets last Saturday as they tied a 41-year-old school record for points in a game and set both rushing (608 yards) and total offense (791 yards) records.
Following the historical victory, Jackson made his way around campus and took in the sights and sounds of HornetFest.
“This is an experience that I enjoyed, first and foremost,” he said. “After the game, I’d never seen a packed school where there were about 30,000 people partying, playing music.”
“I was looking at my players like, ‘Y’all better be glad we won this game.’”
And winning is something that is now the expectation at Delaware State. The Hornets are off this week before opening MEAC play with North Carolina Central, winners of four straight games and averaging nearly 52 points per game during that streak.
“I’m glad it is over and done with. We experienced it, we had fun, now we’re on to the next game,” Jackson said of homecoming week.
“We have a week to prepare; we can still work. It’s [North Carolina Central’s] homecoming next week, so let them have the distractions. We’re going to need them to have some.”
