Grambling QB is 'inspiration'
BY MARTY O'BRIEN
247-4963
September 3, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA -- Grambling State quarterback Brandon Landers' emotional ride of the past week came to a bittersweet end in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge on Saturday. Landers played against Hampton University in the game just eight days after witnessing the shooting death of his brother, Frank Landers.
He was brilliant at times, completing 21 of 41 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns to earn MVP honors for the Tigers. But Hampton defensive end Alden Blizzard forced a Landers fumble late in regulation.
The Pirates capitalized by scoring a touchdown to tie the game, then won 27-26 in overtime. Landers, a 6-foot sophomore, was gracious afterward.
"It was a hard-fought game and the best team won," he said. "I just went on with my everyday life this week. I stayed close to my teammates and coaches and the people at Grambling.
"Coach (Melvin Spears) keeps telling me that God doesn't make mistakes and that everything happens for a reason. I'm just going to look at this as motivation and go on with my life."
Hampton coach Joe Taylor called Landers' performance inspirational.
"To lose a brother a week ago and come out and lead his team the way he did, leaves me with nothing but praise for him," Taylor said. "I told him that he's an inspiration for a lot of young people. Because of him his team was always in the game."
TAILBACK DEPTH
Hampton tailback Alonzo Coleman entered the game 242 yards shy of Montrell Coley's school rushing record of 3,838 yards, and needing two touchdowns to tie Coley's school record 52 TDs. Coleman ran for 72 yards in the first half but did not score; he then sat out the second half because of sore ribs and dehydration.
Reserves Van Morgan and Kevin Beverly played well in Coleman's absence. Morgan ran for 82 yards on 14 carries. Beverly carried eight times for 37 yards and made a 10-yard touchdown reception in overtime.
"I can't say enough about what Van Morgan did," Taylor said. "Kevin Beverly ran hard and was elusive."
FEARLESS PROGNOSTICATOR
Moments after Grambling State scored a touchdown in overtime to cut Hampton's lead to 27-26, Taylor told offensive coordinator Chris Beatty not to bother to look for any more plays.
"I said we wouldn't need them because I knew we were going to block the extra point," Taylor said. "We must have 15 kick blocks in the four years that (assistant coach) Tim Edwards has coached that team."
The Pirates had three on Saturday, including the one that Taylor predicted: Derius Swinton's extra point block that ended overtime and assured the Pirates' victory.
Taylor also praised Antwan Smith for his special teams play. Smith replaced Jahmal Blanchard as kick holder and deftly handled high snaps on two of Andrew Paterini's place kicks, including the point after in OT.
THIS AND THAT
Marquay McDaniel was voted Hampton's MVP in the game. He made six receptions for 113 yards and a TD, and returned two punts for a total of 48 yards. ... The Pirates lead Grambling 6-2 in the all-time series. ... The Pirates host Howard on Saturday at 6 p.m. ?