Miles College vs Stillman College

Last Week's Game of the week- On a chilly night in Tuscaloosa, AL. Miles College roared into town to exercise their might. Stillman College fans were convinced they could compete with the up and raising Reginald Ruffin (Miles Head Coach) led team, and they did for three quarters. Eventually though, Miles would rise and show their gridiron dominance. I was very impressed by this football team, as they had two touchdowns called back because of totally subjective illegal block violations. The Golden Bears (6-3; 5-1) won with a suffocating defense, holding the Tigers (6-3; 4-2) to just 210 yards of offense and forcing three interceptions, two in the fourth quarter. They also got just enough offense, led by quarterback David Thomas, who went 17-of-25 for 180 yards. After the game, Head Coach Reginald Ruffin (Miles) said it has been a long time coming for Miles College, I asked these guys to just buy in, and these guys have bought in. Patton Chambers (K, Miles) go-ahead field goal with 14:54 left in the game, gave Miles the victory as it was the final score. Good luck to the Golden Bears of Miles in the Inaugural SIAC Championship game on November 12th in Atlanta at historic Lakewood Stadium and congratulations on being the first West Division 2011 SIAC Champions.
Miles College 9 vs Stillman 7

Game of the Week

Albany State University vs Fort Valley State University (The 22nd Fountain City Classic)

This game for the last 21 years has had an implication in some way on the SIAC Champion, this year is no exception. Bottom-line, ASU must win to move on to the Championship game and hold on to any smidgen of a post-season appearance in the playoffs and FVSU must win to silence alumni whispers. Even without a story-line for this game, consider these schools are less than 90 miles apart, they compete for south and middle Georgia high school stellar athletes in harsh recruiting wars, both schools colors are blue and gold (with a small variation). Both schools have very large alumni chapters in Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding area. There are several activities held during the upcoming week that benefit the city in many ways. These activities include but are not limited to health fairs, recruiting fairs, business seminars, and an overall general explanation of what a HBCU education offers you. In addition, we must include the shot in the arm boost to the local economy to the tune of almost $3 million in revenue. Then there are the major draws; the football game and the tailgating affair. Last year there were 20,000 fans attending the game and another 7,000 there for just the tailgate. The game is a gathering of family, friends and fellowship. The fans talk trash, before and during the game but after the game it is true fellowship, boosting the all so often heard phrase of, wait until next year. If you attend visit the Omega tent and lets talk some football before the game, just ask for the man in purple.

Now to the football game, you can throw the records out the window. It does not matter that ASU blew out Benedict and performed admiringly last weekend or that FVSU was dismantled by Morehouse 49-13. This is the Fountain City Classic and both teams will be pumped and ready to play some hard-hitting SIAC football. I think in the end though, with the recent surge play of QB Stanley Jennings (ASU, QB), Ronnie Tubbs (ASU, WR) and the return of the ASU True Dirty Blue Defense, FVSU will be out matched. FVSU will be in the game the first two quarters though, with the play of all world wide receiver Chris Slaughter and a few trick plays from offensive mastermind Head Coach Donald Pittman. I can truly say, thank you, before the game, as this game is always fun to watch no matter who you cheer for. It will be ASU in the end. ASU 35 vs FVSU 17

Players to Watch: Fort Valley State University--DeMario Barber (KR), Winfred McAllister (QB), Justin Rosenbaum (K), Christopher Slaughter (WR) and Courtney Daniels (LB)

ASU- Stanley Jennings (QB), Nathan Hyote (RB) Ronnie Tubbs (WR), Antorio Wells (DL) Justin Blash (DL), Rashad McRae (DB), Jamarkus Gaskins (DB) and Larry Atkins (LB/DB)

Rest of the SIAC- The conversation on all message boards now turn to post-season play, SIAC included. The question for many SIAC fans is, whether Morehouse will make the playoffs and who will play in the annual Pioneer Bowl (the only sanctioned NCAA HBCU Post-Season Bowl game) against the CIAA representative, my guess is it is between the following: Stillman, Miles, Albany State, and Morehouse as all are either vying for the Championship or post-season play. I would like to thank all of the Sports Information Directors from each school, as it has been a pleasure to work with you again this year. Next week column will cover in depth the SIAC Championship game to include an interview with both Head Coaches.

Stillman 25 vs Clark-Atlanta 6
Stillman is vying to play in the Pioneer Bowl, which will be all the incentive they need. I must admit their freshman QB will be in the Championship game before he leaves Stilman.

Tuskegee University 22 vs Miles 20
Miles is still celebrating last week West Division Championship and it is TU Homecoming, enough said.

Morehouse College 44 vs Kentucky State University 10
Morehouse offense continues its improvement, and the defense stifles KSU validating their claim for NCAA Division II post-season play. David Carter ran for over 350 yards last week against FVSU, he has another huge rushing game.

Benedict 33 vs Lane College 0
Benedict celebrates its seniors, with a win on Senior Day in Columbia.

Marvin Broadwater, Sr.
D2 Football SIAC Columnist