August 26, 2008

STATESMEN RANKED IN PRESEASON TOP-25

• Complete D2Football.com Poll

CLEVELAND - Delta State begins the 2008 football season ranked No. 10 in the D2Football.com Preseason Poll, as released Tuesday, August 26.

“We are excited about the national recognition our program has earned over the past few years, but our goal is to be ranked at the top at the end of the season,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

The defending Gulf South Conference Champions finished the 2007 season with a 10-2 record, 8-0 in GSC play, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
The Statesmen were the only team to beat National Champion and preseason No. 1 Valdosta State, coming from behind to claim a 35-31 victory.

North Alabama also represents the Gulf South Conference in the top-10, earning the No. 3 spot. Grand Valley State, 2006 National Champion and 2007 national semifinalist, is ranked No. 2, with 2007 national runner-Up Northwest Missouri State ranked No. 4. Carson-Newman, a team that finished the regular season 11-1, but didn’t earn a bid to the NCAA Playoffs, rounds out the top five.

The Statesmen open the 2008 campaign Saturday, Sept. 6 at McNeese State in Lake Charles, La.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Cowboys Stadium.

August 27, 2008

DELTA STATE’S MARK ELLIS NAMED PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN

CLEVELAND - Delta State senior offensive lineman Mark Ellis was named to the 2008 D2Football.com Preseason All-American team, officials announced Tuesday.

Ellis, a New York native, earned All-American honors during his first season as a Statesman after transferring from Merced Community College in California.

The 6-foot-5, 345-pound tackle led the Statesmen in knockdown blocks in 2007, and graded at 90-percent or higher in 10 games, while starting all 12 for the Statesmen.

“He is very big and very strong. He is a massive force up front, and he opens a lot of holes for us. He is a tremendous weapon on the line that helps our playmakers make plays,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

AUGUST 21, 2008

SECOND SCRIMMAGE PROVES TO OFFENSIVE AFFAIR

CLEVELAND - For over two hours and 160 plays on Thursday, the No.12-ranked Delta State University football team battled wet conditions and each other on the practice fields adjacent to Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The midweek rains forced the Statesmen to scrimmage once again off the game field and the wet conditions seemed to give the offense a slight edge on Thursday.

"Once again, we had horrible field conditions, but the temp wasn't bad and the guys seemed to respond to being outdoors," said head coach Ron Roberts. "The offense made some huge plays today behind Christian Graham, Chad Schroeder, Trevar Deed, and Rob Moore. All four hauled in several catches on the day."

The passing game came to play early and often on Thursday behind the solid signal-calling of Garrett DeWitt, Dedrick Wilson, and Blake Barnes. A good performance by the offensive line set things up nicely all afternoon.

"Offensively, I believe we executed much better today than Saturday. The quarterbacks made the reads and the guys just made plays," added offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks.

Defensively the Statesmen made some great adjustments after the break. Several players stood out to the coaching staff including linebackers Anthony King and Jonathon Anderson, defensive linemen Jesse Pedyfoot, Tim Johnson, and Justin Halas, and defensive backs Garrett Williams, Dominic Spinks, and Dominique Davenport.

The Statesmen will continue fall camp on Friday before taking Saturday off. Regular practices will resume on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Delta State is two weeks away from its season opener at McNeese State on Saturday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, La.

AUGUST 19, 2008

STATESMEN TO HOST FALL MEDIA DAY; SECOND SCRIMMAGE SET FOR THURSDAY

CLEVELAND - The Delta State football team will host its annual Fall Media Day Thursday, August 21, at 6:00 p.m. The event will feature the Statesmen’s second scrimmage of fall camp at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. The team will be available at 5 p.m. for photos and interviews.  The scrimmage is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. For more information, contact the Delta State Athletic Communications office.

AUGUST 16, 2008

STATESMEN BATTLE WET CONDITIONS DURING FIRST FALL SCRIMMAGE

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen battled wet and muddy conditions Saturday afternoon during their two-hour scrimmage on the practice fields adjacent to Parker Field-McCool Stadium.
               
“Overall, I think we looked good. It was tough with the wet field, and it caused us some problems up front, but I think it went well,” head coach Ron Roberts said.
               
The offense stormed out of the gate, scoring on their first drive with a touchdown pass from Garrett DeWitt before the defense found its stride. Then, the battle evened out. At times, the offense looked like they were destined for the endzone after big plays, but the defense buckled down on the goal line to prevent the would be score, much to the delight of the defensive coaching staff and Roberts.
               
“Lardester (Green-Hicks), Anthony King, and Micah Best made great plays when they were in there, but we didn’t give them a lot of snaps,” Roberts said of three linebackers. “Troy Whittey also stood out in the secondary.”
               
Offensively, quarterbacks DeWitt and Dedrick Wilson picked up where they left off in 2007. DeWitt completed pass after pass despite the wet conditions, and scrambled well. Wilson carried the ball on several of his snaps and continuously made defenders miss. Transfer wide receiver Christian Graham caught several long passes and showed a great deal of speed after the catch.
               
“We still have a lot we want to accomplish before the end of fall camp, but we continue to make strides. This is a very talented football team, and we have high expectations,” Roberts concluded.
               
The Statesmen will continue practice on Sunday at 7 p.m.  The second scrimmage of the fall is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 at 6 p.m. at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  All practices are open to the public.   

AUGUST 13, 2008

STATESMEN EXCITED ABOUT RETURN OUTDOORS

CLEVELAND - The rained ceased and the Statesmen were able to return outside, practicing for two hours Wednesday on the fields adjacent to Parker Field-McCool Stadium.

“It’s nice to be able to get back outside,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “The players were excited and we had a very good practice.”

The Statesmen opened the practice with light drills before adding new systems to both the offense and defense. The practice included full contact drills as well as position skills.

“We’re gaining ground each day, but we still have a lot to install and a long way to go before we open the season,” Roberts said.

The Statesmen will practice again Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and will have their first scrimmage Saturday, August 16, at 3:00 p.m.  All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 12, 2008

STATESMEN RANKED NO. 12 IN AFCA PRESEASON TOP-25

• Complete AFCA Preseason Poll

CLEVELAND - Delta State begins the 2008 football season ranked No. 12 in the American Football Coaches Association Preseason Poll, as released on Monday, August 11.  The national ranking marks the fifth-straight season the Statesmen have began a season in the preseason top 25.  

“We’re excited about the national recognition our program has earned over the past few years, but our goal is to be ranked at the top at the end of the season,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

The defending Gulf South Conference Champions finished the 2007 season with a 10-2 record, 8-0 in GSC play, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
The Statesmen were the only team to beat National Champion and preseason No. 1 Valdosta State, coming from 24 points behind to claim a 35-31 victory at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta.

North Alabama also represents the Gulf South Conference in the top-10, earning the No. 4 spot. Grand Valley State, 2006 National Champion and 2007 national semifinalist, is ranked No. 2, with 2007 national runner-up Northwest Missouri State ranked No. 3. California, Pa., also a 2007 national semifinalist rounds out the top five.

August 12, 2008

STATESMEN FORCED INSIDE DUE TO RAIN

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen football team practiced in full pads for two hours Tuesday inside the Bryce Griffis Indoor Practice Facility due to the rain that continues to fall in Cleveland.
“The rain has limited what we’re able to do, but we are continuing to work hard and accomplish what we can,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “The players are learning the systems we are installing and we are improving, but I hope we can get back outside soon.”
The Statesmen had a mini-scrimmage scheduled for today, but had to settle for running drills and working in individual position groups. The Statesmen’s next practice is scheduled for Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in full pads.

August 8, 2008

STATESMEN WORK TO BEAT THE HEAT FRIDAY IN AFTERNOON SESSION

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University Football team continued fall camp in Friday afternoon with a two-hour workout on the fields adjacent to Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  The helmets only workout included skeleton drills, and the installation of several offensive and defensive packages.  Saturday’s planned scrimmage has also been moved due to the midweek break for the Statesmen.  DSU will hold a mini-scrimmage on Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m.  Saturday’s practice will begin at 3 p.m.      

August 7, 2008

RAINS FORCE STATESMEN INDOORS
By Kyle Buescher, AC Assistant

CLEVELAND – Delta State Football returned to the practice field Thursday after a short dearth for over two hours at the Bryce Griffis Indoor Practice Facility and Wyatt Gymnasium due to afternoon rains.  The afternoon showers didn’t dampen spirits, as the 115 players worked out in helmets only in 100 degree heat and humidity. 

“I’m very pleased where we are at right now from a physical standpoint.  I told the guys the break was unfortunate, but we should take the opportunity to get our minds ready mentally for the challenge the next few weeks will take,” said Ron Roberts, Delta State head coach.  “We will continue to move toward our season opener with McNeese State on Sept. 6 and I know our guys will be ready for the road that lies ahead.”

The Statesmen will continue fall camp on Friday with practice at 3 p.m.  Barring any inclement weather, practice will be held on the fields adjacent to Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 5, 2008

DELTA STATE FOOTBALL PICKED THIRD IN GSC COACHES’ POLL; FOUR STATESMEN NAMED PRESEASON ALL-GSC

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. – With three weeks remaining before the Gulf South Conference football season officially kicks off, the league’s coaches on Tuesday released their annual preseason poll with Valdosta State (95) picked to claim the conference title, while defending champions, Delta State (84), was picked to finish third behind second place North Alabama (94).
           
“It’s easy to see why the league’s coaches would have Valdosta State picked to claim the league’s title.  They have a great nucleus of players returning and a solid group of newcomers that will make them tough.  With that said, our club has 15 starters returning and a recruiting class that rivals any in the country.  Our guys are hungry for more after last season’s finish and I believe we will be ready come Sept. 6 at McNeese State,” said Ron Roberts, DSU head coach.      

VSU narrowly edged UNA as the league’s preseason favorite by a single vote.  The Blazers, Lions and Statesmen have separated themselves from the rest of the league over the years, but several programs continue to gain ground including Henderson State (61), picked to finish fourth, and Harding (61), who slid into the poll at fifth.  Arkansas Tech (58) was picked sixth followed by West Alabama (36), West Georgia (32), Southern Arkansas (30), Ouachita Baptist (24) and Arkansas-Monticello (23). 

The Statesmen will face nine GSC schools this season with Arkansas-Monticello serving as a non-conference game.  Henderson State is the only GSC school not on the Statesmen schedule this fall.   

Delta State also placed four players on the Preseason All-GSC Team.  Headlining the list of honorees is a tandem of linebackers, Anthony King and Lardester Green-Hicks, off the league’s top defense in 2007.  King, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound outside linebacker, was also named to Lindy’s Magazine Preseason All-American Team.  Hicks, a 6-foot-1 middle linebacker from Chicago, Ill., totaled 73 stops last season to finish second on the team.  The fierce run-stopper also recorded 11.0 tackles-for-loss and forced two fumbles last season.  King tallied 51 tackles with 18.0 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks from the outside. 

Joining, King and Green-Hicks on the team is returning All-American left tackle Mark Ellis and senior long-snapper Derek Freeman.  Ellis, a massive 6-foot-5, 355-pound lineman from New York, N.Y., led the Statesmen last season in knockdown blocks and pancakes, while helping DSU achieve the league’s top ranked offense.  Freeman, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound receiver from Milton, Fla., delivered over 150 snaps without a mishap. 

The Statesmen will open the 2008 campaign in Lake Charles, La., on Sept. 6 versus McNeese State.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Cowboy Stadium. 

August 4, 2008

STATESMEN FOOTBALL TO ENJOY BREAK FROM HEAT

CLEVELAND – Preparations for the upcoming 2008 football season will slow considerably for the Delta State University Football team on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a miscommunication with the NCAA regarding report dates.  The Statesmen, ranked as high as No. 9 in several preseason polls, reported on Saturday, Aug. 2.  DSU will not practice on Tuesday or Wednesday due to the oversight.  Practices will resume on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. on the fields adjacent to Parker Field-McCool Stadium. All practices are open the public and everyone is invited to attend.   

AUGUST 4, 2008

SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

CLEVELAND - Season tickets for the upcoming 2008 football season are now available online through Tickets Xchange. The Statesmen are ready to defend the Gulf South Conference title, but DSU will have to go through a grueling 10 game regular season schedule that features five home dates at Parker Field at McCool Stadium.

Several packages are available. To purchase tickets online click here or come by Chadwick-Dickson Field House between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact Jim Ervin at (662) 846-4594 or you may contact him via email by clicking here.

August 3, 2008

STATESMEN FOOTBALL COMPLETES SECOND PRACTICE IN SCORCHING HEAT
By, Daniel Hawthorne - Athletic Communications

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen football team, ranked as high as No. 9 in some preseason publications, had a spirited practice Sunday on the practice fields adjacent to Parker Field at McCool Stadium. The two-and-a-half hour workout in helmets only focused mainly on conditioning and the installation of several formations Statesmen fans will get to see throughout the 2008 campaign.

“We just wanted to get the players back into the groove of things today,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “It also gave the coaches a chance to see what the players can do in certain situations and what physical condition they are all in right now. With the heat you always have to be careful.”

Sunday’s practice was routine for over 47 returning veterans, however, it was the newcomers that had to give a little more effort in coach Roberts’ no nonsense approach to preparing for the upcoming season. 

“Some of the new guys came into the program in the spring, so they have an idea of how we do things around here. As for the newcomers, we just wanted to give them a little taste of what it is like to complete at an elite level in the Gulf South Conference and NCAA DII,” Roberts added.

The Statesmen will continue with fall camp on Monday with the first two-a-day of the year. New players will report to the practice field at 10:30 a.m. in helmets and shoulder pads before the entire team returns at 3 p.m. for a full workout. 

All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. 

August 1, 2008

DELTA STATE FOOTBALL HAS PLAN TO BEAT THE HEAT
By Daniel Hawthorne, Athletic Communications

CLEVELAND - Football season is finally here and the much anticipated 2008 season will officially kick-off this Saturday, as the Delta State University football team holds its first official practice of fall camp. Beginning at 9 a.m., the players will report to the coaches for the first time, while completing registration for classes and getting settled into the dorms. To say a mountain of NCAA and Delta State paperwork is waiting on them, would be an understatement. 

After lunch, new players and their parents will have an open house at Chadwick-Dickson Field House to meet and greet with the coaches and staff before all players report for physicals and equipment checkout. Following dinner, the team will gather for the first time to go through NCAA policies and procedures before hitting the field at 9:30 pm to beat the scorching 100-plus degree Delta heat.

“The first day can get pretty hectic,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “We just want to get all the kids in the right place and get all the paperwork out of the way. When we hit the field we want the focus to be on football before school officially starts. From then on, it’s business as usual, as we prepare for the season opener at McNesse State.”

The heat will no doubt have an effect on practices this preseason, as the long-range forecast calls for temperatures into the triple digits. Add in the heat index, and you quickly get into dangerous situations. 

“The high temperatures are a big issue, especially here in the Delta. We have to take that into consideration when practicing outside and make every effort to try and minimize the effect it has on our players. Our training staff does an outstanding job keeping our guys in the best shape possible and I know they will be prepared tomorrow,” Roberts concluded. 

All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. 

 

JULY 30, 2008

STATESMEN FOOTBALL TO REPORT SATURDAY; READY TO DEFEND GSC CROWN

CLEVELAND – Preparations for the upcoming 2008 football season will officially kick into high gear this Saturday, August 2, as the Delta State University football team will report for fall practice. The 2007 Gulf South Conference champions are expecting over 115 players to report to Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium on Saturday. It will be one of the largest teams in recent memory. 

“We’re excited to actually get the guys in and to start working toward our season opener at McNeese State on Sept. 6. We have a great nucleus of returning players off last year’s team and what we think is one of the strongest recruiting classes in the nation,” said Ron Roberts, head coach. 

It’s has been nearly nine months since the Statesmen (10-2, 8-0 GSC) walked off the field at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala., after losing to North Alabama in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs on a last-second drive, 20-17. The bittersweet ending to the season has several returning players ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

“We haven’t forgotten how the season came to an end last year and many of us have used that as motivation for this season. Our goal is to return the national championship to Delta State and we believe we have the pieces in place to get it done this year,” said Anthony King, a preseason All-American linebacker from Schertz, Texas.

A total of 15 starters return on both sides of the ball for the Statesmen including preseason All-Americans Anthony King, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound outside linebacker, and Mark Ellis, a 6-foot-5, 345-pound left tackle. Both players will be seniors this year and both will be expected to offer serious leadership on and off the field. 

On the defensive side of the ball where the Statesmen led the GSC in total defense in 2007, DSU returns starting linebackers Anthony King and Lardester Green-Hicks, safeties Robert Watts and Aaron Williams, and corner backs Dominic Spinks and Jarel Preston.

Hicks, a 6-foot-1 middle linebacker from Chicago, Ill., totaled 73 stops last season to finish second on the team. The fierce run-stopper also recorded 11.0 tackles-for-loss and forced two fumbles. King tallied 51 tackles with 18.0 tackles-for-loss and 5.0 sacks from the outside, while Watts and Spinks combined for 81 tackles and five interceptions. 

Offensively, All-Region athlete Dedrick Wilson returns alongside wide receivers Chad Schroeder and Greg Betterson, h-back Derek Freeman, running back Ben Stallings, left tackle Mark Ellis, left guard Brad Latham and quarterback Garrett DeWitt.
Wilson, who returns as one of the top running quarterbacks in the nation, finished 2007 with 762 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. His 76.2 yards per game average ranked fifth in the GSC, while his 12 rushing TDs were tied for first. The Amite, La., native also passed for 1,128 yards and another six scores.

Schroeder, a lanky-speedster from Demopolis, Ala., hauled in a team-leading 62 receptions for 699 yards last season and is expected to contribute even more in 2008. 

DeWitt, who took over the starting quarterback duties over the final five games, passed for 1,258 yards and five touchdowns in six games for the Statesmen. His 258.2 yards per game average would have ranked second in the GSC had the Destin, Fla.; native had enough snaps on the season. The 6-foot-1 signal-caller also recorded a phenomenal 151.2 quarterback efficiency rating, which would have led the league.

Also returning is All-conference candidates and starters Spencer Strickland, a senior punter from Germantown, Tenn., and kicker Tom Santos, a sophomore from Recife, Brazil.

Several newcomers will play a major role in the success of the Statesmen this fall as well. The quarterback battle intensified this spring with the addition of former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Blake Barnes. The 6-foot-4 rifle-armed senior was one of nation’s top recruits out of Baldwyn High in 2003. While used sparingly at UGA, Barnes showed why the nation paid so much attention to him at BHS with a solid spring in a completely new system.

Joining Barnes on offense will be redshirt freshman running back Trevar Deed, a highly touted prospect out of Camelback High School in Tucson, Ariz. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder possesses blazing speed and the ability to make people miss. 

Several new wide receivers are in the mix led by former Joliet JC standout Christian Graham, a former Purdue signee from Indianapolis, Ind., and former East Central Community College star Katlan French, a 5-foot-9 speedster from Starkville. 

Several new offensive linemen are expected to step in and
start for the Statesmen. Pete Vaesau, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound junior from Pinole, Calif., and Diablo Valley CC, is expected to take over at center, while Matt Esquivel, a 6-foot-5 junior from Legrande, Calif., and Andy Cius, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound junior from Lake Worth, Fla., and Scottsdale (Ariz.) CC, will battle for the right tackle slot. Former Miss. Gulf Coast All-Americans Justin Wraggs, Neil Broussard, and Tag Cole will also factor into the mix heavily. 

Defensively, former East Carolina and Holmes CC defensive tackle Steven Belford headlines a long list of junior college All-Americans calling DSU their new home. Belford, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound tackle from West Palm Beach, Fla., will anchor the middle of a revamped defensive front that led the GSC in total defense last season. Joining Belford up front will be a pair of Yazoo City natives Jessie Peddyfoot, a 6-foot-3 transfer from Hinds CC, and redshirt freshman Courtney Granderson from Yazoo County HS. 

Hollan Fiu, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound outside linebacker, was one of the nation’s leading junior college tacklers last season at New Mexico Military Institute. The speedy Fiu was a first team All-American and Player of the Year after recording 126 tackles, which ranked third in NJCAA, and 10 sacks. He has the unenviable task of replacing the NCAA’s all-time Division II sack leader Michael Eubanks on the outside.

The secondary will also feature a few newcomers including Jay Arcilla, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound safety from Diablo Valley CC, and former all-state standout and Baldwyn High star Dominique Davenport, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound freshman, who is expected to see time at corner and kick returner. 

“We have a really deep recruiting class this year that we feel will make a major impact on this team. There is at least one, if not two guys, at every position that will push to be a starter. Competition breeds success on the football field and we will have it at every position on the field,” added Roberts. 

The Statesmen have one of the toughest schedules in NCAA Division II in their conference schedule alone, featuring eight Gulf South Conference games, arguably the strongest conference in Division II. The Statesmen kick off the season with an opening day trip to Lake Charles, La., to take on two-time defending Southland Conference Champions McNeese State. The Cowboys finished the regular season 11-0 last year, but lost in the first round of the Football Championship Series playoffs.

After a home game against the University of Arkansas-Monticello, the Statesmen travel to Searcy, Ark., to take on Harding University for the first time in two years. The Bison were 6-4 last season and feature one of the nation’s top quarterbacks David Knighton.

Two weeks later, the Statesmen return to Valdosta, Ga., to take on defending National Champion Valdosta State on Thursday night in a televised contest on GSC-TV Live. The Statesmen were the only team to beat the Blazers in 2007, erasing a 24-point deficit to claim a 35-31 victory.

After hosting West Alabama, a team that led Delta State 9-3 at halftime before dropping the contest 20-9, the Statesmen get a long-awaited rematch at home against North Alabama. The Lions were 10-2 last season, advancing to the Regional Final of the Division II playoffs, and were the only team to beat Delta State, a feat they accomplished twice. The Lions eliminated the Statesmen in the second round of the playoffs with a 20-17 victory. The contest will also be televised regionally on the GSC’s weekly CSS-Sports package.

The Statesmen will close out the home season with Homecoming against Arkansas Tech sandwiched between road trips to Southern Arkansas and West Georgia. 

With the pieces in place and an improved offensive and defensive attack, the stage is set for an exciting season of hard-hitting, high-flying action at Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium in 2008.

 

FEBRUARY 29, 2008

DELTA STATE FOOTBALL MOURNING TRAGIC LOSS OF MONTERIO JAMES

CLEVELAND – Delta State University and the Statesmen football program are mourning the tragic loss of Monterio James, who took his own life in Starkville on Thursday. DSU head coach Ron Roberts and his staff learned of his passing late Thursday evening.

“As a coach, as a father, you are never prepared for something like this,” said Roberts. “Monterio was a vibrant young man, full of life and potential…his passing is such a tragedy. Our staff and his teammates are hurting for his family and loved ones today. He was such an important part of our program and he will be deeply missed.”

Roberts’ staff held a team meeting at 8:30 p.m. Thursday night to alert the team of James passing, as the head coach returned to Cleveland from a trip to South Carolina. Delta State counselors and several area pastors were on hand to offer support for the team and coaches. They will remain on call around the clock as long as their services are needed.

“Monterio was a leader on the field and in the locker room. He means a lot to the young men on this team and it was very important to me that their needs be addressed at such a heartbreaking time. Dr. Wayne Blansett, Vice President for Student Affairs, and his staff did not hesitate in their efforts with our players and their continued support is greatly appreciated,” added Roberts.

James, a native of Starkville and a standout defensive back for the Statesmen, was not currently enrolled at DSU. The 6-foot-1 junior was attending East Mississippi Community College, but planned to return to the Statesmen football program in the fall.

Funeral arrangements are not available at this time.

FEBRUARY 21, 2008

FORMER DELTA STATE QUARTERBACK SCOTT EYSTER SIGNS WITH AAFL’S TEAM ALABAMA

• Official "Team Alabama" Website

CLEVELAND – Former record-setting Delta State University quarterback Scott Eyster has signed with Team Alabama of the All-American Football League. The signing was announced on Wednesday by Team Alabama officials.

The AAFL consists of six teams located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas. All six teams will play 10 game schedules starting April 19 and running through the playoffs in June.

A new twist to the AAFL is that all of the league’s players must be college graduates. Over 650 athletes will participate in the AAFL, many of which have played in NFL Europe and other top leagues.

Eyster, who led the Statesmen’s high-powered offense from 2003-2006, finished his career at Delta State as the school’s all-time leading passer, as well as the Gulf South Conference’s all-time leading passer.

Eyster threw for 13,889 yards in his career, ranking second all-time in NCAA Division II history. As a senior, Eyster led the Statesmen to the NCAA National Semifinals in 2006 with a 12-3 overall record.

The Hammond, La., native also holds the Delta State record for career passing touchdowns, connecting with receivers a total of 116 times throughout his career, and is the only Delta State quarterback to eclipse the 3,000 yard plateau in a season, a feat he accomplished in each of his four years.

Eyster holds the top-five single game passing yards spots, locking up the top spot with 483 yards against Valdosta State in 2004. The Statesmen gunslinger was twice named an All-American and was a three-time All-Gulf South Conference selection. He was named the GSC Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006, and was twice a finalist for the NCAA Division II Player of the Year Award, the Harlon Hill Trophy.

Other quarterbacks in the league include former Nebraska standout and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, former Arkansas and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Clint Stoerner, and former Louisiana State starter Marcus Randall.

Team Alabama’s first game is scheduled for April 19 versus Team Texas. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.

February 20, 2008

STATESMEN FOOTBALL PLACES FIVE ON FOOTBALL GAZETTE ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS

• Football Gazette

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University Statesmen placed five athletes on Don Hansen’s Football Gazette 2007 All-American Team.

Harlon Hill finalist Michael Eubanks headlined the team as a first team selection. The senior linebacker set an NCAA Division II career sack record with 30.5 in his career, after recording 12.0 sacks this season. He also had 90 total tackles, 27.0 for a loss of 138 yards, forced two fumbles and recovered two more.

Fullback Ben Stallings and offensive lineman Mark Ellis were both named to the second team offense. Stallings, a sophomore, and Ellis, a junior, along with third team offensive lineman, senior Chris Goff, all played big roles in leading the Statesmen offense to the NCAA playoffs. The Statesmen also boasted the No. 1 ranked total offense, rushing offense and passing offense. Stallings gained 321 yards and three touchdowns on 64 carries, and caught three passes for 22 yards.

Cornerback Monterio James was named to the third team defense. The junior had four interceptions, 37 tackles, and recovered two fumbles.

 

February 1, 2008

ROUNTREE LATEST ADDITION TO STATESMEN FOOTBALL STAFF

CLEVELAND - Clint Rountree, a former standout at the University of Tulsa, is the latest addition to the Delta State University football coaching, as announced by head coach Ron Roberts on Friday. Rountree, who spent the 2007 season at the Colorado School of Mines, will take over the Statesmen secondary after the departure of Dave Aranda to the University of Hawai’i.

“Clint is a great addition to our staff,” stated Roberts. “He’s a high energy guy, who knows this game inside and out. He’ll lead our secondary by example and he’s a guy that knows the importance of academics and athletics.”

The Tahlequah, Okla., native spent the 2007 season as the wide receivers coach at Colorado School of Mines for coach Bob Stitt. The Orediggers went 7-5 and competed in the 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl. Rountree coached Derek Dystra to First Team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and National Football Foundation All-Colorado Team honors.

Rountree lettered all four years at the University of Tulsa, where he played strong safety and wide receiver. Rountree led the Golden Hurricane to the 2003 Humanitarian Bowl and was a top candidate for the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year Award. In 2004, his senior season, Rountree led Tulsa in sacks and tackles for loss.

After graduating from Tulsa, Rountree stayed at his alma mater as both a student assistant and graduate assistant on Steve Kragthorpe’s coaching staff. In his two years as an assistant with the Golden Hurricane, they claimed the 2005 Conference USA championship in their inaugural season and participated in both the Liberty Bowl and the Armed Forces Bowl.

Clint Rountree graduated in 2006 from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Sciences. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in history.

 

January 28, 2008

D2FOOTBALL.COM NAMES EUBANKS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR; EUBANKS AND JAMES NAMED ALL-AMERICAN

• Complete D2Football.com Release

CLEVELAND - Delta State senior linebacker Michael Eubanks earned D2Football.com Defensive Player of the Year honors, as released on Saturday. The Cleveland native set an NCAA D-II career sacks record with 39.0 this season. Eubanks tallied 12.0 sacks with 90 total tackles and 27.0 for a loss of 138 yards. He also ranks third all-time with 70.5 tackles for loss in NCAA history. The hard-hitting speedster also forced two fumbles and recovered two more.

Eubanks and fellow defensive standout, junior cornerback Monterio James, garnered D2Football.com All-American honors. Eubanks was named to the First Team, while James earned Second Team honors.

James finished the season with 37 total tackles and four interceptions, adding to his Delta State career record, which now stands at 17.

           
“These are two of the top defensive players in the country and they deserve these honors. They work hard in practice and perform well on the field,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

January 20, 2008

DAVE ARANDA ACCEPTS POSITION AT HAWAII; KARL SCOTT HEADED TO TUSCULUM

CLEVELAND - Dave Aranda, co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach of Delta State's Gulf South Conference Champion defense, has accepted a position on Greg McMackin's staff at the University of Hawaii. Graduate assistant linebackers coach Karl Scott has also accepted a position with Tusculum College. Both departures are effective immediately.

"I'm pleased Dave has received this opportunity to coach at the University of Hawaii," said Ron Roberts, Delta State head coach. "Dave did an outstanding job with our defense and I wish him well. Karl is an outstanding young coach and he has an excellent opportunity at Tusculum College working with former Delta State great Pete Golding."

Aranda and Scott helped guide the Statesmen to the league's top overall defense, scoring defense, rush defense, and pass efficiency defense.

Coach Roberts announced a search is already underway for their replacements. A time table was not announced.

January 11, 2008

East Beats West In Valero Cactus Bowl; DSU's Eubanks named Defensive MVP

KINGSVILLE, Texas --  Delta State ( Miss.) linebacker Michael Eubanks was voted the most valuable defensive player after registering a record five tackles for loss as the East team defeated the West team 42-13 in the Valero Cactus Bowl played at Javelina Stadium.

The annual all-star game for Division II football players was dominated by the East defense as Eubanks finished with six total tackles, three quarterback sacks, a forced fumble and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Eubanks started the scoring by returning an interception 24 yards for a score just 1:28 into the game.

The East built a 28-7 halftime lead and after the West cut the lead to 28-13, Hillsdale ( Mich.) quarterback Mark Nicolet threw two of his three touchdown passes to close the scoring.

Nicolet was the game’s offensive MVP, completing 10 of 18 passes for 103 yards and three touchdowns and gained 41 yards on four carries.

Offensive lineman Brandon Barnes of Grand Valley State (Mich.), last night’s winner of the Gene Upshaw Award as Division II’s outstanding lineman, was the named the Jim Langer Award winner as the game’s most outstanding offensive lineman.

The East outgained the West 390 to 188 with the East rushing for 251 yards and gaining another 139 through the air.  Bloomsburg’s ( Pa.) Jamar Brittingham led all carriers with 84 yards on 12 carries and Catawba’s (N.C.) Kory Fisher added 79 yards on 15 carries and scored twice.

Valdosta State’s ( Ga.) Maurice Leggett set a Valero Cactus Bowl record with a 52-yard interception return in the fourth quarter.

Midwestern State’s ( Texas) Daniel Polk led the West’s offensive attack, completing 10 of 20 passes for 96 yards and a score and rushing 14 times for 78 yards.
  
The West leads the all-time series 8-5-1.

January 2, 2008

STATESMEN FOOTBALL ADDS GEORGIA TRANSFER BLAKE BARNES TO 2008 RECRUITING CLASS

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced the addition of Blake Barnes, a transfer quarterback from the University of Georgia, to the 2008 recruiting class. Barnes, who graduated from UGA in December, has one year of eligibility remaining. He plan’s on pursuing a master’s degree starting in January.

“We’re excited that Blake decided Delta State was the place to finish his career,” said Roberts. “He is a big, mobile quarterback with excellent arm strength and the ability to lead an explosive offense.”

Barnes played the last three seasons for Mark Richt at Georgia. The 6-foot-3, 228-pound junior saw limited action during the 2007 season after spending the better part of 2005-2006 seasons as one of the back-up quarterbacks for the Bulldogs.

One of the nation’s top signal-callers out of Baldwyn High, Barnes was named the Gatorade Mississippi High School Player of the Year in 2003. During his career at BHS, Barnes passed for 6,939 yards and 82 touchdowns, while rushing for 910 yards and 22 scores.

“Blake has played for two great coaches in Georgia’s Mark Richt and Baldwyn’s Jimmy Dillinger,” added Roberts. “He understands what it takes to run a complex offense and I think his abilities fit our needs perfectly.”

The Statesmen added 14 mid-year transfers to the recruiting class on December 19. Signing day for high school seniors is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6.

- Photo courtesy UGA Sports Communications/Dan Evans

December 19, 2007

STATESMEN ADD 14 TO ROSTER FOR 2008 SEASON; OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE LINE KEY TO EARLY SIGNING CLASS

CLEVELAND - Delta State head football coach Ron Roberts announced the signing of 14 players for the 2008 season during the early signing period Wednesday. After a 2007 season that saw the Statesmen lose 29 players to graduation, Coach Roberts wanted to use the early signing period to fill some gaps on both sides of the ball.

“With the number of players we lost on the offensive and defensive lines, we knew we needed to fill those spots as soon as possible,” said Roberts. “Getting these guys now allows us to have them for spring practice, which is great!”

This year’s semester break class is listed below.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Blake Barnes	QB	6-3	225	Georgia
Neil Broussard	OL	6-3	285	MS Gulf Coast CC
Justin Wraggs	OL	6-3	320	MS Gulf Coast CC
Matt Conner	OL	6-1	290	Itawamba CC
Tagameon Cole	OL	6-3	320	MS Gulf Coast CC
Katlan French	WR	5-9	185	East Central CC
Steven Belford	DT	6-4	315	Holmes CC
Kenneth Whitfield	DL	6-1	255	East Central CC
Mark Hoskins	DL	6-1	290	East Central CC
Chris Favors	DE	6-1	275	Grand Valley State
Jesse Pedyfoot	DE	6-2	255	Hinds CC
Marcus Watson	DT	6-6	275	MS Delta CC
Hollan Fiu	LB	6-1	215	New Mexico Military
Cedric Okoi	CB	6-1	185	Rochester (MN) CC
Rolando Oliver	CB	5-11	180	San Mateo (CA) College

 

December 14, 2007

CHADRON’S WOODHEAD CLAIMS HILL TROPHY; DSU’S EUBANKS FINISHES THIRD

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior linebacker Michael Eubanks finished third in Harlon Hill Trophy balloting, as Chadron State running back Danny Woodhead claimed the award for a second-straight year on Friday at the 22 nd annual Hill Trophy Banquet. Abilene Christian tailback Barnard Scott finished second. The Harlon Hill Trophy is presented annually by the Hill National Committee, and is awarded each year to the top player in NCAA Division II.

“This has been such a fun ride,” said Eubanks. “It was such an honor to considered one of the nation’s top players and I just want to congratulate Danny (Woodhead) for winning the award again.”

Eubanks, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound outside linebacker, has had a special postseason following Delta State’s 10-2 year. The senior led the Statesmen to their third Gulf South Conference title and a second-straight NCAA playoff appearance. Along the way, Eubanks earned four All-American accolades, garnered GSC Defensive Player of the Year for a second time and earned All-Southeast Region honors for a third-straight year.

Eubanks finished the season with 90 tackles, 27 for a loss of 138 yards, and 12 sacks. He broke the NCAA career sack record (39.0) with a five sack performance versus Shaw in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, while establishing new records at Delta State and the GSC. He also finished his career ranked third in NCAA history in career tackles for loss with 70.5.

Eubanks joins former Statesmen quarterback Scott Eyster as former Hill Trophy finalists. The honor has added significance since it is just the second time in 22 years that a defensive standout has made the final three.

December 13, 2007

DSU’S EUBANKS RAKES IN AFCA AND ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL- AMERICA HONORS

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior linebacker Michael Eubanks continues to rake in the postseason honors with the latest coming from the American Football Coaches Association and the Associated Press, as the Cleveland native earned first team All-American honors from both institutions.

“Michael had a tremendous season and career at DSU and he is most deserving of these awards,” said DSU head coach Ron Roberts. “Very few players come along in a coach’s career with the makeup of a Michael Eubanks, and I have been lucky to coach him these past three years.”

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound outside linebacker has had a special postseason following Delta State’s 10-2 season and Gulf South Conference title. On Wednesday, he added AFCA All-American honors to his resume, and Thursday, the AP tabbed the speedster for its team as well.

Eubanks finished the season with 90 tackles, 27 for a loss of 138 yards, and 12 sacks. The Cleveland native led the Statesmen to the playoffs for a second year in a row, while winning the Gulf South Conference Championship. Along the way, the senior broke the NCAA career sack record (39.0), while establishing new records at Delta State and the Gulf South Conference. He also finished his career ranked third in NCAA history in career tackles for loss with 70.5.

Eubanks is also a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top NCAA Division II player. The honor has added significance since it is just the second time in 22 years that a defensive standout has made the final three. The award will be presented on Friday, Dec. 14 in Florence, Ala. Abilene Christian running back Barnard Scott, and Danny Woodhead of Chadron State are the other two finalists.

December 7, 2007

Delta State’s Eubanks headlines Cactus Bowl East Roster; Ricks and Wiggins to represent DSU as well

• 2008 Cactus Bowl Rosters

KINGSVILLE, Texas- The 2008 Valero Cactus Bowl has announced its rosters for the 2008 Division II All-Star game to be played at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville, Texas on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  
           
The Valero Cactus Bowl will be regionally televised in up to 8 million homes on Fox Sports Southwest.
           
The selection committee picked from among the best seniors in NCAA Division II football.
           
Headlining the East team is Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Michael Eubanks.  Eubanks is a linebacker from Delta State (Miss.) and is one of only two players in the history of the award, given annually to the best player in NCAA Division II, to make the three finalists as a defensive player.
           
Joining Eubanks from DSU are All-GSC performers Jeremy Ricks and Jamarcus Wiggins.  Ricks proved to be a three-way threat this season as receiver, rusher and kick-returner.  Wiggins paced the Statesmen defense with seven interceptions and three blocked kicks. 
           
Other standouts on the East team include Shepherd (W.va.) running back Drevon Wallace who finished second in the nation in rushing with 2138 yards and 24 touchdowns.
           
The two quarterbacks for the East team were the Players of the Year in their respective conferences.  Mark Nicolet of Hillsdale (Mich.) was the Player of the Year in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after throwing for 3,335 yards and 31 touchdowns.  Brad Roach of Catawba (N.C.) was the Offensive Player of the Year in the South Atlantic Conference after compiling 3,332 yards and 32 scores.
           
The West team includes wide receiver Nick Smart of Southwest Baptist (Mo.) who set the NCAA All-Division record for most pass catches in a season with 143.
           
West quarterbacks include Daniel Polk of Midwestern State (Texas), who was the only player in college football to pass for at least 2,000 yards and rush for at least 1,000 yards, and Ben King of Minnesota State-Mankato who led NCAA Division II with 4,096 yards passing.
           
Valero is a part-owner of the San Antonio Spurs franchise, stepping in to help organize a bid when the franchise was being pursued by out-of-town buyers who, potentially, could have relocated the team.
           
Valero has also been the title sponsor of the Valero Texas Open since 2002. In that time, the tournament has gone from the bottom of the PGA TOUR in terms of charitable fundraising to raising more for charity than any other event in PGA TOUR history.
           
The Cactus Bowl began as the Snow Bowl in 1994 at the Fargo Dome in Fargo, North Dakota.  After its initial seven-year run, the game moved to Kingsville in January 2001.
           
The game was played in Kingsville for six years, took a hiatus last year and will return to Javelina Stadium in 2008.

December 3, 2007

EUBANKS ONE OF THREE FINALISTS FOR HARLON HILL TROPHY – PRESENTED ANNUALLY TO THE NCAA DIVISION II PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior linebacker Michael Eubanks has been named one of three finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy, presented annually to the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year, as released on Monday by the Hill National Committee. Bernard Scott, a junior running back from Abilene Christian University, and Danny Woodhead, 2006 Hill Trophy recipient and senior running back from Chadron State University, are the remaining finalists.  The winner will be announced at the 22nd Annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet, Friday, Dec. 14 in Florence, Ala. 

“I am deeply honored to be among the final three for the Harlon Hill Trophy,” said Eubanks. “This has been a special season for me, but it would not have been possible without the support of my teammates, coaches and family.  I give all the credit to them.”   

Eubanks, a senior from Cleveland, Miss., set the all-time Division II career record for quarterback sacks with 39 for 249 yards. He ranks third all-time in Division II history in career tackles for loss with 70.5 for 355 yards. He led one of the nation's top defensive units this season with 90 tackles, 12 sacks and 27 tackles for loss. He also helped lead Delta State to a 10-2 record that included a Gulf South Conference Championship and a spot in the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs. His tackles for loss ranked second nationally this season. He is just the second defensive player to ever finish in the top three in the Hill Trophy voting. The other is the 1995 winner, Ronald McKinnon of North Alabama.

A three-time All-American and two-time GSC Defensive Player of the Year, Eubanks concluded his career as the all-time leader in sacks (39) and tackles for loss (70.5) in GSC history. 

The Hill Trophy is sponsored by Coca-Cola, the City of Florence, Ala., Trustmark Construction, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, Opti-Net and Herff Jones.
               
Candidates for the 2007 Hill Trophy were nominated by the sports information directors at their respective schools and those nominations were then reviewed by the Hill Regional Advisory Committees, which trimmed the list of candidates.
               
National voting concluded on November 30 and the top three finishers were invited to the Shoals for the presentation banquet. The winner of the 2007 award, which is presented by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, will be announced at the Harlon Hill Trophy and Division II Football Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Dec. 14 in Florence, prior to the NCAA Division II Football Championship Game on Dec. 15.
               
Tickets are $45 each or $360 for a table of eight and can be purchased by calling the Shoals Chamber of Commerce at (256) 764-4661.

December 3, 2007

STATESMEN PLACE 10 ON DAKTRONICS ALL-SOUTHEAST REGION SQUAD

CLEVELAND - Delta State placed a region-high 10 players on the 2007 Daktronics All-Southeast Region Team. Senior linebacker Michael Eubanks led the charge with his second consecutive First-Team nod. The Cleveland native set a new NCAA career-sack record with 39.0, and also set new Gulf South Conference records for sacks (39.0) and tackles-for-loss (73.5). He led the NCAA’s third-ranked defense with 90 total tackles this season, with 12.0 sacks and 27.0 tackles-for-loss.
           
Junior cornerback Monterio James joined Eubanks on the First-Team defense, while offensive lineman Mark Ellis and junior athlete Dedrick Wilson were selected to the First-Team offense.
           
James intercepted four passes, recovered two fumbles, one he returned for a touchdown, and broke-up a team-high nine passes. He also recorded 37 tackles. Ellis anchored an offensive line that opened holes for the Gulf South Conference’s top-ranked rushing (232.1 yards per game) and total offense (468.5 ypg).
           
Wilson led the offense as a quarterback before suffering a season-ending knee injury in the final regular-season game at Arkansas-Monticello. The first year starter for the Statesmen was the leading rusher with 762 yards and 12 touchdowns on 160 carries. He also completed 84-of-180 passes for 1,128 yards and six touchdowns.
           
Seniors Chris Goff and John Simmons joined Ellis as Second-Team offensive lineman selections, while senior defensive linemen Chris Eccles and Michael Lewis, as well as sophomore linebacker Lardester Hicks and senior safety Jamarcus Wiggins rounded out the Statesmen’s selection.
           
Eccles led the Statesmen defensive line, which held opponents to just 67.6 rushing yards per game, with 45 tackles, 9.0 for loss, with one sack and a blocked kick. Lewis was third on the team with 16.0 tackles-for-loss, while recording 30 total tackles. He was also second on the team with 7.0 sacks.
           
Hicks continued his stellar career, finishing second on the team with 73 tackles, 11.0 for loss. He also intercepted a pass, recorded a sack, forced two fumbles and blocked a kick. Wiggins simply led the Gulf South Conference with seven interceptions, one in the end zone which clinched the win over Valdosta State. He was third on the team with 61 tackles, 3.0 for loss, and blocked two fourth quarter field goals in the 9-7 win over Henderson State.
           
All of the First-Team selections will move on to the All-American ballot. The All-American Team will be released on Dec. 11.

November 24, 2007

STATESMEN FALL ON LATE UNA TOUCHDOWN 20-17
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• Box Score: UNA 20 - DSU 17  

FLORENCE , Ala. - The Delta State defense dominated all season, but it was A.J. Milwee and the North Alabama offense that stole the show in the second round of the NCAA playoffs, ousting the Statesmen with a 20-17 victory. The Statesmen end the season 10-2, while the Lions move to 10-1. UNA will face the Valdosta State/Catawba winner in the quarterfinals next Saturday.

Milwee completed a five-yard pass on third-and-goal with 16 seconds left in the game to take the lead, 20-17, that would prove to be the difference.

After an exciting, defensive struggle that kept two of the Gulf South Conference’s top ranked offenses at bay, Trey Adams split the uprights with 24 seconds left in the first half from 41 yards out to tie the game at 10 as the teams headed into the locker rooms.

North Alabama struck first; taking advantage of a short field after Spencer Strickland barely got the punt off of his foot because of a high snap. The Lions drove 17 yards, but had to settle for a 43-yard field goal by Scott Shurden to take a 3-0 lead with 4:53 left in the first quarter.

It took Delta State nearly a whole quarter’s worth of football to answer the score. Garrett DeWitt led the Statesmen down the field, picking up varying amounts of yards on completion after completion. Ten plays and 91 yards later, Chad Schroeder, lined up in the quarterback spot, dove over the pile from a yard out for the touchdown. Adams’ kick was good, and with 8:46 left in the second quarter, the Statesmen led 7-0.

The Lions answered back two possessions later, as A.J. Milwee led North Alabama down the field. He found Reggie Hubbard in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass to cap a six-play, 54-yard drive. Shurden’s kick was good, and with 2:00 left in the half, North Alabama led 10-7.

DeWitt showed the poise of an experienced veteran running the two-minute drill to get the Statesmen in field goal position for Adam’s game-tying kick just before the end of the half.

The Lions came out of the locker room on a mission. A.J. Milwee and running back David McCants led the charge down the field, but A.J. Milwee was knocked out of the game after a hit by Jamarcus Wiggins, diving for Milwee’s fumble. After a loss of yards on second down, Jason Fenderson knocked down Dusty Goodwin’s third-and-four pass to force the Lions to settle settle for a 32-yard field goal by Shurden, giving the Lions a 13-10 lead early in the second half.

North Alabama had a golden opportunity to add to their lead a short time later when the pressure got to DeWitt, forcing a fumble. The Lions recovered the ball setting up first-and-10 at the DSU 22-yard line. On first down, head coach Mark Hudspeth reached into his bag of tricks, but the double-reverse, pitch back pass resulted in an 18-yard sack. Two incompletions later, North Alabama punted.

The defenses continued to be the stars of the show as the third quarter ended without any further scores. However, it did see the Statesmen answer the Lions’ trickeration with a couple of trick plays of their own. After DeWitt hit Eric Marshall for 11 yards of third-and-12, the Statesmen sent in the punting unit. Strickland ran to the slot, and Ben Stallings took the direct snap, barreling forward for about four yards, more than enough to pick up the first down. On the very next play, the Statesmen ran a reverse to DeWitt, who was lined up as a receiver on the far side of the field. He pulled up and threw a pass to Jeremy Ricks, but the Lions secondary forced the incompletion. A few plays later, the Statesmen were forced to punt.

The Statesmen had a chance to tie the game with 7:28 left in the game after David Tahi’s sack on third-and-long forced the Lions to punt. The Statesmen got a short field as Will Batson’s kick went out of bounds near midfield. After a near interception by the Lions, DeWitt picked up nine yards on third-and-eight to set up first-and-10 on the UNA 39-yard line. After a 17-yard pass to Schroeder, the offense stalled. Adams came in to attempt a 35-yard field goal, but missed wide left.

After yet another defensive stand, the Statesmen got the ball back at their own 32-yard line. DeWitt hit Marshall for a 67-yard gain, and then ran in himself from the one-yard line for the touchdown. Adams kick was good, and with 5:31 remaining in the game, the Statesmen led 17-13.

The Statesmen defense again held the Lions, and Delta State took over at their own 21-yard line with 3:44 left in the game. After a big run by Stallings on second-and-long set up third-and-three, Stallings took the direct snap, but could only pick up two. The Statesmen had to punt and North Alabama took over at their own 45-yard line with 2:03 left on the clock.

Milwee led the Lions down the field quickly, using his arm to set up a first-and-goal situation with just over 30 seconds left in the game. On third-and-goal from the five-yard line, Milwee found Messing in the end zone to take a 20-17 lead with 16 seconds remaining, ending the Statesmen’s playoff run.

The Statesmen finished the day with 390 yards of total offense, while the Lions managed just 244. Sophomore Garrett DeWitt threw for 307 yards on 24-of-29 passing, while Eric Marshall hauled in seven receptions for 125 yards to lead DSU.

UNA’s A.J. Milwee finished the game with 197 yards passing on 22-of-35 passing with two touchdowns. Jason Messing and Reggie Hubbard had touchdown grabs for the Lions.

Jamarcus Wiggins led DSU with 10 tackles, while Michael Eubanks finished with six stops and three tackles-for-loss.

November 20, 2007

DELTA STATE’S EUBANKS AMONG NINE FINALISTS NAMED FOR HARLON HILL TROPHY, AS NCAA DIVISION II FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

• Eubanks for Harlon Hill
• Complete Harlon Hill release

FLORENCE, Ala. – Delta State University senior linebacker Michael Eubanks has been named one of the nine finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy, presented annually to the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. 
               
A list of 24 candidates has been trimmed to nine with the top two players from each of the Northeast, Southwest and Northwest regions advancing through regional voting, as well as three from the Southeast where there was a tie in the voting. The finalists were selected by the NCAA Division II sports information directors in regional voting and are now on the national ballot where all 149 of the division's SIDs will select the award's 22nd winner.
               
The list of 2007 finalists is comprised of four running backs, three quarterbacks, a receiver and a linebacker.
               
Seven of the finalists have helped lead their teams into the NCAA Division II playoffs this season, including the 2006 Hill Trophy Winner Danny Woodhead of Chadron State.
               
Advancing from the Southwest region are 2006 Hill Trophy winner Danny Woodhead of Chadron State College and junior running back Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian.   Finalists from the Northeast region are senior running back Jamar Brittingham of Bloomsburg, who was a finalist in 2005, and senior running back Dervon Wallace of Shepherd.  Sophomore quarterback Brad Iciek of Grand Valley State University and senior wide receiver Weston Dressler of the University of North Dakota were selected from the Northwest region. Southeast Region finalists include senior linebacker Michael Eubanks of Delta State University, junior quarterback David Knighton of Harding University and junior quarterback A.J. Milwee of the University of North Alabama. 
               
The second round of this weekend's Division II playoffs will feature three head-to-head matchups between Hill finalists.  Eubanks and Milwee will face off in the North Alabama-Delta State game, Iciek and Dressler will meet in the Grand Valley State-North Dakota game and Scott and Woodhead will compete against each other in the Abilene Christian-Chadron State game. .
               
Eubanks, a senior from Cleveland, Miss., set the all-time Division II career record for quarterback sacks with 39 for 249 yards. He ranks third all-time in Division II history in career tackles for loss with 67.5 for 355 yards. He leads the nation's third ranked defense with 84 tackles, 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, and he has helped lead Delta State to a 10-1 record that includes a Gulf South Conference Championship and a spot in this weekend's NCAA playoffs. He is the first defensive player in DSU history to be nameda finalist for the Hill Trophy.  
               
The Hill Trophy is sponsored by Coca-Cola, the City of Florence, Ala., Trustmark Construction, Herff Jones, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa and Opti-Net.
               
Candidates for the 2007 Hill Trophy were nominated by the sports information directors at their respective schools and those nominations were then reviewed by the Hill Regional Advisory Committees, which trimmed the list of candidates.
               
National voting will conclude on November 30 and the top three finishers will be invited to the Shoals for the presentation banquet. The winner of the 2007 award, which is presented by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, will be announced at the Harlon Hill Trophy and Division II Football Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, December 14 in Florence, prior to the NCAA Division II Football Championship Game on Dec. 15.
               
Tickets are $45 each or $360 for a table of eight and can be purchased by calling the Shoals Chamber of Commerce at (256) 764-4661.

17 November 2007

A very good day for the Statesmen, Delta State easily takes 45-7 first round victory/Eubanks breaks NCAA sack record
By Rori E. Herbison

• Box Score: DSU 45 - Shaw 7

CLEVELAND —There are certain, undeniable signs during the course of a football game that can give you a definitive feeling things are going your way. Such examples might be your team is up 35-0 nothing at the halftime break or the fact your defense has only allowed your opponent to three yards rushing in the first quarter. Others might include the fact your offense accepted no less than a touchdown in its first four possessions.

The list could go on and on for the Statesmen, as Delta State (10-1) easily took a 45-7 lopsided victory over Shaw University (8-4) in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday.

With Saturday afternoon’s victory, Delta State advances to a second round match-up with North Alabama (9-1). The Statesmen will travel to Florence, Ala. for the noon or 1 p.m. (to be determined) kick-off at Braly Municipal Stadium. The Gulf South Conference rivals last meet Oct. 18 in a non-conference tilt that saw the Lions hand the Statesmen their only loss of the 2007 campaign, 28-17.

In his first post season action as a collegiate head coach, Ron Roberts urged his charges to a quick start. The Statesmen offense answered the call, posting seven to the Travis E. Parker Field-Horace McCool Stadium scoreboard in just 24 seconds.

The two-play drive opened with starting quarterback Garrett Dewitt completing a 39-yard pass to Statesmen wide-out Jeremy Ricks. Junior wide-out Chad Schroeder hustled 35 yards to pay dirt for his third rushing score of the year.

After a solid, three-and-out hold from the Delta State defense, the Statesmen offense followed Ben Stallings to the endzone, as the sophomore running back muscled in from six-yards out for the score for his second TD of the year.

Stallings’ third score of the season would not be far behind, as on the Statemen’s ensuing possession, Delta State marched systematically and methodically 62 yards to take a decisive 21-0 lead with 7:51 left to play in the first quarter. Stallings capped the seven-play scoring drive with a three-yard touchdown poke.

The Bears offense failed to convert a first down on their next possession, setting up Delta State’s fourth consecutive touchdown of the quarter. This time, Dewitt peppered the football to alternating wide outs, Eric Marshall and Schroeder. The nine-play, 45-yard scoring drive was capped by Schroeder’s one-yard rush – his fourth of the year.

The Statesmen added one more score to its first half drudging of the Bears, taking the convincing 35-0 lead to the locker room at the halftime break. Dewitt connected for his first passing touchdown of the contest, finding a streaking Jermaine McRoy on a 14-yard strike.

Shaw shattered any hopes of a Statesmen shut-out, as Bears’ freshman tailback Raymond Williams sprinted 90-yards for Shaw’s sole score of the contest.

The Statesmen answered on a Steven Davis four-yard touchdown scamper. Adams booted a 45-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to cap the afternoon’s scoring, 45-7.

Dewitt finished his day with 349 yards behind a 25-of-35 passing performance. Marshall hauled in 145 yards receiving, followed by Schroeder’s 94 yard effort. Schroeder would also add a team-leading 49 yards rushing for 143 all-purpose yards. Stallings concluded his rushing day with 44 earned yards.

The list of defensive stand-outs most absolutely begins with Statesmen All-American performer, Michael Eubanks. Eubanks finally caught the record he has been chasing the entire 2007 campaign, as with just four minutes left in the contest, the Cleveland native wrapped up the Bears quarterback for the fifth time today – earning sole possession of the NCAA Division II career sack record with 39.

Eubanks and teammate Lardester Hicks both finished the day with eights tackles, while Monterio James added six tackles.

Delta State held the Bears to just 85 yards rushing on the day.

Shaw University ends its season 8-4.

November 15, 2007

Statesmen prepare for CIAA-champion Bears; Winner faces UNA in NCAA Second Round
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• NOTES: Bears at Statesmen - NCAA 1st Rd.

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen will be making their second consecutive NCAA playoff berth Saturday, as they welcome the Shaw Bears into Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium. The game will be the first ever match-up between the two conference champions. The Statesmen won the Gulf South Conference Championship with an 8-0 record, 9-1 overall, while the Bears (8-3) won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship with a 31-24 double-overtime victory over Virginia Union in the CIAA championship game.
           
The Bears have an inside scope on the Statesmen and football in Mississippi in first year head coach Darrell Asberry. The Tiger standout was a two-year letter winner as a quarterback, graduating in 1994. Asberry coached at Jackson State from 1999-2002, and spent 2003 as the offensive coordinator at Coahoma Community College.
           
Asberry was also a member of the North Carolina Central staff last season. Despite earning the No. 2 seed in the Southeast Region, the Eagles lost to the Statesmen 24-17 in the second round.
           
The Bears have one of the top defenses in the nation, allowing just 12.6 points per game on 182.8 yards. The Bears are led by CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, junior defensive tackle Louis Ellis. The Jackson, Miss., native has a team-high 22.5 tackles for a loss of 102 yards, 8.0 sacks, and is second on the team with 65 tackles. Junior linebacker Tiquan Collins leads the team with 78 tackles, 13.5 for loss.
           
The Statesmen offense is leading the Gulf South Conference with 468.5 yards per game. The also lead the conference in rushing yards per game, 232.1 yards per contest, and are scoring 31.3 points per game. After leading the Statesmen to a 51-14 win over Arkansas-Monticello in his first career start, sophomore quarterback Garrett DeWitt will try to continue to provide the offense with a spark. Over the past three games, DeWitt has completed 35-of-53 passes for 636 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception. He has also rushed for 76 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
           
The Statesmen also have the top-ranked defense in the GSC, leading in total defense (224.3), rushing defense (67.6), and scoring defense (14.0). Senior linebacker Michael Eubanks leads the team with 76 tackles. He also has a GSC-high 19.0 tackles for a loss of 97 yards and 7.0 sacks. Senior safety Jamarcus Wiggins leads the secondary with seven interceptions, needing just one takeaway to tie the single-season mark of eight set by Monterio James. He also has 49 tackles, good for third on the team.
           
The Bears are posting solid numbers on the offensive side of the ball, 22.6 points per game on 301.5 yards. Sophomore quarterback Travis Robinson leads the way, completing 74-of-169 passes for 1,042 and eight touchdowns, while throwing eight interceptions. Sophomore wide receiver Lenell King, a Mound Bayou native and Ole Miss transfer, has been Robinson’s favorite target, catching 33 passes for 505 yards and one touchdown. DeAndre Okonji has been the big play guy, catching 29 passes for 480 yards and eight touchdowns.
           
The Bears are averaging just shy of 140 yards per game rushing, thanks, in large part, to the legs of junior tailback Alan Atwater. The Appalachian State transfer has carried the ball 135 times for 718 yards and eight touchdowns. Freshman tailback Raymond Williams has carried 132 times for 492 yards and three touchdowns.
           
Kickoff for the opening round playoff game is scheduled for Saturday at noon at Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium. The winner of the game will advance to play North Alabama in Florence, Ala., on the following Saturday.

November 11, 2007

STATESMEN RECEIVE NO. 3 SEED IN SOUTHEAST REGION; DSU TO HOST NO. 6 SEED SHAW SATURDAY

• Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket

CLEVELAND – Less than 24 hours after they had sealed the third Gulf South Conference championship in program history, the Delta State University football team received the No. 3 seed in the Southeast Region for the upcoming NCAA Division II National Championship Tournament.  The Statesmen (9-1, 8-0 GSC) will host the Bears of Shaw University (8-3), champions of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Parker Field-McCool Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. 

“While we feel we could have been seeded a little higher, we are happy for another opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament,” DSU head coach Ron Roberts said.  “The Shaw Bears are a talented team with a fine coaching staff and we will have to be at the top of our game to beat them on Saturday.”

Valdosta State (9-1) received the region’s top seed and will face the winner of the Catawba (10-1) versus Albany State match-up in the four-five game. 

North Alabama (9-1) grabbed the No. 2 seed and will await the winner of the Delta State versus Shaw game on November 24.

The Statesmen are no strangers to most of the teams in this year’s Southeast Region field.  On Oct. 11, Delta State defeated Valdosta State, 35-31, at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium in Valdosta, Ga.  DSU faced UNA a week later, only to fall 28-17 in Florence, Ala., at Braly Municipal Stadium. 

DSU and Catawba have not met since the 2000 NCAA playoffs, a 20-14 DSU victory.  The Statesmen have never faced the Bears of Shaw or the Golden Rams of Albany State on the gridiron. 

Tickets will go on sale Monday.  Prices are $10 for general admission, $15 for reserved chair-backs and $5 for students.  Fans may purchase tickets online at www.GoStatesmen.com or come by Chadwick-Dickson Athletic Fieldhouse Monday-Friday 8-5 p.m.  For more information or to inquire about tickets, please call the Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300 or email us at athletics@deltastate.edu.               

November 10, 2007

Statesmen claim GSC crown with 51-14 triumph over Boll Weevils; DSU awaits NCAA postseason announcement
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• Box Score: DSU 51 - UAM 14

MONTICELLO, Ark. - Delta State University claimed their third Gulf South Conference Championship with a 51-14 victory over the Boll Weevils of the University of Arkansas-Monticello behind a solid performance by the defense and outstanding play by quarterbacks Garrett Dewitt and Dedrick Wilson.
               
The Statesmen got the quick start they needed from the defense, holding the Boll Weevils scoreless through the first quarter and intercepting two Scott Buisson passes, one by Jamarcus Wiggins and the other by Monterio James.
               
While the offense was unable to convert the first turnover into points, Wilson ran around the right side of the line for the touchdown on second and goal after the second interception. Trey Adams split the uprights with the extra point to give the Statesmen a 10-0 lead with 14:04 left in the first half.
               
Adams also kicked a career-long, 47-yard field goal with 2:48 left in the first quarter.
               
The Statesmen defense gave up just three first downs in the first quarter, allowing only 30 yards of total offense. The Statesmen offense finished the quarter with 76 yards of total offense, but Adams was just one-of-three on field goal attempts.
               
The Statesmen defense held the Boll Weevil offense on the ensuing possession, but the bouncing punt was touched by Jeremy Ricks, and the loose ball was recovered by the Boll Weevils, setting up a first and 10 on the DSU 12 yard line. A pass interference penalty gave Arkansas-Monticello a first and goal situation at the six yard line. Buisson found Jywin Ceasar on third down for the touchdown. Nick Green converted the extra point try to cut the lead to 10-7 with 8:59 left in the first half.
               
The Statesmen rolled right back down the field, marching 59 yards in 1:40 to answer the UAM touchdown with a 10-yard run by Dewitt on first and goal. Adams was true with the extra point, and with 7:05 left in the first half, the Statesmen led 17-10.
               
Delta State added another touchdown with 1:17 left in the half on a one-yard run behind the elephant package by Wilson. Chad Schroeder set up the score with a five-yard run on third down that nearly resulted in a touchdown. Adams was again good on the extra point try, and the Statesmen led 24-7 at halftime.
               
The Statesmen out-gained the explosive Boll Weevil offense 233 to 77 in yards of total offense. The defense sacked UAM quarterback Buisson four times, and intercepted two of his passes in the first half. Running back Johnny Polite gained 31 yards on 12 carries, but the sacks brought the team rushing total down to just four yards.
               
Dewitt was 9-of-13 passing for 134 yards, and rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown. Wilson was 2-of-3 passing for 32 yards, and rushed for 21 yards and two touchdowns.
               
The Statesmen caught the opening kickoff of the second half and marched down the field. Wilson capped of the six-play, 56-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run. The drive featured several passes by Dewitt, including a long pass to Ricks on third down, which set up the first and goal situation. Adams made the extra point and with 13:43 left in the third quarter, the Statesmen led 31-7.
               
The Statesmen defense again forced the Boll Weevils to punt, but a personal foul roughing the passer penalty gave UAM a first down at the DSU 40 yard line to keep the drive alive. The Boll Weevils could not convert, however, as Wiggins intercepted his second interception of the game (seventh on the season) at the 36 yard line.
               
It looked as if the Statesmen would have to punt the ball right back to the Boll Weevils, but on fourth and three, Zak Mikel threw a pass to Wiggins. The completion moved the ball from the Delta State 33 to the UAM 20. Two plays later, Dewitt threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Derek Freeman. Jonathan Meadows blocked the extra point, but with 10:35 left in the third quarter, the Statesmen led 37-7.
               
The Statesmen punched the ball into the end zone again just over three minutes later, on an eight-yard run by Dewitt. The eight-play, 66-yard drive was again a pass-heavy effort by Dewitt, but on the touchdown, he scrambled around the right side looking for a receiver before deciding to keep it himself for the score. Adams made the extra point, and with 7:22 left in the third, the Statesmen led 44-7.
               
The Boll Weevils had an opportunity to put points in the board late in the third quarter, but failed to convert on fourth and six. They had a fourth and one near the Statesmen 30 yard line, but a false start penalty backed the ball up five yards. Buisson’s fourth down pass fell incomplete as Miles Mason provided a big hit to break up the pass.
               
On the Statesmen’s next drive, it was Dewitt again. The sophomore quarterback had a big run to pick up a first down on third and long, hit Greg Betterson with a pass to set up first and goal at the six, and then ran in himself for the touchdown. Adams extra point was good, and with 2:20 left in the third, the Statesmen led 51-7.
               
The Boll Weevils added their second touchdown after a Statesmen fumble to cut the lead to 51-14, but the Statesmen had the game well in hand by that time.

The Statesmen ran the clock out and emptied every water cooler on the sideline, dousing several coaches during the celebration.
               
The Statesmen finished the night with 571 total yards, 373 passing and 198 rushing, while holding the Boll Weevils to just 164 total yards. Buisson was sacked five times by the Statesmen, and threw three interceptions.
               
Dewitt finished with 304 passing yards and a touchdown, completing 19-of-30 passes. The sophomore also carried the ball nine times for 40 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start. Wilson ran for 53 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. Ricks led the receivers with 92 yards on three catches, and Freeman had two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown.
               
Lardester Hicks led the defense with 11 tackles, while senior linebacker and Harlon Hill candidate Michael Eubanks had eight tackles, two for loss, and a sack. Wiggins recorded seven tackles and intercepted two passes, bringing the senior to within one of the Delta State single season record of eight.
               
The NCAA will announce the playoff bracket Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The Delta State Athletic Department will host a selection show party at the Warehouse in downtown Cleveland beginning at 10:00 a.m., and everyone is invited to attend.

November 9, 2007

DELTA STATE’S MICHAEL EUBANKS AMONG 24 CANDIDATES FOR HARLON HILL TROPHY

CLEVELAND –Delta State University senior linebacker Michael Eubanks was officially named one of 24 candidates for the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded annually to the NCAA Division II National Player of the Year, as released Friday by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee.  Eubanks’ selection marks a fifth consecutive year that Delta State has had a regional finalist.  The list includes five players from the Southeast, six from both the Southwest and Northeast, and seven from the Northwest region.
               
“Michael is certainly deserving of this recognition today,” said DSU head coach Ron Roberts.  “I believe he is the most dominant defensive player to come through the GSC in many years, and I believe the committee took notice of that.  He is one of only two defensive players in the field.  He’s the type of person every coach hopes he has the opportunity to work with, and I hope he is able to bring home this award for himself and our institution.”
               
Players are nominated and voted on by the sports information directors at the 150 NCAA Division II football-playing institutions. The 24 initial candidates will be placed on regional ballots and the top two players from each of the four NCAA regions will advance to the national ballot when regional voting concludes on November 16.
               
There were more than 30 candidates initially nominated by the sports information directors at their respective schools and those nominations were then reviewed by the Hill Regional Advisory Committees, which trimmed the list of candidates.
               
Among the players vying for the 2007 award from the Southwest region is the 2006 winner, senior running back Danny Woodhead of Chadron State College.  Woodhead is trying to become just the third student-athlete to win the Hill Trophy more than once. Texas A&M-Kingsville running back Johnny Bailey won the Hill Trophy in 1987, 1988 and 1989, and Valdosta State quarterback Dusty Bonner won the award in 2000 and 2001.
               
The Northeast Region candidates are junior quarterback Steve Armstrong of Southern Connecticut State, senior running back Jamar Brittingham of Bloomsburg, junior defensive end Kirby Griffin of California University of Pennsylvania,  sophomore quarterback Trevor Harris of Edinboro, senior wide receiver Elfren Quiles of Kutztown, and senior running back Dervon Wallace of Shepherd. Brittingham finished third in the 2005 Hill voting.
               
Southeast Region candidates include senior linebacker Michael Eubanks of Delta State, sophomore receiver Cedric Jones of Valdosta State, junior quarterback David Knighton of Harding, junior quarterback Lamar Little of Virginia Union, and junior quarterback A.J. Milwee of North Alabama.
               
Candidates from the Northwest Region are sophomore running back Joique Bell of Wayne State, senior receiver Weston Dressler of North Dakota, sophomore quarterback Brad Iciek of Grand Valley State, senior quarterback Ben King of Minnesota State Mankato, junior tailback Brian McNeill of Nebraska-Omaha, senior quarterback Mark Nicolet of Hillsdale, and junior quarterback Mike Reilly of Central Washington. 
               
The list of Southwest Region candidates includes senior receiver Ashton Gronewold of Missouri-Rolla, junior quarterback Keith Null of West Texas A&M, senior running back Xavier Omon of Northwest Missouri State, senior quarterback Daniel Polk of Midwestern State, junior running back Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian, and senior tailback Danny Woodhead of Chadron State.
               
Eubanks, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior outside linebacker, leads the Gulf South Conference in tackles-for-loss (17.0-86 yards) and sacks (6.0-44 yards), while leading the nation’s fourth ranked defense in tackles with 68.  Earlier this year, Eubanks became the all-time leader in career sacks (33.0) and tackles-for-loss (60.5) in GSC history.  He currently ranks second on the NCAA all-time sack list.
               
It’s been quite a fall for the defending Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year.  In late October, the National Football Foundation named Eubanks a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, awarded to the top scholar-athlete in collegiate football regardless of division, and awarded him the Coach Eddie Robinson National Scholar-Athlete Award, an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.  He is the first NFF scholar-athlete in Delta State University history.             

The winner of the 2007 award, which is presented by the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, will be announced at the 22nd annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet on Friday, December 14 at the Florence Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. This year's Hill Trophy Banquet will also include the ninth induction into the Division II Football Hall of Fame.

Tickets are $45 each or $360 for a table of eight and can be purchased by calling Sarah Beth Vandiver at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce at (256) 764-4661.
               
The NCAA Division II Championship Game is scheduled for December 15 at Florence's Braly Municipal Stadium at 11 a.m.
               
The Hill Trophy is sponsored by Coca-Cola, the City of Florence, Ala., Trustmark Construction, Opti- Net, Herff Jones and the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa.

November 9, 2007

Boll Weevils only thing separating Statesmen from Gulf South Conference title
By Travis Chamblee

• Game Notes: Statesmen at Boll Weevils

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen travel to Monticello, Ark. this weekend with more on the line than just a 10-game winning streak against the Boll Weevils. With a win, the Statesmen (8-1, 7-0 GSC) clinch the Gulf South Conference Championship out-right, and keep their playoff hopes alive.
           
However, this year’s 4-6 Boll Weevils are a far cry from the Arkansas-Monticello teams of years past. A total of seven freshmen have earned starting roles for the Boll Weevils, including quarterback Scott Buisson. The young gunslinger has his offense at the top of the GSC, averaging 464.1 yards and 27.5 points per game. Buisson is 201-of-335 for 2,241 yards and 15 touchdowns, and has rushed 127 times for 595 yards and six touchdowns.
           
Freshman Jywin Ceasar leads the talent-filled receiving corps. Ceasar has 52 catches for 527 yards and five touchdowns, and has rushed eight times for 105 yards and a touchdown. Junior Tim Harris has 45 catches for 620 yards and four touchdowns.
           
Senior John Williams leads the Boll Weevil rushing attack, which is leading the GSC with 237.2 yards per game. The speedy bruiser has carried 146 times for 876 yards and nine touchdowns. Freshman Johnny Polite has added 421 yards and four touchdowns on 100 carries, and has 17 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
           
The Statesmen enter the match-up with the league’s top-ranked rush defense (70.0 ypg), total defense (231.0 ypg), and scoring defense (14.0 ppg). Senior linebacker Michael Eubanks continues to climb in the record books, posting 68 tackles, 17 for a loss of 86 yards, six sacks for a loss of 44 yards, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles, all team highs. Sophomore linebacker Lardester Hicks has added 48 tackles, nine for a loss of 57 yards. Jamarcus Wiggins leads the secondary with five interceptions on the season. He has also recorded 42 tackles and blocked two field goals.
           
Despite a slow start against West Alabama, which allowed the Tigers to gain 89 yards and claim a nine point lead at the end of the first quarter, the Statesmen fought back to earn a 20-9 victory. The Statesmen defense shutout the Tigers’ offense for the rest of the game, allowing just 69 yards of total offense over the final three quarters.
           
The Statesmen offense, while not flashy, is getting the job done. Delta State is posting 29.1 points per game on 457.1 yards of total offense. Quarterback Dedrick Wilson continues to lead the Statesmen on the ground, with 709 yards and nine touchdowns on 145 carries, and the junior is 82-of-172 passing for 1,096 yards and six touchdowns, but has thrown 12 interceptions. Sophomore Garrett Dewitt has stepped up in the absence of Brett Hyatt. Dewitt is 16-of-29 for 332 yards and three touchdowns with just one interception in two games.
           
Jeremy Ricks and Chad Schroeder are the statistical favorites of Statesmen quarterbacks, each with 44 catches. Ricks has 601 yards and five touchdowns on the season, and has rushed 29 times for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Schroeder has 515 receiving yards and a touchdown, and has rushed for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. Schroeder also threw for a touchdown against West Alabama, a 12-yard completion to Eric Marshall.
           
The Arkansas-Monticello defense is giving up 39.5 points per game on 425.3 yards of total offense. Linebackers Larry White and Wes Ables lead the team. White has 89 tackles, nine for loss, and a sack, while Ables has 67 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and an interception. Safety Solomon Edwards has 55 tackles and a team-high 4.5 sacks.           

The Statesmen lead the overall series 23-5, and haven’t lost to the Boll Weevils since 1996. Delta State shut-out Arkansas-Monticello 53-0 in Cleveland last season. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Saturday at Convoy-Leslie Cotton Bowl Stadium in Monticello.

November 5, 2007

Delta State drops two spots to No. 3 in NCAA Southeast Region rankings

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University football team fell two spots this week in the Division II Southeast Region Poll to No. 3, as released Monday by the NCAA.  The drop came in spite of a 20-9 victory over the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Ala. this past Saturday. 

The never-ending see-saw at the top of the region continued this week as Valdosta State (8-1) jumped into the top spot behind a 63-28 victory over the University of Arkansas at Monticello.  The Blazers will conclude their season Saturday with the Wolves of West Georgia.  Also moving up to No. 2 is North Alabama (8-1).  The Lions throttled West Georgia 65-17 last Saturday and wrap up their regular season this week against West Alabama. 

Catawba (9-1), Carson-Newman (9-1) and Albany State (8-2) all won on their way to rounding out the top six.  Newberry (8-2) comes in at No. 7 and Virginia Union (9-1) at No. 8 while Fort Valley State (8-3) and Morehouse College (7-3) round out the top ten. 

The top six teams in the Southeast Region will advance to the NCAA Division II Championship Tournament beginning Nov. 17.  Host sites and game times are yet to be determined. 

The Statesmen will close out the regular season this Saturday in Monticello, Ark., as Delta State takes on the Boll Weevils of the University of Arkansas at Monticello.  Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm. at Convoy Leslie Stadium. 

November 3, 2007

STATESMEN REMAIN UNDEFEATED WITH 20-9 WIN AT WEST ALABAMA
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• Box Score: Statesmen 20 - Tigers 9

LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The Delta State defense shutout the Tigers of West Alabama in the second half, and the offense found some much needed momentum as the Statesmen went on to win 20-9. With the win, Delta State remained undefeated in the Gulf South Conference at 7-0 and 8-1 on the season, while the Tigers dropped to 2-7, 0-6 in GSC play.

The Statesmen didn’t look like the team that was leading the Gulf South Conference in rushing defense during the first half of the game versus the Tigers option attack , allowing 101 yards on the ground in the period.

The Tigers took an early 3-0 lead, taking advantage of a short field after Jermaine McRoy fumbled a J.D. Wu punt. The defense held again, forcing West Alabama to settle for a 22-yard field goal by Mitch Warfield with 10:34 left in the first quarter.

The Tigers added six more points less than four minutes later when Terry Allen kept the ball and ran around the outside for a one-yard touchdown. Warfield missed the extra point, and with 6:55 left in the first quarter, the Tigers led 9-0.

The two defenses played solid, allowing no more points until the Statesmen finally broke the ice with a 32-yard field goal by Trey Adams. The Statesmen defense made a goal line stand on fourth-and-one, as Robert Watts stopped Allen on the sweep to hold the Tigers at just nine points late in the second.

The Statesmen were hurt by penalties and mistakes, having a touchdown called back because of a holding call. Several other Statesmen penalties resulted in Tiger first downs. In all, the Statesmen finished the period with eight penalties for 124 yards, while the Tigers committed just two for 30 yards.

The Statesmen out-gained the Tigers 179-107 in the first half.

The Statesmen began the second half sluggish, as well. Dedrick Wilson threw an interception on the opening drive, giving the Tigers the ball near midfield. The Statesmen defense again answered the call and forced the Tigers to punt.

The Statesmen offense drove down the field, and after a first-and-23, two key runs by Garrett Dewitt set up third-and-10. Dewitt found Eric Marshall in the end zone from the 17 yard line. Adams kick was good, and with 6:28 left in the third quarter, the Statesmen led 10-9.

On their next possession, Dewitt drove the Statesmen down the field, but a near interception in the end zone on second down nearly sent the offense back to the sideline scoreless yet again. On fourth-and-three, Roberts decided to play it safe and sent the field goal unit in. Adams split the uprights with a 24-yard kick to give the Statesmen a 13-9 lead with less than a minute left in the third quarter.

After the Statesmen forced the Tigers to punt, allowing just one first down on the drive, the Tiger defense returned the favor. Adams’ 33-yard field goal attempt was block by West Alabama’s defensive front with just over 11 minutes left in the game.

After Jahmada Hubbard recovered the muffed punt for the Statesmen at the DSU 27, Chad Schroeder ran 43 yards to the Tiger’s 30, and Ben Stallings added a 25-yard run to give the Statesmen first-and-goal at the five yard line. Two plays later, on third-and-goal from the 12, Schroeder threw a pass to Marshall in the end zone for the touchdown. Adams’ kick was good, and with just over six minutes remaining in the game, the Statesmen led 20-9.

Jamarcus Wiggins ended the Tiger’s hopes on their next drive with an interception on third-and long at the DSU 36 yard line with a little less than four minutes remaining in the game. The Statesmen were attempting to run the clock out, but on fourth-and-one, Lardester Hicks ran in from 44 yards out, only to have the touchdown called back because of a holding call. On the punt, the Tigers fumbled the ball and the Statesmen recovered, setting up first-and-10 on the West Alabama 23 with 1:10 left on the clock. Two plays later, the game was over and the Statesmen were victorious.

The Statesmen finished with 470 yards of total offense, 231 rushing yards on 47 carries and 239 through the air. The defense held the Tigers to just 158 total yards, 143 rushing and 15 passing.

Schroeder has six catches for 41 yards, nine rushes for 71 yards, and threw a 12-yard touchdown pass. Jeremy Ricks had five catches for 112 yards and had five returns for 77 yards. Dewitt came off the bench and completed 10-of-16 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.

Michael Eubanks led the defense with 11 tackles, 2.5 for loss and half a sack, and Wiggins had five tackles and his fifth interception of the season.

The Statesmen will close out the regular season Saturday, Nov. 10 against the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello in Monticello, Ark. at 6:00 p.m.

October 30, 2007

No. 9 STATESMEN TO FACE TIGERS SATURDAY

• Week Nine Game Notes

CLEVELAND - The No. 9 Statesmen roll into Livingston, Ala. Saturday to take on the Tigers of the University of West Alabama. The Statesmen (7-1, 6-0 Gulf South Conference) have a 29-19-3 lead in the all-time series, and haven’t lost to the Tigers (1-7, 0-6 GSC) since 2002, but legendary head coach Bobby Wallace knows what it takes to win a title, and how to stop a title run.
           
The second-year West Alabama head coach won three national championships at the University of North Alabama, and will have his team motivated when the Tigers and Statesmen line up on the gridiron.
           
West Alabama runs a dangerous triple-option attack on offense, led by quarterback Terry Allen. The freshman has carried the ball 62 times for 325 yards and three touchdowns, thrown for 104 yards while completing 8-of-17 passes, and has caught 15 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He has also returned 33 kicks for 812 yards, including a 100-yard touchdown.
           
“He (Allen) is faster than a hiccup, lightning in a bottle,” said head coach Ron Roberts. “He is a talented athlete, and they run the option very well. It is assignment football, something we feel we do a good job of, but if he gets around the corner, no one is going to catch him.”
           
Cole Mason is usually the man the Tigers give the ball to when Allen doesn’t keep it. The junior has 140 carries for 687 yards and nine touchdowns for a rushing offense that is averaging 222.8 yards per game with 18 rushing touchdowns.
           
The Statesmen bring into the match-up the GSG’s top-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 60.9 yards per game. The Statesmen are allowing just 14.6 points per game on 240.1 yards of total offense. Senior linebacker Michael Eubanks leads the defense with 57 total tackles, 14.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries, all team highs.
           
Michael Lewis is also having a stellar senior season on the defensive line, with 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Lewis ranks second on the team in both categories. Jamarcus Wiggins leads the secondary with 37 tackles and a team-high four interceptions.
           
The Statesmen also bring the league’s second best statistical rushing offense, averaging 236.5 yards per game. Quarterback Dedrick Wilson leads the team with 666 yards and nine touchdowns on 127 carries, averaging 83.2 yards per game. He is also 76-of-158 passing for 1,026 yards and six touchdowns, but has thrown 11 interceptions.
           
Sophomore quarterback Garrett Dewitt stepped up in Brett Hyatt’s absence, completing 6-of-13 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception against West Georgia.
           
Jeremy Ricks leads the Statesmen receiving corps with 39 catches for 489 yards and five touchdowns, and has carried the ball 25 times for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Chad Schroeder has 38 catches for 474 yards and a touchdown, and has rushed 31 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
           
The West Alabama defense is allowing 32.5 points per game on 406.6 yards per game. Linebacker Tariq Ali and defensive tackle Alvin Garrett lead the Tigers. Ali has a team-high 63 tackles, 5.0 for loss, and two interceptions. Garrett has 60 tackles, 3.0 for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery. Defensive end Jacobi Avery has a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss, and has two sacks. He also has an interception, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick.

            Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Tiger Stadium in Livin

29 October 2007

DELTA STATE RANKED NO.1 IN NCAA SOUTHEAST REGION

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen (7-1, 6-0 GSC) of Delta State University climbed to the top spot in the Southeast Regional Poll with a 41-9 victory over West Georgia Saturday. DSU held down No. 2 last week, but benefited from former No.1 North Alabama’s 27-24 loss at Valdosta State.  Monday’s ranking marks the second time this season Delta State has been ranked No. 1 in the region.

The newest poll, released Oct. 29, has Valdosta State (7-1) at No. 2 after Saturday’s win with North Alabama (7-1) sliding to No. 3. Catawba (8-1), Carson-Newman (8-1), and Fort Valley State (7-1) round out the top-six, while No. 7 Newberry (7-2), No. 8 Virginia Union (8-1), No. 9 Albany State (7-2), and No. 10 Morehouse (6-3) are still fighting for one of the six playoff spots.

The Statesmen travel to West Alabama on Saturday to face the Tigers.  Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.

27 October 2007

Statesmen still perfect in league play, handily defeat West Georgia 41-9

• Box Score: Statesmen 41 - Wolves 9

CLEVELAND—Just hours after learning of Gulf South Conference rival North Alabama’s 24-27 defeat to Valdosta State University, No. 10 Delta State University (AFCA) looked poised to make the most of the news.

More importantly, the Statesmen seemed ready to take sole control atop the league standings, as senior Jeremy Ricks, in his last regular season home game, took Saturday’s opening kick-off back 92 yards to put Delta State ahead 7-0 against visiting West Georgia with just :12 seconds elapsed from the game clock.

It would not be Ricks’ only score of the night, nor Delta State’s, as the Statesmen handily defeated West Georgia 41-9 to stay unblemished in GSC action, 6-0, climbing to 7-1 overall. The Wolves fell to 2-7 on the year, 1-6 in the conference.

The Wolves only touchdown of the contest came early in the first quarter after an errant Dedrick Wilson pass set up West Georgia. Aided by the favorable field position, Ryan Poole connected with wide-out Daniel Johnson from 23 yards out. West Georgia’s point-after-attempt would be blocked, leaving the Wolves trailing, 6-7.

With :55 seconds left in the first quarter of play, West Georgia junior kicker, Jared Guberman split the uprights to register his 13 th successful attempt of the 2007 season, staying perfect at 13-of-13. The score put the Wolves’ ahead 9-7.

Plagued by five turnovers in the first half, the Statesmen seemed doomed to trail at the intermission break. That was until Ricks again decided to shoulder Delta State’s offensive load, scampering 66 yards to pay dirt on a broken play. Statesmen quarterback Garrett Dewitt had wound up, intending to connect with wide-out Chad Schroeder. A West Georgia floating free safety had thoughts of a sixth Delta State turnover, but instead inadvertently tipped the football to a fortunate and well-placed Ricks.

Trey Adams connected on the point-after-attempt to send Delta State to the intermission break with the 14-9 lead, much to the delight of the packed Homecoming crowd.

The Statesmen returned from the locker rooms at the break, intent on correcting the miscues from a sloppy first 30 minutes of football. Quarterback Dedrick Wilson repented for his sluggish and intercept-plagued first half, as the junior signal caller hustled to the end zone on two unanswered third quarter scores.

Wilson finished the contest with 145 yards rushing on the night to lead the Statesmen offense. He would convert on 9-of-17 passing for 106 yards with two interceptions.

Ricks found the end zone for the third time at the start of the fourth quarter, muscling in from six yards out, completing a six-play, 47 yard scoring drive.

With his tri-fecta scoring effort on the afternoon, the senior wide receiver from Hollandale has now crossed the pylons nine times in this, his final campaign with the Green and White. The effort also marks the fourth time in his career Ricks has scored three TDs in a game. For his career, he has tallied 182 points of offense – a mark that ranks him third in Delta State history books.

The Statesmen capped their scoring efforts, as Eric Marshall hauled in a 50-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Dewitt.

On the defensive side of the ball, Michael Eubanks led the ledgers with eight tackles (three solo, five assisted). Lardester Hicks had six tackles on the night (three solo, three assisted). Dominic Spinks, Jamarcus Wiggins and Robert Watts, all, added an interception to their respective season statistics.

Delta State will return to road next week, having had concluded the home-portion of its schedule today. The Statesmen will match-up with West Alabama at Tigers Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m.

October 24, 2007

STATESMEN TO HOST WOLVES FOR HOMECOMING
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• Game Notes: Week 8 - West Georgia

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen will look to get back to their winning ways Saturday, as they welcome the Wolves of West Georgia to Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium for Homecoming.
           
After a 27-17 non-conference loss at North Alabama, the Statesmen (6-1, 5-0 Gulf South Conference) are still on track to win at least a share of the Gulf South Conference Championship.
           
First, they must battle the Wolves (2-6, 1-4 GSC) and stellar quarterback Ryan Poole. The senior is 122-of-196 passing for 1,341 yards and 10 touchdowns, while throwing just three interceptions.
           
Jimmy Howard highlights a solid receiving corps for the Wolves, with 37 catches for 684 yards and nine touchdowns. Patrick Higgins is second on the team with 32 catches for 413 yards and a touchdown. Eight different receivers have caught a touchdown pass, and four receivers have at least 30 catches.
           
James Kennebrew leads the West Georgia rushing attack with 252 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries. The Wolves have just two other running backs with more than 90 yards on the season, in Joey Harris, 142 yards on 32 carries, and Yusuf Holloway, 94 yards on 42 carries, but Kennebrew’s three touchdowns are the only rushing touchdowns by a running back. West Georgia quarterbacks have combined for the Wolves’ other four touchdowns.

Across from the West Georgia offense, will be Michael Eubanks and the third-ranked offense in the GSC. The Statesmen are allowing just 15.4 points per game on 247.9 yards of total offense. Eubanks leads the team with 49 tackles, 12.0 for loss, and 4.5 sacks, all team highs.
           
Jamarcus Wiggins leads the Statesmen secondary with three interceptions, including a game-saver in the end zone at Valdosta State. He has returned one for a touchdown, and has also blocked two crucial field goals. His 38 tackles are second on the team.
           
Dedrick Wilson will have to carry more of the load for the Statesmen offense this week, as Brett Hyatt is out with a hand injury. Wilson leads the Statesmen rushers with 111 carries for 521 yards and seven touchdowns. He is 67-of-141 passing for 920 yards and six touchdowns, but has been intercepted nine times.
           
Backing up Wilson in Hyatt’s absence will be Zak Mikel. The redshirt freshman has seen limited action at quarterback this season, completing 1-of-4 passes for 25 yards. He has been successful running the option, keeping eight times for 29 yards.
           
Jeremy Ricks continues to add to his career numbers, catching 36 passes for 415 yards and four touchdowns this season. Chad Schroeder and Eric Marshall continue to play crucial roles in the Statesmen offense. Schroeder has 33 catches for 400 yards and a touchdown, and has rushed 26 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall has 16 catches, many which kept crucial scoring drives going, for 366 yards and two touchdowns.
           
Ben Stallings has been the go-to guy in the rushing game lately, with 39 carries 150 yards and a touchdown.
           
The West Georgia defense is allowing 40.1 points on 456.9 yards of total offense. Ray Mitchell leads the team with 65 tackles, and has a sack. He also has one of two interceptions by the Wolves. Michael Reardon has 42 tackles and has a team-high three sacks.
           
The Statesmen have a 13-7 overall lead in the series, and haven’t lost to the Wolves since 1999, winning the last three. West Georgia hasn’t beaten the Statesmen in Cleveland since 1997.
           
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium. The Statesmen will be celebrating Homecoming. DSU is 46-26-1 all-time in Homecoming games.

22 October 2007

STATESMEN FALL ONE SPOT IN NCAA SOUTHEAST RANKINGS
By Jim Ervin, Assistant to Media Relations

• Complete NCAA Region Rankings

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team slipped one spot this week to No. 2 in the NCAA Southeast Region rankings, as released on Monday.  The Statesmen (6-1, 5-1 Gulf South Conference) suffered their first loss of the season to the region’s new top-ranked and last remaining undefeated team, North Alabama 28-17 last Thursday. 

“We’re pleased to be ranked No. 2 this week,” said DSU head coach Ron Roberts.  “I believe our success on the field speaks for itself, but we still have a lot of football to play.” 

Holding down the No. 3 spot is Valdosta State (6-1), followed by Catawba (7-1) at No. 4 and Carson-Newman (7-1) at No. 5.  Virginia Union (7-1) is No. 6, while Fort Valley State (7-2) is currently on the outside looking in at No. 7.  Rounding out the top 10 is Morehouse (6-2) at No. 8, Newberry (6-2) at No. 9 and Albany State (6-2).  Wingate (6-2) and Lane College (6-1) closed out the rankings.

The Statesmen return to Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium this Saturday for Homecoming versus the Wolves from the University of West Georgia.  Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

17 October 2008

No. 5 STATESMEN LOOK TO TAKE ROAR OUT OF No. 2 LIONS; THURSDAY'S GAME TO BE TELEVISED BY GSC
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• DSU Game Notes

CLEVELAND - The No. 5 Statesmen travel to Florence, Ala. Thursday night for their third appearance on the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. After a 35-31 comeback win at Valdosta State last Thursday, the test doesn’t get any easier as Delta State takes on the No. 2 Lions of North Alabama.
           
“Facing two opponents of this caliber back to back puts a lot on our plate,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “Valdosta and North Alabama are two of the top programs in the country.”
           
The Lions boast the Gulf South Conference’s top scoring offense, averaging 40.2 points per game behind the leadership of junior quarterback A.J. Milwee. The Lions’ signal-caller is 109-of-168 passing for 1410 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing just three interceptions. Milwee also has the ability to scramble out of trouble, rushing for 77 yards on 39 carries with two touchdowns.
           
“He is a talented athlete. He has a very strong arm and doesn’t make many mistakes,” Roberts said. “He uses his legs very well to get out of trouble. We have to step up to the plate and make plays.”
           
Behind a solid offensive line, Lion quarterbacks have only been sacked six times for a loss of 65 yards all season.
           
Milwee has plenty of targets to throw the ball to, completing passes to 16 different receivers this season. His favorite target, however, is 6-foot-1 senior Joemal Campbell, who has 29 catches for 410 yards and a touchdown. Senior Reggie Hubbard has 21 catches for 290 yards and four touchdowns. Both Hubbard and Campbell have burnt opposing defenders for big gains. Campbell’s longest catch is 75 yards, while Hubbard has a long of 78. 
           
The Lions also have a ton of talent in the running game. David McCants, Brandenn Picket and Tim Hicks have combined for 15 rushing touchdowns, tops in the GSC. McCants leads the team with 58 carries for 289 yards and four touchdowns, while Picket has 39 carries for 289 yards and three touchdowns. Hicks has 40 carries for 221 yards and five touchdowns.
           
The Statesmen enter the match-up as the No. 1 ranked scoring defense and rushing defense in the GSC, with 13.3 points per game and 72.2 rushing yards per game. Led by senior linebacker Michael Eubanks, the Statesmen continue to give opposing offenses fits, allowing just 240.2 yards of total offense per contest. The career GSC leader in both sacks and tackles for loss, Eubanks has 46 tackles on the season, 12.0 for a loss of 59 yards, 4.5 sacks for a loss of 34 yards, eight hurries, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
           
Jamarcus Wiggins leads the Statesmen secondary with 28 tackles and three interceptions, including a game-saver in the end zone against Valdosta State in the final minute. Wiggins has also blocked two kicks and recovered a fumble.
           
Quarterback Dedrick Wilson has the Statesmen rushing attack at the top of the GSC. Wilson has 406 yards and six touchdowns on 91 carries, an average of 67.7 yards per game. The Statesmen as a team average 225.3 yards per contest and have carried the ball across the goal line 12 times. Ken Cox has 244 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries, and Ben Stallings has 38 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown.
           
Wilson is 53-of-114 for 723 yards through the air with five touchdowns. Jeremy Ricks continues to establish himself as the go-to guy, with 32 catches for 375 yards and four touchdowns. His 22 career receiving touchdowns have him just eight away from establishing a new record at Delta State.
           
Chad Schroeder and Eric Marshall may not have flashy numbers, but the catches they have made over the course of the season have been just as big as any touchdown. Schroeder has 23 catches for 312 yards and a touchdown, and has rushed 23 times for 97 yards and two scores, while Marshall has 13 carries for 299 yards and two touchdowns. The two have countless catches which have kept crucial drives going for the Statesmen this season.
           
The Lions have the GSC’s second-ranked rushing defense, allowing just 118.3 yards per game. Craig Fox leads the defense with 37 tackles, three for loss, one interception, and a fumble recovery, which he returned 99 yards for a touchdown. Anton Bowen and Bobby Brooks make the UNA secondary one of the best in the GSC. Bowen has three interceptions and two breakups, and Bowen has two interceptions and two breakups. The Lions as a unit have 11 interceptions on the season.
           
While the Thursday night match-up doesn’t have any bearing on the Gulf South Conference Championship, it does have huge implications on the playoff scenarios. The Statesmen are currently ranked at the top of the Southeast Region, while North Alabama is ranked third, with a match-up against No. 2 Valdosta State yet to come.
           
The Statesmen eliminated the Lions from the playoffs in the 2006 Southeast Regional Championship, 27-10 in Florence. The Lions lead the overall series 20-25-1.
           
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Thursday night at Braly Municipal Stadium.

16 October 2007

STATESMEN CLIMB TO NO. 5 IN AFCA AND D2FB.COM RANKINGS; FB GAZETTE PLACES STATESMEN NO.6

• D2Football.com Top 25 Poll
• AFCA Top 25 Rankings
• Football Gazette Poll

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen (6-0, 5-0 Gulf South Conference) of Delta State University received a nice bump in the national rankings on Tuesday thanks to their 35-31 come-from-behind victory over previously-No.5 Valdosta State on Thursday. DSU will enter Thursday game at North Alabama ranked No. 5 in both the D2Football.com and American Football Coaches Association polls.

"I was pleased to see the bump in the rankings," said head coach Ron Roberts. "We have another major test this Thursday and I know the nation will be watching. UNA is a proven, tested winner and we will have our hands full."

DSU held down the No. 7 ranking in D2football.com's poll last week, while being ranked No. 8 in the AFCA poll. Thursday's opponent, North Alabama (6-0, 5-0 GSC), is ranked No.2 in all three polls.

The Statesmen and Lions will be featured on the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week this Thursday at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala. CSS-Sports and Cox Sports Southeast will broadcast the game starting at 7:05 p.m.

15 October 2007

STATESMEN RANKED NO.1 IN NCAA SOUTHEAST REGION RANKINGS

• Complete NCAA Region Rankings

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team took over the top spot in the latest NCAA Southeast Region rankings, as released on Monday.  The Statesmen (6-0, 5-0 Gulf South Conference) remained undefeated with a thrilling 35-31 come-from-behind victory over Valdosta State this past Thursday in Valdosta, Ga.  Monday’s announcement marks the first time since 2001 that DSU had held down the region’s top spot.

“We’re excited to be ranked No. 1 in the region, but we have four difficult games remaining on our schedule,” said head coach Ron Roberts.  “The opportunity to make the playoffs and host is directly in front of our team, all we have to do is take care of business over the next four weeks.”

Despite losing to the Statesmen, Valdosta State (6-1) fell just one spot to No. 2 in this week’s poll.  North Alabama (6-0) remained No. 3 followed by Catawba (7-0) and Carson-Newman (6-1) in the top five.  Wingate (6-1) was No. 6 followed by Virginia Union (6-1), Albany State (6-1), Fort Valley State (6-1), and Morehouse (6-1) in the top 10.  Newberry (5-2) and Lane College (5-1) rounded out the rankings. 

The Statesmen will face No. 3 North Alabama on Thursday at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence, Ala. in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week.  WHCQ-TV9 will air the game locally in Cleveland.  Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m.        

15 October 2007

RICKS NAMED GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior wide receiver Jeremy Ricks has been named the Gulf South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following Delta State’s come-from-behind victory over Valdosta State, 35-31, on Thursday.  Ricks’ selection marks the fourth overall award for the Statesmen’s football program this season and the second for a special teams performer. 

Ricks accounted for 240 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns against the Blazers.  The Hollandale native rolled up 121 total return yards on three kickoff returns with a touchdown.  The Statesmen trailed VSU, 31-7, with 6:38 left in the third quarter, but the Statesmen reeled off 28 unanswered points sparked by Ricks 85-yard kickoff return for a TD. 

Ricks and the Statesmen will travel to North Alabama on Thursday for a GSC showdown with the No. 3 Lions.  Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. and the game will be televised by CSS-Sports and Cox Sports Southeast.  

 

October 11, 2007

Statesmen erase 24-0 deficit to extinguish Blazers 35-31

By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

VALDOSTA , Ga. – The No. 7 Delta State University Statesmen overcame every possible obstacle, as they fought back and defeated the No. 5 Blazers of Valdosta State University 35-31, despite trailing 17-0 at halftime

While the defense gave up only one touchdown in the first half, a six-yard touchdown pass from Willie Copeland to Zach Parker with 11:55 left in the second quarter, the offense couldn’t find any momentum, giving up 11 points on two safeties and a Donnie Powell blocked punt, which he recovered for a touchdown.

The Statesmen (6-0, 5-0 Gulf South Conference) out-gained the Blazers (5-1, 3-1 GSC) 187-143, but still they trailed heading into the locker room. The Blazers added to their lead less than five minutes into the third quarter, on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Copeland to Cedric Jones, giving Valdosta State a 24-0 lead with 10:28 remaining in the third.

Dedrick Wilson and the offense stayed calm, and for the first time all night, the Statesmen punched back, with a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 19-yard pass from Wilson to Jeremy Ricks. The drive lasted just 1:12 seconds, and was just what the Statesmen needed to resurrect their hopes of remaining unbeaten.

Valdosta State would put one more score on the board, answering the Delta State touchdown with a heavy dose of running back Michael Terry, as the Blazers marched 51 yards as Terry ran in from one yard out to give the Blazers a 31-7 lead with just 6:26 left in the third quarter.

With all the momentum and a victory over their bitter rivals at home just a little over 20 minutes away, nothing could prepare the Blazers for what was about to happen next.

Jeremy Ricks caught the kickoff from the Blazers at his own 15 yard line, and out-ran the entire team for an 85-yard touchdown. On the Blazers next possession, Copeland threw an interception on the second play of the drive to David Tahi, who took it the other way for a touchdown. In just 58 seconds, the Statesmen cut the lead from 31-7 to 31-21.

It was as if the life had been sucked out of the stadium. The high school stadium, known as “ Death Valley” had lived up to its name for two and a half quarters, but suddenly sat quiet. Fans sat in awe as they watched their Blazers, which had given up an average of 10.8 points per game, fall apart in a matter of minutes.

The Statesmen defense fed off of the momentum and forced the Blazers to punt five plays into their next drive. Wilson trotted back onto the field and wasted no time putting another touchdown on the scoreboard. The Statesmen drove 78 yards in seven plays, scoring on a 40-yard pass from Wilson to Ricks. With 1:11 left in the third quarter, the Statesmen trailed 31-28.

The Statesmen took the lead for the first time with 11:22 seconds left in the game on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Brett Hyatt to Greg Betterson, and Delta State led 35-31.

While no more points were scored, the fourth quarter wouldn’t expire without its share of the drama. Valdosta State got inside the Statesmen 30-yard line twice over the last 10 minutes. The Statesmen defense answered the call on fourth and one on the DSU 26-yard line, stopping Copeland short on the quarterback dive to give the ball back to the Statesmen offense.

The Statesmen drove into Valdosta State territory, but Ken Cox coughed up the ball, giving the Blazers one last chance, starting at their own 25-yard line with 2:26 on the clock.

Copeland led the Blazers down the field with ease after the drive was nearly over before it began. Copeland connected with Parker on fourth and 10 after three straight incompletions. After driving to the Delta State 12-yard line with just under a minute to play, Michael Eubanks got around the right side of the line to put the heat on Copleland, and Jamarcus Wiggins intercepted the hurried pass, sealing the victory for the Statesmen.

Jeremy Ricks finished the night with six catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, and had 121 yards and a touchdown on four returns. Wilson was 10-of-17 passing for 161 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 117 yards on 23 carries. Despite not scoring a touchdown, Chad Schroeder made some of the biggest catches of the game for the Statesmen. Three of his five catches gave the Statesmen first downs, and his 23-yard pickup on third and seven from the Blazer 40 kept the go-ahead scoring drive alive in the fourth quarter. The former defensive back finished with 59 receiving yards, and also ran the ball three times for 13 yards.

Wiggins led the Statesmen defense with nine tackles and the game-saving interception. Eubanks had eight tackles and a tackles for loss, adding to his own Gulf South conference record.

The Statesmen will again be featured in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week, as they travel to Florence, Ala. to take on the No. 3 Lions of North Alabama next Thursday, Oct. 18. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

October 10, 2007

No.7 STATESMEN TO FACE No.5 BLAZERS IN GSC-TV GAME OF THE WEEK THURSDAY
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

CLEVELAND - The No. 7 Statesmen travel to Valdosta State to battle the No. 5 Blazers Thursday night in the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. The contest is by far the biggest of the season thus far for both squads. Since 2000, the winner of the Delta State-Valdosta State game has reached the playoffs. The match-up also has serious implications on the GSC Championship, as well as the regional rankings. Both teams enter the contest undefeated; the Blazers have a record of 5-0, 3-0 GSC, while the Statesmen are 5-0, 4-0 GSC.
           
The Blazers are one of the most explosive offenses in the GSC, averaging 40.4 points per game on 445.4 yards of total offense, the second highest total in the GSC. Senior quarterback Willie Copeland doesn’t make many mistakes, throwing just two interceptions in 183 pass attempts. He has completed 118 of those attempts for 1222 yards and eight touchdowns, and has rushed for three touchdowns.
           
Michael Terry leads the Blazer rushing attack with 46 carries for 467 yards and four touchdowns, and freshman Ronnye Nelson has 23 carries for 99 yards and three scores. The Blazers average 185.0 rushing yards per game behind a solid and experienced offensive line, which consists of four seniors and a junior.
           
The Blazers also bring a whole heap of talent in the receiving corps to the game. Copeland has completed passes to 17 different receivers, and the reception yards total is 1302. Cedric Jones leads the pack with 40 catches for 431 yards and four touchdowns, and Zach Parker has 13 catches for 171 yards.
           
The Statesmen defense is ranked first in the GSC in total defense (215.8 ypg), rushing defense (57.2 ypg), and scoring defense (9.8 ppg). Senior linebacker Michael Eubanks leads the Statesmen with 38 tackles, 11 for loss, 4.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Eubanks is coming off a record setting performance against Arkansas Tech, a game in which he broke both the GSC record for sacks, with 30.5 in his career, and tackles for loss, with 53.5.
           
Jamarcus Wiggins anchors a solid Statesmen secondary. The senior free safety has recorded 19 tackles, blocked two kicks, recovered a fumble, and intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown. Cornerbacks Monterio James and Dominic Spinks each have 14 tackles and two interceptions. James also has two fumble recoveries, one returned for a touchdown. The Statesmen defense has scored three touchdowns on the season, while giving up just five.
             
The Statesmen also have the league’s top-ranked rushing attack, averaging 227.2 yards. Junior quarterback Dedrick Wilson leads the offense with 68 carries for 318 yards and six touchdowns. Wilson is also 43-of-97 passing for 562 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Ken Cox is second on the team with 26 carries for 181 yards and a touchdown, and sophomore Ben Stallings has 33 carries for 140 yards and a touchdown.
           
Wide receiver Chad Schroeder is also a threat in the rushing game. The junior has rushed 20 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns. The former defensive back also has 18 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown.
           
The Statesmen will be meeting their toughest match-up to date in the third-ranked rushing defense of Valdosta State. The Blazers enter the contest allowing just 112.4 yards per game on the ground, and their 284.0 yards per game of total offense also has Valdosta State ranked third in the GSC.
           
Led by senior linebacker William Montford, the Blazers have forced an impressive 16 turnovers, with 11 of those being interceptions. Montford leads the team with 42 tackles and a sack, and has also forced two fumbles and recovered one. Junior free safety Sherard Reynolds leads the Blazers takeaway-minded secondary with three interceptions. He is also second on the team with 38 tackles.
           
Whichever team wins the Thursday night contest will be in the driver’s seat for the Gulf South Conference Crown, a prize the Statesmen haven’t won since 2000. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST, and can be seen live in Cleveland on WHCQ (channel 9).

9 October 2007

STATESMEN RANKED SECOND IN NCAA SOUTHEAST REGION RANKINGS
By Matt Jones, Director

CLEVELAND – Thursday’s nights Gulf South Conference showdown between the No. 7 Statesmen (5-0, 4-0 GSC) of Delta State and the No. 5 Blazers (5-0, 3-0 GSC) of Valdosta State will have implications far exceeding the GSC championship race.  The NCAA officially released its first regional rankings on Monday with the Blazers and Statesmen ranked 1-2 in the Southeast region.

“It’s an honor to be in the top two, but there is a lot of football yet to be played this season,” said DSU head coach Ron Roberts.  “I’ve told the guys they hold their own destiny in their hands.  We face the No. 1 and No. 3 ranked teams in the region the next two weeks and if we take care of business, the playoffs will run through Parker Field at McCool Stadium.”

The Blazers, who missed out on the 2006 playoffs due to the NCAA automatic qualifier rule, held down the top spot.  Delta State was second followed by North Alabama (5-0), Carson-Newman (6-0) and Catawba (6-0) in the top five.  Virginia-Union (6-0) came in at No. 6 followed by Albany State (5-1), Morehouse (4-2), Mars Hill (4-2), and Wingate (5-1) in the top 10.  Fort Valley State (5-2) and Newberry (4-2) rounded out the rankings.

The Statesmen travel to Valdosta, Georgia Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s game at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium with the Blazers.  The game will be televised regionally by CSS-Sports and Cox Sports Southeast.  WHCQ-TV (Channel 9) will air the game in Cleveland.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.    

8 October 2007

DELTA STATE’S EUBANKS NAMED GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK; ESTABLISHES TWO NEW GSC RECORDS
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

CLEVELAND – Delta State senior linebacker Michael Eubanks has been named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, Oct. 7.  Despite being the reigning GSC Defensive Player of the Year, Monday’s announcement is the first career weekly honor for Eubanks.

Eubanks recorded 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, two force fumbles, and recovered two fumbles in Delta State’s 43-14 victory over Arkansas Tech Saturday.  Along the way, the speedy outside linebacker established two new Gulf South Conference records for career sacks (30.5) and tackles-for-loss (53.5).  John Perkins of the University of West Georgia previously held both records.

The two-time All-American leads the No. 7 ranked Statesmen in tackles (38), tackles-for-loss (11.0), sacks (4.5) and fumbles recovered (2.0). 

Eubanks and the Statesmen will be in action again Thursday night as they travel to Valdosta State for the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

October 6, 2007

NO.7 STATESMEN REMAIN UNDEFEATED WITH 43-13 THROTTLING OF WONDER BOYS
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• Box Score: DSU 43 - ATU 14

CLEVELAND – Delta State remained unbeaten with a 43-14 victory over the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech (3-3, 1-3 Gulf South Conference) on Saturday in front of an announced attendance of 7,264 at Travis Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium.  The Statesmen improve to 5-0 on the year and 4-0 in league play. 
               
The Wonders Boys drew first blood, taking advantage of a Dedrick Wilson fumble to take an early 7-0 lead just 1:10 into the game. R.J Vanhook capped off a 31-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run. Michael Podobnik split the uprights with the PAT.
               
The rest of the first half was all Statesmen, as the Delta State defense played as if they took personal offense to the Arkansas Tech touchdown, accounting for 12 of the Statesmen’s 23 first-half points.
               
Jamarcus Wiggins intercepted his second touchdown of the season and returned it 40 yards for the Statesmen’s first touchdown of the game with 5:27 remaining in the first quarter. Jarel Preston added the second defensive touchdown when he recovered a botched snap in the end zone on an ATU punt attempt less than a minute before halftime.
               
Dedrick Wilson added a one-yard touchdown run with 8:24 left in the second quarter, and Trey Adams was good on a 41-yard field goal attempt with 2:56 left in the first quarter. The Statesmen defense held the ATU offense to just 48 yards in the first half, as Delta State went into the locker room with a 23-7 halftime lead.
               
The Statesmen came out of the locker room just as explosive as they were when they went in, taking just under a minute and a half to add to their lead on a one-yard touchdown run by Wilson. Adams connected on the kick to give the Statesmen a 30-7 lead.
               
A little over three minutes later, the Statesmen struck again when Wilson hit Eric Marshall with an 80-yard touchdown strike. Adams was again good with the kick, stretching the score to 37-7.
               
This time, Arkansas Tech would answer back with a four-yard touchdown pass from Carter Hallock to Tracey Stiger. Podobnik was good with the PAT, and with 7:26 left in the third quarter, the Statesmen led 37-14.
               
The Statesmen finished with 507 yards of total offense, 277 rushing and 230 passing, while the Statesmen defense held the Wonder Boys to 145 yards of total offense, 72 rushing and 73 passing. The Statesmen also forced seven turnovers, two interceptions and five fumbles.
               
Jeremy Ricks put the final points of the night on the board with a five-yard touchdown run with 13:02 remaining in the game.
               
Ricks finished with four catches for 41 yards and three carries for 14 yards and a touchdown. Wilson was 8-of-17 for 180 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and ran the ball 12 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns.

Michael Eubanks led the Statesmen defense with 14 tackles, six for loss, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also had 2.5 sacks, giving him sole possession of the Delta State all-time career sack record with 30.5. The previous record was 28, set by Jamal Johnson. (2000-2002)

The Statesmen will be in action again Thursday night as they travel to Valdosta State for the GSC-TV Live Game of the Week. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

October 4, 2007

WONDER BOYS TO INVADE PARKER FIELD SATURDAY
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

CLEVELAND - First year head coach Ron Roberts has an opportunity to do what no other Delta State coach has done in history, as Statesmen get set for a key Gulf South Conference match-up Saturday night against the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech at Travis Parker Field. Roberts and the Statesmen are 4-0, 3-0 in the GSC, a feat that has been done twice, by E.B. “Gene” Chadwick and Robert McGraw. With a win Saturday night, Roberts will hold sole possession of the best start by any first year head coach.
           
The Statesmen enter the contest fresh off of a 28-3 win over the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas last Thursday, while the Wonder Boys have a record of 2-3, 1-2 in GSC play, after a heart-breaking 27-20 loss at North Alabama. The loss for the Wonder Boys was the second-straight loss to a top-10 opponent by a combined eight points.
           
The Statesmen offense continues to improve, amassing over 400 yards in each of the past two games. Quarterbacks Dedrick Wilson and Brett Hyatt split time calling the shots, but both are equally effective. Wilson is 35-of-80 for 382 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and has added another 239 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 56 carries. Hyatt is 21-of-37 passing for 382 yards and two touchdowns.
           
Ken Cox continues to be explosive out of the backfield, gaining 7.6 yards per carry. The senior has 144 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown in three games. Jeremy Ricks is leading a solid receiving corps with 22 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns.
           
“Our offense is having success because both quarterbacks understand and have accepted their roles. There is no controversy, and they have a good relationship,” Roberts said of the Statesmen’s dual quarterback system. “We are continuing to improve offensively, but we still aren’t where we want to be.”
           
The Wonder Boy defense is allowing 364.0 yards per game and 21.6 points per contest. They are led by junior linebacker Cedric Cursh, who has a team-high 34 tackles, five for loss, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. Tito Jose highlights a secondary which is giving up just 243.2 yards per game and only five touchdowns through the air in as many games. The junior cornerback has 24 tackles and leads the team with two interceptions. He also has forced three fumbles and returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown.
           
The Statesmen defense is one of the most solid in the GSC, allowing just 8.8 points per game. The “Green Shirts” rank first in the conference in total defense, 233.5 yards per game, and rushing defense, 53.5 yards per game. Senior Michael Eubanks leads the team with 24 tackles, five for loss, and continues to chase school and national sack records, adding two to his career total thus far this season.
           
Sophomore linebacker Lardester Hicks is second on the team with 21 tackles and has 5.5 for loss. He also has an interception and has blocked a field goal.
           
The Wonder Boy offense enters the game averaging 340.8 yards per game under the leadership of quarterback Cole Barthel. The junior signal-caller is 100-of-144 for 952 yards and nine touchdowns with just two interceptions.
           
Tim Childress leads the Arkansas Tech rushing attack with 260 yards and a touchdown on 76 carries. Barthel has 30 carries for 141 yards and three touchdowns.
           
Tracey Stiger anchors a receiving corps that has four wide outs with at least 10 catches and two touchdowns each. Stiger has 31 receptions for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
           
“They are a very talented football team,” Roberts said. “They do a lot of things well and have a tremendous amount of talent on both sides of the ball.”
           
The Statesmen hold a slim lead, 8-6, over the Wonder Boys in the all-time series. Arkansas Tech was the only team to place a blemish on the Statesmen’s record in 2000, when Delta State won the National Championship.
           
Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at Travis Parker Field, and fans are encouraged to wear pink as the Statesmen show their support for breast cancer awareness.

October 1, 2007

DELTA STATE'S EYSTER SIGNS WITH ESKIMOS OF CFL

CLEVELAND – Former Delta State University All-American quarterback Scott Eyster signed a two-year contract with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League on Sunday.  Official terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Eyster passed his team physical on Monday and will begin practicing with the team on Monday afternoon.  He will back up former Louisville Cardinal Stefan LeFors for the Eskimos.  

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Hammond, La., native, guided the Statesmen to the 2006 NCAA DII semifinals and a 12-3 finish on the season. For his efforts, he was named the GSC Offensive Player of the Year for a second-straight season. 

Along the way, Eyster established himself as the greatest quarterback in the history of the GSC. The strong-armed signal-caller established new conference records for career passing (13,889), total offense (14,342), pass attempts (1644) and touchdowns responsible for (128). Eyster finished his career ranking second all-time in NCAA Division II history in passing yards, touchdowns (116) and total offense. 

2006 proved to be the best year statistically for Eyster in his celebrated career. In 15 games, Eyster completed 298-of-489 passes for 3,926 yards with 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He shattered his own single-season records this year for completions, touchdown passes, pass attempts and yards. 

September 27, 2007

No. 7 STATESMEN REMAIN UNDEFEATED WITH 28-3 WIN OVER MULERIDERS

• Box Score: Statesmen 28 - Riders 3

CLEVELAND - Delta State’s 28-3 victory over Southern Arkansas Thursday night in the Gulf South Conference TV Game of the Week proved to be long on defense and short on drama.  The No. 7 Statesmen (4-0, 3-0 GSC) rolled to a 28-0 lead before putting away the Muleriders (2-3, 1-2 GSC) with a near-perfect second half defensively. 

After Clarence Wright returned the opening kickoff 55 yards to the Statesmen 35 yard line for the Muleriders, the Southern Arkansas offense found little success against the Delta State defense. Despite gaining a first down on third and 12 to the 25, the Muleriders stalled, turning the ball over on downs at the 25 yard line.
           
The Statesmen marched down the field, helped by a pass interference play on third down, which gave the Statesmen a first down at the Southern Arkansas 49 yard line. Dedrick Wilson then rushed for 24 yards to the SAU 25. On third and 12, Wilson connected with Chad Schroeder, giving the Statesmen first and goal at the three yard line. An offsides penalty by SAU moved the ball to the two yard line, where Wilson ran in for the first points of the game. Trey Adams added the extra point, giving the Statesmen a 7-0 lead, and it was all Delta State from that point on.

Ben Stallings’ first rushing touchdown of the season put the Statesmen up 14-0 with 2:32 left in the second quarter.  Trey Adams’ extra point was good.  DSU covered 84 yards on seven plays in 2:45 for the score.

Southern Arkansas would mount a drive deep into DSU territory, but successive penalties stalled the drive and the Muleriders were forced to punt.

With 10:21 remaining in the second quarter, Monterio James scooped up Josh San Filippo’s fumble at the 12-yard line and rumbled into the endzone for his first career fumble return for a touchdown.  Trey Adams’ extra point made it 21-0. 

After the Statesmen defense held the Muleriders to three-and-out, the DSU offense took over at the SAU 46 yard line.  One play and fumble later, Delta State led 28-0 on John Logan’s 5-yard fumble recovery.  Junior quarterback Brett Hyatt started the play with a rush to the five, but the Soso native fumbled the ball, only to have Logan recover for the Statesmen touchdown. 

SAU would mount a late drive covering 66 yards on seven plays.  Noe Cuevas’ 25-yard field goal with 4:12 left in the first half made it 28-3 at the break.

The second half proved to be a defensive struggle for both teams.  Neither team could take advantage of excellent field position in the second frame. 

The highlight of the second half came on Michael Eubanks’ sack of Josh SanFilippo in the third quarter to tie the Delta State record for career sacks with 28.  Eubanks tied former All-GSC linebacker Jamal Johnson (2000-2002) for the career lead.  He also inched one step closer to the national record of 32.0 held by Adam McGurk. 

Despite several trips deep into the red zone for both teams, the second half remained scoreless.  Final score Delta State 28, Southern Arkansas 3.

The Statesmen finished the contest with 431 yards of total offense on 75 plays, while the Muleriders totaled 207, 174 coming on the ground, on 75 plays.

DSU rushed for 279 yards on 46 carries led by senior Ken Cox with 83 yards on just six attempts.  Dedrick Wilson added 67 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown and Ben Stallings tallied 41 yards and a score.

The tandem quarterbacks for DSU managed just 152 yards passing on a combined 11-of-29 with two picks.  Chad Schroeder led the Statesmen with six receptions for 77 yards. 

SAU’s Quinton Porter led the Riders with 77 yards rushing on 14 attempts.  SanFilippo finished the game 3-of-19 passing for 33 yards. 

The Statesmen will host Arkansas Tech University Saturday, October 6 at 6 p.m. in Gulf South Conference action next week.  DSU will honor former Statesmen head coach Horace McCool by naming the stadium in his honor at halftime. 

September 25, 2007

No. 8 Statesmen to face Muleriders in GSC-TV Live Game of the Week

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen have established plenty of offensive momentum coming into Thursday night’s contest with Southern Arkansas, exploding for 35 points and 638 total yards behind the leadership of quarterbacks Dedrick Wilson and Brett Hyatt in the Statesmen’s 42-10 dismantling of the Ouachita Baptist Tigers.
           
The Statesmen (3-0, 2-0 Gulf South Conference) have been known for being an explosive offense, but they haven’t had an output like they had Saturday since 2004. They now await conference foe Southern Arkansas (2-2, 1-1 GSC).
           
Dedrick Wilson leads the Statesmen offense with 471 yards of total offense, 299 yards on 29-of-61 passing and 172 rushing yards on 40 carries. The first-year starter for the Statesmen also has three rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns, while leading the offense to an average of 376.0 yards per game and 26.0 points per game.
           
The Muleriders pack a serious punch on offense, and they don’t show where it is coming from until it has already hit its mark. Running out of the flexbone, Southern Arkansas averages 22.5 points per game and 313.2 yards per game, 180.2 on the ground and 133.0 through the air.
           
SAU quarterback Josh SanFilippo is a very talented athlete, and poses a dual-threat to opposing defenses. The senior signal-caller is 32-of-76 passing for 448 yards and four touchdowns. While SanFilippo has thrown four interceptions, Statesmen head coach Ron Roberts said those passes weren’t mistakes, and at least one interception came after a tipped ball.
           
SanFilippo is also the leading rusher for the Muleriders, carrying the ball 57 times for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Steven Ashley, Tony McDonald and Keundric Loucious have all rushed for more than 100 yards on the season, all with less than 28 carries. The trio of running backs has also combined for four touchdowns.
           
The Mulerider defense is a solid unit, as well, with seven players recording over 20 tackles on the season. Led by John Jones, 30 tackles and an interception, and C.J. Ellis, 27 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, Southern Arkansas is giving up 365.8 yards per game and 24.0 points per game.
           
The Statesmen defense enters the contest allowing just 13.3 rushing yards per game, 242.3 yard of total offense, while holding opponents to 10.7 per game. Led by senior linebacker Michael Eubanks, 21 tackles, 4.0 for loss, and a sack, the Statesmen defense ranks first in rushing yards allowed and second in scoring defense.
           
The Statesmen lead the overall series 14-7, and shutout SanFilippo and the Muleriders 22-0 last season in Magnolia, Ark., but the Statesmen are just 2-2 in the last four contest, with each team winning one on the road.
           
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Travis Parker Field in Cleveland.

September 22, 2007

No.9 STATESMEN BLAST TIGERS 42-10

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Statesmen of Delta State University proved they could handle adversity, beating the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University 42-10 in Arkadelphia, Ark. Saturday night, without head coach Ron Roberts.

With the win, the Statesmen improved to 3-0, 2-0 in the Gulf South Conference, while the Tigers dropped to 3-1, 1-1 in the GSC.

After a slow start by both teams offensively, the Statesmen took a 21-10 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Delta State struck first blood 11:30 into the first quarter when quarterback Dedrick Wilson led the Statesmen 68 yards down the field before connecting with Eric Marshall from 20 yards out for a touchdown. Trey Adams connected on the extra-point to give the Statesmen a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Ouachita Baptist answered back just over two minutes later when Julius Pruitt caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Lance Parker to complete a 74-yard drive. Zach Wright split the uprights with the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 1:27 left in the first quarter.

After a tense defensive struggle that lasted about five minutes, the green and white defense of Delta State gave the offense a spark with a blocked field goal by Lardester Hicks, which gave the Statesmen possession at their own 20 yard line. After a gain of 16 yards, Wilson turned the corner on a quarterback keeper and turned on the jets burning everybody for a 64-yard touchdown run. Adams was again true with the kick to give the Statesmen a 14-7 lead with just under 10 minutes left in the first half.

The Tigers tried to answer back with a touchdown, but the Statesmen defense held strong inside their own 10 yard line. Ouachita Baptist was forced to settle for a 23-yard field by Wright to cut the lead to 14-10 with 6:40 left to play in the first half.

After a 33-yard kickoff return by Jeremy Ricks gave the Statesmen the ball at their own 47 yard line, Wilson completed a pass to Chad Schroeder at about the six yard line and Schroeder bulldogged his way into the end zone for the score. After Adams’ kick, the Statesmen led 21-10 with 5:52 left in the half.

The Statesmen defense had to make two more goal line stands before the halftime whistle, but they were up to the task and held the Tigers scoreless to end the first half with a lead of 21-10.

Wilson finished the half 6-of-14 passing for 112 yards and two touchdowns, and six rushes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Marshall caught four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Delta State had 317 yards of total offense, eclipsing the Statesmen’s yards per game mark of 245.0 yards.

The Tigers gained 289 yards of total offense, most of which came by way of the arm of Parker, who finished the half 19-of-42 for 230 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, giving him eight and three respectively for the season.

It took 14:56 for either team to add to the score, but with four seconds remaining in the third quarter, Brett Hyatt connected with Ricks on a slant pattern, which he took into the end zone for a 50-yard touchdown. Adams’ kick was good to give the Statesmen a 28-10 lead.

Parker led the Tigers down to the 26 yard line of the Statesmen, in an attempt to answer the Delta State touchdown, but the defensive pressure got to Parker, which didn’t happen often during the course of the game, forcing a fumble. Anthony King recovered the loose ball, giving the Statesmen possession at the 26 with 11:52 left in the game.

Delta State turned the Tiger mistake into points just over 1:30 later when Schroeder sprinted around the right side from eight yards out. Adams again put the ball through the uprights to give the Statesmen a 35-10 lead with 10:20 left on the clock. Brett Hyatt was solid on the drive, completing pass after pass to lead Delta State 74 yards in eight plays for the score.

The Statesmen defense got into the scoring action when Brushon Barnes fell on OBU backup quarterback Eli Cranor’s fumble for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Adams was good on the extra point to give the Statesmen a 42-10 lead.

The defense held the Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the half, giving up zero points to the Tigers in the second half.

Delta State finished with 638 yards of total offense, 305 rushing and 333 passing. Wilson was 11-of-21 for 175 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and 128 rushing yards on 17 carries with one touchdown. Hyatt was 9-of-14 for 158 yards and a touchdown. Ricks had five catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, and Marshall added five catches for 68 yards and a score.

The Tigers had 373 total yards. Parker was 27-of-57 for 315 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

The Statesmen will be in action again Thursday, Sept. 27, as they host Southern Arkansas at Travis Parker Field. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

September 18, 2007

STATESMEN SET FOR SHOWDOWN WITH UNDEFEATED TIGERS; GAME TIME SET FOR 7 P.M.
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

• DSU Game Notes - Release 3

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - At the end of Delta State’s match-up with Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Ark., one team will lose the right to call itself undefeated. The Statesmen enter the contest 2-0, 1-0 in the Gulf South Conference, while the Tigers are 3-0, 1-0 in GSC play.
           
The Statesmen will have an extra obstacle to overcome this week after the events that follow their 9-7 victory over Henderson State Saturday night at Travis Parker Field.
           
“This conference is tough as it is. Now we’re going to Ouachita (Baptist), they are 3-0, and are a very good team,” said head coach Ron Roberts. “Just like any other week, come Monday, it’s time to back to work, focus on the next opponent, and drop what happened on Saturday.”
           
Unfortunately, the distraction will loom just that much larger as the buses pull out of Cleveland Friday afternoon without Roberts, who has been suspended for the game due to Saturday night’s post-game events.
           
Offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks will handle the head coaching duties in Roberts’ absence.
           
“We have a very good staff, and I feel confident that they are capable of responding to the task at hand,” Roberts said.
           
One thing the Statesmen do have going for them is a very solid defense. The Green-Shirts are holding opponents to an astonishing minus-9.5 yards per game rushing and just 11 points per game.
           
Led by senior linebacker Michael Eubanks with 19 tackles, four for a loss of 16 yards, one sack for a loss of nine yards, a pass breakup, and three quarterback hurries, the Statesmen continue to dominate on the defensive side of the ball.
           
The Statesmen will be facing a very explosive running game this Saturday against the Tigers. Senior running back Willie Hopson, 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, has rushed for 404 yards on 88 carries with four touchdowns, and his 137.5 yards per game rank him near the top in the GSC. Sophomore KJ Johnson has carried the ball 23 times for 201 yards and a touchdown.
           
The Tigers also bring a steady passing game to the table. Vanderbilt transfer, junior Lance Parker, is 55-of-91 for 611 yards and seven touchdowns. While he isn’t a big threat to run the ball, just four carries for negative nine yards, Parker doesn’t make many mistakes, just one interception all season.
           
The Statesmen offense is coming off one of its worst statistical performances in recent memory, nine points, one touchdown and just 225 yards of total offense. The last time a Delta State offense put up fewer yards was against Texas State in 2005, when the Statesmen produced just 205 yards in a 32-25 defeat.
           
Against OBU, it will be important for the Statesmen to get off to a good start early. The Tiger defense has allowed just one second half touchdown all season, and none in the last two games.
           
Mike Blackwell, a 5-foot-11, 205 pound senior linebacker anchors the OBU defense with 20 tackles, 2.5 for loss. Channing Hill leads the team with 2.5 sacks, and also has 17 tackles.
           
The Statesmen lead the overall series against the Tigers 14-3, with all three loses coming in Arkadelphia. Delta State had the upper hand in last season’s rain-soaked 34-6 victory in Cleveland.
           
The Statesmen and Tigers are scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night at A.U. Williams Field on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University.

September 18, 2007

AFTER BLOCKING TWO FIELD GOALS SATURDAY, DELTA STATE’S WIGGINS GARNERS LEAGUE HONORS

CLEVELAND – Lightning struck twice Saturday in Delta State University’s 9-7 victory over Henderson State, as senior safety Jamarcus Wiggins blocked two Reddie field goal attempts on consecutive possessions to preserve the win for the No. 7 Statesmen.  For his efforts, Wiggins was named the Gulf South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday.  It is the first-ever accolade for Wiggins.   

“Jamarcus made two outstanding plays Saturday to guarantee the win for us,” said Ron Roberts, DSU head coach.  “We design our field goal block to get Jamarcus into a position to make a play and everything went according to plan twice Saturday.”

Delta State held a 9-7 lead halfway through the fourth quarter, but the Reddies lined up for the go-ahead, 23-yard field goal attempt, only to see Wiggins block the kick with 5:42 left to play.  The Cantonment, Fla., native was not done there, duplicating the feat on Henderson State’s next possession, blocking a 29-yard field goal with 2:53 left on the clock.

“In all my years of coaching I haven’t seen a kid block two field goals on back-to-back possessions,” said Roberts.

Wiggins is no stranger to blocked kicks.  The 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior recorded three blocked field goals last season to lead the Statesmen.  He has six in his career. 

The No. 7 Statesmen (2-0, 1-0 GSC) return to the gridiron this Saturday in Arkadelphia, Ark., versus Ouachita Baptist (3-0, 1-0 GSC). Game time is set for 7 p.m. at A.U. Williams Field.     

September 15, 2007

Statesmen Defense Blocks Two Field Goal Attempts in Final Minutes to Secure 9-7 Win

• Box Score: Statesmen 9 - Reddies 7

CLEVELAND—Delta State University’s 2007 football team figured out how to keep all 6,398 fans in their seat until the final click, as the Statesmen improved to 2-0 on the season, 1-0 in Gulf South Conference play behind a tight 9-7 victory.

In stark comparison to an uneventful first half of play, the fourth quarter offered plenty of activity for the Statesmen fans to cheer, including two field goals blocked.

Statesmen strong safety Jamarcus Wiggins blocked two Henderson State field goal attempts in the final minutes of the contest to secure the 9-7 victory.  In 2006, Wiggins blocked three field goal attempts for the Statesmen.
 
On the evening, the Delta State defense allowed just 10 yards rushing, behind impressive play from team leading tackler, Michael Eubanks (11.5), Chris Eccles (4.5) and Robert Watts (4.0).

Eubanks eeked closer to the school’s sack record with his one sack on the night, climbing to 27 in his Statesmen career. He is 5.5 sacks shy from the nation’s career record.

For the first 29:19 minutes of Delta State’s home-opener, it appeared the only offensive action of the contest would be a Henderson State touchdown called back by penalty on nearly the first play of the game.

But, the Statesmen, with 41 ticks left to halftime, broke the offensive drought, as Delta State junior transfer quarterback Brett Hyatt completed a 21-yard pass to senior wide-out Jeremy Ricks. Delta State’s first receiving touchdown of the season gave the Statesmen the 6-0 advantage at the intermission break, following a failed point-after attempt by Trey Adams.

Penalties would plague Henderson State the entire contest, as the Reddies accumulated eight penalties for 90 yards compared to their 57 yards total offense by the close of the second quarter.  HSU ended the evening with 13 penalties for 87 yards, compared to Delta State’s seven for 63 yards.

Despite both squads coming off open weeks, Delta State’s defense continued its dominant performance, stifling its opponent run game to negative yardage for six consecutive quarters. The Statesmen, in their season-opener, held Jackson State to -29 yards on the ground, and did not allow the Reddies positive gains until the third quarter.

Adams redeemed himself in the third quarter, connecting on a 41-yard field goal to give Delta State the 9-0 lead.

Adams’ first successful field goal of the 2007 season marked the only offensive action of the third quarter.

Despite having the benefit of Garrett Manning’s services, Henderson State failed to mount any offensive attack until the fourth quarter when the junior quarterback, who injured his throwing arm in Henderson State’s previous contest but was released for play Friday, finally connected with wide-out Sean Stennis for 29 yards. The play set-up Mario Crump’s two-yard scamper into the touchdown, pulling the Reddies to two points back, 9-7.

 With the victory, the Statesmen avenge a very personal loss from a year ago. Delta State dropped a difficult-to-still-swallow loss in Arkadelphia, Ark., last season in overtime, 13-16. That defeat, at the hands of the Reddies, cost the Statesmen a share of the Gulf South Conference crown, as Delta State finished 7-1, good enough for second, in league action in 2006. 

Henderson State falls to 1-1 on the year, 0-1 in the league play.

Delta State will return the road, Saturday, Sept. 22, as the Statesmen match-up against Ouachita Baptist at A.U. Williams Stadium.

September 14, 2007

No. 7 STATESMEN SET FOR SHOWDOWN WITH HSU REDDIES; 22ND ANNUAL PIG PICKIN’ TO HIGHLIGHT WEEKEND
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

CLEVELAND – After a 16-13 overtime-loss to the Reddies in Arkadelphia cost the Statesmen a share of the Gulf South Conference title in 2006, Delta State would like nothing more than to avenge last season’s upset.  The game pits two of the top four teams in the league according to the preseason Gulf South Conference Coaches’ Poll. 
               
The Statesmen lead the overall series with a record of 16-3-1, and have never lost to the Reddies in eight games at Travis Parker Field (7-0-1).  Delta State is 8-2 against the Henderson State over the past 10 years.
               
The Reddies enter the contest with an overall record of 1-1. After opening the season with 44-7 victory over Texas College, Henderson State went to Northwestern State and lost 41-6.
               
“It’s going to be tough with Henderson State coming here (to open the GSC),” head coach Rick Roberts said. “Scott Maxfield (HSU head coach) has done a tremendous job over there, and I expect them to come in here and play as hard as they can.”
               
While both Reddie quarterbacks suffered injuries at Northwestern State, it is yet to be determined who will be the trigger man for the offense against the Statesmen. Roch Charpentier is 22-of-54 for 221 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions, while Garett Manning has completed 9-of-19 attempts for 169 yards and two touchdowns, but has thrown three interceptions.
               
Junior running back Bernard Palmer carries the load for the Reddies on the ground. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder has carried 27 times for 136 yards. Henderson State is yet to punch the ball into the end zone on the ground.
               
The Delta State defense enters the contest on a tear after holding Jackson State to -29 rushing yards in the Statesmen’s season opening 27-15 victory over the Tigers.
               
Led by linebackers Michael Eubanks, who is chasing the NCAA D-II career sack record, and Lardester Hicks, the Statesmen held Jackson State to a mere 122 yards of total offense.
               
Despite posting 27 points, just 2.1 points less than last season’s per game average, the Statesmen offense is still searching for its identity.
               
First year starting quarterback Dedrick Wilson threw for 67 yards on 13-of-28 attempts and two interceptions. While he ran for 34 yards and two touchdowns, the Statesmen didn’t have any scores through the air.
               
Seniors Steven Davis and Ken Cox combined out of the backfield for 113 yards and a touchdown to lead the Statesmen rushing attack.  DSU tallied 198 yards rushing on 54 carries as a unit. 
               
While Henderson State’s stats may be deceiving, 24.0 points per game and 296.5 yards per game, Roberts knows that the Reddie defense is anything but soft.
               
“They are a very good football team,” Roberts said. “They have played solid competition, such as Southland Conference power Northwestern State.  Don’t be fooled, they have a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball and they will be ready to play on Saturday.”  Roberts concluded, “This game means a lot to both of us, but HSU does not face North Alabama or Valdosta State; so it has additional implications on the GSC race.”
               
Linebacker Mark Van-Paris leads the Henderson State defense with 18 total tackles and a forced fumble. Defensive end Sam Carter and tackle Nick Finley lead the team with two sacks each, and have a combined total of 20 tackles.
               
Cornerback Devon Hughes leads the secondary with an interception and four pass breakups. The Reddies have four interceptions as a team.
               
Pregame festivities will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the 22nd annual Pig Pickin’ Festival and Barbecue Competition. Serving lines will open at 3:00 p.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

 

September 11, 2007

DELTA STATE RANKED NO. 7 IN LATEST AFCA TOP 25 POLL; NO CHANGE IN OTHER MEDIA POLLS

• AFCA Top 25 Poll
• Football Gazette Top 40 Poll
• D2Football.com Top 25 Poll
• Dopke CollegeSportsReport.com Rankings

CLEVELAND - Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts and the Statesmen (1-0) received a No. 7 national ranking in the latest American Football Coaches Association Top 25 Poll, as released on Monday. The Statesmen, who received 496 poll points, moved up one spot from No. 8 in the Sept. 4 poll.

The poll was shaken up a bit by a number of upsets this past weekend; most notably No. 11 Nebraska-Omaha defeating No. 2 Northwest Missouri State.

In other poll news, the Statesmen remained at No. 7 in the D2Football.com poll, while maintaining their grasp on the nation's top ranking in the CollegeSportsReport.com poll.

The Statesmen host GSC opponent Henderson State Sept. 15 for their first home game of the season. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Travis Parker Field. The game will cconclude the weekend's 22nd annual Pig Pickin' Festival. For more on Pig Pickin', please click here.    

September 5, 2007

DELTA STATE’S HICKS NAMED GSC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CLEVELAND – Delta State University sophomore linebacker Lardester Hicks was named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, September 2.  Hicks collects his first-ever award, spearheading DSU’s defense in a 27-15 victory at in-state, Division I-AA rival Jackson State. 

The sophomore recorded a team-high nine total tackles, including three for a loss of 34 yards.  He also added one-half of a sack for a five yard loss and grabbed one interception.  The Chicago, Ill., native’s interception came in the second quarter and set up an eventual Statesmen touchdown and a 13-0 lead heading into the locker room.

Hicks and the Statesmen have an open date September 8 before returning to the gridiron on September 15 versus Henderson State University.  Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Travis Parker Field.   

September 5, 2007

STATESMEN RANKED EIGHTH AFTER WIN OVER JACKSON STATE IN LATEST AFCA TOP 25 POLL

• AFCA Top 25 Poll
• D2Football.com Top 25 Poll

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts and the Statesmen (1-0) received a No. 8 national ranking in the latest American Football Coaches Association Top 25 Poll, as released on Monday.  The Statesmen, who received 469 poll points, climbed two spots in the weekly poll after dismantling Jackson State 27-15 this past Saturday at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. 

“Saturday’s victory at Jackson State was a big win for us,” said Roberts.  “The pollsters clearly took notice.”

In other poll news, the Statesmen remained No. 1 in the Dopke Route 66 Division II Poll for a second straight week, while D2Football.com’s weekly Top 25 rankings held Delta State at a firm No. 7 nationally.

The Statesmen have an open date September 8 before returning to the gridiron on September 15 versus Henderson State University.  Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Travis Parker Field.   

September 5, 2007

DELTA STATE SHOWS WHY IT DESERVES OUR TOP NOD
From CollegeSportsReport.com - By Brad Dopke

• CollegeSportsReport.com Team of the Week
• CSR.com NCAA Division II Top 25

I’ve been catching a little grief for bucking the norm of giving the returning champion an automatic top ranking, favoring Delta State over Grand Valley.  I have my reasons.  

So it was with apprehensive delight when DSU stepped up its schedule to face a growing Jackson State club, a team on the rise and full of D-I talent under former Tuskegee coach Kermit Blount, now in his second season.  

DSU did not disappoint.  Known for its offensive prowess, this week saw the Statesmen earn the tough win behind an equally tough defense.  DSU held JSU to just eight first downs and 122 yards of offense, including minus-29 rushing in a 27-15 win.

Jackson State was successful on only one of 13 third downs and failed to convert on all three of its chances on fourth down.  Ron Roberts earned his first win as DSU coach behind terrific defense, also nabbing our Division II Team of the Week honors in the process!

September 1, 2007

Statesmen blast Tigers 27-15 at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

JACKSON – The Delta State University Statesmen went into the Tigers’ den and shocked Jackson State University 27-15 in front of 12,667 fans at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Jackson on Saturday. The first ever meeting between the two schools on the gridiron was a defense-dominated game until the fourth quarter, when the teams combined for 29 points.

The Statesmen drew first blood against the Tigers mid-way through the first quarter when Chad Schroeder ran into the end zone around the right side of the line from nine yards out to put the Statesmen up 6-0. Trey Adams’ extra point attempt was blocked.

Both defenses were dominate as neither team broke 100 total yards in the half, but the Statesmen tacked on another touchdown when Ken Cox broke through the middle of the line from a yard out with just over two minutes left on the clock.

The score was set up by a 15-yard interception return by Lardester Hicks, which gave the Statesmen the ball deep in Tiger territory. The sophomore linebacker picked the ball right out of the hands of the intended receiver. Trey Adams split the uprights with the PAT attempt to give the Statesmen a 13-0 lead going into the locker room at halftime.

The Statesmen finished the first half with 98 yards of total offense, 61 rushing and 37 passing. Cox had 42 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, and Schroeder added 21 and a score on three carries.

Quarterback Dedrick Wilson was 8-of-18 passing for 37 yards with one interception.

The Statesmen defense held the Tigers to just 38 total yards, negative 21 on the ground and 59 through the air.

Neither defense gave up anything in third quarter. As the horn signified 15 minutes left in the game, the score remained Statesmen 13, Tigers 0.

The Statesmen added another score just over a minute and a half into the fourth quarter on a three-yard carry by Wilson. The blocking for the fleet-footed quarterback was provided by Michael Eubanks, Chris Eccles and Lardester Hicks, all defensive starters.

Jackson State, for the first time all night, had an answer to the Statesmen offensive success, Larvarius Giles’ 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. With the extra point, the Statesmen lead was 20-7.

Nearly six minutes later, Wilson ran in for his second touchdown of the night, and the Statesmen’s final score of the contest. With 7:41 left in the game, the Statesmen had a commanding 27-7 lead.

Cedric Dixon caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Jimmy Oliver to cut the lead to 27-15, but with just 5:03 left to play, it was too little, too late.

The Statesmen finished with 269 total yards, 182 yards rushing and 67 passing.

Schroeder finished with 34 yards on seven carries and a touchdown, and Cox had 42 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

Wilson was 13-of-28 passing for 67 yards and rushed for 34 yards and two touchdowns.

Hicks led the Statesmen defensively with 5.5 tackles and an interception. Dominic Spinks added three tackles and an interception, and Anthony King picked of a pass.

Jimmy Oliver was 7-of-20 for 93 yards and an interception, while Trae Rutland was 4-of-14 with two interceptions for the Tigers.

The Statesmen defense held the Tigers to 122 yards of total offense, negative 29 yards rushing.

The Statesmen will play again Saturday, Sept. 15 at 6:00 p.m. The Statesmen will host the Reddies of Henderson State at Travis Parker Field. Delta State will also be holding its annual Pig Pickin’ Festival.

August 30, 2007

STATESMEN SET FOR SEASON OPENER AT JSU
By Travis Chamblee, Football Contact

CLEVELAND - The No. 7 Statesmen travel to Jackson Saturday, Sept. 1 for the first ever meeting between Delta State and Jackson State.
           
“We’re very excited. It’s good to be in game week once again,” first-year head coach Ron Roberts said. “We have a veteran group that has done a tremendous job during fall camp. We feel honored to play Jackson State. They are a great football team and have done some tremendous things. Rick Comegy has done a great job everywhere he’s been.”
           
The Statesmen have high hopes this season after a national semi-final appearance last season. The Statesmen finished the season with a 12-3 overall record and finished second in the Gulf South Conference with a 7-1 record.
           
A dominating, top-ranked defense helped get the Statesmen over the last few hurdles between themselves and national success.
           
The Statesmen have several players returning this season from last year’s defense. Among the group of returning players is All-American linebacker, Michael Eubanks.
           
Eubanks led the Gulf South Conference with 10.5 sacks last season, and the senior needs just three to become the career-leader at Delta State.
           
Sophomore Preseason All-American linebacker Lardester Hicks and senior free safety Jamarcus Wiggins are also looking to bigger and better things this season.
           
Hicks was named to the All-GSC team as a freshman and Wiggins led the Statesmen with 81 tackles last season.
           
The star-studded defense led the GSC in both total defense, 243.9 yards per game, and scoring defense, 13.4 points per game.
           
Jackson State gave up 270.8 yards per game last season and gave up more than 20 points in eight of their 10 games during a 6-5 campaign.
           
The Tigers do have experience at the quarterback position, one place the Statesmen still have a question mark.
           
Jimmy Oliver threw for 1,906 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season, on 138-of-221 pass attempts. The dual-threat senior also ran for 546 yards and five scores.
           
“Oliver is extremely talented, very athletic. He has an escape dimension that allows him to get out of negative situations,” Roberts said. “He was sacked only about eight times last year. He was under pressure, but he is hard to tackle in a phone booth.”
           
The Tigers also have a solid rushing game. All five starters on the offensive line are back from last season, when the Tigers ran for 1,717 yards and 23 touchdowns. Senior Erik Haw ran for 371 yards on 123 carries and led the Tigers with nine touchdowns last year.
           
Dedrick Wilson will start at quarterback for the Statesmen. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior transferred to Delta State from West Hill Community College in Coalinga, Calif., where he threw for 2,188 yards and 10 touchdowns during his sophomore season. The fleet-footed playmaker also ran for 123 yards and two scores.
           
“There was a good, hard-fought battle between Dedrick (Wilson) and Brett Hyatt during fall camp. We have two quarterbacks that we feel comfortable with, and we are prepared to play them both during the game Saturday,” Roberts said. “We are still going to watch them during this final week of practice, but Dedrick Wilson is our starting quarterback.”
           
While Wilson may lack experience in at Delta State, the offense is loaded with experience and talent around him.
           
Jeremy Ricks leads a receiving corps that finished second in the GSC in passing offense last season. Ricks, a 5-foot-9, 175 pound senior, caught 61 passes last season for 903 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Preseason All-American also rushed for 145 yards and two scores giving him a team-high, 16 touchdowns.
           
The Statesmen also have two Preseason All-Americans on the offensive line, which returns four starters from last year’s squad.
           
Travis Mikel, a 6-foot-1, 295 pound senior, was voted Preseason All-American at center, while Dustin Barrick, a 6-foot-4, 285 pound senior, was voted Preseason All-American as a tackle.
           
Chris Goff, a 6-foot-3, 305 pound senior, and Brad Latham, a 6-foot-5, 295 pound sophomore, also return as starters to the offensive line.
           
The Statesmen have a trio of talented running backs in senior Ken Cox, sophomore Ben Stallings and senior Steven Davis.
           
“Our running backs are a very physically talented group. We’re real excited about the three guys we have at that position,” Roberts said. “Our offensive line is going to open holes for them. We set the tempo from day one that we want to be physical up front. We want to be mentally tough and dominate people in the trenches.”
           
The Statesmen are traveling to Jackson for the first time since 2000, when they defeated Belhaven 55-15.
           
Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

August 27, 2007

STATESMEN NAME WILSON STARTER FOR JSU

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced Monday that Dedrick Wilson will be the starting quarterback to open the season on Saturday at Jackson State.  The announcement ends a four week battle between Wilson and Brett Hyatt. 

“There was a good battle during fall camp between Dedrick (Wilson) and Brett (Hyatt). We feel like we have two very good quarterbacks and are prepared to play them both this Saturday, but Dedrick will be our guy to open the game,” Roberts said.
“Dedrick has the ability to improvise, and he has a very strong arm. He also brings a lot of confidence to the huddle.”
 
Wilson, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior, transferred to Delta State from West Hills Community College in Coalinga, Calif. The Amite, La., was a two-time All-Conference selection for the Falcons.  In 2006, Wilson threw for 2,188 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

 

August 25, 2007

GREEN MACHINE WRAPS UP FINAL SCRIMMAGE OF PRESEASON; SEASON OPENER SEPT. 1 AT JSU

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team scrimmaged for over two hours Saturday night as they continue to prepare for the season opener at Jackson State Sept. 1.  The 110-play controlled scrimmage simulated game-like situations for the Statesmen offense and defense. 

“I thought the scrimmage went well tonight. We are executing much better this week on offense and defense, but we still have a lot of improving to do before next Saturday,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

Both sides of the ball had a measure of success on Saturday, but it was the special teams that stood out.  Junior transfer Trey Adams connected on several long field goals, and junior punter Spencer Strickland continued to boom the ball.  The return game was also outstanding. 

The Statesmen open the season Saturday, Sept. 1 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson versus Jackson State.  Game time is set for 6 p.m. 

August 23, 2007

STATESMEN RANKED NO. 12 IN AFCA PRESEASON POLL

• AFCA Preseason Top 25 Poll - Complete

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team will begin the season ranked No. 12 in the American Football Coaches Association Preseason Top 25 Poll, as released on Wednesday.  The Statesmen finished the 2006 season 12-3 after marching to the NCAA national semifinals.  Wednesday’s ranking places the Statesmen in the top 15 in all three major NCAA Division II polls.

“We’re excited the start of the season is upon us,” said DSU head coach Ron Roberts.  “We have a large nucleus of players that have bitter taste in their mouths about the way we finished last season.  They’re hungry and excited to face the Tigers next Saturday.”

Delta State’s road to the playoffs is fraught with tough opponents.  After Jackson State, an NCAA 1-AA opponent, the Statesmen face No. 6 Valdosta State on October 11 and No. 4 North Alabama on October 18.  Two additional opponents, Henderson State (September 15) and Arkansas Tech (October 6), were among the teams receiving votes.

Defending NCAA champion Grand Valley State held down the No. 1 preseason ranking for a third consecutive year.  Northwest Missouri State, North Dakota, North Alabama and Chadron State rounded out the preseason top five.  

Delta State opens the 2007 campaign September 1 versus Jackson State University.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.  

August 18, 2007

STATESMEN MAKE STRIDES IN SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE

CLEVELAND – With exactly 14 days separating Delta State and Jackson State from their season opener at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, Statesmen head coach Ron Roberts put the team through the best scrimmage of the fall on Saturday at Parker Field.  The 108 play affair lasted over two hours in 104 degree heat and was characterized by several big plays for the offense and defense.

“I believe we made some major strides today,” Roberts said.  “Our first team units on both sides of the ball made some big plays and our second and third units stepped it up big time since last Saturday’s scrimmage.”

The scrimmage began with the offense reeling off four-straight scoring drives from the 20-yard line, highlighted by freshman tailback Trevar Deed’s 20-yard scamper off the right end.  Brett Hyatt and Dedrick Wilson both completed touchdown passes early, but third-string quarterback Kyle Rodger’s 20-yard touchdown run off an option fake had the sidelines rolling.

Not to be lost in the fray was the play of sophomore quarterback Garrett Dewitt.  Dewitt directed two scoring drives including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Tremaine Jenkins.

“Our offense was explosive early on,” added Roberts.  “The running game was really the highlight today and that starts up front with the offense line.  They have embraced a more physical style of play and today was an example of that.”

The offensive highlight of the day came on Ken Cox’s 53-yard touchdown run off the right end after breaking three tackles in the backfield.  Cox finished the day with over 100-yards rushing. 

“Ken had a monster day for the offense,” said Darrin Hicks, offensive coordinator.  “The line blocked well for him today and receivers Eric Marshall, Derek Freeman, and Rico Brown all played much better today than in last week’s scrimmage.”

After the first half break, the green shirted defense seemed to pick up the intensity level making several stops in the second half.  Statesmen defensive backs picked off two passes and the defensive front racked up several sacks. 

Coach Roberts singled out a few defenders with great performances on the day including linebackers Michael Eubanks and Lardester Hicks, defensive backs Dominic Spinks and Monterio James, defensive linemen Chris Eccles, Jason Fenderson and Ricky Abren, and safety Scott Felando. 

Delta State capped the 2006 season 12-3 advancing to the NCAA Division II national semifinals.  The Statesmen open the 2007 campaign September 1 versus Jackson State University.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.  

The Statesmen will continue preparations for the Tigers on Sunday at 4 p.m.  All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.   

August 16, 2007

GRIDIRON STATESMEN TO SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY

CLEVELAND –Delta State University head coach Ron Roberts announced Thursday that the team will go through its third and potentially most important scrimmage of the fall on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Travis Parker Field.  The game-situation scrimmage holds great significance for all 106 Statesmen football players.

“We have several guys fighting it out at key positions,” Roberts said.  “Our quarterback race is heating up, running back is a three or four man race, and the defense has several depth chart positions left to be filled.  A guy may enter Saturday third on the depth chart, but if he performs well Saturday, it may make a huge impact on his playing time.”

The offense versus defense game-situation scrimmage will kickoff at 1 p.m.  All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.     

August 15, 2007

STATESMEN RANKED NO. 7 IN D2FOOTBALL.COM PRESEASON POLL

• D2Football.com Preseason Top 25 Poll

CLEVELAND – With the start of the 2007 football season a little over two weeks away, the Statesmen of Delta State University were ranked No. 7 in D2Football.com’s annual Preseason Top 25 Poll, as released on Wednesday.  The No. 7 preseason ranking is the highest for the green-and-white since the 2004 season. 

“Preseason polls are nice for the fans to look at and gauge where certain teams may fall at the start of the season, but only one poll really matters and that is the one at the end of the year,” DSU head coach Ron Roberts said.  “I’m honored we’re ranked as high as No. 7, but we have a lot of work left to do before Jackson State on September 1.”

Two-time defending national champion Grand Valley State (15-0) received the top ranking for a third consecutive year.  The Lakers ended Delta State’s season with a 49-31 victory in the semifinals last year.  Northwest Missouri State (14-1), last season’s NCAA runner-up, was ranked No. 2 followed by North Dakota (11-2), North Alabama (11-1) and Chadron State (12-1) in the top five.  Nebraska-Omaha (8-3) held down No. 6 followed by Delta State, Shepherd (11-1), South Dakota (9-4) and Valdosta State (8-2) in the top 10. 

Delta State capped the 2006 season 12-3 and advanced to the NCAA Division II national semifinals.  The Statesmen open the 2007 campaign September 1 versus Jackson State University.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.   

August 15, 2007

Statesmen place two on D2Football.com Preseason All-American Team

CLEVELAND - Highlighted by two-time All-American linebacker Michael Eubanks and Honorable Mention All-American cornerback Monterio James, Delta State University placed two players on the D2Football.com Preseason All-America Team, as released on Monday.  The Statesmen, ranked as high as No. 7 in many preseason publications, are favorites to contend for the Gulf South Conference title after finishing last season 12-3 and advancing to the NCAA semifinals. 

“We feel really fortunate to have players the caliber of Michael and Monterio representing our team,” head coach Ron Roberts said.  “It’s a shining example of the type of people we want in our program.”

Michael Eubanks, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker from Cleveland, finished the 2006 season with 10.5 sacks while collecting 24 tackles-for-loss.  Monterio James, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound cornerback from Starkville, racked up 58 tackles to go along with five interceptions last season. 

 

August 14, 2007

STATESMEN PLACE NINE ON FOOTBALL GAZETTE PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM

• Don Hansen's Football Gazette Preseason All-America Team

CLEVELAND –Led by two-time All-American linebacker Michael Eubanks, Delta State University placed nine Statesmen on Don Hansen’s Football Gazette Preseason All-America Team, as released on Monday.  The Statesmen, ranked as high as No. 7 in many preseason publications, are an early season favorite to contend for the Gulf South Conference title after finishing last season 12-3 and advancing to the NCAA semifinals. 

“It’s an honor to have so many of your players named to the Preseason All-America team,” head coach Ron Roberts said.  “It’s a testament to the caliber of student-athlete we have here at Delta State.”

Michael Eubanks, a 6-foot-2 225-pound senior linebacker, headlines the list of preseason All-Americans for Roberts’ Statesmen.  The Cleveland native is a two-time First Team All-American at a position loaded with talent.  Last season, Eubanks tallied 10.5 sacks and 24 tackles-for-loss. 

Joining Eubanks on the defensive side of the ball is defensive tackle Chris Eccles (6-2, 312, Sr., Pensacola, Fla.), linebacker Lardester Hicks (6-1, 235, Soph., Chicago, Ill.), defensive back Monterio James (6-1, 195, Jr., Starkville), and safety Jamarcus Wiggins (6-3, 215, Sr., Cantonment, Fla.).         

The Statesmen offense was also well represented on the team.  Jeremy Ricks, a 5-foot-9 senior receiver from Hollandale, headlines the offensive players.  Ricks led the Gulf South Conference in scoring last season with 16 touchdowns after hauling in 61 receptions for 903 yards.

Fullback Ben Stallings (6-1, 235, Soph., Boyle), left tackle Dustin Barrick (6-3, 275, Sr., Albertville, Ala.) and center Travis Mikel (6-1, 295, Sr., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.) were also named to the squad. 

Stallings rushed for 227 yards and five touchdowns on just 63 carries last season, while hauling in four passes for two touchdowns.  Barrick and Mikel both graded at 90 percent or better in all 15 games for the Statesmen last season, while finishing tied for the team lead in knockdown and pancake blocks. 

Delta State led the nation with nine total selections, with Abilene Christian University receiving six.  No other GSC school received more than two.  The Statesmen will open the 2007 season September 1 versus Jackson State University.  Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.      

August 13, 2007

STATESMEN CLOSE FALL CAMP WITH FINAL TWO-A-DAY PRACTICE; REGULAR SCHEDULE BEGINS TUESDAY

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen football team had their final two-a-day practice session Monday as the fall training camp came to a close.

“I feel confident about the progress we have made over the past week, but we still have a lot of ground to cover before September 1,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

The Statesmen battled 106 degree heat as they worked out in shorts and shoulder pads Monday.

Delta State will begin their regular season practice schedule Tuesday and will scrimmage on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 11, 2007

STATESMEN GAIN REAL GAME EXPERIENCE DURING OFFICIATED SCRIMMAGE

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team scrimmaged under the lights of Travis Parker Field Saturday night in front of a crowd of about 300 fans. The offense faced off against the defense for about two hours with a complete crew of officials.

“Things went well, but we had a number of mistakes, penalties, dropped balls, things you just can’t do,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “Our offense did a good job in the red zone, but those penalties and mistakes in the middle of the field put us in a bad situation.”

Roberts felt like the first defense performed well and said some of the second team is starting to step up and showed that they can play.

“I think our first team defense matches up with anybody in the country, but our goal is to be the best in the country,” Roberts said. “I feel like we have the talent to do that, as long as we don’t rest in our roles and understand we have to get done in the next couple of months.”

While the offense struggled for much of the night, Roberts attributed that to the lack of continuity on the offensive line.

“We’ve had a lot of guys miss time with injuries and that has slowed us down, but at this stage in the game, the defense is usually ahead of the offense,” Roberts said. “With where our defense is right now, I think we’re pretty darn good.”

Offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks added that tonight’s scrimmage was more about evaluating players than preparing for the season, but it was difficult to get an accurate evaluation because of the constant pressure from the defensive line.

The offense did find a good deal of success on the ground, however. Ken Cox broke into the end zone on a couple of plays and Stephen Davis ran in from about 10 yards out. Ben Stallings scampered in on a short-yard run, and Trevar Deed stretched the defense around the right side as he reached the goal line.

The Statesmen will practice again on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. on the practice fields adjacent to Travis Parker Field. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 10, 2007

STATESMEN CONTINUE TO WORK HARD DESPITE HEAT

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen football team practiced this afternoon for nearly three hours in heat that reached as high as 104.

“They did a good job of fighting through some things and weren’t feeling sorry for themselves in the heat,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “We really got some work done today. I’m excited about the progress we’ve made and I love the direction we’re heading, but we’re not there yet.”

The Statesmen will have a light practice Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. and will have a scrimmage at Travis Parker Field Saturday night beginning at 7:30. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 9, 2007

STATESMEN BATTLE EXTREME HEAT, BUT EXCEL ON THE FIELD

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen football team practiced twice Thursday, at 9:00 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m., for the second time during the fall camp.

“Today was a good day for us. I feel like we fought through the second practice better that we did than during our first two-a-day session,” head coach Ron Roberts said.

Despite working out in shorts during the afternoon due to temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, Roberts said they weren’t hindered in what they were trying to accomplish.

“We can execute about 80 percent of our packages on both sides of the ball. We still have more to install, but they are learning quickly and performing well on the field,” Roberts said.

Offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks added that the younger players are starting to become more comfortable in the offense.

Hicks also pointed out senior offensive lineman Chris Goff for the effort he was putting forth on the field. Junior wide receiver Chad Schroeder, freshman receiver Rico Brown and senior receiver Jeremy Ricks are playing very well, according to Hicks.

“These are some guys that we expected to play well for us. They are putting forth a lot of effort and we are very excited about where we are right now,” Hicks said. “Chad (Schroeder) is a guy that is very good with the ball in his hands and Jeremy (Ricks) is performing like a pre-season All-American should. Overall, it was a good, solid day for the offense.”

Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda gave high praise to senior lineman Michael Lewis, saying, “He is probably our most gifted pass rusher, and he continues to improve his run defense.”

Aranda also mentioned defensive backs Dominic Spinks and Chad Taylor, stating, “Dominic (Spinks) is a great lockdown corner with good size and good speed at his position. Chad (Taylor) has been making an impact. He hits hard against the run and is very good in pursuit.”

The Statesmen will practice again Friday at 3:00 p.m. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 8, 2007

STATESMEN DEFENSE TRUMPS OFFENSE IN FIRST SCRIMMAGE OF FALL

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen held their first full-speed scrimmage Wednesday morning in near-100 degree temperatures with rave reviews be first-year head coach Ron Roberts. The 60-plus play scrimmage lasted for over an hour and concluded a three-hour practice session on the fields adjacent to Travis Parker Field.

“Practice went very well today,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “The first team guys on both sides of the ball did well. For the most part, our assignments looked very good today.”

Roberts added that the second team players are still getting used to the tempo of the game.  “No one group saw a lot of snaps during the scrimmage, but every player got on the field.”

The defense surrendered very few big plays to the offense during the scrimmage, but the offense did manage to find the end zone twice on the ground. Ken Cox, a 5-foot-9 senior tailback from Cleveland, ran up the middle for a short-yardage touchdown and Chad Schroeder, a 6-foot receiver from Demopolis, Ala., showed his speed crossing the goal line from 25 yards out for the second score.

“We have a bunch of guys returning from last year’s defense and they are playing quite well right now,” Roberts said. “We didn’t give up much, but I thought our first team offense did move the ball well.  Brett Hyatt and Dedrick Wilson directed the offense well and our receivers made some catches in traffic.”

While Roberts said he hasn’t seen enough to name a starting quarterback, he did say that the competition between Brett Hyatt and Dedrick Wilson is very close.

“I think we have two good quarterbacks that can play in this conference and do well, but we’re looking for that guy that is going to come into the Gulf South Conference and do great,” Roberts added.

Roberts also mentioned the play of place kicker Trey Adams and punter Spencer Strickland.  “Both those guys have proven they can kick the ball and each practice we get a little better.” 

The Statesmen will practice again on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to come.

August 8, 2007

POBOLISH NAMED RECEIVERS COACH AT DELTA STATE

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts introduced Chet Pobolish as the Statesmen’s new wide receivers coach on Tuesday.  Pobolish comes to Delta State University from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  His hiring ends a two-week search to find a replacement after the resignation of Jackie Cooper in July.

“Coach Pobolish brings a wealth of experience and energy to our coaching staff,” Roberts said.  “Chet was an accomplished player at Emporia State University and he brings a level of enthusiasm and excitement to our receiving corps that we certainly needed.  He played for coach Darrin Hicks (offensive coordinator) at ESU and he is very familiar with our offensive philosophy.”

The Moundsville, W.V., native spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Emporia State before moving to William Penn.  At ESU, Pobolish coached wide receivers for five years before serving the last three as quarterbacks coach.  At ESU, Pobolish directed the Hornets’ quarterbacks to record setting performances including Tad Hatfield’s school-record 3,068 yards in 2004.       

Pobolish was also a four-time All-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection at wide receiver for Emporia State from 1995-1998.  While at ESU, the speedster hauled in 193 passes, good for fifth all-time in MIAA history.  His 2,595 yards receiving also rank fourth on the all-time ESU list.  Known as a deceptive and elusive receiver, Pobolish concluded his career with 4,655 all-purpose yards. 

He is a 1999 graduate of Emporia State with a degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.  In December, Pobolish married the former Holly Mitchell.  The couple resides in Cleveland.               

August 7, 2007

ROBERTS EXCITED ABOUT EFFORT PUT FORTH DURING TWO-A-DAY SESSION

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team went through two practice sessions Tuesday, a three-hour session at 9:00 a.m. and a three-hour session at 4:00 p.m. The players worked out in full pads and continued to learn the schemes and systems the coaching staff is working to put in place.

“The players put forth a lot of effort, and the assignments are getting better,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “It’s been very hot, but they are pushing through that and working hard to continue to improve.”

Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda added, “Our run defense is getting better everyday. Our offense does such a great job running the ball that we have to work hard against them.”

Aranda highlighted junior cornerback Monterio James, senior linebacker Michael Eubanks, and senior defensive lineman Jason Fenderson for playing well and doing a good job of reading the run and attacking. Aranda also added that Fenderson gave some of the best effort of anyone on the team.

Offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks said, “I’m very excited about our offense. The players are working with a lot of focus, and I feel like we’re ahead of the curve.”

Hicks added that the quarterbacks are making great strides to learn the offense and are battling hard for the starting role.

“There is a good competition going on between Brett Hyatt and Dedrick Wilson. Those two guys are starting to pull away from the others, and I felt like they both had a strong performance today,” Hicks said.

The Statesmen will practice again Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. The practice will feature a scrimmage of about 60 plays. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 7, 2007

AUGUST HEAT FORCES STATESMEN TO MOVE WEDNESDAY’S SCRIMMAGE

CLEVELAND – With temperatures expected to creep over the century mark on Wednesday, Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced that the Statesmen would move the first scrimmage of the fall to 10 a.m. at Travis Parker Field.  The scrimmage was originally scheduled for 3 p.m.

“After consulting with our athletic trainer (Gerald Jordan), we decided it was in the best interests of our players to move the scrimmage,” Roberts said.  “We have been practicing regularly at 9 a.m., so this shouldn’t be too much of a hurdle for our players.”

The Statesmen are five days into preparations for the upcoming season opener at Jackson State University.  The Statesmen and Tigers will meet for the first time on the gridiron September 1 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.     

August 6, 2006

FIRST DAY IN FULL PADS A SUCCESS FOR STATESMEN

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team had their first practice in full pads Monday morning. After a warm up session, the team practiced for almost three hours in 90-plus degree heat.

“The intensity and tempo were very good, but being the first day in full pads, guys got so excited we had some mental mistakes,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “Physically, we took a step forward. The team period was very good.”

Both offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda felt like they were making progress towards the goals that they are trying to achieve.

Hicks pointed out that offensive lineman Mark Ellis and superbacks Trevar Deed and Ken Cox have worked hard and put out exceptional performances.

“We’re looking for special things out of all of our guys, but those three have been standing out and doing some really good things,” Hicks said.

Defensively, Aranda has pointed out that defensive backs Scott Felando and Jamarcus Wiggins and defensive lineman Rickey Abren were performing well.

“I’m proud of those three guys. They have a lot of talent and are continuing to improve on a daily basis,” Aranda said.

The Statesmen will practice Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

August 5, 2007

STATESMEN GET INTRODUCED TO AFTERNOON HEAT

CLEVELAND – After attending church services at First Baptist Church Sunday morning, the Delta State University football team practiced for three hours in the afternoon heat. The team continued to work on conditioning, while running drills and plays in order to learn the system.

“Right now, the players have a great attitude towards practice,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “The past few days have been some of the hottest, and they have done a great job of focusing and getting the work done.”

Sunday was the last day in which the players won’t be in full pads, and with that comes more contact.

“We’re going to increase the contact level, but we aren’t going to take anybody to the ground. We don’t have anything live scheduled,” head coach Ron Roberts said. “We’re still in the teaching mode and trying to get everyone comfortable in our system.”

The Statesmen will practice again Monday at 9:00 a.m. All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

 

August 4, 2007

DAY TWO BRINGS LIGHT CONTACT

CLEVELAND – The Delta State football team practiced for three hours Saturday morning in temperatures close to 100 degrees. Head coach Ron Roberts had his team in shorts and shoulder pads on the second day of fall training camp. 

Early in the session, the team was split up by position to run through drills. Later in the day, the offense ran plays with light contact against the defense.

“Right now it is a lot of learning,” Roberts said. “We have a lot of new players and we’re trying to teach them our schemes.”

The Statesmen will practice again Sunday at 3:00 p.m. All practice sessions are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.

 

August 3, 2007

ROBERTS OPENS 2007 SEASON WITH FIRST PRACTICE

CLEVELAND – In 95 degree heat and humidity reaching over 90 percent, Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts put the Statesmen through their first practice of the year on Friday.  Over 116 players worked out in helmets for over two hours on the practice fields adjacent to Travis Parker Field.

“It was a typical first practice,” said Roberts.  “We tried to make sure everyone knew where they were going, while installing several drills during this morning’s session.  The players kept the intensity level high for the most part and I was really pleased with the outcome.”

While no individual players were singled out, Roberts is pleased with this year’s crop of talent.  “We have a great group of players and they are taking a business-like approach to our preparation so far,” concluded Roberts.

Saturday’s practice is slated for 9 a.m. at Travis Parker Field.  All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. 

August 1, 2007

STATESMEN PICKED THIRD IN GSC PRESEASON COACHES POLL; EIGHT NAMED TO ALL-GSC PRESEASON TEAM

CLEVELAND – Coming off a 12-3 finish and trip to the NCAA Division II semifinals, the Statesmen of Delta State University were picked to finish third this year in the Gulf South Conference Preseason Coaches Poll released on Wednesday.  The third place selection marks a fourth consecutive year that Delta State has been picked third in the annual poll.

The Lions of North Alabama were picked to defend their GSC crown with 6-of-11 first place votes, while the Valdosta State Blazers earned three first place votes to lock up second place.
               
Delta State received one first place vote, enough to give the Statesmen a five-point edge over fourth place Henderson State.  Harding rounded out the top five, followed by Arkansas Tech, West Alabama, Southern Arkansas, West Georgia, Ouachita Baptist and Arkansas-Monticello.
               
“We’re excited to get preparation for the season underway,” said Ron Roberts, DSU head coach.  “We have a veteran team and a group that is hungry for success coming off last season’s finish.  I expect this to be a great year.”
               
Led by All-American linebacker Michael Eubanks, the 2006 GSC Defensive Player of the Year, Delta State led all other schools with eight Preseason All-GSC selections.  Joining Eubanks on the defensive side of the ball were 2006 All-GSC picks Chris Eccles (DE), Lardester Hicks (LB), Jamarcus Wiggins (FS) and Monterio James (DB). 
               
The Statesmen also placed three offensive players on the squad led by returning All-Americans Dustin Barrick (LT) and Travis Mikel (C).  Jeremy Ricks (WR), a Preseason All-American selection by Lindy’s, was also named to the offensive unit.
               
“All eight of these young men deserve this honor,” added Roberts.  “They are the leaders on this team and they will do whatever it takes for us to be successful on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
               
Delta State also placed several players on the GSC’s “Top Newcomers” list.  University of Kentucky transfer Rickey Abren, a defensive tackle from Hopkinsville, Ky., headlines the list for the Statesmen defenders.  Bruce McCaleb, an offensive lineman from the University of Memphis, and Dedrick Wilson, a quarterback from West Hills Community College in Los Angles, Calif., represented the offense.

                The Statesmen will open the season September 1 at Jackson State University in Jackson.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.           

August 1, 2007

DELTA STATE FOOTBALL SET TO OPEN CAMP ON FRIDAY

CLEVELAND – With exactly one month remaining before the start of the 2007 football season, Delta State University head coach Ron Roberts announced Wednesday that preseason camp will officially begin on Friday at 9 a.m. at Travis Parker Field.  All players will report Thursday for physicals and their pre-camp running test.
               
“We’re excited about getting everyone back on campus,” said Roberts.  “We have four weeks to prepare for the season opener at JSU and I know these guys are as ready as we are to get the ball rolling.”
               
The Statesmen return 56 letterman and 17 starters off a team that finished the 2006 season 12-3 and a trip to the NCAA Division semifinals.  Led by All-Americans Michael Eubanks (LB), Dustin Barrick (LT), Travis Mikel (C), and Jeremy Ricks (WR), the Statesmen have a solid nucleus in place to improve upon last season’s finish. 
               
All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. 

July 26, 2007

STATESMEN TO APPEAR ON GSC-TV LIVE THREE TIMES IN 2007

• Click here for complete GSC-TV Live schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – With fall camp just a week away, the Gulf South Conference officially released its television schedule on Wednesday and the Statesmen of Delta State University will be featured three times on the regional cable package this year.  All 11 GSC football playing schools will be featured at least once on “GSC-TV Live” with Delta State and Valdosta State appearing three times.

“We were extremely pleased to see this year’s schedule feature our squad three times,” said Ron Roberts, DSU head coach.  “It is a testament to the quality of football we have played on the field and the desire our fans have to see GSC and Delta State football.  The national exposure we have received from the telecasts has definitely been a bonus and I believe it only helps to prove the point that GSC football is the class of NCAA Division II.”

Coming off a 12-3 finish last season and a trip to the NCAA semifinals, the Statesmen will make their 2007 television debut on Thursday, September 27 versus Southern Arkansas University.  Delta State will also face two major challenges in back-to-back appearances on “GSC-TV Live” in October versus Valdosta State (10.11) and North Alabama (10.18).

“Our television schedule is down right scary,” said Roberts.  “SAU will be much improved over last season, while Valdosta and North Alabama are perennially national championship contenders.” 

The 11 week package will be available to over 7,000,000 homes.  Comcast/Charter Sport Southeast will continue to be the primary carrier, while CoxSports and other cable systems and open-air channels in non-conflicting areas will also carry the broadcasts.  Locally, WHCQ-TV and Ellington Broadcasting will air the games throughout the Delta.  GSC-TV Games of the Week will not be available on DirectTV or DishNetwork.

“We could not be more pleased with the schedule this season,” added David Ellington, President of Ellington Broadcasting.  “The last two seasons have featured mostly home games, but this year we have two outstanding Delta State road games in the heart of the schedule that I know our viewers are going to enjoy.”

Delta State’s 2007 season will officially kickoff on September 1 versus Jackson State University at Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.  Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.  It will be the first meeting between the two Mississippi schools. 

July 26, 2007

ROBERTS ANNOUNCES COOPER RESIGNATION

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced the resignation of wide receivers coach Jackie Cooper effective immediately on Thursday.  Roberts cited personal reasons for Cooper’s resignation.  Cooper had been a member of Roberts’ staff since April.  A search is already underway for his replacement.   

June 15, 2007

• Click here to see ticket packages or to purchase tickets online

Tickets prices set for 2007 Statesmen football season; Season tickets on sale now

CLEVELAND – Ticket prices have been set for the upcoming 2007 Statesman football season, as announced Friday by Delta State University Athletics.  Once again this season Statesman fans will have the option to purchase single game or season tickets.  Single game tickets are $10 for general admission and $35 for general admission season tickets.  A limited number of reserved chair-back seats are available for $100 and All-Sport general passes, good for the entire year, are set at $150.  Tickets are on sale now.

The Statesmen are set to open the 2007 campaign on September 1 at Jackson State.  The game will be played at Mississippi Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Jackson.  Delta State is slated to play four home games this season with the first scheduled for September 15 versus Henderson State University at Travis Parker Field.  Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.

Fans may purchase tickets online or call the DSU Athletics Ticket Office at (662) 846-4290.  For more information on the upcoming season or to inquire about tickets, please contact the DSU Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300.      

May 22, 2007

Statesmen add 22 players to 2007 roster; Fall camp set to begin August 2

CLEVELAND - Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced the addition of 22 players to the 2007 Statesmen football team on Tuesday. The Statesmen are also set to begin fall camp on Saturday, August 2 with the 2007 season set to begin on September 1 at Jackson State University in Jackson. A complete list of new players is listed below.

Name - Position - Hometown
Ben Callon - LB - Aberdeen
Matt Dean – PK – Cleveland
Clint Farrar – RB – Corinth
David Flowers – OL – Pensacola, Fla.
Surframe Gilleylen – LB – Amory
Deric Grooms – QB – South Fulton, Tenn.
Tyler Hancock – QB – Lexington, Ky.
Patrick Hinton – QB – Corinth
Androne James – WR – Amite, La.
Keith Johnson – LB – Alligator
Andre Kirkland – WR – Cleveland
Davell Lauder – DL – Merced, Calif.
Jermaine McRoy – DB – Cleveland
Fernando Matthews – DB – Clarksdale
Trevar Deed – RB – Tempe, Ariz.
Jason Moore – OL – Houston
Chris Muir – WR – Jackson, Tenn.
Aaron Purnell – WR – Mathiston
Andy Stiles – DB – Memphis, Tenn.
Alan Walters – OL – Jackson
Troy Whittey – DB – New Orleans, La.
George Yancy – DB – Vaughn

April 28, 2007

1,000-plus DSU fans watch Statesmen offense edge defense 20-19 on lone touchdown

CLEVELAND - Despite an impressive performance by the defense, the offense’s lone touchdown was enough to give the white team a 20-19 victory in the Green-White game Saturday in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000 fans.

The defense dominated the offense for much of the first half, before Brett Hyatt found Eric Marshall for a 14-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.

“We’ve come a long way, especially running an offense that we feel uncomfortable running,” first year head coach Ron Roberts said. “We’re not where we want to be, but we did have some guys step up that we needed to.”

Some of those players that stepped up were running back Stephen Davis, Ken Cox and Phillip Graves. The trio combined for 72 yards on 20 carries behind an offensive line that has been plagued by injuries.

“We’ve got two or three guys that we feel can contribute or start. Sean Harrison, Travis Mikel-Allen and Zane Ferguson are all recovering from injuries, which gave a lot of other guys some playing time that they needed,” Roberts said.

Quarterback Brett Hyatt was 4-for-13 passing for 33 yards and one touchdown with one interception, but Roberts was pleased with his quarterback’s play.

“We asked Brett (Hyatt) to run the offense, get comfortable with the offense, and don’t go and try to win the whole show. We want him to get to where he can execute and deliver the ball where it’s supposed to be delivered to,” the first year head coach said. “He’s a bright kid and he can do that. I think he’s come a long way in getting comfortable with this offense.”

The defense held the offense to 227 total yards and just 12 first downs during the game, and Jamarcus Wiggins intercepted a Hyatt pass.

April 21, 2007

Statesmen hold 145 play scrimmage on Saturday; DSU host first annual High School Coaches Clinic

CLEVELAND - On a picture perfect Saturday afternoon, the Statesmen of Delta State University went through a 145 play scrimmage much to the liking of head coach Ron Roberts. Delta State football also hosted its first High School Coaches Clinic under Roberts on Saturday with over 50 coaches in attendance.

"This week's scrimmage was similar to last week's in many ways," said Roberts. "Offensively we made some plays and defensively we were able to control the line of scrimmage most of the day."

Roberts and his staff had planned on Saturday's scrimmage being a focal point for player evaluation this spring.

"We were able to get a lot of plays in today and I believe our coaches were pleased with the overall effort put forth thus far."

The Statesmen will conclude the spring next Saturday, April 28 at 1 p.m. with the annual Green & White Game. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

April 14, 2007

Statesmen scrimmage for first time in wet conditions at University practice fields

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University football team scrimmaged for over an hour and a half on Saturday in wet conditions on the practice fields adjacent to Travis Parker Field.

The session featured several highlights for the defense and offense in a new scoring system implemented by head coach Ron Roberts.

The system is used by several NCAA Division I programs including the University of Oklahoma. The scoring system featured opportunities for both the offense and defense. The scoring system is listed below.

Offense: First Down (1 point), Gain of 30+ yards (2 points), Field goal (3 points), Touchdown (6 points), PAT (1 point).

Defense: Possession stop (1 point), Three-and-out (2 points), Fourth down stop (2 points), Forced Turnovers (3 points), Turnover for touchdown (9 points).

Roberts felt that the team as a whole is making vast improvements.

“The offensive running game is the best I have seen in the past two spring seasons, the linemen look better everyday, and Brett Hyatt has emerged as the top quarterback throughout spring drills,” Roberts said. “Brett continues to improve on deep passing routes.”

Despite the improvements Hyatt is making, Roberts hasn’t made a final decision about who his starting quarterback will be.

“Jeremy Ricks and Chad Shroeder are playing great in receiver roles and Steven Davis is performing well at running back,” Roberts continued, but added that “blocking by wide receivers on the perimeter needs to improve.

Defensively, Roberts feels like the first team is ready for game action while the second team still needs to improve.

“Jamarcus (Wiggins) and Monterio (James) look really good against the run,” noted Roberts. “(Lardester) Hicks looks great and continues to get better. A lot of the guys are in mid-season form.”

The rookie head coach also stated that Chris Eccles and Michael Lewis look good in their defensive line spots.

Roberts was quick to add that Chase Hostetler, a walk-on freshman kicker, has been a very pleasant surprise.

The second scrimmage of the year is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at noon.

April 3, 2007

Delta State football opens spring drills with two hour practice

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University football team opened spring drills Monday with a two hour session on the practice fields adjacent to Travis Parker Field.  The Statesmen went through several conditioning drills in shorts and helmets to begin the afternoon. 

“Practice went well today,” said first-year head coach Ron Roberts.  “We have a lot of new coaches and new system for the team to get accustomed to and I thought it went very well for the first day of practice.” 

Practice resumes Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.  All practices are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.       

March 27, 2007

Roberts era to officially begin April 2nd with spring drills
By Jim Ervin

CLEVELAND - Head football coach Ron Roberts and his staff are set to kick off the beginning of a new era in Delta State football Monday at Travis Parker Field.  Along with Coach Roberts, spring football 2007 will feature the schemes of  several new assistant coaches.

“Everyone from the coaches to the players is itching to get outside and see what we can do,” said an excited Roberts.  “With all the new people we have on the field and the sideline, it should be fun.”

The Statesmen will hit the field for 15 practices including two scrimmages on April 14th and 21st before the final outing when the annual Green and White game is played on April 28th. 

Delta State opens the 2007 campaign versus the Tigers of Jackson State University at Memorial Stadium in Jackson.  Game time is set for 6 p.m.

February 19, 2007

Eric Wright named Director of Football Operations at Delta State University

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced Monday the hiring of Eric Wright as Director of Football Operations.  Wright’s hiring rounds out Roberts’ staff for 2007 and the Tupelo native is set to begin his duties immediately.

‘Eric has been a part of this program for the last five years as a manager and the last two as Equipment Manager,” said Roberts.  “When the position came open, it was clear Eric was the man for the job.”

Wright has served the previous two seasons as Equipment Manager after spending three seasons as head manager under former head coach Rick Rhoades.

Wright is a native of Tupelo and a 2002 graduate of Pontotoc High School. He graduated in May with a degree in Criminal Justice from Delta State University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Criminology. Wright also serves as a Hall Director for Housing and Residence Life at Delta State University.

February 8, 2007

Statesmen set to open 2007 season at Jackson State; DSU to be featured on GSC-TV Live three times in ‘07

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen of Delta State University will officially open the 2007 football season on September 1 at Memorial Stadium in Jackson versus the Tigers of Jackson State University.  Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.  The game will mark the first time in history the two schools have met on the gridiron.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to face Jackson State University to start the upcoming season,” said DSU head coach Ron Roberts.  “Coach Comegy has done a wonderful job in his short time at JSU and the Tigers will pose a tremendous challenge for us come September.”

Delta State’s 2007 schedule currently features 10 games with four games coming at Travis E. Parker Field.  In addition to the Jackson State match-up, the Statesmen will play road games at Ouachita Baptist (9.22), Valdosta State (10.11), North Alabama (10.18), West Alabama (11.3) and Arkansas-Monticello (11.10).  Delta State will host Henderson State (9.15), Southern Arkansas (9.27), Arkansas Tech (10.6), and West Georgia (10.27).

Coach Roberts is hopeful the Statesmen will have an opponent for the September 8 open date very soon.     

The Statesmen will also be featured three times on Gulf South Conference TV-Live next season.  DSU’s home game versus the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas will be the first GSC-TV Live broadcast of the year.  GSC TV-Live has also chosen to broadcast the Delta State at Valdosta State, and Delta State at North Alabama games this upcoming season. 

The Statesmen finished the 2006 season 12-3 overall and 7-1 in the Gulf South Conference. Delta State advanced to the NCAA semifinals after claiming the Southeast Region championship with a 27-10 victory over North Alabama.

 

February 7, 2007

STATESMEN FOOTBALL RELEASES 2007 RECRUITING CLASS

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced the signing of 17 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. The 2007 recruiting class is comprised of one quarterback, three wide receivers, one place kicker, one offensive tackle, three linebackers, five defensive backs, and three defensive linemen.

“With the limited number of seniors we had this season our coaching staff was able to zero in on our needs for next season,” said Roberts. “We addressed our needs along the defensive and offensive fronts, and we were also able to bring in some skill position players that should be able to compete immediately.” Roberts concluded, “I want to thank my staff for their hard work and dedication over the past few weeks. It all paid off today!”

“This is a quality class with depth at a number of positions,” added recruiting coordinator Pete Golding. “We signed the majority of our top targets and all-in-all we are very happy with the results.”

The Statesmen finished the 2006 season 12-3 overall and 7-1 in the Gulf South Conference. Delta State advanced to the NCAA semifinals after claiming the Southeast Region championship with a 27-10 victory over North Alabama.

For a complete list of signees, please click here.

February 2, 2007

DELTA STATE FOOTBALL TO HOST 2007 KICKOFF PARTY ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY FEBRUARY 7

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced Friday that the Statesmen will host a 2007 Kickoff Party on National Signing Day Wednesday, February 7 at Grover’s Corner in Cleveland.  Fans will have the opportunity to meet the new members of the Statesman coaching staff and watch video highlights of Delta State’s 2007 recruiting class.  The event will feature a social from 7:00-7:30 p.m. followed by Coach Roberts’ presentation.     

“This event offers our fans an inside look into our new recruits and our new coaches the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community,” Roberts stated.  “We have a very talented group of new coaches and I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday at Grover’s Corner.”   

Drinks and assorted appetizers will be served.  Grover’s Corner is located next to the old Grover Hotel in downtown Cleveland on the corner of Sharpe Avenue and North Street.  For more information on the event, please contact the Delta State University Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300. 

January 30, 2007

JACKIE COOPER AND STEVEN SMITH JOIN STATESMEN FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

CLEVLAND- Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced the hiring of Jackie Cooper and Steven Smith to the Statesmen football coaching staff on Tuesday.  Both coaches are expected on campus on January 31.   
           
Jackie Cooper comes to Cleveland as the wide receivers coach after spending the last two seasons with Indiana State University in Teere Haute, Ind.  At ISU, Cooper coached wide receivers from 2004-2005.  In 2005, Cooper coached ISU’s Sam Logan to a school record 77 catches and First Team All-Gateway Conference honors.

The Maitero, La., native has coached twice at the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio.   From 2003-04, Cooper coached tight ends, and from 1998-2001 he served as receivers coach.  In 2003, CMSJ went 11-0, and claimed the school’s first ever conference title.

Prior to Cooper’s second stint at CMSJ, the veteran coach spent two seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.  While at UC, the Bearcats finished 7-5 in 2001, and 7-5 in 2002.  Cooper coached in the New Orleans Bowl (2002) and Motor City Bowl (2001) while at UC.  In 2002, he helped the Bearcats win their first Conference USA championship in 46 years.
           
Cooper is a 1999 graduate of the Xavier University with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Science.  He received his master’s degree from UC in 2002 with a focus in Educational Foundations.              
           
Prior to coaching, Cooper was a college teammate of Ron Roberts at the College of the Sequoias. He also played two years at the University of Cincinnati.  In 1988, Cooper was named the Brigs Owens Outstanding Defensive Back at UC.  Cooper was drafted in the third round by the San Antonio (TX) Riders of the World Football League in 1991 as a defensive back. 

He is married to Tracy Cooper and they have three children.

Steven Smith brings seven years of National Football League, and NFL-Europe experience to Delta State University.  He will serve as offensive line coach under Ron Roberts this season. Prior to DSU, Smith spent the 2006 season as the offensive line coach for NFL-Europe’s Rhein Fire. 

In 2005, Smith coached running backs for the Frankfurt Galaxy of the NFL Europe. For the last four summers, the Valparaiso, Ind., native has served as an intern coach with the Dallas Cowboys.  The previous four seasons, he has worked alongside the offensive line coach of the Cowboys.  Smith also served one season as an intern with the New Orleans Saints. 

Smith also brings two years of collegiate coaching experience to Delta State.  From 2001-2002, he served as quarterbacks coach at Virginia State University. 
           
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in Science and Pre-Med studies in 1998.  He also minored in Black American studies. He played fullback for the Salukies for two years.  He is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association.

Smith is the proud father of three children: Arron (11), Tyler (5) and Jourdyn (4)

 

January 23, 2007

BLOOMGREN ACCEPTS POSITION AT TEXAS A&M

CLEVELAND –Mike Bloomgren, offensive coordinator for Delta State University the past two seasons, announced Tuesday he has accepted a position as an assistant on Dennis Franchione’s staff at Texas A&M University.  He will begin his duties at Texas A&M on Monday, January 29.

“My family and I have appreciated our time here at Delta State University,” said Bloomgren.  “The people here make this University a very special place.”

“We will miss the players, but there is a great foundation here and Coach Roberts (Ron) will continue to take this program to the next level,” added Bloomgren.

“We hate to see Mike leave, but he has a great opportunity at Texas A&M he couldn’t pass up,” said Ron Roberts, DSU head football coach.  “We wish him all the best.” 

Over the last two seasons, Delta State has ranked among the top offensive units in the nation.  Under Bloomgren’s direction, the Statesmen passed for over 7,500 yards in two seasons, and Scott Eyster claimed two Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year awards.  Four offensive linemen were named to the All-GSC squad, and three made All-Southeast Region teams. 

The Tallahassee, Fla., native will serve as an assistant offensive line coach at Texas A&M University.  It will also mark the second time in his career he has worked for Dennis Franchione.  Bloomgren served as a graduate assistant under Coach Franchione at the University of Alabama. 

“We are incredibly excited about this opportunity,” said Bloomgren.  “Coach Fran made me an offer I couldn’t ignore, and this is a great step for me and my family.  My ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of this profession, and Texas A&M is one step closer.”       

 

January 20, 2007

DSU’S ROBERTS ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts announced the additions of Dave Aranda and Darrin Hicks to the Statesmen football coaching staff late Friday. Both coaches are expected to be in Cleveland on Monday.

“With our successes over the years, some of the top college coaches in the country want to work at Delta State University, and I believe we have added two of the top football minds in nation,” said Ron Roberts, head coach. “Dave Aranda has a wealth of experience on the defensive side of the ball, and Darrin Hicks is one of the top young quarterback coaches in the country.”

Dave Aranda joins the Delta State staff after spending the 2006 season as the defensive coordinator at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif. CLU finished the season 6-3, but led their conference in scoring defense and total defense. He will serve as defensive backs coach at DSU.

Prior to taking the post at Cal Lutheran, the Thousand Oaks, Calif., native spent two seasons as linebackers coach at the University of Houston (2003-04), and three seasons as a defensive graduate assistant coach at Texas Tech University (2000-2002). He began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater Cal Lutheran University in 1996.

During his career, Aranda has coached in four bowl games. In 2003, Aranda and the University of Houston participated in the Hawaii Bowl. At Texas Tech, Aranda and the Red Raiders competed in GalleryFurniture.com Bowl (2000), Alamo Bowl (2001), and the Tangerine Bowl (2002).

Aranda is a 1999 graduate of Cal Luthern University with a bachelor of arts in Philosophy. He later earned his master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University in 2002. He is also successful graduate of the American Football Coaches Association Professional Development program.

Darrin Hicks brings 11 years of collegiate coaching experience to Delta State University. He will serve asquarterbacks coach at DSU. The Weirton, W.V., native comes to DSU after serving as offensive coordinator at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (2005).

Prior to his time at USMMA, Hicks served one season as head coach at Si Tanka University (2004) in Huron, S.D., and one season as an assistant coach at Texas State University (2003). In 2002, he served as defensive coordinator at Washington and Jefferson College, and from 1999-2001 served as an assistant coach at Cal Lutheran University.

Hicks began his collegiate coaching career at Emporia StateUniversity in 1996 as a graduate assistant. After receiving his degree, he served two seasons as wide receivers coach at the Emporia, Kansas school.

Hicks is a 1996 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with a degree in Business Administration. He is married to the former Jennifer Wilson of Columbus, Ohio.

 

J.D. DAVIS ACCEPTS POSITION AT SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA

CLEVELAND – After four seasons as defensive backs coach at Delta State University, J.D. Davis announced Friday that he had accepted a position at the University of Southeastern Louisiana. Davis will begin his duties immediately for the NCAA Division I school.

“We are extremely proud and excited for Coach Davis today,” said Ron Roberts, DSU head football coach. “We hate to see Coach Davis leave, but it is a testament to our program and the caliber of coaches we have here at Delta State University.”

Roberts concluded, “Coach Davis has been a great asset to this University and we wish him all the best at Southeastern Louisiana.”

A search for his replacement will begin immediately.

 

January 16, 2006

DELTA STATE TABS RON ROBERTS TO LEAD STATESMEN FOOTBALL PROGRAM

CLEVELAND – Delta State University announced Ron Roberts as its 17th head football coach early Tuesday morning. The defensive coordinator for the Statesmen since 2005 and the architect of the one of the top defenses in the Gulf South Conference, Roberts will assume the reigns immediately from outgoing head coach Rick Rhoades, who stepped down after five seasons late Friday afternoon.

Roberts will be formally introduced at a 4 p.m. press conference on January 16 at Chadwick-Dickson Athletic Field House.

“Ron Roberts has everything I was looking for in a coach,” said Dr. Brad Teague, Director of Athletics.  “Ron has produced a proven track record of success everywhere he has been, and I believe he has the integrity, values, and desire to lead this program into the future.” 

Teague concluded, “Ron is one of the top defensive minds in college football and we are pleased to introduce him today as our next head football coach.”

Dr. John Hilpert, Delta State University President, echoed Teague’s sentiments. “Ron Roberts has demonstrated to everyone that he has what it takes to become head coach of one of the most competitive NCAA Division II football programs in the country.”  Hilpert added, “Delta State is fortunate to have a coach on staff with the character and football savvy to take on the job as head coach of the Statesmen.  I’m excited to welcome him to the position.”

In the last two seasons, Roberts has overseen the revitalization of the Statesman defense.  Last season’s march to the NCAA national semifinals saw the Statesmen led the Gulf South Conference in scoring defense (13.4 ppg), rush defense (83.7 ypg), and total defense (243.9 ypg).  Delta State allowed just 26 touchdowns in 15 games and only surrendered more than 17 points twice. 

The Statesmen concluded 2006 ranked ninth in the NCAA in total defense, 14th in rush defense, seventh in scoring defense, and 25th in pass efficiency defense.  Michael Eubanks, an outside linebacker from Cleveland, was a unanimous All-American selection, and five Statesmen defenders were named to various All-South Region teams.

Prior to joining the DSU staff, Roberts served one season as head coach at Mount Whitney HS in Visalia, Calif., and the 2003 season as defensive coordinator at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

While at TSU, Roberts took over a defense ranked near the bottom in the Southland Conference. Within a year the seasoned coordinator improved TSU’s defense in virtually every statistical category and Texas State placed two defenders on the All-Southland Conference Defensive Team.

Before his journey to Texas State, Roberts spent five seasons as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Tusculum College. During his tenure at the Greeneville, Tenn. school, the Pioneers posted one of the most memorable runs in TC football history.

In 2002, Roberts guided a defense that led the South Atlantic Conference in yards (273) allowed per game and in points per game (15). In 2002, the Pioneers posted a school record 31 turnovers for a +7 margin.

At Tusculum College, Roberts coached 11 All-South Atlantic Conference defensive selections and Ricardo Colclough, a second round National Football League draft pick in 2004.

Prior to joining the Tusculum staff, Roberts served as an assistant coach at Greensboro College in 1998 and was head coach at Burroughs High School (1994-96) in California. While at Burroughs, Roberts guided BHS to its first playoff appearance in 15 years and followed that up with another post-season trip the following year.  He began his coaching career at Houston High School in Germantown, Tenn., as a defensive coordinator.   

Roberts was a two-time All-Conference selection at linebacker at the College of Sequoias in his native Visalia, Calif. He transferred to the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he helped guide them to the 1988 Gulf South Conference Championship. He graduated from UT-Martin with a degree in Sociology and later earned his master’s degree in Education from the University of Memphis in 1992.
           
Roberts is married to the former Didi Walker of Germantown, Tenn.  The couple are the parents of three children; Reed (8), Reilly (6), and Ryan (4). 

The Ron Roberts File:

Years	School	Position
2007-	Delta State University	Head Coach
2005-06	Delta State University	Defensive Coordinator
2004	Mt. Whitney (Calif.) HS	Head Coach
2003	Texas State University	Defensive Coordinator
1998-02	Tusculum College	Asst. Head Coach/ Defensive Coordinator
1997	Greensboro College	Defensive Coordinator
1994-96	Burroughs (Calif.) HS	Head Coach
1992-93	Houston (Tenn.) HS	Defensive Coordinator

Past releases:

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• 2004 RELEASES