Edward Waters University men’s football is scheduled to visit Jackson State University on September 5 for the HOPE Labor Day Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The official schedule lists September 5 as the game date, although the preview text contains a conflicting September 29 date.
Edward Waters University enters the matchup at 1-0 after defeating Florida Memorial University 42-28 in the Unity Classic. The Tigers scored 35 unanswered points in the second quarter and led 42-15 at halftime. The victory marked Edward Waters University’s third consecutive season-opening win.
Quarterback Tavion Faulk completed 20 of 30 passes for 289 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions against Florida Memorial University. He also rushed for a touchdown and accounted for four of Edward Waters University’s six scores. Wide receiver Izaiah Jean-Baptiste caught seven passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Johntarrious Thomas gained 54 yards and scored on 11 carries.
Linebacker Trevon French led the Edward Waters University defense with 16 tackles, recovered a fumble and blocked a kick. Linebacker Aykenon Rodgers added 13 tackles and a pass breakup. Defensive back Tamarr Fairman intercepted David Buggs and returned the play 31 yards.
Jackson State leads series 1-0
Jackson State University leads the documented series 1-0. The teams last met in 2021 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, where Jackson State University defeated Edward Waters University 53-0. The result remains the only meeting identified in the source material.
Jackson State University’s offense features quarterback Jared Lockhart, who completed 17 of 26 passes for 222 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in his first start of the season. He also rushed for 32 yards. Running back Nate Blount IV carried 15 times for 101 yards, and Jackson State University rushed for 180 yards as a team.
Wide receiver Jabari Jones caught four passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, including an 88-yard scoring reception. Kicker Andrew Ivaniciuc made four of five field-goal attempts from 38, 45, 51 and 21 yards. The 21-yard field goal with 2:31 remaining produced the winning points, and Ivaniciuc accounted for 14 of Jackson State University’s 26 points with two extra points included.
Linebacker Kam Sallis led Jackson State University’s defense with seven tackles. Linebacker Keith Bass recorded six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and the defense’s only sack. Jackson State University’s defense allowed 89 rushing yards and 2.7 yards per attempt in its opener.
Brian Jenkins is in his second season as Edward Waters University’s coach, while T.C. Taylor is in his fourth season as Jackson State University’s coach. After the HOPE Labor Day Classic, Edward Waters University is scheduled to visit Miles College on September 12 for the Prince Hall Americanism Football Classic. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time at Sloan-Alumni Stadium and is to be nationally televised on the SIAC Network.
Source: Original report