The Prairie View A&M University Panthers (1-4, 0-4 SWAC) put together arguably their three best quarters of football this season on Saturday night against the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alabama State Hornets (6-1, 6-0 SWAC) before falling 34-13. The Panthers used a balanced run-pass attack and a stingy defense to force a 13-all tie at the end of three quarters pushing the defending conference champions to the limit.
“We didn’t do anything special on offense or defense other than executing efficiently,” said Prairie View head coach Henry Frazier. “Our receivers approached the game with extreme focus and it showed. Ben Boyd stepped in and showed signs of productivity. We were able to stretch the field and that helped us control the ball. Marvin Howard impressed me with his route running and catching.
“With all that being said it all starts up front with the offensive line. I feel like we controlled the line of scrimmage for the entire game.”
Alabama State broke the 13-all tie with 13:40 remaining in the second half on a one-yard touchdown run by running back Robert Randolph. The run was set up by a 59-yard pass completion from quarterback Tarvaris Jackson to wide receiver Alvance Robinson that moved the ball to the Prairie View 13-yard line.
Alabama State contained Prairie View offensively on the Panthers’ ensuing possession forcing a Panther punt. Defensively, Prairie View allowed two additional Alabama State scores, improving the Hornets advantage to 34-13. Despite the loss Frazier did find some positive notes in his team’s performance.
“I was pleased with some of the things we were able to accomplish on special teams,” said Frazier. “I felt like our players really stepped up their intensity. Our punt return unit and kickoff return unit made some big plays.”
Prairie View also found two new offensive weapons in junior tight end Ralph Revelta and sophomore receiver Ben Boyd.
“Ralph has been a pleasant surprise for us all season long,” said Frazier. “We’ve been most impressed with his blocking ability. He is a big target for us when we throw the ball and he moves well for a big guy. Boyd is extremely fast at the receiver position; we plan on utilizing his speed in the future.”
Prairie View’s lone offensive touchdown was scored on a 15-yard run by senior quarterback Micheal Hill at the 14:36 mark of the second quarter bringing the score to a 7-7 tie after a Mario Sanchez extra point. Sanchez was able to convert on field goal attempts of 36 and 30 yards providing the Panthers its 13-point total.
The Panthers will travel to Lincoln University on Saturday, Oct. 22 in non-conference in Jefferson City, Mo. Although the Blue Tigers have had their fair share of struggles this season Frazier refuses to allow his team to let their guards down.
“We’ve only won one ball game this season,” said Frazier. “We don’t have the luxury of overlooking or underestimating any of our remaining opponents. We’re hungry for a victory and we’ll prepare for and play every team we face with the same intensity.