An approaching storm threatened to have the game called off toward the end of the third quarter, but the lightning held off and the Panthers entered the fourth quarter with the State Fair Classic trophy basically in their hands.
The Panthers played the fourth quarter safe as the cold rain began to fall by keeping the ball on the ground and running out the clock.
For the third straight year PV (4-2) knocked off Grambling (0-4) 31-3 in this year’s State Fair Classic, pushing the Panthers to a record of 4-2 and making them tied with Southern University for the Within two minutes of the opening kick off Prairie View quickly scored twice with a 22-yard field goal and a fumble recovery for a 64-yard touchdown by freshman linebacker Jamespaul Bryant.
The Panther offense was explosive coming out of the gate with junior quarterback Jerry Lovelocke leading the way with 28 completions for 245 yards, connecting with senior wide reciever Deandre Cooper and junior half back Courtney Brown.
They seemed to be unstoppable with 327 yards total offence and one turnover.
The rain had no effect on the Panther defense as Grambling offense seemed to have no answer for the high powered defense holding the Tigers to a total of 329 yards and causing four turnovers. two of those turnover came from Senior linebacker Chuck Obi with a forced fumble and a interception coming from red shirt freshman Foster Brown Jr.
The only points Grambling could manage was a 33-yard field goal by freshman Jonathan Wallace. Courtney Brown gave all the credit to the defense for winning this game, “This win goes out to the defense,” he said. “The defense came out and played a hell of a game, did not give up a touchdown and held it down.”
Coach Heishma Northern said, “The defense played well I was very proud.” Northern added,” This win was not just for us but for the whole school, we’re used to getting beat by Grambling by 60+ and to beat them three years in a row is big.”
With the State Fair Classic coming to an end, that brings the overall record to 47-17-1 with Grambling leading. One student who won’t forget her four years of State Fair Classics is senior Crystal Boykins who said, “Even though it rained I had a great time. When the band started playing my song I became a instant black fox.” Next the Panthers will travel to the great state of Alabama to face their cross-divisional foe and also 4-2 Alabama St. University Hornets
Saturday, Oct.12.
one spot in the west for SWAC.