The Southern Heritage Classic is upon us once again. The annual event is more than just a game; it’s an experience. This is the second year that the Tigers from Tennessee State will face the Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.
The Lions enter the game with a 1-1 record, having suffered a 70-0 loss to the University of Arkansas and bouncing back with a 73-0 win over Miles College. UAPB is seeking revenge from last year’s 24-14 loss to TSU.
Alonzo Hampton, in his second season as head coach for the Lions, looks to improve on last season’s 2-9 record. Hampton, a former defensive back at ULM from 1993-96, returned to coach at his alma mater.
Offensive linemen Jamerious Austin (6’1”, 320 lbs.) and Rolando Jones (Southwind High), freshman Zach Williams (Briarcrest High), and wide receiver Kylon Dupree (Southwind) are the Memphians on the team.
Hampton on the key to success in the SHC: “For us, it is to win the line of scrimmage. TSU’s offensive and defensive lines are really good. We’ve got some players that can match their guys. Our quarterback is playing at a high level, and our defense is improving.”
On facing Tennessee State, Hampton added, “We’re confident that we can compete against FCS football teams. We played this team last year and had an opportunity to win the game; we just didn’t get it done. We’re excited. The Southern Heritage Classic, it doesn’t get much better than this.”
Tennessee State, familiar with the trek from Nashville to Memphis, is also 1-1 on the season, having defeated Mississippi Valley State and lost to North Dakota State. Head coach Eddie George and his Tigers are gearing up for another Classic.
Draylen Ellis from Olive Branch will lead the Tigers as starting quarterback. Other Memphians on the team include former University of Memphis QB Tevin Carter, defensive lineman Cameron Blaylock (White Station), and defensive back Jordan Helton (senior). Additional Memphis natives on the roster include QB George Hamsley (MUS), WR Snap Reed (Bartlett), RB Craig Cunningham (Lausanne), OL Saidou Ba (Pure), OL Kennedy Wilbert (Middle College), DL Meonta Kimbrough (Overton), DL Terence Carpenter II, LB David Milburn (Bartlett), and LB Scotty Roddy (KIPP).
Eddie George, in his fourth season as head coach, spoke about playing other historically black colleges: “We are an HBCU, and we love playing other HBCU schools. It is part of the culture. This is our second year playing Arkansas Pine Bluff. I thought we were very successful. It is great for the brands of black college football.”
On the Southern Heritage Classic’s importance, George added, “I am extremely happy. Memphis is a strong footprint for our recruiting grounds and helps us establish relationships. It’s great for our alumni base. It’s like going home, so to speak.”
The Lions have been hard to gauge due to the results of their first two games. George, on reviewing game film, said, “We’ll look at the film from last year to see what their tendencies are. We’ll also look at their last three games from this season to get a better gauge.”
Our friends over at the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grind City Media, Michael Wallace and CJ Hurt, cover HBCU sports and have their own preview of the game:
There are many events leading up to the big game, which can be found at southernheritageclassic.com. The game will kick off at 6 p.m., but tailgating will begin much earlier.
