Southern’s Charles Hawkins, Levi Jackson to miss Valley game
BY MIKE McCALL
Advocate sportswriter
September 27, 2012
When Southern University team released its updated depth chart Wednesday, it held a few surprises. The football team that take the field against Mississippi Valley State at 6:30 p.m. Thursday will look quite different from the bunch that faced New Mexico in Week 1.
The most notable absences are receiver Charles Hawkins and strong safety Levi Jackson, two team captains who will sit out because of injury. Hawkins (hamstring) will be replaced by Lee Doss, with Jordan Bilbo and Thomas Jackson also in line for more playing time.
D’Mekus Cook will fill in for Jackson (bone bruise), who left the UNM game after his injury and did not practice this week.
The rest of the changes were performance-based — all at positions that struggled against the Lobos.
After dropping two passes, tight end Rashaun Allen saw himself bounced to the second string, while Bradley Coleman rose to starter. Coleman notched the Jaguars’ biggest play against UNM, with a 62-yard catch-and-run to the 1-yard line.
On defense, it should come as no surprise that there was some shuffling among a front seven that allowed 347 rushing yards.
Freshman defensive tackle Justin Woods was promoted to replace Benay Pryer; defensive end Arthur Miley replaced Delwin Williams; middle linebacker Demetrius Carter supplanted Javon Allen; and strongside linebacker Anthony Balancier took over for Corry Roy.
On special teams, Hawkins’ absence means cornerback Virgil Williams will be the featured return man, while Jaleel Richardson and Doss could also see time.
As of Wednesday afternoon, freshman receiver Willie Quinn had not been cleared to play by the NCAA.
Parking advisory
With Thursday’s contest taking place on a school day, Southern is making preparations to ensure fans will be able to park and tailgate without issue.
No classes will start after 12:30 p.m., and at that time, students and faculty will be directed to move their vehicles out of areas reserved for game parking. Students are also being advised to park near residence halls, where shuttles will be provided to take them to class.
In addition, the school will contact fans who hold parking permits for recreational vehicles to notify them of temporary changes that stem from the incomplete resurfacing work on the lot outside the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
Athletic Director William Broussard said there will be $10 parking near the stadium and free parking on the west and northwest portions of campus, with shuttles that will ferry fans to A.W. Mumford Stadium from 4:30-7 p.m. and back to their cars beginning around 9:15 p.m.
Broussard said season parking passes are available at the ticket office at (225) 771-3171, with prices starting at $60.
Lagniappe
Thursday’s game is “EBR High School Show Your Colors!” night, where high school students from East Baton Rouge parish will receive free admission with a valid student ID. ... The booster group “A Nation of Dominance” will hold its annual fish fry fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Gate 11 of Mumford Stadium. Plates will cost $7 and include three large pieces of filet catfish, dirty rice, potato salad, peas, cake and a roll. The 501(c)(3) organization will also accept donations. ... The Southern University Football Alumni Association and WNXX-FM, 104.5 are giving away two all-access passes to the Atlanta Classic or Bayou Classic. More details are on their website: http://www.sufaa.org/
fanexperience.html.
... The Verizon SWAC Trophy Tour will be in town for Thursday’s game.