A high anticipated game over the Labor Day weekend was the Orange Blossom Classic. The Florida A&M Rattlers overcame the past two losses to Jackson State and beat the Tigers 28-10. The Rattlers handed Jackson State their first loss of the season.
The Rattlers look to carry this momentum through the season, while Jackson State looks to bounce back in Week two. This Sunday showdown wrapped up the Classic games in week one.
In the first game of the Labor Day Classic series, Virginia State defeated Norfolk State 33-24.
Virginia State’s offense was propelled by an excellent game from running back Upton Bailey, who rushed for 183 yards on 18 attempts.
The Trojans special teams came up big and blocked a field goal. They scooped and scored in the final seconds to seal the game.
Alabama State outlasted Southern in a low-scoring affair. The Hornets defeated the Jaguars 14-10. Both of the touchdowns for the Hornets. Alabama State quarterback Dematrius Davis connected with receiver Kisean Johnson for both scores. Alabama State linebacker, Bubba Adams, earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance on Saturday.
A thrilling overtime game between Prairie View and Texas Southern wrapped up the three-game slate of Labor Day Classics. Prairie View defeated Texas Southern 34-31
Prairie View’s quarterback, Trazon Conley, was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against TSU. He passed for 275 yards with two touchdowns to go along with 35 yards on the ground.
The Panthers’ defense helped in the win by grabbing two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Hampton defeated Grambling State 35-31 in the inaugural HBCU Brick City Classic. Grambling State tried to erase a late 10-point lead but came up short.
Hampton quarterback Christoper Zellous stole the show with a four touchdown performance. He had 155 yards through the air and tallied 114 on the ground.
Central State kicked a field goal late in the fourth quarter to beat Mississippi Valley State 24-21 in the 25th Annual Chicago Football Classic.
The Classic games aren’t over yet; there will be other Classics in week two.
Hampton, Jackson State, Norfolk State and Southern all have another annual Classic game in Week two.
Norfolk State (0-1) will travel to Hampton (1-0) to play in the Battle of the Bay Classic. Hampton got the win last year and looks to get another win this week. This game will be aired on FloFootballg.
Jackson State goes to Southern to play in the annual Boombox Classic. Jackson State has a three game winning streak against Southern, previously beating the Jaguars in the SWAC Championship. People will be able to tune in and watch this game on ESPN+.
The annual Aggie-Eagle Classic is back on campus as the defending HBCU champions North Carolina Central travel to Greensboro to take on in-state rival North Carolina A&T. FloFootball will air this game as well.
A&T has dominated this rivalry recently but last year Central flipped the script and beat A&T 28-13 in the Dukes Mayo Classic last year in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Central came of a strong week one performance against Winston-Salem. Three of their players earned MEAC weekly honors; quarterback Davis Richard earned Offensive Player of the Week, lineman Da’Quan Thomas earned Offensive Lineman of the Week and Brandon Codrington received Specialist of the Week.
Tennessee State will face a new opponent in the Southern Heritage Classic this year in Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Tennessee State previously played Jackson State the past two years. HBCU GO will air this game on their network.
Alabama A&M will play Lane College in the Louis Crews Classic. Both teams looking to get there first win of the season.
This will wrap up the Classics played in week two, another great week for HBCU football.
