Tigers look for redemption against TSU
SWAC champions plan to end heartache
Kenny Bunch, Sports Editor
Issue date: 9/12/08 Section: Sports
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The strategy is in place by Friday. The gameplan is one that coaches feel is good enough to win with. Then the Tigers from Jackson State promptly go out and lose to the Tigers from Tennessee State, in what has now become an annual heartbreaker for JSU fans and an annual thrilling victory for TSU fans.
September 2002 was the last time Jackson State left Memphis victorious in the Southern Heritage Classic. Since then, JSU has lost by a touchdown or less in four of the five games they've lost. This weekend, however, the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champions are looking to right the ship against Tennessee State in the 19th Annual Southern Heritage Classic at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.
Tennessee State is coming off of a 34-32 win against Southern last Saturday. Jackson State is coming off of a less than satisfying 17-7 win over Stillman College.
Coach Rick Comegy wasn't pleased with his team's performance last week. "I don't think we played extremely well," said Coach Comegy of his team's performance versus Stillman.
The series JSU and TSU in the Southern Heritage Classic is led by Tennessee State, 9-7. However, in the last four years, TSU has won in dramatic fashion. In 2004, Tennessee State scored late on a touchdown by running back Carnell Anthony, which gave them a 21-20 victory.
In 2006, Jackson State held a 30-23 lead in overtime, when TSU scored a touchdown and the game winning two-point conversion on a botched snap, giving Tennessee State a 31-30 win. Last year, JSU held a 13-6 in the 4th quarter, only to see the lead erased. Tennessee State kicker Eric Benson sank JSU with a field goal that won another close won for TSU, 16-13.
Tennessee State is coming into this year's game boasting a record of 2-0, opening their season with wins against SWAC opponents Alabama A&M and Southern. They are looking to beat Jackson State for the fifth straight season.
They are led by 3-year starter and senior quarterback Antonio Heffner, who was last year's game MVP. Heffner accounted for 286 of Tennessee State's 385 yards of total offense in last season's SHC, including 232 yards passing with a touchdown. TSU also brings back running back Javarris Williams, who rushed for three touchdowns in the 2006 Southern Heritage Classic. In last season's game, Williams rushed for 94 yards on the ground.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Patrick C
posted 10/01/08 @ 12:00 AM CST
Man the lead to this story is soo heartfelt. I mean for a second i felt bad for yall team and students but then I realized that we have the same problem with FAMU so yall aint got it too bad. (Continued…)
Holly Colburn
posted 2/25/09 @ 12:53 AM CST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Nancy Johnson
posted 3/11/09 @ 3:20 AM CST
Thank you for writing the article, I am very pleased with how it came out.
Alice Blaker
posted 3/15/09 @ 2:33 AM CST
That looks like lots of fun. When I was in college we didn't had so many fun activities.
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