Scouting Report: Braves vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg
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Scouting Report: Braves vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg

SCOUTING REPORT:  BRAVES VS. VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2014
LORMAN, MISSISSIPPI

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON SATURDAY...........
 
STORYLINES
  • This weeks' game marks the 93rd season of football at Alcorn State University.
     
  • Since the opening of Spinks-Casem Stadium in 1992, the Braves have compiled a record of 52-41.
     
  • The Braves are 12-10 in home openers since 1992.
     
  • Head Coach Jay Hopson has a 2-0 record in season openers heading into his third season.
     
  • In the last five seasons, the Braves have outscored their opponents in home openers 165-94 and averaged 33.0 points per game.
     
  • The matchup between the Braves and Virginia University of Lynchburg marks the 1st ever meeting in both of the school's history.
     
  • There are 22 seniors on the Braves roster who will play their final home opener today.
     
  • Last season, the Braves posted a 9-3 overall record and were 4-1 in Spinks-Casem Stadium.
 
Head Coach Jay Hopson Awarded Contract Extension
In his 3rd season as the Braves Head Coach, Jay Hopson agreed to a three-year contract extension which goes into 2017.  Hopson has compiled a record of 13-10 since his arrival in 2012 and led the Braves to a 9-3 overall and 7-2 SWAC record in 2013.
 
Braves Picked to Finish Second in the SWAC East
Despite the remarkable 9-3 record in 2013, the Braves were selected to finish 2nd in the SWAC East during the 2014 SWAC Media Day.  The Braves received 91 votes while Alabama State, who was picked to win the SWAC East, earned 93 votes.   
 
Eleven Braves Selected to the Preseason All-SWAC Teams
The Braves had 11 players named to the All-SWAC Preseason team.  Jordan Payne, Isaac Sampson, Devon Francois, Johnathan Scott, Haiden McCraney, Deion Roberson, and CJ Morgan all earned preseason 1st team honors.  Anthony Williams, Jr., Quinton Cantue, Detonio Dade, and Will Thomas each earned preseason 2nd team honors.  The Braves had the most players selected on the preseason team while Alabama State had 10 selected.
 
Jordan Payne Named to the Boxtorow Preseason All-American Team
After leading the Braves in receiving touchdowns last season, tight end Jordan Payne was selected to the Boxtorow Preseaon All-America Team.  Payne caught 24 passes for 350 yards and scored nine touchdowns.  Payne was selected to the All-SWAC 2nd Team Offense last season.
 
College Sports Madness Selects 13 Braves to SWAC Preseason All-Conference Teams
Thirteen Braves were selected to the College Sports Madness SWAC Preseason All-Conference teams.  All of the eleven Braves that made the preseason teams in the SWAC were accounted for with the addition of wide receiver Tollette George and linebacker Damon Watkins.
 
Kicker Haiden McCraney Named to the CPFA Watch List
After an outstanding freshman campaign, Jackson, Miss. native Haiden McCraney was named to the CFPA Watch List.  McCraney ranked fourth in the SWAC in punting averaging 41.3 yards per punt with his longest being for 72 yards.  He earned SWAC Player of the Week three consecutive times during the 2013 season and was named to the All-SWAC 1st Team.
 
Braves to Host SWAC Foes on ESPN Family of Networks
This season the Braves will be featured on ESPN at Spinks-Casem Stadium twice in 2014 with matchups against Southern and Alabama State.  The Braves welcome defending SWAC Champs Southern University on Saturday, September 27 at 4 p.m. on ESPN3.  A few days later, the Braves face SWAC East foe Alabama State in a key Thursday night matchup on October 2 at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN-U.
 
Seven Home Games Highlight the Braves 2014 Schedule
Spinks-Casem Stadium will be rocking in 2014 as the Braves welcome seven opponents (5 SWAC & 2 non-conference) to the "Reservation" this season.  The Braves open the season against Virginia University of Lynchburg at 4 p.m.  Two weeks later, Louisiana College comes to town for the Braves final non-conference game of the season on September 13 at 2 p.m.  The Braves will host Southern for their SWAC home opener on September 27 at 4 p.m. and only have a short week to prepare for Alabama State on October 2 for 6:30 p.m. ESPN-U showdown.  On October 18, Texas Southern makes their way to Lorman for "Homecoming 2014" with kickoff beginning at 2 p.m.  After two weeks on the road and an open week, the Braves return home for Military Appreciation Day against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 4 p.m.  The Braves wrap up the 2014 season at home against rival Jackson State on November 22.
 
Two New Faces Join the Braves Coaching Staff
Leroy Fredericks and Ryan Stanchek were hired in the past couple of months to fill the open slots on the Braves coaching staff.  Fredericks will head the wide receivers after several years at Pearl River Community College.  Stanchek comes from Indiana University to coach the offensive line after spending a year with the Hoosiers.
 
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