Gray Matters
By Mark F. Gray, host The SportsGroove, NewsTalk 1450 WOL-AM

HU’s Homecoming Party A Thriller

WOW! This was a heck of a party, you should’ve been there!
 This time the game may have actually been better than the show.  Once again the resilient Howard Bison made another fourth quarter comeback to win an unbelievable homecoming showdown with North Carolina A&T 35-27 at Greene Stadium.

Trailing 27-15 early in the fourth quarter, much of the Bison faithful had already departed.   While the alumni and celebrities were getting a head start on the evening’s social activities, Howard outscored the Aggies 20-7 in the final period that turned a somber Saturday into party central.

A&T had things under control when Herbert Miller connected with Curtis Walls on a 30 yard touchdown pass to regain their biggest lead of 12 points with 10:24 remaining.  However, the Bison found some homecoming magic in northwest D.C. thanks to a pair of seniors who wouldn’t let them quit.

Brian Johnson hit Jarahn Williams with a 28 yard scoring strike to jump start the rally.  Johnson passed for 269 yards and Williams was his primary target with nine catches for 142 of them.  

The Aggies were unable to handle two onside kicks – the first when Howard was called for offsides – and the second recovery set up what proved to be the winning score.   Junior Karlos Whitaker then busted through the A&T defense for 28 yards and a touchdown.   They sealed the game on A&T’s next offensive play when Robert Parker intercepted Miller and took it 30 yards to the house.

For most of the overflow crowd the atmosphere was the story though.  Howard’s homecoming is biggest social gathering on the east coast on the annual Bison Saturday and this year was no exception.

The game began with stirring renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing from legendary songstress Chaka Khan.  Howard alumni and current celebrities who joined the festivities included: A.J. Callaway, of 106 & Park fame, from the class of 1997, and WKYS personality Angie Ange co-host of the “Q&A” Invasion on 93.9 FM, class of 2006.

Sean Combs, aka “Diddy” who spent two years on the hilltop before starting his Bad Boy record label also graced the stadium with his presence as did Olympic champion Carl Lewis.  That’s just to name a few.

MORGAN DONE IN BY DSU & OFFICIALS

            Morgan State’s Mid Eastern Athletic Conference title hopes came to an end on homecoming at Delaware State.  The Hornets remained undefeated in the MEAC with a 25-17 win thanks to a controversial fumble return for a touchdown after the Bears appeared to have scored. 

           Leading 17-16 late in the fourth quarter, Morgan was set up to deliver a knockout blow. On first and 10 from the Delaware St. one yard line, Courtney Anderson leaped over the right side and appeared to break the plane of the end zone.  However, the officials thought otherwise and the loose ball was scooped up and returned 99 yards for a touchdown by Akeem Green which became a nominee for ESPN’s Pontiac Game Changing Performance.

            The Bears will look back on two critical red zone turnovers in the fourth quarter of conference games that sealed their fate this year.  An interception at Hampton led to their overtime loss.  While they did commit five turnovers in Dover, the one that led to Delaware St.’s game winner was questionable at best.

BOWIE ST. FALLS TO VA. UNION ENDING TITLE HOPES

            Bowie State couldn’t keep up with Virginia Union’s top rated CIAA offense and fell 27-14 in the 31st annual Gold Bowl in Richmond.  The Bulldogs were shutout by the conference’s second ranked defense after halftime thus ending their east division and championship game hopes. However, Bowie State was their worst enemy losing three of their four fumbles. 

            The Bulldogs best weapon was senior running back Isaac Redmond who was contained by his standards rushing for 121 of their 196 yards on 26 carries.  In just five games this year the junior from Paulsboro, New Jersey has rushed for 711 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Mark Gray and AJ Callaway (106 & Park and Extra) at the WHUT Lounge during Saturday's TV Broadcast. Photos by Carl Miller
Mark Gray and Olympic Champion Carl Lewis at the WHUT Lounge during Saturday's TV Broadcast. Photos by Carl Miller