MONTGOMERY---The Grambling State Tigers used a strong second half surge with a diehard defense to stage a come from behind victory in a, 23-12, win over the Hornets of Alabama State on chilly day in the Cramton Bowl.
The Tigers struck first blood midway through the opening quarter when Greg Dillon found Kiare Thompson down field for a 25-yard strike (Ari Johnson, PAT Good).
Down, 7-0, the Hornets would answer on their ensuing drive going 69 yards on five plays and scoring on a 23 yard run by Jermaine Preyear (Jake King, PAT Missed). They would take a lead with 41 seconds remaining in the half on a 16 yard reception by Robert Childers from Chris Mitchell.
After exchanging turnovers to open the third quarter the Tigers sparked by a 72 yard run by Rodale Pippen moved ahead, 13-12, on a one-yard run by Frank Warren (Johnson, PAT Good). With the defense pitching a second half shutout the G-Men added a Johnson 20-yard field goal with 4:44 remaining in the quarter to push the lead to 16-12. Warren would add a 40-yard scoring run with 1:51 remaining in the game (Johnson, PAT Good).
Warren finished with 91 yards and two scores on 12 carries; while Dillon completed 15-of-26 passes for 131 yards. Defensively linebacker Cliff Exama had a game high 15 tackles (nine solo) to lead the Tigers. Defensive end Christian Anthony added six tackles. Marcus Jemison and Nigel Copeland had five tackles and an interception apiece.
The Tigers will enjoy an open weekend next week before playing host to the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State for Homecoming October 31st.
-GSU-