PINE BLUFF, AR – Facing a lot of adversity throughout the season and in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference), the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team collected their first conference win over the visiting Grambling State Tigers with a final score of 33 – 26, Saturday evening at Simmons Bank Field.
The Golden Lions haven't defeated Grambling State in back-to-back seasons since 2013, but history would rewrite itself here in 2021.
The Golden Lions found their groove against Grambling State in the second quarter, roaring like a Golden Lion should. QB Skyler Perry would spark up a lot of momentum for UAPB after a 43-yard rush from the Arkansas-Pine Bluff 23-yard line to the GSU 34-yard line, picking up a first down to allow more opportunities to be created under the Golden Lion possession. Snapping the ball, Perry would find WR Dalyn Hill in the GSU endzone for a 34-yard touchdown to gain a one-point lead over the visiting Tigers, bringing the score to 10 – 9.
With 3:03 left on the clock before the half, the Arkansas-Pine Bluff defense forced Grambling State to turn the ball over at the GSU 43-yard line to put the possession of the ball in the hands of the Golden Lions. With only one play needed, Perry would convert a long 43-yard line pass to WR Josh Wilkes inside the GSU endzone, to end the first half on a good note, leading Grambling State with a score of 17 – 9.
Wilkes finished the contest with 66-yards through three receptions.
Ending the first half with lots of momentum, the Golden Lions wanted to ensure that they kept the energy going in the second half. After a Grambling State punt with 14-minutes left in the third quarter, Perry would read the GSU defense and attack the gaps and zigzag for 67-yards in the GSU endzone for a Golden Lion touchdown to keep the momentum flowing in Arkansas-Pine Bluff's direction and boosting to a 23 – 9 lead over the Tigers.
In the fourth quarter, the game became close, leaving fans on the edge of their seats hoping the Golden Lions could defeat the Tigers. With the match in Perry's hands, he would collect three first downs in the Golden Lions second-to-last scoring drive of the game including a 34-yard rush to the GSU 33-yard line. Rushing 14 more yards to come within three yards of a touchdown, Perry reacted with the quickness of the snap to rush his way into the Grambling State endzone, gaining a 33 – 24lead over GSU with 2:53 to go in gameplay.
"Our coaches always stress to let the system work for me and to trust the process through any situation," said Perry about his consistency.
Perry would finish the game gaining 179 rushing yards and 163 passing yards.
With the ball in Grambling State's hands at the UAPB 19-yard line, DB Andre Fuller came in the clutch to snatch an interception at the UAPB four-yard line and return the football for 95-yards not scoring a touchdown but saving the day for the Golden Lions.
"It doesn't matter who we play, we have to play hard regardless but my teammates brought out the best in me today," said Fuller.
Fuller currently ranks fourth in the SWAC in interceptions.
The Golden Lions would go on to defeat Grambling State with a final score of 33 – 26.
DB Keyvien Johnson led the Arkansas-Pine Bluff defense with ten huge tackles in the win.
UAPB head coach Doc Gamble had a smile glued onto his face after the win, mainly because of how proud he was of his team. "I didn't know those guys who went to Texas last week and but the team that showed up against Grambling State, those are the group of guys I know," said Gamble about his team overcoming adversary.
UAPB football will return to its home gridiron on Saturday to take on the visiting Florida A&M Rattlers. The game will kick off and 2 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field.
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