Box Score September 2, 2017 -- PINE BLUFF, AR -- Morehouse fell 23-10 to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Lions, in the season opener for both teams.
It seemed that neither team could shake off the opening-game jitters. The only scoring in the first half was a field goal by Morehouse's Fernando Sdelamora. The freshman kicker booted a 24-yarder, with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Early in the second half, the Tigers struck again. Kivon Taylor hit Amyr Smith with a nine-yard touchdown pass, to put Morehouse up 10-0. The touchdown was set up by a forced fumble and recovery by Keith Anderson, following a punt by Alex Gonzalez.
Taylor, who completed 15 of 31 passes for 126 yards, also led the team in rushing with 47 yards on nine attempts. Bricen Terry gained 36 yards on 12 carries and Jibri Hicks carried seven times for 23 yards.
The Morehouse defense that had held the Lions scoreless in the first half lost some steam in the second half, as UAPB exploded for 17 points in the third quarter. In a span of nine minutes, the Lions scored on a 47-yard pass, a 37-yard run and 39-yard field goal.
All-SIAC linebacker David Smith led the Maroon Tigers, with nine tackles. Defensive end Voris Bryant also had a big day, recording six tackles and two sacks. Keith Anderson, Gary Awkard and Terrence Mitchell each posted five tackles.
Terrence Mitchell and Kendrick Ray each had an interception. Mitchell returned his pickoff 11 yards, Ray returned his 29 yards.
The Lions' final score was a 10-yard running play with four minutes left.
Morehouse out-paced UAPB in rushing yardage (107-71) and passing yardage (171-159), but the Tigers surrendered the big scoring plays in the second half.
The Maroon Tigers forced and recovered three fumbles, but that success was offset by nine penalties for 150 yards.
This was Morehouse's second loss to UAPB, a member of the Southwest Athletic Conference. In the only other meeting, in 2015, the Lions won 29-27, in triple overtime.
Morehouse will host the Lane College Dragons, Saturday, at 6 p.m., at B.T. Harvey Stadium.
