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Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win

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Antwain Banks’ Fourth Quarter Touchdown Sparks Bowie State, but Davenport Holds on for a 17-14 Win

Bowie, MD – In a game dominated by defense, the Davenport Panthers narrowly escaped with a 17-14 victory over the HBCU Bowie State Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Stadium. The win moves Davenport to 2-0 on the season and improves their record against the Bulldogs to 2 0.

The Panther’s first score on their second drive came off Brandon Gielow‘s foot when he successfully drilled a 42-yard field goal to give DU the first lead of the game, 3-0. From there, Davenport would control the momentum of the game when, in the second quarter, Mike O’Horo connected with Preston Smith on a fade route in the back of the end zone for the touchdown, making it 10-0.

Bowie State would respond 2 minutes before the half late in the second quarter. After a crucial stop by the Bowie Defense, Kevin Taylor‘s 11-yard drive would cap off an eight-yard touchdown pass to Awesome Waller, Jr., bringing the score to 10-7. However, Davenport struck back right before halftime when O’Horo found Antjuan Collins near the three-yard line, and after a quick juke, Collins took it into the end zone to give the Panthers a 17-7 lead at halftime.

The second half became a defensive showdown, with both teams struggling to capitalize on long drives. Bowie State finally broke through at the start of the fourth quarter when Taylor launched a 30-yard touchdown pass to Antwain Banks, who debuted for the Bulldogs after transferring from Lincoln University. This score narrowed the deficit to 17-14 and gave Bowie State hope for a comeback.

Why Antwain Banks’ Impact and the Story Is Important.

As a Maryland high school standout at quarterback, Bank was a dynamic quarterback at Edgewood High School in Edgewood, Maryland. Despite his success as a state leader in high school, college programs didn’t know what to do with him, leaving him under-recruited and without offers until just before graduation, when Frostburg University extended an offer to play quarterback. Ironically, he only played quarterback in high school after the starting QB transferred in the middle of his junior year at Edgewood. As the most dynamic athlete on the field, initially playing slot receiver, he stepped into the quarterback role because there were no other viable options. He took on the challenge, hoping colleges would recognize how explosive and versatile he was with the ball in his hands.

Despite his remarkable stats as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for over 4,000 yards and 46 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons, he led the state in rushing both years, ranking first in touchdowns his junior year and finishing second in touchdowns his senior year.

High School Honors:

  • 1st in state for scoring & touchdowns (26) in 2018
  • 2nd in state rushing (131 ATT | 1,686 YDS) in 2018
  • 5th in state total yards (2,498) in 2018
  • 1st in the 3A division for total yards in 2018
  • 1st in 3A rushing (126 ATT | 1,544 YDS) in 2017
  • 1st in 3A division touchdowns (20) in 2017
  • 1st in 3A division total yards (2,629) in 2017
  • All-Metro mention, All-Conference, and All-County

Collegiate Honors:

  • Dean’s List with a 3.8 GPA in 2022
  • All-Academic Team with a 3.38 GPA in the 2023 slot as a redshirt freshman receiver

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After redshirting at Frostburg, he transitioned to slot receiver at HBCU Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Earning a starting position at Lincoln, he soon realized he could better showcase his talents in a more competitive program. This led him to transfer to Bowie State during his sophomore redshirt to pursue a starting role. Banks’ journey to Bowie State is one of perseverance as an under-recruited athlete out of high school. His performance on Saturday—two catches for 57 yards and a touchdown—showed the value of athletes who may have been overlooked but possess the talent to make an impact.

Banks’ story mirrors that of his cousin, Deonte Banks, who also faced limited recruiting opportunities before earning a late scholarship offer from the University of Maryland. Deonte would be a first-round draft pick for the New York Giants, proving that under-recruited athletes can defy expectations when given the chance. Athletes like Antwain Banks are often overlooked by major programs due to their lack of star ratings and limited visibility in their high school markets, often because they come from more rural areas. Factors like a lack of recruiting networks among coaches and outdated recruitment philosophies also contribute to their underexposure. With the rise of social media, some recruiting budgets are being cut as recruiters rely more on online data. Colleges now prefer athletes to come to them through unofficial visits, mega camps, junior days, and game day experiences rather than actively scouting them in person.

Antwain demonstrated talent and knows no ranking. These athletes find ways to contribute at all levels of college football, often walking on or transferring to programs where they can showcase their skills. The Under Recruited Athlete platform exists to highlight these stories, ensuring that athletes with similar paths to Banks have opportunities to be seen and scouted by college programs.

Bowie State showed resilience and heart despite the loss, especially from players like Antwain Banks, whose story embodies the spirit of underrecruited athletes across the countryAs college programs look to strengthen their rosters, Banks’ performance is a reminder of the untapped potential in athletes who may not have received high recruiting attention but are fully capable of impacting the field.

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Alcorn State Braves Take on Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Arena: Jameel Morris Shines

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On a chilly night at Xfinity Arena in College Park, MD, the Alcorn State Braves squared off against the University of Maryland Terrapins in a thrilling non-conference matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. While the Braves came up short against the Big Ten powerhouse, the game was full of heart, hustle, and moments of brilliance, showing why SWAC basketball continues to grow in talent and competitiveness.

Key Moments and Plays

From the opening tip, the Braves demonstrated defensive intensity. #1 Jameel Morris was a one-man highlight reel, electrifying the court with multiple standout plays:

  • Steals and Corner Jumper: Early in the first half, Morris read Maryland’s offense perfectly, stole the ball, and drained a smooth corner shot, igniting the Braves’ bench.

  • Driving to the Hole: Displaying speed and skill, Morris powered through defenders for a strong layup, showcasing his ability to attack the basket under pressure.

  • Steal and Score: Morris continued to turn defense into offense, picking pockets and converting fast-break opportunities into easy points.

  • Bounces Off Contact and Scores: Perhaps his most physical play of the night, Morris absorbed contact at the rim and still finished strong, earning a roar from Braves fans.

Supporting Morris were Travis Roberts (14 points) and Shane Lancaster (10 points), each contributing key buckets and energy off the bench.

For Maryland, Pharrel Payne led the Terrapins with 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Andre Mills (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Elijah Saunders (12 points) kept the team ahead, ultimately finishing with a final score of Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64.

SWAC Pride on Display

Despite facing a Big Ten program, the Braves showed the grit, athleticism, and strategic mindsets that SWAC teams are known for. Under Coach Jake Morton, Alcorn State’s players exhibited discipline, teamwork, and moments of brilliance that remind fans of the talent emerging from HBCUs and the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Looking Ahead

While the Braves didn’t come away with the win, the performance of Jameel Morris and the energy from Coach Morton’s squad set the tone for the season. SWAC basketball continues to rise, and games like this against top-tier programs help put HBCU talent on the national radar.


Key Players:

Alcorn State Braves:

  • #1 Jameel Morris – 22 points

  • Travis Roberts – 14 points

  • Shane Lancaster – 10 points

Maryland Terrapins:

  • Pharrel Payne – 22 points, 7 rebounds

  • Andre Mills – 16 points, 8 rebounds

  • Elijah Saunders – 12 points

Final Score: Maryland 84 – Alcorn State 64


💜💛 Whether it’s Morris’ highlight-reel plays or the strategic leadership of Coach Jake Morton, the Braves proved that SWAC teams can compete with some of the best in college basketball. Stay tuned for more HBCU basketball coverage!

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Bowie State Bulldogs 28, Lincoln University (PA) Lions 17 Lincoln, PA — Frank “Tick” Coleman Field

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Location: Lincoln University, PA
Date: November 8, 2025

Game Summary:
Bowie State closed their 2025 season with a strong 28–17 road victory over Lincoln University (PA). After falling behind 14–0 early, the Bulldogs stormed back behind quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing.

Lincoln opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rhyel Miles-Eubanks to Omarion Dupree, followed by a 1-yard TD run from Dexter Baptism to make it 14-0.

Bowie State responded before halftime when Witherspoon hit Xavier Belton on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7. In the second half, Witherspoon tied the game with a 4-yard rushing TD and later connected with Raymon Lewis for a 51-yard strike to give Bowie its first lead. Micah Robinson sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.


📊 Team Stats

Category Bowie State Lincoln (PA)
Total Yards 312 389
Passing Yards 215 246
Rushing Yards 97 143
Turnovers 1 2
Time of Possession 30:48 29:12

Top Performers

  • Savion Witherspoon (BSU): 15/21, 215 YDS, 2 TD; 36 YDS rushing, 1 TD

  • Xavier Belton (BSU): 26-yard TD reception

  • Raymon Lewis (BSU): 51-yard TD reception

  • Micah Robinson (BSU): 42 YDS rushing, 1 TD

  • Samuel Graham (BSU): 13 tackles

  • Rhyel Miles-Eubanks (LIN): 22/36, 246 YDS, 1 TD

  • Omarion Dupree (LIN): 6 REC, 72 YDS, 1 TD


Final Record:
Bowie State finishes the 2025 season 3–7 overall (2–6 conference).
Lincoln (PA) closes out their campaign 0–10.

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DELAWARE STATE SURVIVES MORGAN STATE COMEBACK

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Final Score:
Delaware State Hornets 14 – Morgan State Bears 12
📍 Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
🗓️ Friday, November 7, 2025
📺 ESPNU

In a tough MEAC battle under the Baltimore lights, Delaware State University held off a late surge from Morgan State to escape with a 14-12 victory.

Running back James Jones was the difference-maker, racking up 115 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, including a 68-yard dash in the first quarter that set the tone early.

The Hornets’ second score came in dramatic fashion — Jones fumbled at the goal line, but A. Francis recovered in the end zone for a Delaware State touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead at the half.

Morgan State battled back with a pair of field goals from A. Amaya and a 67-yard touchdown run by Randall Nauden, but a failed two-point conversion left them short in the final minutes.

Defensively, Delaware State’s Jianni Woodson-Brooks led with 8 tackles, and Quincy Robinson added a clutch sack to help seal the win.

With the victory, Delaware State improves to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play, staying firmly in the hunt for the conference title. Morgan State falls to 3-7 (0-3 MEAC) after a strong but incomplete comeback.

🔥 HBCU Original was on the ground capturing every moment — from the sideline intensity to the fan energy. Stay locked in for exclusive highlights, interviews, and all-access coverage from this MEAC rivalry matchup!

 

#HBCUOriginal #MEACFootball #DelState #MorganState #HBCUPride #CollegeFootball #DSU #MSU #HBCUSports #WeCoverTheCulture

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Coppin State Shows Fight in Season Opener Against Maryland at CFG Bank Arena

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BALTIMORE, MD — The Coppin State Eagles opened their 2025–26 men’s basketball season under the bright lights of CFG Bank Arena, taking on the University of Maryland Terrapins in a much-anticipated in-state showdown. Though the Eagles ultimately fell 83–61, the night was a showcase of heart, hustle, and promise for a young Coppin squad looking to make noise this season.

From the opening tip, Coppin came ready to compete. The Eagles matched Maryland’s energy early, trading baskets and pushing the pace behind Khali Horton, who led the way with 19 points, showing his ability to create shots and finish through contact. Coppin’s defensive intensity in the first half forced Maryland to work for every possession, keeping the game within reach before the Terps’ depth and size began to show.

By halftime, Maryland had built a 47–32 lead, powered by the hot shooting of Pharrel Payne and Darius Adams, who combined for 37 points. Still, Coppin refused to fold. Coming out of the break, the Eagles went on a 7-2 run sparked by Nhyier Bethea and Justin Winston, cutting the deficit and re-energizing the Baltimore crowd.

Throughout the second half, Coppin State continued to battle, showing flashes of what’s to come this season — active hands on defense, strong rebounding effort, and improved offensive movement. Head Coach Larry Stewart praised his team’s resilience, noting that early-season tests like this help build character and chemistry.

“We’re learning who we are,” Stewart said. “Playing a team like Maryland gives us the opportunity to see where we can grow, and I loved the effort our guys brought tonight.”

Maryland’s depth and shooting proved too much in the final stretch, but Coppin’s intensity and fight never wavered. Despite the scoreline, the Eagles’ energy on both ends of the floor stood out — a clear sign that this team plans to compete every night.

For fans and supporters, the game was more than just a season opener; it was a celebration of Maryland basketball and the continued rise of Coppin State’s program, representing Baltimore and the HBCU community with pride.

The Eagles return to action later this week, ready to build on the lessons learned from their season debut. With a roster filled with new faces and a commitment to growth, Coppin State’s future looks bright.


Final Score: Maryland 83, Coppin State 61
Top Performer: Khali Horton – 19 points
Next Up: Coppin State continues non-conference play before returning home to the PEC Center for their home opener.

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Elizabeth City State Stuns Bowie State 28–27 in Homecoming Heartbreaker

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BOWIE, Md. — On a crisp Homecoming Saturday at Bulldog Stadium, Bowie State seemed in full control — until the Elizabeth City State Vikings engineered one of the most dramatic comebacks of the CIAA season.

Trailing 27–7 midway through the third quarter, ECSU stormed back with 21 unanswered points, capped by a 19-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Navian Hilliard to Terrance Holland with 1:51 left, to edge the Bulldogs 28–27 in front of a stunned Bowie State crowd.

The loss overshadowed a career day from Bowie State quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who racked up 81 rushing yards, three touchdowns on the ground, and 139 yards passing, and a highlight defensive play by Tommie McKoy III, whose 97-yard interception return gave the Bulldogs a 20-point cushion late in the third quarter.

But the Vikings refused to fold.

Moments after McKoy’s pick-six, ECSU’s defense flipped the script. On 1st-and-10 from the Viking 13, Manuel Montout read Witherspoon perfectly and came away with a red-zone interception — a momentum-turning moment that swung the energy to the visiting sideline.

Hilliard quickly made the Bulldogs pay. Aided by consecutive penalties, the Vikings’ offense capitalized on a short field, as running back Traquan Johnson punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 27–14 with 3:00 remaining in the third quarter.

From there, ECSU’s defense tightened up. After forcing Bowie State to turn it over on downs, Hilliard connected with Joe Griffin for a 33-yard touchdown, slicing the score to 27–21 early in the fourth.

Then came the play that silenced the Homecoming crowd. On the ensuing kickoff, ECSU’s Shamar Sutton recovered a Bowie State fumble at the Bulldogs’ 29-yard line. Johnson again shouldered the load, setting up Hilliard’s 19-yard dart to Holland for the go-ahead score. Wyatt Jackson’s extra point gave ECSU its first lead, 28–27, with less than two minutes left.

Bowie State’s final drive reached midfield, but the Vikings’ defense held firm — sealing a statement road victory and spoiling the Bulldogs’ Homecoming celebration.


Top Performers

Bowie State (2–7, 1–6 CIAA)

  • Savion Witherspoon: 81 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 139 passing yards

  • Maximus Jones: 86 rushing yards on 22 carries

  • Tommie McKoy III: 97-yard interception return TD

Elizabeth City State (3–6, 3–3 CIAA)

  • Navian Hilliard: 198 passing yards, 2 TDs

  • Traquan Johnson: 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving)

  • Manuel Montout: Red-zone interception that sparked comeback


Up Next

Bowie State will close its season on the road at Lincoln University (Pa.) next Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth City State returns home for Homecoming against Bluefield State, where a win would secure the Vikings’ best CIAA finish since 2013.

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