The 45th Annual Bayou Classic weekend completed the Thanksgiving holiday in high spirits for the state of Louisiana. This year the city of New Orleans anticipated over 200,000 people to arrive Thursday evening to participate in the heavy itinerary of festivities. Friday evening kicked off the action with the annual National Panhellenic Council Greek Step Show and Battle of the Bands Competition between the Human Jukebox of Southern University and the Tiger Marching Band of Grambling State University.
Saturday afternoon the Southern University Jaguar football team and Grambling State Tiger football team sold out the Mercedes Benz Superdome in the #1 rated Historically Black College and University Classic Rivalry game. An early touchdown for the Southern University Jaguars on a blocked punt by Kordell Caldwell, and recovered by Benjamin Harris helped the Jaguars take an early 7-0 lead. The Grambling Tigers answered with a 30-yard pass complete to Darrel Clark from quarterback Geremy Hickbottom for a touchdown after a successful 90-yard drive. A successful 47-yard field goal attempt, followed by a 23-yard touchdown to Trey Smith helped the Jags secure the lead. Closing the first half the GSU Tigers offense was held to a field goal, Jaguars lead 17-10.
An 80-yard touchdown pass from Ladarius Skelton to Kendall Catalon opened the third quarter. After dominating the first half both offensively and defensively, the Jaguars hoped to finish out strong. Unanswered, the Southern offense was able to connect a 44-yard pass from Ladarius Skeleton to Randall Menard to secure a 31-13 lead. Quarterback Geremy Hickbottom rushed for 2-yards to gain a touchdown for the Grambling State Tigers and put them back in the game. The attempted two-point conversion was completed to Quintin Guice, closing the difference in score to 31-21 with Southern on top. A forced fumble recovered by the Tiger’s linebacker Jeremy Carter helped the Tiger offense to gain another touchdown making the game a 3 point game: 31-28. Sparking the energy and nerves throughout the arena, the Southern offense countered with another touchdown by Devon Benn, to hold on to the lead and close out the game.
Southern Univerity’s success throughout the season, and especially in this game has earned them the title of SWAC West Champions and will give them the opportunity to compete for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship against the Alcorn State Braves on December 1st in Alcorn, Mississippi.
From parades to concerts, musical battles to competitive football, the 2018 Bayou Classic was an unforgettable weekend for men and women of all ages. It continues to create memories and hold traditions, so that no matter what team you are supporting, you look forward to making new experiences each and every year.
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