Jackson, Miss.--- The Grambling State Tigers overcame early pouring rains and turnovers tonight as they strong armed the Tigers of Jackson State, 27-17,in a non-divisional conference show down that had been highly promoted as a rematch of the 2008 SWAC championship game.

GSU put the first points on the scoreboard at the 13:04 mark in the first quarter when the JSU special teams attempted a punt that went into the back of the Tigers endzone. GSU increased its lead to 5-0 when Ari Johnson connected on a 47 yard field goal attempt at the 8:50 mark.

With 1:17 remaining in the first quarter Christian Anthony intercepted a Dedric McDonald pass and returned it 30 yards to make the score 11-0. GSU's two-point conversion failed.

JSU got on the scoreboard at the 10:33 mark of the second when Eric Perri nailed a 23-yard field goal to make the score 11-3. GSU scored the final points of the second quarter. Frank Warren scored on an 18-yard run at the 2:56 mark. Johnson's point after kick made the score 18-3. At the 1:42 mark JSU had another punting mishap and gave up another safety.

Neither team scored in the third. At the 2:25 mark Carlos Everett scored JSU's first touchdown of the game, as he hauled in an 11-yard pass from Trae Rutland. Perri's point after kick made the score 20-10.

GSU quickly countered as Warren ripped off a 45-yard touchdown run at the 1:30 mark. Johnson's kick made the score 27-10. Marcellos Wilder hauled in the final TD of the game when Rutland connected with him on a 15 yard pass.

 

Offensively Grambling was led by Warren who picked up 110 yards rushing on 18 carries with two touchdowns. Defensively Anthony was named C.W. Gordon Classic defensive player of the game after recording eight tackles, two and a half for a loss of 30 yards and an interception.

 

Jackson's Bloi-Dei Dorzon was named offensive player of the game after carrying the ball 10 times for 65 yards. Kerry Hoskins had six tackles to lead the Tigers defense.

Grambling returns to action next Saturday when they travel to Stillwater, Okla. to face the Cowboys of Oklahoma State.

                                                                                   -GSU-