This was the kind of game Mississippi Valley State would have lost in recent years, but this seems to be a different team — one that believes in itself.
Valley scored two touchdowns in the final seven minutes, including a 10-yard touchdown run by quarterback Garrick Jones with 14 seconds left, to rally past Prairie View for a 22-20 victory Saturday at sun-splashed Rice-Totten Stadium.
Jones had probably his best game of his career at Valley on Senior Day, rushing for 82 yards and two scores and completing 18-of-38 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown.
“When I dropped back to pass the linebackers dropped deep and turned their backs to me because they were in man coverage, so things opened up inside for me, and I took off and knew I had to get in,” Jones said of the game-winning play. “This is the best feeling in the world to end my career at home like this.
“I hope this helps put Valley back on the map.”
Valley picked up its fourth win of the season, the most it has had since going 6-5 in 2006. It was the first time the Delta Devils recorded back-to-back wins since 2009.
“This is a great team win. I am really proud and happy for all of our players and coaches, especially our seniors,” third-year MVSU head coach Karl Morgan said. “Now we’ve got a chance to finish the season with three straight wins, reach five wins total and build some serious momentum heading into recruiting and offseason workouts.”
The Delta Devils, who close out the 2012 season at Texas Southern this week, snapped a five-game losing streak to Prairie View (4-6, 3-5) with the comeback win.
The Panthers never trailed until Jones’ touchdown run with 14 seconds left completed a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive.
Senior running back Brandon Stansell said the Delta Devils never doubted themselves when they got the ball back at their own 21-yard line with 1:53 to play.
“We just kept fighting and believing we could get it done. I am so happy for all my fellow seniors,” said Stansell, who had a team-high 106 rushing yards on 12 carries.
The Delta Devils outgained the Panthers 483 yards to 304 as MVSU rushed for 262 yards on 44 carries. Trey Bateaste added 74 yards on the ground on 14 attempts.
Julian Stafford had a career-high 14 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown for Valley.
Prairie View scored first when Rickey Simpson returned Jones’ fumble 60 yards for a touchdown.
After the teams exchanged field goals, Jones threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Stafford for a 10-10 tie.
Spencer Nelson’s 7-yard touchdown run put Prairie View A&M ahead at halftime 17-10.
• Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
