Jackson State’s defense held Mississippi Valley state to minus-23 rushing yards on 17 carries in a 23-7 win over the Delta Devils Saturday in Jackson.
The Delta Devils averaged minus-1.4 yards per rush, while the Tigers averaged 5.2 yards per play against Valley.
MVSU remained winless at 0-5, 0-2. Jett Even passed for 182 yards but was sacked three times and intercepted once.
Jackson State (3-2, 2-1) built a 20-0 halftime lead, including a 4-yard TD pass from Jarrad Hayes to Romello Shumake. Hayes then capped an 84-yard drive with a rushing TD. The Tigers piled up 206 yards on the ground.
Hayes went 16-of-22 for 129 passing yards with a TD and an interception.
Christian Jacquemin added field goals of 34, 47 and 28 yards.
Defensively, Valley was led by Tadarius Davis’ 10 tackles, followed by nine tackles apiece from Tracy Thompkins and Adam Hamilton.
Running back JohnDerrick Smith of Greenwood had Valley’s lone touchdown on a 25-yard reception in the third quarter.
Greenwood’s Booker T. Chambers led all Valley receivers with 74 yards on seven catches. The Greenwood High School product added 34 yards on four punt returns and 51 yards on two kickoff returns.
Valley is at home this Saturday for a homecoming contest against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
nContact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
