Mississippi Valley State 23, Alabama A&M 20

September 16, 2006

Itta Bena, Miss. --- Freshman kicker Zack Gilarski (6-1, 185, King Kekoulike, HI) made the biggest kick of his collegiate career as he nailed a 48 yard field goal with eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils a 23-20 win over the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M.

MVSU Photo

Zack Gilarski

The Delta Devils took an early lead in the waning moments of the first quarter when freshman quarterback Paul Roberts found senior receiver Tyrone Timmons on a 34 yard strike with 53 seconds remaining in the period (Gilarski PAT, Good).

Running back Johey Hargrett would add a 22 yard touchdown run (Gilarski PAT, Failed) at the 10:36 mark followed by a Carlton Cotten one yard plunge (Gilarski PAT, Good) with 6:19 remaining to give the Delta Devils a 20-0 lead at the half.

After being held to only 11 yards of total offense in the first half the Bulldogs offense found their groove in the second as they reeled off 20 unanswered points, capped off by a 15 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kelcy Luke to Anthony Mitchell with 2:20 remaining in the game.

With the game tied Delta Devils’ quarterback Aries Nelson 21 yard scamper to the Bulldogs 34 yard line set up set up what three plays later would be Gilarski’s game winning kick.

Defensively senior linebacker Tyler Knight led the Delta Devils with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. Linebacker Cleyton McDonald added nine tackles, while defensive end Barron Pullum turned in seven tackles including four for loss of yardage.

Valley (2-1, 2-1 SWAC E) will return to action next weekend when they travel to Jackson, Miss. to face the Tigers of Jackson State University.