TOTTEN RESIGNS AT MVSU:

The Mississippi Valley State University Department of Athletics announced last week the resignation of Willie Totten as head coach of the Delta Devils football program. His resignation as coach to pursue other opportunities will be effective immediately as he has been reassigned to other University duties.

Totten, who brought MVSU to prominence as a quarterback in his playing days (1983-86) teaming with Jerry Rice to set a 50 NCAA passing records, many that still stand, has been the head coach since the 2001 season. As a player, the College Football Hall of Fame member led his team to a 28-11-1 record in his four years as a starter for a program that had just one winning season in the previous 15. He was voted all-Southwestern Athletic Conference all four seasons and was also an All-America selection.

As head coach. he guided the program to the best turnaround in Division I-AA in 2002 when the Delta Devils went 5-6 after an 0-11 campaign. He also took the team to back-to-back six-win seasons in 2005 and 2006. His career record is 31-57 in eight seasons. This year's squad finished 3-8 overall with a 1-6 mark in SWAC East Division play, at the bottom of the division standings.

MALLET CFL'S TOP ROOKIE:

Former University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff running back Martell Mallet has been named the Canadian Football Leagues' Most Outstanding Rookie after a stellar debut season. Martell was a 1st team All-SWAC selection in 2006 and 2008.

After arriving on the scene in Week 1 as a free agent, Mallet immediately made an impact in his first season as a Leo, including a 21-carry, 213-yard performance versus the East Division powerhouse Montreal Alouettes in Week 10. He finished the season with 1,240 yards on 214 carries (5.8 ypc.) with 6 TDs. Mallet also had 43 receptions for 342 yards and 2 TDs.

TUSKEGEE GETS WIN IN PIONEER BOWL

Tuskegee running back Markus Douglas rushed for two second half touchdowns in route to MVP honors in a 21-7 Golden Tiger victory over Elizabeth City State in Pioneer Bowl XI Saturday afternoon at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

Douglas's 8-yard run with 8:13 remaining (plus a two-point conversion) in the third quarter gave the lead back to the Golden Tigers 14-7. He would add another rushing score with 6:02 left in the game to seal the win for TU, their seventh victory at the battle between the SIAC and CIAA.

The Vikings briefly took a 7-6 lead at 11:08 in the third quarter. Terry Griffin forced a fumble at the TU 10-yard line which he returned to the Golden Tiger 5. Four plays later Tashawn Lee's three-yard pass was hauled in by Dexter Manley for ECSU's first and as it turned out, only score of the day.

Tuskegee's Wayne Williams returned the ensuing kickoff to the Viking's 29 yard line setting up the first of Douglas's touchdowns.

The first half was a battle of field position as neither team could muster much offensively. The Golden Tigers got on the scoreboard first with a 7-play 55 yard drive capped by a 13-yard rushing score by Nykeem Barton. The extra point attempt was blocked by Devon Price leaving TU ahead 6-0.

The Golden Tigers held the edge in total offense (334-288) and rushing yards (146-114). The Vikings struggled offensively as they did not covert on a third down until the fourth quarter going 3-for-14 for the game.

Geno Trundle and Tolbert Matthews (Defensive MVP) each tallied 11 tackles apiece as ECSU finishes the year at 7-4 overall.

© 2009 Azeez Communications, Inc.

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