BATON ROUGE, La. – Quarterback Skyler Perry accounted for four touchdowns as the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff defeated Southern University 33-30 Saturday in the 2021 spring football season opener for the Golden Lions.

Perry completed 22 of 37 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns and rushed eight times for 58 yards and two additional touchdowns as UAPB (1-0 overall, 1-0 SWAC) won over Southern (1-1, 1-1) for the first time since 2012.

The UAPB defense forced four turnovers and held off a furious fourth quarter rally by Southern, as the Golden Lions triumphed in a season-opening game for the first time since 2017 in earning Doc Gamble his first win as UAPB head coach.

Josh Wilkes (4-84-1) and Harry Ballard III (4-19-1) each had touchdown receptions for the Golden Lions, who were led by Tyrin Ralph's seven receptions for 86 yards.

Kolby Watts and Marcus Askew each had nine tackles to lead the defense, along with Isaac Peppers eight tackles and fumble recovery. Jalon Thigpen, Shawn Steele, and Keyvien Johnson each had interceptions for UAPB, with Johnson's INT in the final minute of play capping the win.

~UAPB Sports Information