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HBCU Football RoundUp: DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Continues to Shine
Delaware State delivered an impressive performance Thursday night, rushing for 201 yards en route a 27–20 victory over Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field. James Jones led the ground the Hornets’ ground game with 109 yards and a touchdown, averaging nearly 11 yards per carry, while Marquis Gillis contributed 79 yards.
With the win, the Hornets improved to 6–3 overall and 2–0 in MEAC play, while the Spartans dropped to 1–8 and 0–2. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett connected most frequently with Nathan Stewart, who notched four catches for 46 yards. Defensively, Tahmir Ellis recorded an interception, and Jaydon Mifflin added a sack, tackle for loss, and forced fumble to anchor the defense.
Delaware State dominated the ground battle, out-rushing Norfolk State 201–45 and converting nearly half of its third downs. Head coach DeSean Jackson praised his team’s effort but emphasized focus moving forward.
It’s not outside of the realm of possibility, but, Delaware State could represent the MEAC in the Black College Football National Championship Game, the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.
“We still haven’t done anything,” Jackson said. “We got three more conference games, and our goal is to go undefeated and hopefully we can make it to our destination in Atlanta.”
Notably, this matchup also featured Michael Vick on the opposite sideline. Both Jackson and Vick were teammates with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2009-2013.
“I never thought I’d look across the field and watch him coach,” Vick said, via the Associated Press. “I know vice versa for him. It was just a really cool moment, a surreal moment. You just never know what life is going to put in front of you.”
Several former NFL players attended the game, including Hugh Douglas, Marshawn Lynch, and Cam Newton. Also, Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham also was there, among total attendance of 47,266.
South Carolina State Holds Off Morgan State in a Thriller
William Atkins IV threw for 363 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Smith ran for two scores to help South Carolina State edge Morgan State 36–30 on Saturday. The Bulldogs (6–3, 2–0 MEAC) built a 33–10 lead through three quarters before the Bears mounted a late comeback.
Atkins spread the ball effectively, completing passes to nine different receivers. Morgan State quarterback Raymond Moore III fought to rally his team, passing for 229 yards and three touchdowns and adding a rushing score. Despite his heroics, the Bears (3–6, 0–2) fell short after a failed two-point conversion late in the fourth.
North Carolina Central Dominates Howard Behind Spikes’ Career Night
Senior wideout Chauncey Spikes exploded for 208 receiving yards and three touchdowns as North Carolina Central defeated Howard 35–14. Quarterback Walker Harris threw for 321 yards and five total touchdowns — his second such performance of the season.
Spikes’ big plays included scoring receptions of 13, 80, and 8 yards, helping the Eagles (6–3, 1–1 MEAC) jump out to a commanding halftime lead. Howard (4–5, 1–1) struggled offensively, managing just 174 total yards. Tyriq Starks was responsible for both Bison touchdowns.
Jackson State Rolls Past Florida A&M in SWAC Showdown
Jackson State’s running game dominated in a 41–16 road win over Florida A&M at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Ahmad Miller rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Donerio Davenport added 112 yards and a score. Together, they accounted for most of Jackson State’s 392 rushing yards.
The Tigers’ defense limited the Rattlers to just 202 total yards. Ashton Taylor and Tymon Wells led the defensive front with multiple tackles for loss as Jackson State improved to 6–2 overall and 4–1 in the SWAC.
Alabama State Rallies to Top Prairie View A&M
Alabama State overcame an early deficit to defeat Prairie View A&M 31–28 on the road. Quarterback Andrew Body and running back Marcus Harris II combined for four rushing touchdowns as the Hornets (6–2, 4–1 SWAC) continued their strong season.
Jamarie Hostzclaw led all rushers with 127 yards on 21 carries, while the Hornets’ defense came up big with four interceptions, including two by Deontre Morris. Denzel Johnson’s 11 tackles and a pick highlighted a defensive unit that shut down multiple Prairie View drives.
Looking Ahead
Alabama State and Jackson State are tied for first in the SWAC’s Eastern Divison with 4-1 records. However, Jackson State has the edge because they beat Alabama State head-to-head. Meanwhile, Delaware State and South Carolina State are 2-0 in the MEAC. Both teams will face off at the end of the year. If both teams maintain their winning ways, The winner of that game will likely represent the MEAC in this year’s Celebration Bowl.
Featured
“Money, Power, and Respect,” (SEIU) President April Verrett
SEIU President April Verrett is hitting the road to rally for “Money, Power, and Respect.” Join her and MN Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan to demand fair treatment for workers!
Driving home workers’ demand for “Money, Power, and Respect,” Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President April Verrett will join Minnesota Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan this weekend to knock doors and speak with community members in Minneapolis about what’s at stake in this midterm election. Starting in the Twin Cities, where tens of thousands of workers took to the streets to defy a brutal surge by ICE and Border Patrol this winter, shows what workers can do when they stand together across race, background and zip code.
This weekend will kick off a cross-country tour where President Verrett will be visiting states to campaign with bold candidates that have proven they will fight for workers and who come from labor and working families. Stops will include: Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania. This summer, SEIU launched its largest-ever member-led political program, engaging 1 million members to reach 10-15 million voters across the country by the midterm elections.
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Your Vote Matters…Protect Your Freedoms!
Your vote is your voice! Protect your freedoms and make sure your rights are heard. 🗳️✊🏾
🗳️✊🏾 Your vote is your voice, and your freedoms are worth protecting! Don’t sit on the sidelines when your rights and your future are at stake.
🎙️ Hear more in the full podcast episode on YouTube channel! ☝🏾
#YourVoteMatters #ProtectYourRights #FromTheDeskOfTheEditor #VoiceAndViewpoint
Featured
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Texas Congressman Christian Menefee reflects on his first 250 days in the U.S. House. Hear his insights on legislative priorities, minority party challenges, and why every vote matters.
In an exclusive interview with The Defender, Texas Congressman Christian Menefee sits down to reflect on his first 250 days serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Menefee shares key insights into his legislative priorities, introducing new bills, and navigating the day-to-day challenges of serving in the house minority. He breaks down why every vote matters in shaping our communities and offers a preview of the urgent legislative issues he plans to tackle next.

In this video, you’ll hear about: • Reflections on his first 250 days in Congress • Key legislation introduced and priority bills • Navigating the realities and strategy of serving in the house minority • Why civic engagement and voter participation remain critical • What lies ahead on his legislative agenda

Subscribe to The Defender for more exclusive political coverage, interviews, and community insights!
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#ChristianMenefee #USCongress #TexasPolitics #TheDefender #CommunityNews #CivicEngagement #houseofrepresentativeselection2026
Chapters
0:00 Introduction and the Importance of Voting
1:12 First 250 Days and Improving Constituent Services
2:40 Oversight Committee and Environmental Justice
4:05 Rebuilding an Empty Congressional Office
6:10 The SET Act: Ending Vacancies in Representation
8:25 Life in the Minority and Playing Defense
10:45 Foreign Policy, Inflation, and Gas Prices
12:50 Economic Goals: Child Care and Housing
14:20 Redistricting and Respecting Leadership
16:15 The Rotisserie Chicken Vote and SNAP Benefits
18:20 Congressional Black Caucus Highlights
19:45 Final Call to Action for Texas Voters
Make sure to check your voter registration status and head to the polls to make your voice heard in the upcoming election. If you found this update helpful, please like this video and subscribe to stay informed on the issues that matter most to your community. 📢
#TexasPolitics #Congress #Houston #VotingRights #ChristianMenefee
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Black Enterprise
How To Manage Conflict at Work
Learn to leverage conflict, not avoid it! Unlock performance and profits with these expert tips.
Leadership consultant Dethra U. Giles, founder and CEO of ExecuPrep and author of “That’s Not What I Said: Master Conflict With Conversational Competence,” shares her framework for how to stop avoiding tough conversations at work and instead how to start leveraging conflict to unlock performance, productivity, and profits.
Black Enterprise
How To Overcome Financial Setbacks and Win
Layoffs and uncertainty hitting hard? Learn to leverage your mindset and make wealthy decisions to overcome financial setbacks. You can win!
The lives and livelihoods of millions of working professionals, especially Black women, continue to be disrupted by layoffs and economic uncertainty. The difference between surviving and thriving starts with leveraging your greatest asset—your mindset. Money expert and author Dominique Broadway, founder and CEO of Finances De*mys*ti*fied, joins the BE Wealth Accelerator podcast series with a powerful message of encouragement: You can overcome setbacks, face your financial challenges head on, and win—one wealthy decision at a time.
Black Enterprise
How To Overcome Financial Setbacks and Win
Don’t let economic uncertainty derail your dreams. Learn to leverage your mindset, face financial challenges, and win one wealthy decision at a time.
The lives and livelihoods of millions of working professionals, especially Black women, continue to be disrupted by layoffs and economic uncertainty. The difference between surviving and thriving starts with leveraging your greatest asset—your mindset. Money expert and author Dominique Broadway, founder and CEO of Finances De*mys*ti*fied, joins the BE Wealth Accelerator podcast series with a powerful message of encouragement: You can overcome setbacks, face your financial challenges head on, and win—one wealthy decision at a time.
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