It will be Central State battling West Virginia State in the 10th annual Chicago Football Classic. The game is set for Sept. 6 at Soldier Field with a 4 p.m. kickoff.
“Central State University has a great football tradition, and there are plenty
It will be Central State battling West Virginia State in the 10th annual Chicago Football Classic. The game is set for Sept. 6 at Soldier Field with a 4 p.m. kickoff.
“Central State University has a great football tradition, and there are plenty of alumni here in the Chicagoland area so we expect an outstanding matchup,” said Classic organizer Larry Huggins.
“Each year, the Classic keeps getting bigger, and this year the game once again should live up to that reputation.”
Huggins said in addition to the game, there are also plans in the works for a post-game concert.
Located in Wilberforce, Ohio, Central State has been a powerhouse in college football. Under former head coach Billy Joe, the Marauders captured five Black college football national championships and in 1990 and 1992 won the NAIA national title.
Central State is a member of the Great Lakes Football Conference.
The Marauders, under head coach Al West come into the season looking to improve on last season’s 5-6 records.
Meanwhile, West Virginia State is a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Yellow Jackets, under third-year head coach Earl Monroe finished 7-3 last season, their first winning season since 1992.
Quarterback Kevin O’Brien, who threw for 19 touchdowns passes last season, leads the way along with wide receiver Jermain King and running back Brian Mitchell.
One of the most intense Black College Football rivalries has found a “classic” home in Mobile, Ala.
Southern University and Alabama State University have agreed to move their annual match-up to Ladd-Peebles Stadium for the Gulf Coast Classic through at least 2011. This year’s 35th anniversary game will be held Nov. 15.
“For the past several years, it has been our intent to bring the game full circle into a true classic–a contest between common opponents on a common date on an annual basis,” said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones. “We’re finally there, and the city of Mobile is extremely excited to have two teams both under 200 miles from here with strong alumni and fan bases. There’s no doubt this is absolutely the right path for this game.”
The Gulf Coast Classic has been held in Mobile for the last 34 years, and ASU has participated every year since its inception in 1974.
“There is something special about the ASU Southern rivalry,” said ASU Interim Athletic Director Ron Dickerson. “ASU fans already love coming to Mobile for the Gulf Coast Classic. Now with Southern’s participation solidified for the next several years, fans from both sides will be thrilled.”
Southern has played in 11 Gulf Coast Classics and their followers, known as “the Jaguar Nation,” have developed a reputation for the large crowds they carry to away games.
“This agreement benefits everyone greatly,” said Southern Athletic Director Greg LeFleur. “We’re excited to be involved in the Classic, and Mobile is an excellent meeting place and host for the universities.”
The annual match-up between the Southwestern Athletic Conference foes has grown into a fierce rivalry. Over the last decade, the ASU Hornets and the SU Jaguars have played some of the most exciting and memorable games in the conference, including match-ups in back-to-back SWAC championships games with each team winning once.
Last year’s Gulf Coast Classic, which was televised nationally by ESPNU, set a new record for the most RVs and motor homes on the inside of Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
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