Highs few for UAPB, Grambling

Arkansas-Pine Bluff finally had an opportunity to feel good about themselves this season going into their second open week last week.

The Golden Lions took advantage of four turnovers to win 38-18 at Mississippi Valley State on Oct. 26.

“It was one of the more complete games we’ve played,” UAPB Coach Monte Coleman said.

UAPB, which had lost three of its five Southwestern Athletic Conference games by less than 10 points entering the MVSU game, forced three interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter, and also recovered a fumble, which was returned 55 yards for a touchdown by Xavier Lofton.

With a victory under their belt, the Golden Lions (1-7, 1-5 SWAC) turn their attention to Grambling State (1-9, 1-6) today at 2:30 at Golden Lion Stadium in Pine Bluff.

Both UAPB and Grambling have had tumultuous seasons, for different reasons.

UAPB has had five key players declared ineligible this season, one year after winning its first outright SWAC championship. Also, the Golden Lions lost their first seven games before winning at Mississippi Valley State.

As for Grambling, it has had three different coaches plus a player revolt. Doug Williams was fired after the Tigers started 0-2. Then, George Ragsdale took over for Williams, but was fired himself Oct. 17.

Former UAPB defensive line coach and former Arkansas Razorback Dennis Winston was named interim coach, but the week that he was hired, Grambling players decided to not board the team buses to Jackson State for their Oct. 19 game. Grambling had to forfeit that game as players had grown upset with the school’s facilities as well as having to travel by bus to games in Kansas City, Mo., and Indianapolis.

However, Coleman is wary of the Tigers and Winston.

Winston coached at UAPB from 2010-2012 before becoming defensive coordinator at Grambling in March. As the Tigers’ interim coach, Winston’s team took Texas Southern to overtime before losing 23-17 on Oct. 26, then beat Mississippi Valley State 47-40 last Saturday.

“They’re very underrated because of their record,” Coleman said. “It doesn’t show what team they are.”

Today is the final home game for 17 seniors at UAPB. Coleman said this week that he was proud of what they’ve brought to the Golden Lions’ program.

“They’ve seen the lows and highs,” Coleman said. “They’ve helped us build the winning tradition here.

“It’s unfortunate for them that this year has gone the way it has gone. Each one of them are leaders and we’re glad to have them.”

Coleman is looking for the Golden Lions to continue their momentum in their final three games, beginning today against Grambling.

“We’re ready to play. Hopefully, we’ll start fast and finish fast like we did against Valley.”