The 36th annual Southern Heritage Classic delivered a nail biter on September 27, 2025, as the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions (UAPB) clawed their way to a 24-20 victory over the Alcorn State Braves. This marked UAPB's first win in the Classic after two previous losses, and Alcorn State's debut in the event. What started as a defensive skirmish evolved into a high-stakes showdown with six lead changes, showcasing resilience, big plays, and clutch performances under the lights. The game, pitting two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) rivals, drew a passionate crowd celebrating HBCU football heritage, complete with tailgates, bands, and cultural festivities.

The Golden Lions entered with a 1-2 record, hungry for momentum, while the winless Braves (0-3) sought their first victory of the season. Alcorn State held a historical edge, winning 7 of the last 11 meetings since 2018, but UAPB flipped the script in dramatic fashion.

First Quarter: Early Jabs and a Missed Opportunity

The game kicked off with Alcorn State driving into field goal range, but a missed kick kept the scoreboard clean. UAPB capitalized immediately, marching downfield on a drive highlighted by a massive 53-yard catch-and-run by running back Jaylen Jennings. Though the drive stalled, kicker Trey McKinney nailed a 30-yard field goal with 6:59 left, giving the Golden Lions a 3-0 lead.

Alcorn State responded swiftly. Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert orchestrated a crisp five-play drive, capping it with a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jamar Kaho in the end zone. The extra point sailed wide, but the Braves took a 6-3 advantage with 5:18 remaining in the quarter. This quick-strike score set the tone for the offensive fireworks to come.

End of 1st Quarter: UAPB 3, Alcorn State 6

Second Quarter: Explosive Exchanges and a Halftime Edge

The second quarter turned into a sprint. After a series of punts, UAPB broke through with a lightning-fast drive. Jennings powered in from 19 yards out for a rushing touchdown with 5:52 left, putting the Golden Lions ahead 10-6 after the extra point.

Alcorn State wasted no time retaliating. Just one minute later, running back Jacorian Sewell burst through for a 33-yard touchdown , reclaiming the lead at 13-10 with 4:45 on the clock. The Braves' ground game was clicking, but UAPB's aerial attack had the last word before the break.

Quarterback Christian Peters, who torched the defense for 230 passing yards in the first half alone, connected with receiver Stewart Ellis 22-yard touchdown pass with 1:25 remaining. The score gave UAPB a slim 17-13 halftime lead, capping a half where both teams traded blows in under two-minute scoring drives.

Halftime: UAPB 17, Alcorn State 13

Third Quarter: Alcorn State's Surge

The Braves came out firing in the second half, flipping the momentum. Sewell struck again, this time on a gritty 5-yard run with 10:34 left, pushing Alcorn State ahead 20-17 after the extra point. UAPB's offense stalled, managing no points in the quarter, as penalties and a stout Alcorn defense forced punts. The Braves controlled the tempo, leaning on their rushing attack to eat clock and protect their narrow lead.

End of 3rd Quarter: UAPB 17, Alcorn State 20

Fourth Quarter: Peters' lead the drive a with 13-play with six-minute march that chewed up yardage and tested Alcorn's resolve. Peters ran for 1 yard TD with 5:39 left to give the Golden Lions a 24-20.

Alcorn State pushed back late, driving into UAPB territory with under two minutes to go, needing just 20 yards for a potential game-winner. On fourth down in the red zone, Tolbert's pass into the end zone fell incomplete, turning the ball over on downs. UAPB kneeled out the clock, securing the hard-fought win and igniting celebrations among the Golden Lions faithful.

This victory improved UAPB to 2-2, providing a boost heading into SWAC play, while Alcorn State fell to 0-4

UAPB Standout Players

QB Christian Peters: 323 yards passing, 1 TD pass, 1 rushing TD the dual-threat star was the game's MVP, engineering the comeback.

RB Jaylen Jennings: 1 rushing TD (19 yards), plus a 53-yard reception that sparked the early field goal.

WR Stewart Ellis: 1 TD reception (22 yards)