By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It was a statement win at Louis Crews Stadium on Saturday night as Alabama A&M (3-1)flexed its muscle on both sides of the ball, dismantling Division II opponent Lane College 49-7.
The Bulldogs’ defense was the star of the evening, recording two safeties in the first quarter and forcing seven turnovers while holding the Dragons to just 155 total yards. The relentless defensive effort gave Alabama A&M an early spark and Lane little chance to respond.
Quarterback Eric Handley threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns, connecting on 15 of 28 passes despite two interceptions. Running back Kolton Nero added balance to the offense, rushing for 69 yards and two scores on just seven carries.
The Bulldogs set the tone early. With 3:15 left in the first quarter, Lane quarterback Nick Billoups fumbled on third-and-15 deep in his own territory, recovering the ball in the end zone for a safety. Just two minutes later, linebacker Xzavier Booker sacked Billoups for another safety, putting A&M ahead 7-0.
The offense followed the defense’s lead. Ryan Morrow scored on a 12-yard run early in the second quarter, and Isaiah Nwokenkwo added a 21-yard touchdown run that extended the lead to 42-0 in the third. Handley connected with Travaunta Abner on an 18-yard strike and later found Daveon Walker for a 10-yard touchdown.
Special teams also contributed, with Victory Barbosa drilling a career-long 47-yard field goal.
Lane’s only points came late in the fourth quarter, when defensive back John White returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown off backup quarterback Ashley Tucker Jr.’s lone pass attempt.
The Bulldogs, who improved to 3-1 on the season, will look to carry momentum into conference play with their defense emerging as one of the most opportunistic units in the SWAC.