UAPB Football Snaps Losing Streak With Win Over Grambling State

Tyrin R.

PINE BLUFF, AR – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team snapped their seven game losing streak with a 33 – 26 conference win over Grambling State University Saturday at Simmons Bank Field. Skylar Perry propelled the squad to the victory leading the Golden Lions in both rushing and passing.

Grambling State would score the first points of the game following a botched snap on a UAPB punt attempt resulting in a safety and 2 points for the Tigers. The Golden Lions would answer after a 43 yard scamper by Perry, to set up a 37 yard field goal by Zach Piwniczka to take an one point lead. After a GSU score, Arkansas-Pine Bluff would pick up the pace in the second quarter, as Perry would hit Dalyn Hill for a 34-yard touchdown and Josh Wilkes for a 43 yard score to a 17-9 lead into halftime. 

The two teams would exchange scores in the third quarter, with the Golden Lions scoring on a 67 yard touchdown run by Skylar Perry to give Pine Bluff a 15 point lead. The Tigers would score at the end of the third quarter to pull within eight. GSU would get as close as 3 points in the fourth, but were unable to overcome the Golden Lions. Piwniczka nailed a 35 yard field goal, and Perry would score from 3 yards out to push the team ahead for good. A fourth quarter interception and return by Golden Lions DB Andre Fuller sealed the deal for the UAPB win. Fuller currently ranks fourth in the SWAC in interceptions.

Perry finished the evening 11-22-143 yards and2 touchdowns, also leading the Golden Lions in rushing with 15 carries for 143 yards and 2 scores. Kierra Crossely and Daniel Ingram also contributed to the run game with 11 totes for 55 yards and 10 carries for 33 yards respectively. Josh Wilkes led in receiving with 3 grabs for 66 yards and a touchdown. UAPB defensive back Keyvien Johnson  led the Arkansas-Pine Bluff defense with ten tackles in the win.

The Golden Lions will return this weekend, as they will host Florida A&M Saturday November 13th, kick off and 2 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. The game will be livestreamed on ESPN+ and on the UAPB Sports Network on 99.3f.m. The Beat.