By T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT, Lincoln Parish Journal
LAS VEGAS — In a dramatic and emotionally draining up and down game, on his first attempt ever, Grambling State kicker Josh McCormick booted a 44-yard field goal straight between the uprights with 21 seconds left to lift the G-Men to a 26-24 win over 12th-ranked Jackson State Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Grambling moved on top in the third quarter and extended the lead to 23-10 with 12:06 remaining in the contest after quarterback C’zavian Teasett fired a 26-yard scoring strike to Andrew Frazier.
But Jackson State, the No. 1 team in HBCU polls and 12th in the FCS rankings, scored on the ensuing drive on a 62-yard touchdown pass to cut Grambling’s lead to 23-17 with 9:41 left on the clock
After holding GSU to a three–and-out, Jackson State marched 57 yards on 11 plays to go on top 24-23 on a 1-yard quarterback keeper with 2:15 remaining.
On the ensuing drive, Teasett ran the ball nine yards for a first down at the GSU 42-yard line right at the 2:00 timeout.
After being tackled, Tezsett remained face down and motionless on the field as GSU medical personnel rushed to his aid. Almost immediately after getting to Teasett, those personnel signaled for more help and equipment.
Eventually Teasett was strapped to a backboard and put into an ambulance that had driven out to the middle of the field, and was taken to a nearby hospital.
A statement released by GSU Athletics Sunday afternoon said Teasett was still being medically evaluated in Las Vegas, but was “responsive and in good spirits.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with C’zavian as he continues to recover,” said Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle Jr. in that statement. “Moments like these remind us that football is more than a game — it’s a brotherhood rooted in courage, care, and community. C’zavian is a remarkable young man whose strength and resolve reflect the heart of this institution. We are all rallying around him and praying for his full recovery.”
Grambling State Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott expressed gratitude to the GSU sports medicine staff, team doctors, and Las Vegas emergency response personnel for their swift and professional care.
“Their immediate attention and coordinated efforts exemplify the highest standard of care and compassion for our student-athletes,” said Dr. Scott. “C’zavian embodies the spirit and resilience of a true G-Man, and we stand firmly beside him and his family during this time.”
After play finally resumed following Teasett’s injury, running back Byron Eaton Jr. took the next snap for Grambling out of the Wildcat formation and ran for 1 yard.
Backup quarterback A’Myne Darensbourg then moved behind center and ran for 12 yards to reach the Jackson State 48.
Then, on third and 12, Darensbourg hit Barron Myles Jr. to get the ball to the Jackson State 27.
After 10 plays picking up 38 yards and with no timeouts left, Grambling coach Mickey Joseph then opted to let the strong-legged McCormick try his first field goal attempt as a Tiger.
The graduate senior sent the ball right down the middle to put the Tigers on top with 21 seconds remaining.
Jackson State, which lost its starting quarterback to a first-half injury, was unable to threaten after the kickoff.
The G-Men moved to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with the win.
Covadis Knighten led Grambling with five catches for 96 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown reception that cut Jackson State’s lead to 14-7 with 1:56 remaining in the first half.
Grambling trimmed Jackson State’s halftime advantage to 14-10 when Theodore Cabellero nailed a 24-yard field goal as the second quarter clock expired. But with the game on the line and facing a longer kick, it was McCormick’s turn, and he delivered.
Contact Scott at tscottboatright@gmail.com