Prairie View, Texas (Sept. 27, 2025) – In one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) most anticipated rivalry matchups, Prairie View A&M used an explosive start and a timely defensive stand to secure a 28-13 victory over Grambling State on Saturday night. The win marked Prairie View’s fifth triumph in the last six meetings against their in-state rival and dropped Grambling to 0-1 in league play for the second consecutive season.

Fast Start by Prairie View A&M

The Panthers wasted no time seizing momentum in front of a spirited home crowd. Their offense, operating at a rapid pace, struck twice in the opening quarter to grab a 14-0 lead. The early scores showcased Prairie View’s versatility—mixing quick-hitting runs with efficient passing to keep Grambling’s defense on its heels.

Grambling responded late in the first quarter with a touchdown drive to cut the deficit, though a missed extra point kept the score at 14-6 after 15 minutes of play. The opening frame highlighted the Panthers’ ability to dictate tempo while Grambling struggled to finish drives despite showing flashes of offensive rhythm.

Panthers Stretch the Lead

The second and third quarters belonged largely to Prairie View A&M. Their defense forced multiple punts and limited Grambling’s ability to establish consistency in the passing game. Offensively, the Panthers added another touchdown, stretching their advantage to 21-6 by the end of the third quarter.

Running backs powered much of the offense, repeatedly grinding down the Grambling front seven and setting up manageable third-down situations. Quarterback play was efficient if not flashy, with the Panthers prioritizing ball control and sustained drives to wear down their opponent.

By the start of the fourth quarter, Prairie View appeared firmly in control, though the rivalry’s history of dramatic finishes loomed large.

Grambling’s Late Push

Grambling State, determined to claw back into the contest, mounted its strongest drive of the night early in the fourth quarter. The Tigers found success attacking the edges of Prairie View’s defense and ultimately capped the possession with a touchdown, trimming the margin to 21-13.

The score energized Grambling’s sideline and traveling supporters, sparking legitimate hope of a comeback. Momentum appeared to shift further when the Tigers regained possession and began driving downfield once again. With just minutes remaining, Grambling pushed into the red zone, setting up a pivotal moment that could have tied the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion.

Zachery’s Game-Saving Interception

Enter Eric Zachery, Prairie View’s senior defensive back, who delivered the defining play of the night. Reading the quarterback’s eyes, Zachery jumped a pass in the end zone and came down with a momentum-crushing interception. The turnover not only ended Grambling’s rally but also reignited the Panthers’ offense with excellent field position.

Just minutes later, Prairie View capitalized on the shift. A steady, methodical drive ended in a touchdown that sealed the game at 28-13, eliminating any chance of a Grambling comeback.

Resilient Rivalry Edge

The victory reinforced Prairie View’s recent dominance in this storied rivalry. Grambling has now dropped five of its last six against the Panthers, a trend that underscores the shifting balance of power in this annual SWAC clash.

For Grambling, the loss extends a troubling pattern of slow starts in conference play. Beginning 0-1 in SWAC action for the second straight season, the Tigers face mounting pressure to turn their season around quickly if they hope to contend for divisional honors.

Postgame Outlook

Prairie View A&M, meanwhile, exits the matchup with confidence and momentum. The defense’s ability to rise in critical moments and the offense’s commitment to balance provided the blueprint for success. Head coach and staff will point to Zachery’s interception as the night’s defining moment, but the collective team effort across all four quarters ensured victory.

Looking ahead, Prairie View A&M will seek to build on its strong start to conference play, while Grambling State must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings.

In a rivalry defined by passion, momentum swings, and tradition, Saturday’s game delivered all three. And when it mattered most, Prairie View A&M made the plays necessary to walk away with bragging rights and a crucial SWAC win.