LORMAN, Miss. (Oct. 4, 2025) – In a hard-fought defensive showdown at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium, Prairie View A&M continued its unbeaten run in Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a gritty 13-12 victory over Alcorn State on Saturday afternoon.

The Panthers’ resilience once again proved decisive, as a fourth-quarter field goal from kicker Alfaro lifted Prairie View to its third consecutive conference win and fourth victory overall this season. The result extended Alcorn State’s winless start to 0-5, marking another frustrating afternoon for a Braves team that has yet to find an offensive rhythm late in games.

Late Field Goal Seals It

With the game hanging in the balance, Prairie View A&M pieced together an eight-play, 25-yard drive in the opening moments of the fourth quarter. The march stalled just outside the red zone, but Alfaro calmly drilled a 44-yard field goal with 14:54 remaining, giving the Panthers a 13-12 lead they would not relinquish.

The kick capped a methodical performance from a Prairie View offense that prioritized ball control and efficiency. It also underscored the difference between the two teams: the Panthers made plays when it mattered, while the Braves were again blanked in the fourth quarter for the second straight week.

Balanced Effort on Offense

Quarterback Cameron Peters led the Panthers with poise, completing 15-of-22 passes (68.2%) and spreading the ball to multiple receivers. His accuracy allowed Prairie View to sustain drives and maintain possession — a key factor in their 37:13 to 21:47 advantage in time of possession.

On the ground, Prairie View’s rushing attack was steady and diverse. Peters also contributed as a runner, while Lamagea McDowell added 51 yards on 12 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per rush. Cameron Peters paced the backfield with 66 rushing yards on 11 carries, good for 6 yards per touch.

In the passing game, Jyzaiah Rockwell was the primary target, hauling in seven receptions for 45 yards. Though the yardage totals weren’t eye-popping, his short-yardage reliability helped the Panthers move the chains and keep Alcorn’s defense on the field.

Defense Wins It

Defensively, Prairie View A&M once again showed why it has emerged as one of the SWAC’s most disruptive units. The Panthers outgained Alcorn State 348-270 and suffocated the Braves’ offense in key moments, allowing just 94 rushing yards and a mere 2-of-12 conversion rate on third down.

The Panthers’ front seven was relentless, racking up five sacks and 10 tackles for loss while never allowing Alcorn’s quarterbacks to settle. Matthew Moore led the charge with four tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. Malik Gucake added a sack of his own, while defensive back Eric Zachery came up with a momentum-changing interception — his third of the season — to halt an Alcorn drive in the third quarter.

Head coach Tremaine Jackson, still in his first year at the helm, praised the team’s defensive toughness and poise.

“We talk about being resilient, and that’s exactly what our defense showed,” Jackson said postgame. “We’ve been in tight games all year, but this group doesn’t flinch. They respond, they communicate, and they finish.”

Key Stats and Takeaways

• Turnover Battle: Prairie View forced one takeaway while committing none.

• Rushing Edge: Panthers held a 163-94 advantage on the ground.

• Third Down Efficiency: Prairie View went 5-for-13; Alcorn just 2-for-12.

• Special Teams: Punter Aiden Webb flipped field position with a 46-yard average on his lone punt, pinning the Braves inside the 20.

• Protection: The offensive line did not allow a sack all game.

The victory also marked Prairie View’s fourth win in its last five meetings against Alcorn State, tightening what has historically been a lopsided series.

The Road Ahead

With the win, Prairie View A&M improves to 4-2 overall and 3-0 in SWAC play, maintaining its position atop the Western Division standings. The Panthers’ unbeaten conference record sets up a critical midseason stretch as they push toward a potential division title and a berth in the SWAC Championship Game.

Alcorn State, meanwhile, remains winless at 0-5 (0-2 SWAC), continuing to struggle offensively despite flashes of potential. The Braves’ inability to produce in the fourth quarter — now a recurring issue — has cost them multiple close contests.

For Prairie View, though, Saturday’s narrow win was another example of a team learning how to finish.

“We’re growing every week,” Jackson said. “It wasn’t perfect, but we found a way. That’s what championship-caliber teams do.”

Final Score: Prairie View A&M 13, Alcorn State 12