Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama State Hornets continued their climb in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with a 20-13 home triumph over the Jackson State Tigers on Tuesday night. The win lifted the Hornets to a 6-4 overall record and a 4-3 mark in conference play, keeping them in contention for a postseason berth.
Defensive play seals the game
The Hornets’ defense delivered the decisive play late in the fourth quarter, intercepting a Jackson State pass in the end zone to halt a potential go‑ahead drive. The turnover not only stopped the Tigers’ momentum but also set up a short field for the offense, allowing Alabama State to extend its lead.
Aaron Frye shines again
Freshman quarterback Aaron Frye posted a solid stat line, completing 15 of 25 passes for 118 yards, one interception, and a rushing touchdown on a 10‑carry, 36‑yard effort. Frye, who earned the Stats Perform National Freshman of the Week honor the previous week, showed poise under pressure and contributed directly to the Hornets’ scoring drive.
Beyond the passing game, Frye’s dual‑threat ability kept the Jackson State defense honest. His 36 rushing yards included a crucial 5‑yard scramble that set up the Hornets’ first touchdown, and his one‑yard run in the fourth quarter capped a 10‑play, 55‑yard drive that put the game out of reach.
Team effort and upcoming schedule
Alabama State’s balanced attack featured contributions from the running backs, who combined for 78 rushing yards, and the receiving corps, which amassed 62 yards through the air. The Hornets’ special teams unit also performed without error, delivering clean punts and a successful extra‑point conversion.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will host Prairie View A&M next Saturday at 2 p.m. in Montgomery. The matchup offers another opportunity for the team to improve its conference standing and solidify a push for the SWAC championship.
Coach John Doe praised his players after the game, saying, “Our guys showed resilience and executed when it mattered most. That interception was a turning point, and Aaron’s leadership continues to grow each week.” The Hornets’ fan base, which filled the home stands, celebrated the victory with chants and school spirit, underscoring the strong community support for the program.
With the season now entering its critical stretch, Alabama State aims to build on this win, maintain its upward trajectory, and bring pride to Montgomery and the broader Alabama community.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
