Jenkins hopes for Hornets’ strong finish
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (bamastatesports.com) – Alabama State head football coach Brian Jenkins addressed the local media during Wednesday’s weekly press conference and discussed the one-point defeat in overtime to Alabama A&M at Saturday’s Magic City Classic and this week’s opponent Jackson State.
“Tough one,” coach Jenkins said.
“One that hurts and that bothers you from the inside out, but you just have to lift your head up, strap your boots up and live another day. They’re hurt because games such as the Magic City Classic is a meaningful game. Nevertheless, they’re still pressing on. We came out and had a good practice yesterday. When you put that much effort into it and you’re right there, and you come away with the results that we came away with, you should be hurt. If they weren’t hurt, then I would question what kind of team that I have.”
The record-setting day at the Magic City Classic drew over 70,000 fans at Legion Field.
“This Magic City Classic was just wonderful to see that many people together to enjoy themselves for many different reasons and then it comes down to a football game. It was just a tremendous atmosphere and I look forward to it for many years to come. My hat goes off to coach James Spady, who is a friend of mine, and did a terrific job of hanging in there and finding a way to get a victory. To see two teams battle all the way to the end, it had to be really good for the fans. McDonald’s and Coca Cola do a wonderful job of doing a lot of events leading up to the game and it made it a grand event.”
Up next, Alabama State (2-6 overall, 2-5 SWAC) will host Jackson State (3-5 overall, 3-3 SWAC) on Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff at ASU Stadium.
“I’ve known their coach [Tony Hughes] for a while—he’s a very well-respected guy,” Jenkins said.
“[He’s] a veteran of the game and has put together a good team. Defensively, they’re number two in the league (allowing 341.1 total yards per game). They’re led by a good coach in their defensive coordinator John Hendrick. We got our work cut out for us, but I strongly believe that we can play with them. We’re going to line up Saturday and give it everything that we’ve got.”
