Southern holds on to defeat Mississippi Valley 34-29

Southern University Athletics

ITTA BENA, MS — Southern University held off a late rally by Mississippi Valley State to earn a 34–29 road victory. The Jaguars (1-1, 0-0 SWAC) leaned on a powerful rushing attack and timely plays on both sides of the ball, while the Delta Devils (0-1, 0-0 SWAC) fought until the final whistle in front of 3,748 fans.

First Half

Both teams traded early field goals, with Southern’s Nathan Zimmer hitting from 24 yards before MVSU’s Marko Jovisic answered from 47. The Jaguars found momentum in the second quarter when QB Cam’Ron McCoy capped an eight-play drive with a 9-yard touchdown run. MVSU clawed back with a short Jovisic field goal and then grabbed the lead on a 53-yard strike from Joshua Brown to Caleb Brownlow. Southern responded just before halftime as McCoy connected with Darren Morris for a 35-yard touchdown, giving the Jaguars a 17–13 lead at the break.

Second Half

Southern extended their advantage early in the third when Trey Holly punched in a 3-yard rushing touchdown. However, MVSU responded—first with another Jovisic field goal, then capitalizing on a Southern fumble returned 38 yards for a touchdown by Jamari Stokes, cutting the lead to 24–22.

Zimmer’s 32-yard field goal in the fourth gave Southern breathing room, and Barry Remo 25-yard touchdown run pushed the margin to 34–22. The Delta Devils refused to fold, with Brown finding Christian White for a 21-yard touchdown with under two minutes left, pulling MVSU within five. Southern’s defense, led by Ckelby Givens (3.5 sacks), sealed the win by pressuring Brown on the final drive.

By the Numbers

Southern dominated on the ground with 237 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Holly (79 yds, TD), Remo (40 yds, TD), and McCoy (35 yds, TD) carried the load.
McCoy also threw for 82 yards and a score, while Jalen Woods added 61 passing yards.
MVSU’s Joshua Brown led the Devils with 87 rushing yards and 146 passing yards, plus two TD passes.
Total yards: Southern 366, MVSU 296.
Southern converted 7-of-18 third downs, while MVSU struggled at 2-of-13.