WALLER, Texas – The 2015 PVAMU senior class went out in style behind Johnta' Hebert's 212-yard, three-touchdown performance as the Panthers defeated Jackson State 56-14 at Waller ISD Stadium. The 42-point margin marked the biggest victory by the Panthers over Jackson State since a 46-point win in 1951.
The Panthers went backwards to open the game as they were forced to punt on the opening possession. However, a 76-yard punt by Owen Hoolihan landed out of bounds at the JSU 1. The Panther defense, which has turned a corner since late October, forced JSU into a three-and-out but they were back on the field as the offense stalled at the JSU 35.
After another Hoolihan punt was downed inside the JSU 2, redshirt sophomore Arthur Lockett made a huge defensive play as he picked off JSU's Jarin Morikawa and dived into the end zone for a 21-yard return and a 7-0 lead after the PAT. The defense forced its third straight punt on the ensuing possession but the next Panther offensive drive stalled as the wind kept the ball from reaching KhaDarel Hodge on a fake punt attempt at the JSU 42.
Another punt by the Tigers finally turned into a positive offensive drive as Trey Green opened with a 22-yard reception to Hodge and another 13-yard pass to Hodge set up the Panthers at the JSU 23. Two players later, the Panthers pulled out their bag of tricks with the old fumblerooski play as Keylon LaSalle rushed in from 10 yards out for the 14-0 lead after the PAT to end the scoring in the first quarter.
Redshirt freshman Dominique Weaver made his second career interception to thwart JSU's latest attempt and the offense rewarded the defense with a 10-play, 80-yard drive which spanned over four minutes. Senior quarterback De'Auntre Smiley scored his 11th touchdown of the season as he ran in from four yards out for a 21-0 lead after Hoolihan's PAT.
With a 25-mph wind, special teams were a factor for most of the game and it came to fruition on the ensuing kickoff as the wind brought the ball back to midfield as Joshua Holley was alert enough to jump on the ball and recover the onside kick as the kickoff went more than 10 yards. Despite receiving a gift, the Panthers failed to capitalize as their drive stalled at the JSU 19 following a failed fourth down conversion. The offense would receive the ball late in the second quarter but stalled once again in JSU territory. The defense would force a sack to end the half as the Panthers led 21-0.
The Panthers scored on their opening drive as Green hit Hodge for a 20-yard scoring strike as the PAT upped the lead to 28-0. Two penalties by PVAMU aided JSU on its next drive as Morikawa found Dan Williams for a 13-yard touchdown as JSU trailed 28-7 after the PAT. The Panthers would respond on their next drive as they only needed four plays as Green opened with a 41-yard pass to Anthony Wiltz. Three plays later, Hebert made his presence known as he somehow squirmed out of a sure tackle and bounced off the pile for a 19-yard touchdown run as PVAMU led 35-7 after the PAT.
JSU answered with a score on its next drive but Green ran in from 10 yards out to move the lead to 42-14. Hebert opened the fourth quarter with a 76-yard touchdown run and closed out his remarkable career with a seven-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
Hebert rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns on 19 attempts while Green passed for 155 yards and a touchdown. Hodge led all receives with 88 yards on five receptions while safety Raleigh Johnson led all defenders with 13 tackles and a tackle for loss.
The regular season comes to a close as the Panthers will await their postseason fate as the NCAA FCS Playoff Committee will unveil its 2015 bracket on Sunday at 10 a.m. on ESPNU. The Panthers closed out the season with an undefeated home record and seven consecutive wins under first-year head coach Willie Simmons.
