Hornets Take charge in the Eastern Division
10/8/05 by AP

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- Tarvari Jackson threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and Alabama State used a big second half to rout Jackson State 44-23 on Saturday night.

Robert Randolph rushed for two touchdowns and 121 yards, and Keldri Williams had 167 yards rushing for the Hornets (5-1, 5-0 SWAC).

Alabama State and Jackson State entered as the only SWAC East teams unbeaten in conference play, and the Hornets took command late, outscoring the Tigers 24-6 in the second half to claim sole possession of first place in the division.

Jackson finished 22-of-28 passing for 286 yards, and had a 1-yard sneak for a score and a 31-yard touchdown pass to Chris Maddox.

The Hornets finished with a season-high 618 total yards, their fifth straight game with at least 500 yards of offense.

Olandus Rogers ran 47 yards for a touchdown and Jeremy Handy caught an 85-yard touchdown pass from Steve Haren for Jackson State (2-3, 2-1), which led 17-13 late in the second quarter before Alabama State took control.

Alabama State won its sixth straight against Jackson State.