Game Box Score
PINE BLUFF, Ark- Three interceptions by University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff defensive back Kevin Thornton shifted the momentum and ultimately the game on Saturday afternoon at Golden Lions Stadium. Thornton returned two of those picks for touchdowns as he and the Golden Lions defensive unit led UAPB to its first victory of the season over the Langston Lions 45-30.
“Kevin played an outstanding game tonight,” said UAPB Head Coach Monte Coleman. “He made plays all over the field. Going into the season we expected great things from him and he's lived up to those expectations. The performance he put in tonight helped changed the complexion of this ball game.”
UAPB's 45 point outburst ranks as the most points score by the Golden Lions in nearly three years. Not to be left out of the defensive action Golden Lions cornerback Joseph Brown tallied two interceptions of his own while fellow teammate James Harrell accounted for one interception. In all the UAPB secondary netted a total of six interceptions breaking the school record of four set in 1967.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff's offense showed signs of progression as quarterback Rontrell Bailey went 11-of-24 for 155 yards and one touchdown. Running back Mickey Dean paced the Golden Lions ground attack as he gained 122 yards on 28 carries with one rushing touchdown.
“Our offensive unit showed a tremendous amount of improvement today,” added Coleman. “We were able to have some success throwing and running the ball and we also converted several special teams scoring opportunities.”
For the game Arkansas-Pine Bluff tallied 303 total offensive yards (148 R, 155) while limiting Langston to 107 total yards 42 R, 65 P). The Golden Lions will now get set to make their road debut this upcoming Saturday as they travel to Itta Bena, Miss. to face Mississippi Valley State.
