Edward Waters vs. Bethune-Cookman: A Tale of Two Halves
Bethune-Cookman opened its home slate with a 35-9 win over Edward Waters, but the score doesn’t tell the full story.
Edward Waters — a SIAC program still building its profile — came out confident and battled hard in the first half. Quarterback Noah Bodden (167 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs) delivered a 23-yard touchdown to Makai Lovett, while running back Johntarrious Thomas added 59 rushing yards on just eight carries. At halftime, the Tigers trailed just 14-6, showing they could hang with a SWAC foe when limiting mistakes.
The second half, however, belonged to the Wildcats. Quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom threw for three touchdowns, including an 82-yard bomb to Maleek Huggins (177 yards, 2 TDs). Running back Khamani Robinson added a 75-yard touchdown run, and Bethune’s defense feasted on Bodden’s mistakes to seal the blowout.
Edward Waters faltered after halftime, but their first-half effort — plus the explosiveness of players like Kieren Jackson, who already has two kick-return TDs this year — makes them a dangerous team in the SIAC.
Around the SWAC: Key Results
- Alabama A&M 49, Lane 7 – A dominant showing from the Bulldogs, who controlled every phase of the game.
- Grambling 31, East Texas A&M 28 – A nail-biter that showed just how competitive the SWAC remains week to week.
- Prairie View A&M 27, Northwestern State 24 – The Panthers relied on their rushing attack to complete a comeback and secure the win.
Outstanding Performances
- Maleek Huggins (Bethune-Cookman) – 6 catches, 177 yards, 2 TDs. His 82-yard catch broke EWU’s spirit in the third quarter.
- Khamani Robinson (Bethune-Cookman) – 12 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD. His 75-yard burst was one of the weekend’s highlights.
- Cam’Ron Ransom (Bethune-Cookman) – 172 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. Steady, explosive, and in full control.
- Johntarrious Thomas (Edward Waters) – 59 rushing yards on 8 carries. Nearly 7 yards per touch against a strong SWAC defense.
- Makai Lovett (Edward Waters) – 3 receptions, 43 yards, 1 TD. Scored EWU’s lone touchdown in the first half.
- Kieren Jackson (Edward Waters) – SIAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Dangerous in the return game, already with 2 kick-return touchdowns this season.
What It All Means
- Bethune-Cookman: Explosive plays and Ransom-to-Huggins chemistry make them a real threat in the SWAC.
- Edward Waters: Though an SIAC team, the Tigers proved they can hang early. To keep rising, they must limit turnovers, contain big plays, and finish stronger in the second half.
- Alabama A&M, Grambling, Prairie View A&M: Each won in different ways — blowouts, tight finishes, and comebacks — showcasing the SWAC’s depth and unpredictability.
Final Word
The SWAC once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting conferences in college football. Bethune-Cookman’s second-half surge highlighted their potential, while Edward Waters showed resilience that bodes well in SIAC play. Add in Alabama A&M’s dominance, Grambling’s close call, and Prairie View’s comeback, and this weekend was a reminder: in HBCU football, every Saturday is a show.
