On Saturday, the Prairie View A&M football team claimed it’s third consecutive victory over Grambling State defeating the Tigers by a score of 17-10 at the State Fair Classic at Global Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

The Panthers (2-0) got on the board early with a 36-yard field goal by Luis Reyes in the first quarter and followed that up with a six-yard run by quarterback TJ Stark to take a 10-0 lead into halftime. The first half performance was highlighted by Prairie View’s defense that held the Tigers (0-2) to 80 total yards on offense in the first half as they forced five punts and an interception.

Grambling State was determined to play better in the second half as they opened the third quarter with a Garrett Urban 46-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 10-3, but the Panthers responded with a 60-yard pass from quarterback Trazon Connely to wide receiver Chris Johnson to push the lead to 14 points.

The Tigers would get a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Elijah Walker to bring the score to 17-10, but for the second week in a row the defense of the Panthers stepped up and did not allow Grambling another scoring opportunity.

“We knew coming into the season that we needed defensive guys, and fortunately our coaches went out and got guys who can play,” said Prairie View Head Coach Eric Dooley. “I commend our defense for playing hard and playing great for 60 minutes."

That defense that Coach Dooley speaks so highly of is led by the one-two punch of Preseason All-SWAC selections defensive lineman Jason Dumas (First Team) and linebacker Storey Jackson (Second team). They accounted for 26 tackles combined and 3.5 sacks on the day.

Jackson continues to come up big for the Panthers as the SWAC leader in tackles forced a fumble to stop a Grambling potential game tying drive that helped Prairie View stay undefeated on the season.

"I'm not surprised at what Storey's doing," said coach Dooley. "I know the work he's putting in at all phases…weight room, film room, you name it and the best part about it is that his work ethic on the field also reflects in his academics."

The Panthers are back in action on March 20th to face undefeated Alabama A&M and their explosive offense led by SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year selection Aqeel Glass at quarterback.