Houston, TX-The Texas Southern Tigers football program kicked off the last game of the season by celebrating 17 seniors and their collegiate football careers. Each player was escorted by a family member or loved one to center field where they were presented with a token of appreciation.
Senior linebacker William Parker made sure this game would be one he would cherish. Parker had one of the best games of his career at Texas Southern. The linebacker from Cincinnati, Ohio led the field with 14 tackles (10 solo), 1.5 TFL and a break up.
Despite his efforts, Parker was not able to will his team to win their final game of the season against Mississippi Valley. The Delta Devils started the game by returning the opening kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown. Mississippi Valley scored minutes later after a TSU interception was converted into a 68 yard drive that ended with a five yard TD run.
The Tigers trailed 14-0 going into the second quarter. Robert Hersh got TSU on the board with a 30 yard field goal. Valley went up 20-3 when a Texas Southern pass was intercepted and returned 31 yards for a touchdown.
Valley scored two more touchdowns to end the game with a 34-3 victory.
Quarterback Rudy Johnson completed 11 of 24 passes for 193 yards. Harry Brown had two catches for 80 yards and Edward Perkings-Loving had six kickoff returns for 153 yards and 30 yards rushing.
TSU ended the season with a 2-9 overall and 2-7 conference record. First year head coach Darrell Asberry said this was a humbling season for him. But he and his staff are committed to building this program from the ground up into one that TSU Tiger students, alumni and fans can be proud of.
