Ward leads Tennessee State past Southern 33-7

Published Sep. 4, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Trabis Ward and Dante' Thomas each scored one touchdown in Tennessee State's 33-7 win over Southern University on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Tennessee State held on to possession for 35 minutes, compared to just 23 for Southern. The Jaguars gained momentum on a Dray Thomas 59-yard interception return for a touchdown on Southern's opening drive.

Ward, who gained 141 yards on 18 carries, scored on a 5-yard run to give the Tigers a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Thomas scored on the Tigers' next possession, pounding it in from four yards out. Thomas finished with 87 yards on 13 carries.

Jamie Perry managed the game well for the Tigers, throwing for 148 yards and one score.

Tennessee State's defense also played well, forcing three turnovers and holding the Jaguars to just 37 rushing yards.