Mississippi Valley Releases 2002 Football Schedule

ITTA BENA, MS - Mississippi Valley State University first-year head football coach Willie Totten can begin full throttle preparation for Saturday, September 7. That is when the world will get its first glimpse of the "Satellite Express" as Totten leads the Delta Devils into battle against Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division foe, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

The Delta Devils kick off the 2002 season in Itta Bena by hosting the Golden Lions of UAPB in a 6:00 p.m. showdown. In addition to the game, MVSU fans will be treated to the pre-game festivities of Family and Community Day.

"We're pleased with the games we have on tap for the 2002 season," stated second-year Athletics Director Lonza Hardy Jr. "The expected competitiveness of the games, along with the special promotions that we've added for the home games, should make for an exciting season and a great way to usher in the Willie Totten era."

The Delta Devils will return to Rice-Totten Stadium the following week for their annual rival game with backyard adversary Delta State University at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14.

Totten will take his first road trip as a head coach when he and the Delta Devils venture to Huntsville, TX on September 21 for a 6:00 p.m. feud with Sam Houston State University. The Delta Devils will be southbound on September 28 to exchange pleasantries with Jackson State University at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, for a second road trip in as many weeks.

Homecoming 2002 will be more than just a festive affair, both on and off the field. On October 5, Archie "The Gunslinger" Cooley will be welcomed back to the placed where he groomed Totten into an All-American quarterback. Cooley, now head coach of Paul Quinn College, will face his pupil in a 2:00 p.m. game in Rice-Totten Stadium.

"I learned a lot of football from Coach Cooley and we are still close," stated Totten, "This homecoming should be really emotional and interesting for everyone. I think the atmosphere come game time will be electric."

Following, homecoming, Delta Devils take to the road for three straight weekends, making a first stop in Baton Rouge, LA to face Southern University on October 12 at 6:00 p.m. The Delta Devils will head to Huntsville, AL to play Alabama A&M University on October 19 at 6:30 p.m. and then will travel to Houston, TX for a 7:00 p.m. grudge match with Texas Southern University on October 26.

Totten and his troops will return to Itta Bena for High School Day on November 2, when the Delta Devils entertain the Panthers of Prairie View A&M University. The Delta Devils wrap up their 2002 home slate with in-state antagonist, Alcorn State University on November 9, with a special ceremony for the Legends of the Valley.

Montgomery, AL will be the final regular season stop on the 2002 Satellite Express Tour. Totten's crew will face the Hornets of Alabama State in the regular season finale on November 16. The SWAC championship game is slated for December 4, in Birmingham, AL

"It's no doubt we have a very competitive schedule." Totten said. "We know we're going to have our work cut out for us, but we're going to come to play every night. We're going to do everything in our power to turn this program around. Some people may look at our record from a year ago and take us lightly. We plan on surprising a few people this season."

"With fan excitement already building, we're making plans to kick off our season ticket sales in a few weeks, which would be much earlier than in the past," added Hardy. "We want to give our fans ample opportunity to be a part of what should be a fun season."

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