MEMPHIS – One game removed from being benched at halftime, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff quarterback Christian Peters led his team to victory in Memphis.
Peters scored the game-winning touchdown on Saturday as UAPB defeated Alcorn State 24-20 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the Southern Heritage Classic.
He said it meant a lot to him for the coaching staff to keep trusting him as the starter after an uncharacteristic performance two weeks prior.
“They knew that was a bad game for me, and I told them that would never happen again,” Peters said. “Simple as that. I’m glad they trust me. I’m glad quarterbacks in the quarterback room trust me. Anybody can go out there and go have a day I just had. I’m just glad to be here.”
Peters has started every game this season for UAPB (2-2, 1-0 SWAC) after transferring from Shaw University, but he did not play in the second half of the Golden Lions’ 34-8 win against Lincoln (Calif.) after throwing three interceptions in the first half.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He bounced back on Saturday. Peters completed 20 of 32 passes for 323 yards and a touchdown while rushing eight times for 30 yards and a score.
The rushing touchdown came with 5:39 remaining in the game and gave UAPB the lead. It was the sixth and final lead change in the game. After the defense stopped Alcorn State (0-4, 0-1) on fourth down on the next drive, Peters kept the ball on third down to move the chains, allowing him to kneel out the clock and finish a big win.
UAPB Coach Alonzo Hampton said Peters is a winner.
“What you saw out there tonight is what he does in practice,” Hampton said. “He may make a bad play, but he’s going to come back and make two or three plays for you. So, it was great for him to have this kind of game, to bounce back and let everybody know. Hey man, he’s a really talented football player, and he does a good job leading this football team.”
Memphis native makes big play
A hometown player made one of the biggest plays of the first half for UAPB.
Memphis native Zach Williams intercepted a pass in the end zone on the final play of the first quarter, robbing Alcorn of points with the Braves already leading 6-3.
“Coach called the play,” Williams said. “I read my keys, had disciplined eyes. I just executed the play call. … Man, it felt great just making a big play at home in front of the home crowd.”
Williams’ interception was the only turnover for either team and kept the Braves from taking a two-possession lead, something neither team held at any point.
Hampton said he was happy for Williams to have that moment in front of local family and friends.
“Zach is a young man that walked on for us last year, and he did such a good job for us, I gave him a scholarship,” Hampton said. “To come back home, man, and to get that interception, they were getting ready to score. That took points off the board. So, Zach has done a tremendous job. I gotta continue to work with him, but it was good for him.”
Williams is one of six Memphis natives on the UAPB roster.