Atlanta was the place to be as HBCU football officially took center stage for another highly anticipated edition of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff Presented by Toyota. In a game that delivered big plays, momentum swings and a dramatic finish, Howard University held off Alabama A&M, 31-24, Saturday night at Center Parc Stadium.

For AMPS Magazine, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is about more than a football game. It is a celebration of HBCU

excellence, culture, tradition and the communities that continue to support these institutions. Saturday night in Atlanta delivered all of that—and then some.

Howard came out firing, jumping to a 13-0 lead and controlling the opening quarter. The Bison's offense moved the football effectively while the defense kept Alabama A&M searching for answers. Howard eventually carried a 20-14 advantage into halftime.

But Alabama A&M refused to go away.

Photo by Blake Marshall

The Bulldogs repeatedly answered Howard's scoring opportunities and turned what appeared to be a comfortable Bison lead into a fourth-quarter thriller. Alabama A&M quarterback Cornelious Brown IV accounted for three touchdowns, including a rushing score, while the Bulldogs' ground attack produced 151 yards on only 19 carries.

With 7:49 remaining, David Faulk's 32-yard field goal gave Alabama A&M its first lead of the night, 24-23.

That's when Howard quarterback Ja'Shawn Scroggins showed exactly why he would be named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Scroggins delivered a spectacular performance, completing 19 of 36 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns while adding 49 rushing yards. His 364 yards of total offense kept the Bison in control when the pressure was at its highest.

With just 2:41 remaining, Scroggins found Se'Quan Osborne for a breathtaking 51-yard touchdown that put Howard back in front, 29-24. The Bison then added a successful two-point conversion, with Scroggins connecting with Nathanial Clark to make it 31-24.

Alabama A&M still had one final opportunity.

The Bulldogs drove deep into Howard territory, moving to the Bison 23-yard line. But Howard's defense delivered the game's defining moment. Aidan Foster forced a fumble from Mekhi Maddox, and Rodney Roane Jr. recovered with only 27 seconds remaining.

Photo by Blake Marshall

Game over.

Howard opened the season 1-0, while Alabama A&M dropped to 0-1. The two teams combined for an impressive 841 yards of total offense in a contest that lasted more than four hours and attracted 17,320 fans.

For AMPS Magazine, those numbers tell only part of the story.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge continues to demonstrate why HBCU football deserves the national spotlight. From the marching bands and school pride to the packed stands, tailgates and passionate alumni, these games represent generations of tradition coming together.

Howard now leaves Atlanta with momentum and confidence as the Ted White era begins. Alabama A&M leaves with plenty of positives as well, particularly an offense that demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and produce explosive plays.

In the end, Howard made the plays that mattered most.

The Bison came to Atlanta looking to make a statement—and they left with a hard-fought victory that reminded everyone why HBCU football is always worth watching.