D2 Notes: Stillman Releases 2014 Schedule

By: Stillman Athletic Department TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (March 6, 2014) - The Stillman Department of Athletics releases its 2014 football schedule with a calendar that includes a tough CIAA opponent, three in-state non-conference adversaries and a tough SIAC slate. "The 2014 season will be a tough, but competitive one for us," said head coach Teddy Keaton. "From the beginning of the schedule to the end are teams that each present a different challenge. However, I do believe that we will be up for each one." The season begins with the start of a new in-state "classic" as Stillman hosts West Alabama in "Tiger Bowl 2014 on September 6. The inaugural Tiger Bowl will mark the fourth time the two programs square off, with UWA currently holding a 3-0 series lead. The following Thursday, Stillman travels to Birmingham to take on the Samford Bulldogs, 2013 co-champions of the Southern Conference. The last time these two programs met was in 2011 when Samford downed Stillman 45-6 in Birmingham. On September 20, Stillman welcomes St. Augustine's to Tuscaloosa looking to even the all-time series against the Falcons. The month ends with the opening of SIAC play as Stillman and Kentucky State meet at Stillman Stadium on September 27. Last season, Stillman left Frankfort with a 26-21 win over the Thorobreds and are currently riding a four-game series win streak against KSU. "We are expecting the 2014 campaign to be special. With the good group of returning players along with a talented group of newcomers, we are hoping for good things to occur. However, we are not going to overlook anyone on our schedule, nor will we take anyone lightly. We are going to take each game one at a time, each play one at a time and look to be successful along the way," said Keaton. The month of October features five games against SIAC Western Division foes. On October 4, Stillman will travel to Jackson, Tennessee to take on Lane College and look to rebound from last season's 27-28 loss at the hands of the Dragons. The following week, Stillman will again take to the road, this time a trip to Columbia, S.C. to face the Benedict Tigers. Stillman has defeated Benedict the last three meetings and six of the last ten contests. On October 18, the Stillman campus will be alive as the Tigers welcome the Tuskegee Golden Tigers to Stillman Stadium. Following that contest, Stillman will take to the road for the third time in October as they travel to Wilberforce, Ohio for an October 25 game against Central State. The Tigers defeated a tough CSU squad 35-33 in Tuscaloosa with several big plays in the final minutes of regulation. The month ends with the annual renewal of the rivalry between Stillman and Miles. Stillman enters the game looking to avenge a one-point loss, 31-30, at the hands of the Bears in 2013. "The SIAC portion of our schedule will be critical in 2014," said director of athletics Paul Bryant. "Each game should be tough for the programs on the field and enjoyable for the fans in the stands." November opens with Stillman hosting Clark Atlanta for Homecoming 2014. Stillman defeated the Panthers 27-6 in 2013 and currently have a three-game win streak over the Atlanta-based institution. The season comes to a close on Saturday, November 22 as Stillman will again travel to Montgomery, Ala. for the Turkey Day Classic against Alabama State. "Playing Alabama State was a good experience for us last season; we look forward to the challenge as we participate in this year's Turkey Day Classic," said Bryant. Last season, the Tigers finished 6-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play. 2014 Stillman Tigers Football Schedule September 6 West Alabama Tiger Bowl 2014 Stillman Stadium 3 p.m. 11 Samford Birmingham, Ala. TBA 20 St. Augustine's Stillman Stadium 3 p.m. 27 Kentucky State Stillman Stadium 3 p.m. October 4 Lane Jackson, Tenn. 2 p.m. 11 Benedict Columbia, S.C. 2 p.m. EST 18 Tuskegee Stillman Stadium 1 p.m. 25 Central State Wilberforce, Ohio 1:30 p.m. EST 30 Miles College Fairfield, Ala. 6 p.m. November 8 Clark Atlanta Homecoming 2014 Stillman Stadium 1:00 p.m. 22 Alabama State 91st Turkey Day Classic Montgomery, Ala. TBA