Nunnie on the Sideline
By Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports Editor
If you have been a fairly consistent NOTS reader, then you are probably cognizant of my respect and admiration for Coach Chennis Berry—not only because he is an exceptional leader of young men, but also because he has succeeded at every appointed stop, including Benedict and now South Carolina State.
A Savannah State graduate, Berry allegedly applied for the head coaching position at his alma mater on three separate occasions, but was summarily passed over. He immediately turned Benedict into a Division II powerhouse, achieving two undefeated regular seasons. At SCSU, he has exceeded all expectations by winning two MEAC championships and one Celebration Bowl HBCU championship.
Over the weekend, his Bulldogs annihilated Savannah State, 87-0. Irony really does have a sense of humor.
Dillard High School and FAMU graduate Quinn Gray seemingly turned the Albany State Rams into a Division II powerhouse overnight. Consequently, when the Rattlers’ head coaching position opened, for many it was a foregone conclusion—or at least a natural assumption—that Coach Gray was the presumptive choice.
Who knew that his first game as FAMU’s head coach would be against his former team?
In addition, because of the new transfer portal rules, Coach Gray used his personal relationship with former Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles to facilitate his transfer to Florida A&M, and it was Knowles’ play which assisted in leading the Rattlers to their first victory of the year in Tallahassee. Irony’s boundaries stretch far beyond American classrooms.
Now comes the ultimate test as the Rattlers prepare to face the HBCU defending champion Bulldogs. The matchup should provide a meaningful gauge of where the Rattlers’ program presently stands under Coach Gray’s leadership—and how far it has to go.
Two of the most exciting and competitive games this past weekend involved Howard and Alabama A&M, a MEAC/SWAC battle ultimately won by the Bison, 31-24. In the John Merritt Classic, aptly named because Coach Merritt led both programs, the Jackson State Tigers (SWAC) overcame a determined Tennessee State squad (OVC), 26-24.
The results of these contests portend a tremendous 2026 season.
Other HBCU scores: Alcorn State 56, Miles 7; Texas Southern 42, North Carolina Central 30; Edward Waters 42, Florida Memorial 28; FAMU 20, Albany State 7; Morgan State 21, North Carolina A&T 7; Arkansas-Pine Bluff 35, Morehouse 15; Benedict 42, Johnson C. Smith 10; Alabama State 30, Southern 17; and Grambling State 49, Clark Atlanta 7.
Finally, 47’s desire to hold on to power through gerrymandering and voter suppression has taken another incendiary turn by implementing a system designed to disenfranchise college and minority voters.
I implore all reasonable, logical opponents of this hideous administration to begin educating our athletes about the dangers and ramifications implicit in political policies that deny basic human rights.
Presently, the beginning of football season carries a different, dispassionate appeal, given the mess our country and the world are facing.
