Babb return key in East's HBCU Bowl win

Atlanta, GA – A happy homecoming wasn't the only return for Star Bowl.

Babb's 100-yard return of a failed field-goal attempt fueled the East All- Stars to a 23-13 victory over the West All-Stars on Saturday.

Babb, a senior from Savannah State, was playing the all-star game in his hometown of Atlanta. He scored with nine seconds left in the third quarter to push the East's lead to 20-10.

"The coaches put me in the best position to be successful and I did that," Babb said.

"I've never done it (a touchdown return) on an attempted field goal. Once I caught the ball, I saw all my blue jerseys escort me down the field. They did great blocking for me. So I just did what I can."

Trevor Scott, from Florida A&M, kicked three field goals, two 46-yard field goals and a 33-yarder, in the win. The East never trailed, with Dominique Budd (Bowie State) throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Victor Hairston (Norfolk State) to provide a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

Also for the East, North Carolina Central quarterback Michael Johnson completed 6-of-12 passes for 96 yards, Howard wide receiver Willie Carter had game-high totals with four receptions and 76 receiving yards and Delaware State's Jaashawn Jones rushed for a game-high 50 yards on nine carries. South Carolina State defensive back Dominique Ellis had five tackles and Bethune- Cookman defensive end Ryan Davis collected two sacks.

The West's only touchdown came on a 16-yard pass from Jerrel Noland (Kentucky State) to Demario Barber (Fort Valley State) in the third quarter. Arturo Tamaya (Alcorn State) kicked 45- and 33-yard field goals.

Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings was 13 of 30 for 170 yards, while Morehouse wide receiver Derrick Hector caught three passes for 66 yards. Alabama State defensive end Kynjee Cotton had five tackles.