LORMAN &045; At 6-2, 210 pounds, Leo Nobles was told he wasn’t quite big enough to play defensive end.

The transfer from Los Angeles Southwest Community College could have taken it personally, but he didn’t. Instead, the Alcorn State standout groomed himself to be a solid linebacker, and on Saturday the native of Gardena, Calif., probably had the best game of the Braves’ defense in the 23-7 win over Mississippi Valley State.

But no doubt he had the biggest play. He picked off a Curtis Kemp pass early in the fourth quarter deep in Valley territory to set up a big touchdown to help the Braves pull away.

&uot;I was doing my job, and all of a sudden this ball pops out real quick,&uot; Nobles said.

&uot;With me being quick on my feet, I snagged it. I was doing what I’ve got to do. That was my first one (ever). I’m trying to get good at another position.&uot;

The pick was one of two the Braves had in the last minute, with defensive back Jeffrey Hobbs grabbing another Kemp pass in the final minutes. It marked the third straight game the Braves’ secondary had an interception and the third straight they came up with a big pick late in the game to seal a win.

Only this time, it was a linebacker grabbing the spotlight.

&uot;It definitely was a big play,&uot; said cornerback Tyrone Parsons, who didn’t get a pick for the first time in three games. &uot;We got him from junior college, and we knew he was an athlete. Coach decided to put him in, and it was kind of different because he never played linebacker. But he stepped up and made plays for us.&uot;

Nobles’ effort was part of a defensive effort Saturday that was the biggest reason for the win in an important Southwestern Athletic Conference victory. Not only did the rivalry aspect figure into the contest against the Delta Devils, but they sure were looking to play spoiler for the Braves’ shot at an Eastern Division crown.

The Alcorn offense finished with seven turnovers, but the defense bailed them out every time but once.

&uot;The defense has played very well this season,&uot; ASU head coach Johnny Thomas said. &uot;At times we didn’t have certain crucial stops in certain ball games, and the offense prevailed in certain ball games for us. The defense prevailed in certain ball games for us. That’s the way it goes sometimes. We naturally want all phases to show up, but you’re not going to get that from week to week.&uot;

Saturday was the defense’s week to step up, and Nobles was the surprising part of it coming off the bench. He finished with six tackles, two tackles for loss, one pick, two pass deflections and two sacks.

&uot;Tyrone is a big part of the team,&uot; said Nobles, whose father is from Alabama. &uot;He tried to keep everybody’s head together.

A lot of times during games people fall apart. We’re keeping our heads up. At the same time, when things get tight, you can’t give up. With me being from L.A., I give it all I’ve got every play.&uot;

THE ROTATION TURNS &045; The Braves welcomed back running back Sidney Dumas Saturday, but in the meantime they added to their rotation of backs who normally share the running duties.

Dumas, who missed the last two games for reportedly missing a film session, had 50 yards on nine carries to finish second on the team behind Robert Lester’s 10 for 60 yards. Other backs getting in on the action were Andrew Burks, Jeremy McCoy and fullback Chad Warren. Receivers Charlie Spiller and Nate Hughes also ran the ball on reverse plays.

Burks, the team’s leader in carries, had just eight carries and none after the first play of the second half. It was Dumas who provided some spark late despite taking his first handoff with about five minutes left in the third quarter despite fumbling at the Valley 1 trying to leap into the end zone.

&uot;We drove the ball down the field with him,&uot; Thomas said. &uot;I know Dumas &045; he was trying to score and jumped trying to score. The ball was stripped from him, and we turned the football over there. Dumas played an outstanding game today, and I’m very happy for him.&uot;

GREETINGS &045; The win was sweet for Alcorn defensive coordinator LaTraia Jones, who was fired after three dismal seasons as head coach at Valley. He left there and was succeeded by Willie Totten, who served at offensive coordinator during those tumultuous seasons.

Jones, however, downplayed the significance of the game and made it clear he had no ill feelings toward his former employer.

&uot;Coach Jones came from Valley, and it was like a payback,&uot; defensive end Michael Howleit said. &uot;He was happy.&uot;