It was a day that Ernest Jones had been dreaming about for a long time.

He had been waiting for the day that he would lead the Alcorn State Braves out on the football field as their head coach.

Jones, a wide receiver on the Braves team that won Alcorn’s most recent SWAC championship, wants to be the man to bring the program its next title.

The day that Jones had been dreaming about — the New Day, as he has been calling it — came Saturday in Alcorn’s 2008 season-opener against Southeastern Louisiana.

While the first day of the New Day didn’t have the storybook ending that Jones and all Alcornites had hoped, it was still a good one for all involved.

Alcorn football in 2007 and 2008 is like night and day. Everything from the product on the field to the fans in the stands is different.

There is a different feel around the Alcorn program with Jones in charge. The players are mostly the same, but it’s easy to see the difference between last year and this year.

Quarterback Tim Buckley knows what that difference is.

“I feel much more energy in this season,” Buckley said. “We have most of the same players, but there’s much more energy. Everybody’s into it, the whole school. It’s a new day.”

Jones said the day was full of anticipation and excitement for him, and that excitement didn’t dull with the 34-28 loss to Southeastern Louisiana.

“Coming home and trying to rebirth a program for our fans, alumni and students is exciting,” Jones said. “I was excited to come into the stadium and coach the game and watch the kids play.”

Jones said the excitement he feels — which is the same excitement that envelops the whole football program — comes from the fact that he is rebuilding a program that all Alcorn State fans can be proud of.

“I’m still as excited as I was before the game,” Jones said. “I’m excited to bring back that pride and tradition of the Alcornites.”

After the game, many fans weren’t grumbling about the loss. They seemed excited about the possibilities of the program’s future.

“We’re getting there, we’re getting there,” one fan said as he exited the stadium following the game.

Many Alcorn fans feel the same way, and they showed it by their attendance and enthusiasm Saturday.

For Alcorn State, the New Day has begun.

Alcorn fans — and Jones — hope it is a day that lasts forever.

Jeff Edwards is the sports editor for The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3632 or jeff.edwards@natchezdemocrat.com