Atlanta, GA-Two huge defensive stops helped Clark Atlanta University upend Fort Valley State University in a big 16-11 East Division conference win at Panther Stadium Saturday.
The CAU defense was relentless in its pursuit to stop Fort Valley from scoring despite the Wildcats putting up 372 total offensive yards.
“Our defense did an outstanding job and came up with some crucial stops,” said second year Head Coach Daryl McNeill. “I told my guys at the beginning of the week that this was a must win game for us, and I am proud of the team’s performance today. We still need to improve in some areas, but this was the first big win in my career at CAU and a great win for the team, the university and the entire CAU family.”
The Wildcats took control of the first quarter and converted on four-of-five third downs with Quarterback Winfred McAllister leading the way with 94 passing yards and one two-yard rushing touchdown. CAU’s Aramide Adefemiwa blocked the extra point, and Fort Valley had a 6-0 advantage to end the period.
However, CAU’s offense came alive in the second quarter as the Panthers put 13 points on the board led by T.J. Smith who scored on a quarterback sneak at the 1-yard line. On Clark Atlanta’s next possession, Quarterback Bryan Mann, who shares playing time with Smith in a two quarterback system, connected with wide receiver Marquise Brown on a 40-yard passing play. After a drive that started on the CAU 47, running back Rashad Lewis scored from four yards out and extended the Panthers led by a seven, 13-6.
To end the first half, Fort Valley kicker Justin Rosenbaum banged in a 57-yard field goal and shaved the Panthers led by three.
Early in the third period, CAU kicker Kemuel Lawrence punched in a 42-yard field goal that gave the Panthers a seven point advantage once again. The Panthers defensive unit turned it up a notch and dismantled Fort Valley’s next 10-minute drive at the goal line that began on the Wildcats 46. The Panthers goal line stance was unmovable led by linebackers Kiece Crite and Ricky Moore who stopped FV’s Brandon Anderson for no gain on fourth and goal from the CAU 1-yard line.
According to McNeill, “This was a big momentum shift for our guys.”
A FV safety at the 4:55 mark added two more points for the Wildcats to close the third quarter. But much of the same in the fourth game proved to be the difference maker for the Panthers defense that stopped a Fort Valley fourth down attempt on the CAU 27 and their offense that held the ball for nine minutes in the period.
Moore topped CAU’s defensive core with eight total tackles including two for 11-yard losses and one sack. Defensive Back Harcourt Farquharson recorded seven-and- a half tackles including a game-high six solo tackles followed by Crite’s and Leonard Pope’s six tackles. Crite also had a 75-yard interception return. Fort Valley’s Courtney Daniels led the Wildcats with six tackles and one sack followed by Benard Goodrum with five-and- a half tackles.
Offensively, Winfred threw for 241 yards and led the team with 73 of its 131 total rushing compared to CAU’s 166 total offensive yards. The Panthers controlled the time of possession by keeping the ball for 34 total minutes to Fort Valley’s 25 minutes.
In the preseason conference rankings, Fort Valley was projected to finish second in the East Division while CAU was tagged in fourth place.
“The team responded well to the challenge, and this is a big East Division win for us,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Tamica Smith-Jones.
The CAU Panthers will take their two-game winning streak to St. Louis next Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Gateway Classic at 3 p.m., followed by a televised backyard brawl against AUC rival Morehouse College Thursday, September 29, at 8 p.m., on Comcast cable channel (CSS).
For all the latest sports information including stats and scores, please visit the new official CAU athletics website www.clarkatlantasports.com.
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