Box Score Atlanta, GA-In a highly anticipated season opener coined as the “Battle of the Panthers”, two Atlanta neighboring programs featuring Georgia State University and Clark Atlanta University collided on the gridiron. The Panthers of GSU won the battle, 41-7, over the CAU Panthers in front of a Georgia Dome crowd of 26,273 Friday.
After an evenly matched first quarter statistically, Clark Atlanta seemed poised against GSU who held a three point lead at the end of the period. CAU controlled the time of possession in the first half and recorded 54 total yards on offense compared to GSU’s 51. A major upheaval in the second quarter, however, proved to be the turning point in the game as GSU running back Donald Russell rushed for two touchdowns while quarterback Bo Schlechter threw one of his three touchdown passes in the period. This scoring frenzy gave Georgia State a 24-0 lead at the half.
“We felt like we were still in the game despite the deficit; our guys never gave up,” said CAU Head Coach Daryl McNeill.
Georgia State added 10 more points in the third period to extend its lead to 34-0. After three scoreless periods, junior quarterback Bryan Mann gave the CAU Panthers some offensive light and found wide receiver Terrance Milton in the back of end zone on a 34-yard touchdown pass to open the fourth quarter.
“I was pretty comfortable on the drive, and we finally got something to break for us,” said Mann who completed 6-of-10 passes for 72 yards.
The offensive tandem of Schlecter and wide receiver Albert Wilson connected on a 48-yard pass play that pushed the GSU lead to 41-7 which was the final score.
Despite the loss, CAU found two promising spots in the offense anchored by Mann and freshman running back Rashad Lewis in the back field. Mann led Clark Atlanta in total passing yards along with 88 yards rushing while Lewis, who asked to wear the No.3 jersey just as former CAU running back great Winston Thompson, had a solid performance in his collegiate debut netting 36 yards rushing on 15 carries.
“Bryan is probably our best athlete and a great quarterback with tremendous talents,” McNeill said. “Lewis showed flashes of Thompson with his quickness and speed.”
Clark Atlanta quarterbacks Mann and junior T.J. Smith, who shared time under center, combined for 107 total passing yards and two interceptions. The linebacker core of Harrison Porter, Kiece Crite and Ricky Moore was dominating on the defensive side of the ball. Porter led the team with seven and a half tackles including two for losses and one sack while Crite and Moore recorded five and a half and five tackles, respectively.
According to McNeill, “It wasn’t a great game for us, but we feel real good where we are. We saw a lot of positives and of course some things we need to clean up going into next week’s game.”
The CAU Panthers will seek its first win of the season in their home opener against Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) opponent Lane College at Panther Stadium Saturday, September 10, at 6 p.m. 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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