FRANKFORT (August 31, 2023) – Junior running back
Daquon Kincey (Abbeville, Ala.) found the endzone twice but Clark Atlanta fell short to Kentucky State University (KSU) 34-20 in Thursday night's SIAC Labor Day Kickoff inside Alumni Stadium. Despite the loss,
Heath Williams Jr. (Clarksville, Tenn.) went 13-for-22 with 154 yards and a touchdown on the night in his CAU debut.
On the defensive end, junior Camron Ivey (Atlanta, Ga.) led CAU in total tackles with 11 on three solo tackles and eight assists.
The Thorobreds struck first in Thursday night's game after punching in a score at the 4:23 mark in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead in the opening frame. The Panthers found themselves down 14-0 when KSU used a 13-yard run to find the endzone once again at the top of the second quarter.
Last season's leading rusher Daquon Kincey responded with a 1-yard run to put the Panthers on the board with three minutes left in the first half.
With just three seconds left in the second quarter, KSU answered with a one-yard run of their own to extend the lead back to 14 points (21-7).
Kincey continued to show life for the Panthers as he found the endzone for the second time on a 30-yard scamper to bring CAU within striking distance with 12:30 left in the third quarter.
Both teams held each other scoreless for the remainder of the third quarter before KSU broke the scoring drought on an eight-yard rushing touchdown with 10 minutes left in the final frame to jump back in front by two scores.
CAU was able to put together a 5-play 50-yard scoring drive capped off by a 7-yard touchdown pass from Williams Jr. to junior wide receiver Devion Newson (Decatur, Ga.) to cut the deficit to 27-20 with just under eight minutes left to play.
Kentucky State regained possession and went on an 8-play 63-yard touchdown drive with three minutes left to seal the win on their home field.
As a team, Clark Atlanta collected 208 yards of total offense and went 2-for-3 in the redzone. The Panthers also registered 12 first downs on the night.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Clark Atlanta University football returns to Panther Stadium next Saturday (Sept. 9) as they welcome the Fort Valley State Wildcats in their 2023 home opener. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. on HBCU GO.
