October 11, 2009
Wildcat Win Continues Rise in Conference Standings
By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
For the second weekend in a row, the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) made a leap in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Standings. After Saturday's 32-13 win over the Tigers of Stillman College, FVSU is now in sole possession of third place in the weekly conference standings. The rise to number three comes after the Wildcats moved from sixth to fourth in the previous week by defeating Miles College on October 3rd. The Wildcats are now 5-2 overall and 4-2 in SIAC play.
The move in the standings is significant because, with three conference games remaining, it keeps the Wildcats within striking distance of the number one and two teams in the SIAC, Albany State and Tuskegee, respectively. Although Albany State has yet to lose a conference game this year and Tuskegee has only one conference loss, the Wildcats are still in contention for the SIAC title.
In order to claim the crown, however, three things must happen. First, FVSU must win their last three conference match ups, including the head-to-head contest against the Golden Rams of Albany State in the 20th Annual Fountain City Classic in Columbus, Georgia on November 7th. Second, the Wildcats would need for Tuskegee to suffer two additional conference losses. Since Tuskegee defeated the Wildcats earlier this season, if both teams end the campaign with two conference losses, Tuskegee would rank higher because of the head-to-head win.
Similarly, the Wildcats would need for Albany State to suffer at least one conference loss prior to playing them in the Fountain City Classic. Under this scenario, the conference title would go to the winner of the Classic.
While the conference fate of the Wildcats is dependent on future wins and/or losses by Albany State and Tuskegee, FVSU is certain to get some assistance from one of these teams when Albany State and Tuskegee play on October 24th. Until then, the Wildcats must continue to do what they are doing, win!
In their win against Stillman on Saturday, the number six ranked (NCAA Division II South Region) Wildcats accumulated 465 yards of total offense while the defense held the Tigers to 230 yards. Of the 465 yard total, quarterback Nathaniel Samas threw for 277 yards of that and contributed another 27 yards on the ground.
In addition to Samas, fellow quarterback Terrance Ransom provided a spark for the Wildcat offense. Ransom was a perfect three for three including a phenomenal 47-yard touchdown pass to Darius Williams just before halftime. Williams made two additional catches in the game and finished with 74 yards in receptions.
FVSU's senior running back Richard Willis was the game's leading rusher with 12 carries for 57 yards. Willis also led the Wildcats in receptions with four catches for 32 yards.
Other receivers catching passes for FVSU included DeMario Barber (3 for 130 yards); Rodriquez Render (3 for 22 yards); Jerel Hall (3 for 22 yards); An'thon Harris (2 for 35 yards); Aaron Sylvain (2 for 16 yards); Marquavis Trice (2 for 7 yards); and Phillip Sterling (1 for 2 yards).
The Wildcat offense scored on a 32-yard field goal by Justin Rosenbaum; a 27-yard touchdown pass from Nathaniel Samas to An'thon Harris; a 47-yard touchdown pass from Terrance Ransom to Darius Williams; and on an eight yard run by Brandon Anderson.
The Wildcat defensive effort was highlighted by the 47-yard interception by defensive end Jason Thompson who returned it for a touchdown. The FVSU linebacker corps turned in a solid performance as well. Ricky Johnson finished with nine tackles while Dan Foster had seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception. Reginald Goodrum had seven tackles and three tackles for loss.
Senior defensive back Dionte Dinkins increased his interception total to four with two interceptions against the Tigers. Dinkins is ranked second in the conference in interceptions.
While the Wildcats will take a break from SIAC action next weekend, it's certain not to be much of a break as they travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to meet Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) powerhouse Southern University in their homecoming game. Kick-off for the inter-conference match up is Saturday, October 17th at 5 p.m. (CST).
