October 18, 2009
Wildcats Unable to Topple Jaguars
By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
Prior to Saturday's football game against the Jaguars of Southern University, the Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) were well aware of the predictions of prognosticators and pundits who were saying that the NCAA Division II Wildcats didn't stand a chance against the FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) Jaguars. In addition to the difference in NCAA classification, the tilted projections were, no doubt, influenced by the fact that it was Southern University's Homecoming Football Game.
For the first quarter and one-half of the game, the Wildcats appeared to simply ignore these factors and played solid, quality football. While the teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter, a Justin Rosenbaum field goal with 11:59 remaining in the second quarter gave the Wildcats a 10-7. That lead would last until 6:53 left in the first half. That's when things started to fall apart for FVSU.
At the 6:53 mark, the Jaguars scored the first of three second quarter touchdowns that came as a result of three Wildcat interceptions. Within a span of seven minutes the Wildcats watched a three point lead transform into an 18 point halftime deficit.
The start of the third quarter provided the Wildcats with a glimmer of hope after their opening drive of eight plays covering 64 yards concluded with a three yard touchdown run by Brandon Anderson. That glimmer of hope was quickly dashed when the Jaguars took the ensuing kick-off and mounted a 71-yard drive ending with a one yard touchdown run by Byron Williams.
Minutes later, after a Wildcat fumble, the Jaguars stretched their lead to 41-16 when Brian Threat scored on a one yard run. The Wildcats would answer that score with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Terrance Ransom to Demario Barber to end the third quarter.
With the score 41-23 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Jaguars added two more touchdowns in the final frame. Both were passes from quarterback Bryant Lee to wide receiver Juanmorris Stewart to make the game's final score, 55-23.
In a game in which the FVSU needed to play practically flawless football, Wildcat quarterbacks threw a total of seven interceptions. Add to that two fumbles and the opportunity to contend with an opponent from a higher classification of the NCAA was severely stifled.
While the loss had no impact on the Wildcats' standing within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), it could impact FVSU's sixth place ranking in the NCAA Division II South Super Regional Two.
Now at 5-2 overall (4-2 in SIAC), the Wildcats resume their conference schedule next Saturday (October 24th) when they play the Tigers of Benedict College. Kick-off for the conference match up is at 2 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina.
