COLUMBIA, SC (September 24, 2016) – Fort Valley State University drops a 28-14 matchup to the Tigers of Benedict College in Columbia, SC., Saturday night. The Wildcats overall record is 1-3 and 1-2 in the SIAC, while Benedict increase its record to 3-1 and 2-0 in conference play.
 
FVSU threw four interceptions and a fumble that contributed to three of Benedict scores, two in the second quarter and one in the third.
 
Freshman quarterback Domontay Jones completed 10-of-20 passes for 257-yards with one touchdown and four interceptions, while rushing for 11-yards on 12 carries. Freshman Running back Jamari Clark managed just 17-yards on seven carriers. Benedict held the Wildcats to net 10-yards on the ground.
 
Clark led the Wildcats with three catches for 54-yards and freshman wide receiver Orenzo Smith; junior wide receiver Bodarius Johnson along with senior wide receiver Otis Brown had two catches each. Smith scored a touchdown and picked up 72-yards along the way.
 
Defensively, sophomore defensive lineman Larry Matthews held the Tigers in check on defense with eight tackles and senior linebacker Kabais Trice with six tackles (four solo). Sophomore defensive back Kentron James and senior linebacker Ryan Bowman added six tackles apiece. Junior defensive back Trahmad Wiggins grabbed the only interception for the Wildcats.  
 
Both teams were fairly even with FVSU gaining 267 total offensive yards, while Benedict picked up 225.
Benedict score first on a 19-yard touchdown pass with 5:48 left in the first quarter, point after attempt was good, BC 7 – FVSU 0.
 
The Wildcats answered back with 14:56 to go in the second quarter as junior running back Chauncey Jackson crossed the goal line from one yard out (Juan Serna extra point attempt good) FVSU 7 – BC 7.
 
FVSU forced the Tigers to punt with fourth and 24-yards to go, Wildcats Smith returned the punt for no-gain, then fumbled, Tigers recovered at the BC47 with 12:41 on the clock. Then, 11 plays, 53-yards later George Myers rushed 6-yards for the Touchdown, Mimbs extra point attempt good, BC 14 – FVSU 7.
 
Two drives later, Okechi Ntiasagwe completed a 25-yard Touchdown pass to George Brown with 2:34 before halftime, PAT was good, BC 21 – FVSU 7.  
 
At the 5:36 mark in the third quarter, Edward Kirkland returned a 47-yard interception for a Touchdown to increase the lead BC 28 – FVSU 7.
 
FVSU added the final score in the fourth quarter on a Jones touchdown pass to Smith for a 71-yard, Serna PAT was good with 8:55 remaining in the game, BC 28 – FVSU 14.
 
The Wildcats will travel to Philippi, WV to play Alderson Broaddus University on Saturday October 1 in a 2 p.m. matchup.