Wildcats Host Panthers in Homecoming Return to The Valley

10/21/2021 4:34:00 PM

By: Chris Myers

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Homecoming returns to The Valley this weekend! With the annual parade down University Drive to start the day, Fort Valley State hosts Clark Atlanta on the gridiron as the weekend's marquee event.
      After a tough last weekend, the Wildcats look to regain their form when the Panthers come to campus for the 2 p.m. kick-off amongst all the Homecoming festivities.
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Clark Atlanta at FVSU
Sat., Oct. 23, 2 p.m.
Wildcat Stadium
Tickets
Watch Live
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Both Opponents Seek Weekend Rebound
     It was two different means to a disappointing final score last Saturday for both FVSU and Clark Atlanta.
      The Wildcats had a nightmare start and they could not come back in a 51-3 defeat at Morehouse College. The Panthers fought back from a 3-touchdown deficit to within seven points only to see the Tigers of Savannah State post 28 unanswered fourth-quarter tallies in a 49-14 final.

Wildcats Leads Series vs. Panthers
     For the 71st time, FVSU takes on Clark Atlanta on the gridiron. The Wildcats have posted 50 victories in the first 70 meetings for a .743 winning percentage. The two SIAC foes have split the last two meetings, before the Wildcats had won six in a row. FVSU is 8-2 overall in the last 10 contests.
      Last 10 Scores:
      2019 – FVSU 34, CAU 27
      2018 – CAU 21, FVSU 19
      2017 – FVSU 41, CAU 24
      2016 – FVSU 37, CAU 31
      2015 – FVSU 35, CAU 13
      2014 – FVSU 19, CAU 18
      2013 – FVSU 12, CAU 9
      2012 – FVSU 26, CAU 3
      2011 – CAU 16, FVSU 11
      2010 – FVSU 40, CAU 16

Tight Last Two Matchups vs. Maroon Tigers
     In the 2018 and 2019 series meetings, the Wildcats and Panthers played two close games with each winning on the other's home field.
      It was Oct. 6, 2018 when the Panther took a 14-13 lead into the fourth quarter. Clark Atlanta scored early in the final period to make it 21-13. FVSU scored on a 38-yard pass with 5:34 left, but the two-point conversion failed to keep it 21-19. The Panthers made a couple first down and sealed their win.
      In Atlanta two years ago (Oct. 26, 2019), Clark Atlanta edged ahead breaking a tie game, 27-20, with 12:42 left. With 10 minutes left, the FVSU offense found the end zone twice for the lead (a Marlon Fleming 8-yd run and a Shemar Bridges 7-yard reception), before Demetrius Harris' sack fumble and his own recovery sealed the comeback, 34-27, victory.

Maroon Tigers Take Advantage of Wildcats Turnovers
     For all the ways a first half could go wrong, the Wildcats experienced the majority of them Saturday afternoon. Morehouse College turned four Fort Valley State turnovers and blocked a pair of punts on the way to a 44-point first half and a 51-3 final for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference upset.
      The Wildcats committed a fumble on the opening kick return, another on the third play of the first offensive drive, an interception returned for a touchdown on the second possession and wrapped up with the first punt attempt blocked by the Maroon Tigers turned into another score and 23-0 home lead after the first quarter.

Savannah State 4^th Quarter Stops Clark Atlanta Comeback Bid
     After only scoring 44 combined points in its first five games, Morehouse College put 31 points on the scoreboard to defeat Tuskegee, 31-15. Leading 10-9 at half and 17-9 after three quarters, the Maroon Tigers saw their lead cut to 17-15, before they scored two times in the final 7:29 to seal the win.
      The Tigers scored the opening three scores, 21-0, and led 21-7 at half after one Panthers touchdown. Clark Atlanta pulled to within seven, 21-14, with a second touchdown with 8:47 in the third quarter. Savannah State did not allow CAU any closer with 28 unanswered fourth-quarter points and 49-14 final.
      Quarterback Elijah Odom passed for 104 yards on 13 of 24 passing with one touchdown as the Panthers were outgained 399-153. Charles Crawford led the CAU defense with 15 tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception.

FVSU Rates Among SIAC Best
     With 7 games played, FVSU rates among best in the SIAC in various stat categories:
     Offense:
      2nd – First Downs (19.4/gm)
      2^nd – 3^rd Down Conversions (40.4%)
      3^rd – Pass Offense (232.9 yds/gm)
      Individual:
1^st – Rushing - Emanuel Wilson (109.0 – 4 gms*)
1^st – Scoring – Emanuel Wilson (8.0 ppg*)
2^nd – Total Offense – Tyrell Jackson (217.0 yds/gm)
      2^nd – Passing Yards – Tyrell Jackson (222.7 yds/gm)
      Defense:
      1^st – Rush Defense (93.7 yds/gm)
      1^st – Sacks (23)
      Individual:
      1^st – Tackles for Loss – Antonio Golden (13.0)
      2^nd – Forced Fumbles – Zaquan Baldwin (0.43/gm)
      3rd – Sacks – Antonio Golden (0.79/gm)

FVSU Honors Seniors in Final Home Game vs. Savannah State
     The final home game of the season will be next weekend, Saturday, Oct. 30^th. FVSU faces Savannah State where the Wildcats seniors will be recognized for Senior Day in the 2 p.m. kick-off.

-Wildcats-

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Wildcats Host Panthers in Homecoming Return to The Valley