COLUMBIA, S.C. – Fort Valley State Football (1-5, 1-3 SIAC) battled through a defensive showdown but came up short, falling 14-7 to undefeated Benedict College (6-0, 5-0 SIAC) on Saturday afternoon.

Benedict opened the contest with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and successful extra point to take an early 7-0 lead. The Wildcat defense responded by locking in, holding the Tigers scoreless for the remainder of the first quarter.

FVSU found its rhythm in the second quarter, taking possession with just under nine minutes before halftime. Starting from their own seven-yard line, the Wildcats pieced together a 93-yard scoring drive capped off by a 46-yard touchdown connection from quarterback Don Hudson Jr. to J.T. Pendleton. Kyle Keese's extra point evened the score at 7-7 heading into halftime.

Benedict regained the lead midway through the third quarter, making it 14-7. Both defenses controlled the fourth quarter, with neither side finding the end zone as the Tigers held on for the win.

Hudson led the Wildcat offense with 123 passing yards and a touchdown. Demetri Simmons paced the ground game with 27 yards on five carries, while Michael Caballero and Hudson added 24 yards apiece. Pendleton led all receivers with 51 yards and a score on two catches, while Myles Smith added three receptions for 33 yards.

Defensively, Ezekiel Theodoris anchored the unit with eight total tackles, including an assist on a tackle for loss. Omarion LaRoach recorded 2.5 tackles for loss (11 yards) and a sack, while Jadyn Walker added six tackles. Alphonso Harris contributed a sack for a 10-yard loss, and Kion Threalkill led the secondary with two pass breakups and two tackles.

The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the Good Trouble Heritage Classic in Augusta, Ga., taking on Savannah State University at 3 p.m. on ESPN+.