FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Football (1-4, 1-2 SIAC) dropped a tough 18-14 Homecoming decision to Central State University (2-4, 2-3 SIAC) on Saturday afternoon.
The Wildcats struck quickly, scoring all 14 of their points in the opening quarter. The defense set the tone on the first drive, forcing a Marauder three-and-out. Quarterback
Jai'Que Hart then guided a 35-yard scoring drive capped by a 13-yard strike to tight end
Paul Burkly. Kicker
Kyle Keese added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Central State responded with a touchdown late in the first quarter but failed on the two-point attempt, leaving the score at 7-6. On the next Wildcat possession, Hart connected with
J.T. Pendleton for a 70-yard touchdown bomb to extend the advantage. Keese's extra point made it 14-6 at the end of the opening frame.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter when the Wildcats looked to add to their lead, but an interception was returned for a Marauder touchdown. The two-point try was unsuccessful again, keeping FVSU in front 14-12 heading into halftime.
The deciding play came in the third quarter when the Wildcats marched to the CSU 22-yard line, only to see their field goal attempt blocked and returned for a Marauder touchdown. Central State failed on its third two-point conversion of the day but took its first lead, 18-14, a margin that held until the final whistle.
Hart led the FVSU offense, completing 8-of-16 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Pendleton was his top target, hauling in four receptions for 78 yards and a score, while Burkly added the other touchdown catch.
Chad Turner finished with five catches for 48 yards. On the ground,
Alexander Wilson led the rushing attack with 26 yards on six carries.
Defensively,
David Moncrief paced the Wildcats with eight tackles, including two for loss.
Jadyn Walker followed with seven stops, while
Darnell Stephens contributed six tackles and three pass breakups.
Omarion LaRoach recorded the lone interception of the day.
FVSU will look to bounce back next Saturday, Oct. 11, when it travels to Benedict College. Kickoff in Columbia, S.C., is scheduled for 2 p.m.
