BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fort Valley State University Football (0-1) opened its 2025 campaign with a 27-17 loss to No. 23 ranked University of West Alabama (1-0) in the Week Zero Labor Day Classic.
The Wildcats received the opening kickoff, as
Braelen Morgan returned it 16 yards to set up the offense. On the first drive, quarterback
Saadiq Teel broke free for a 58-yard run down the right sideline to the UWA 20. However, FVSU's 34-yard field goal attempt sailed wide, giving the Tigers possession at their own 20. West Alabama struck first with a 30-yard field goal, but the Wildcats responded when
Demetri Simmons punched in a 12-yard touchdown run up the middle. The score was set up by a 17-yard pass from
Jai'Que Hart to Morgan, giving FVSU a 7-3 lead after one quarter.
UWA opened the second quarter with a three-yard touchdown run, pulling ahead 10-7. The Tigers added a 25-yard field goal late in the half to take a 13-7 advantage into the break.
The Wildcats came out strong in the third quarter, as the defense forced a turnover on downs before making a game-changing play.
Jeremiah McDermott blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt, and
Daymon Polite scooped it up, returning it for a touchdown to give FVSU a 14-13 lead. The defense continued its dominance, with
Jadyn Walker intercepting a pass and returning it 12 yards to the UWA 40. The offense drove to the 19-yard line as the quarter ended, still ahead 14-13.
Kyle Keese extended the lead with a 34-yard field goal early in the fourth, making it 17-13. West Alabama answered with a touchdown on the ensuing drive and later sealed the game with a 40-yard rushing score up the middle to secure the 27-17 victory.
Hart led the passing attack, completing 6-of-13 passes for 69 yards. Teel paced the rushing game with 63 yards on just two carries, while Hart added 34 and
Alexander Wilson chipped in 28.
J.T. Pendleton led the receivers with four catches for 36 yards, including a 27-yard grab, while Morgan hauled in two passes for 25 yards.
Defensively, Walker was a force with 12 tackles (10 solo), two tackles for loss, and his third-quarter interception. Polite added nine tackles, while
Jeremiah McDermott and
David Moncrief recorded six individially.
Darnell Stephens broke up two passes to lead the secondary effort.
On special teams, Simmons posted a 42-yard punt return and Morgan added a 28-yarder.
The Wildcats return to action Thursday, Sept. 11, with their SIAC opener against Clark Atlanta University. Kickoff on ESPNU is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
