FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Fort Valley State University Football (0-3, 0-1 SIAC) suffered a heartbreaking 21-16 loss at home vs. Delta State University (3-1) on Saturday afternoon.

Both defenses held firm in the opening quarter, keeping the scoreboard empty through the first 15 minutes.

Early in the second, the Wildcats struck first with a methodical 13-play, 84-yard drive. Quarterback Don Hudson Jr. used both his arm and legs to move the offense before connecting with tight end Alex Henton on a 13-yard touchdown. The missed extra point kept the lead at 6-0.

On the following drive, the Wildcat defense rose to the occasion. With Delta State threatening at the FVSU 11-yard line, J.T. Pendleton blocked a field goal attempt, and Darnell Stephens scooped it up for a touchdown. Rashdan Tebyasa's extra point made it 13-0, where the score held at halftime.

Delta State responded late in the third quarter with a 16-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to 13-7. The Statesmen attempted an onside kick and recovered it at midfield, but the FVSU defense forced a quick three-and-out. The Wildcats maintained their 13-7 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter delivered the most drama. With under four minutes to play, a Wildcat penalty extended a Delta State drive, and the Statesmen capitalized with a two-yard rushing score to take a 14-13 lead. FVSU answered with a drive of its own, capped by a Tebyasa field goal to regain the edge, 16-14. But Delta State's ground game proved decisive, powering in a four-yard touchdown in the final minutes to seal the 21-16 victory.

Hudson finished 13-for-18 passing with 111 yards and a touchdown while also leading the rushing attack with 46 yards on 16 carries. Backup Jai'que Hart added 53 passing yards on 7-of-10 attempts. Alexander Wilson chipped in 31 yards on the ground.

Braelen Morgan paced the receivers with six catches for 74 yards, while Pendleton hauled in four receptions for 40 yards. Henton recorded the lone touchdown grab.

Defensively, the Wildcats racked up 53 total tackles. Jeremiah McDermot led with nine stops, while Jadyn Walker added seven and Stephens six. Stephens also broke up seven passes, while De'Andre Boykins and Daymon Polite each secured interceptions.

FVSU hits the road next weekend, traveling to Tuskegee University on Saturday, Sept. 27. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CST and will air live on ESPN+.