HUDSON THROWS FOR 337 YARDS AND THREE TOUCHDOWNS AS FVSU AMASSES 573 TOTAL YARDS
FAIRFIELD, Ala. — The Fort Valley State University football team mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a 14-point deficit to tie the game before Miles College scored late to secure a 35-28 victory over the Wildcats in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) action Thursday night at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni Stadium.
Fort Valley State (FVSU) showcased its offensive firepower throughout the contest, finishing with 573 total yards, including 337 through the air and 236 on the ground. Quarterback Don Hudson delivered a standout performance, completing 25 of 42 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns while adding 166 rushing yards and another score on the ground.
The Wildcats' offensive production kept them within striking distance throughout the contest and set the stage for a dramatic fourth-quarter rally.
Wildcats Establish Early Momentum
Fort Valley State struck first in the opening quarter when Hudson connected with Donte Curry for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 4:18 remaining. Kyle Keese converted the extra point to give the Wildcats a 7-0 advantage.
Miles College answered with a kickoff-return touchdown to even the score, but the Wildcats regained the lead in the second quarter. Hudson and Curry connected again, this time on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 9:29 remaining in the first half, putting FVSU ahead 14-7.
Curry's second touchdown reception of the evening highlighted the connection between Hudson and the junior wide receiver. Miles responded with a rushing touchdown before adding another score to take a 21-14 lead into halftime.
Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter, setting the stage for a decisive final period.
Fourth-Quarter Rally Ignites Wildcats
Miles extended its lead to 28-14 early in the fourth quarter, but Fort Valley State refused to back down.
With 8:48 remaining, Hudson delivered a deep strike to Solomon Burney for a 78-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-21. Burney finished with six receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown, providing a major spark to the Wildcats' passing attack.
The comeback continued with 3:43 remaining when Hudson broke free for a spectacular 77-yard rushing touchdown. Keese added the extra point, tying the contest at 28-28 and capping a remarkable rally that saw the Wildcats erase a two-touchdown deficit.
However, Miles responded with a 12-yard touchdown pass with 2:20 remaining in the fourth quarter to regain the lead at 35-28. Fort Valley State was unable to find another score before the final whistle, bringing the Wildcats' comeback effort to a close.
Hudson, Burney and Curry Lead Offensive Attack
Hudson's performance was the centerpiece of a productive offensive night for Fort Valley State. His 337 passing yards and three touchdown passes were complemented by a team-high 166 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Burney led the Wildcats' receiving corps with 140 yards on six receptions and a touchdown, while Curry recorded five catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns. The duo accounted for all three of Hudson's touchdown passes.
On the ground, Rodrick Payne contributed 50 rushing yards on 11 carries, helping the Wildcats finish with 236 rushing yards.
Fort Valley State recorded 24 first downs and converted eight of 16 third-down opportunities, sustaining drives and generating explosive plays on both sides of the two-minute warning.
Defensive Effort Continues
Defensively, the Wildcats recorded 61 total tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack. Belardi Thomas and Austin Landon led the team with seven tackles apiece, while Thomas added two pass breakups. Kion Threalkill contributed a sack and four total tackles.
Despite the outcome, Fort Valley State demonstrated its offensive capabilities and resilience, particularly during a fourth-quarter surge that brought the contest even before Miles delivered the decisive score.
Up Next
The Wildcats will look to regroup and build on the positives from their offensive performance as they continue their 2026 campaign. Fort Valley State's ability to produce explosive plays through the air and on the ground will remain an important factor as the team prepares for its next challenge.
For the latest news, schedules and updates on Fort Valley State University Athletics, continue to follow the official home of the Wildcats.
