WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Fort Valley State University football put together one of its strongest offensive performances of the season Saturday afternoon, producing more than 500 yards of total offense in a hard-fought road battle against Central State University.
Despite falling 45-32, the Wildcats continued to fight throughout the second half, scoring 26 points after halftime and receiving standout performances from quarterback Don Hudson, wide receiver JaTony Pendleton and running back Rodrick Payne. Fort Valley State finished with 508 yards of total offense, 25 first downs and 395 passing yards while controlling possession for more than 34 minutes.
Fort Valley State answered Central State's opening touchdown with a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Hudson connected with Solomon Burney for a 35-yard touchdown, bringing the Wildcats within one at 7-6 early in the first quarter.
After entering halftime facing a 28-6 deficit, the Wildcats responded with renewed energy.
FVSU opened the third quarter with a methodical 12-play, 77-yard drive, capped by Hudson finding Payne for an 18-yard touchdown reception. On the Wildcats' next possession, Hudson connected with Pendleton for a 41-yard touchdown, cutting into the Central State advantage and giving FVSU touchdowns on consecutive drives.
Hudson was at the center of the Wildcats' offensive success, completing 32 of 44 passes for 395 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. He also contributed 58 rushing yards, giving him 453 yards of total offense on the afternoon.
Pendleton turned in a career-type performance as Hudson's top target. The wide receiver hauled in 12 receptions for 162 yards and three touchdowns, including a long reception of 41 yards. Pendleton caught two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, scoring from 21 yards before hauling in a 13-yard touchdown on the game's final play. He also contributed 59 kickoff-return yards to finish with a game-high 221 all-purpose yards.
Payne continued to show his versatility out of the backfield, rushing 12 times for 50 net yards while catching all four of his targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. Payne finished with 91 yards from scrimmage, including a 25-yard run. Burney added two receptions for 49 yards and the Wildcats' opening touchdown, while Taye-Jon Johnson-Cook recorded four receptions for 57 yards.
Defensively, Kion Threalkill led the Wildcats with seven total tackles, including three solo stops. Tyson King followed with six tackles, while Kingston Anderson added five. Ethan Jackson recorded Fort Valley State's lone tackle for loss, and Austin Landon contributed four tackles and a pass breakup.
Although the Wildcats were unable to complete the comeback, their second-half response showcased an offense that continued to battle until the final whistle. Fort Valley State produced touchdown drives of 77, 75, 61 and 82 yards over the final two quarters, including an 82-yard scoring march that ended as time expired.
The Wildcats will look to carry that offensive momentum forward as they continue through SIAC play.
