FVSU Athletics

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Fort Valley State University Wildcats opened the 2026 season in dramatic fashion, storming back with 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to earn a thrilling 17-14 victory over Elizabeth City State University Saturday afternoon at Roebuck Stadium.

After trailing 14-3 heading into the final quarter, the Wildcats displayed tremendous resilience, composure and determination when it mattered most. Fort Valley State controlled the ball for nearly 33 minutes and finished with 301 yards of total offense while recording 25 first downs in the season-opening victory.

The Wildcats got on the board early in the second quarter when Kyle Keese connected on a 40-yard field goal, cutting the Elizabeth City State lead to 8-3. Despite facing a double-digit deficit heading into the fourth quarter, Fort Valley State refused to back down.

The comeback began with 10:28 remaining in the fourth quarter when Isaiah Nathaniel connected with Myles Smith for a seven-yard touchdown pass, pulling the Wildcats within four points at 14-10.

With the game on the line, the Wildcats delivered their biggest drive of the afternoon. Starting deep in their own territory, Fort Valley State marched 93 yards on 13 plays, consuming more than four minutes off the clock. The drive was capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Michael Cabellero with just 1:47 remaining, giving the Wildcats their first lead of the afternoon. Keese's extra point made the score 17-14, completing the remarkable comeback.

Fort Valley State's defense sealed the victory in the closing moments. The Wildcats forced three interceptions on the day, including a crucial interception with less than a minute remaining to secure the season-opening win. The defense also recorded 61 total tackles and seven tackles for loss while limiting Elizabeth City State to just 14 points.

Austin Landon and Ethan Jackson each made their presence felt in the secondary, recording interceptions and combining for 152 interception return yards. Isaiah Carter added the Wildcats' third interception, while DeZavion Holman led a strong defensive effort with six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.

Offensively, Fort Valley State showcased a balanced attack. JaTony Pendleton led the Wildcats' receivers with eight catches for 90 yards, while Solomon Burney added six receptions for 43 yards. Smith finished with four receptions and the crucial fourth-quarter touchdown.

On the ground, Caballero powered the rushing attack with 67 yards on 14 carries, including the game-winning touchdown. Nathaniel was efficient through the air, completing 10 of 13 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown, while helping spark the Wildcats' late offensive surge.

The victory was a true team effort and a statement of the Wildcats' resilience to begin the 2026 campaign. After battling adversity throughout the afternoon, Fort Valley State saved its best football for the fourth quarter, outscoring Elizabeth City State 14-0 over the final 15 minutes to leave North Carolina with a hard-fought road victory.

The Wildcats are 1-0, and the 2026 season is officially underway.