Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021
MONTGOMERY – The Fort Valley State turned in a first-quarter goal-line stand that set tone for in Sunday’s season opener at the historic Cramton Bowl.
Tuskegee had first-and-goal at the Wildcats four-yard on the opening drive of the game. But, four straight running plays netted only three yards and FVSU took over on downs midway through the first quarter.
The also took over the game.
The Wildcats constantly pressu
red the Tuskegee offense all night in a resounding 30-0 win in front of 13,956 fans at the inaugural Boeing Red Tails Classic, snapping a nine-game losing streak to its long-time Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rival.
FVSU (1-0) recorded 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks and turned five turnovers into 20 points in the dominating win.
The goal-line stand inspired the defensive unit led by senior defensive end Antonio Golden, who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Making his first career start, Golden logged six tackles, four tackles for loss (-25), three sacks (-20) and forced one fumble.
“It was just putting a hat on a hat,” Golden said. “We did what we had to do. We made the plays. I was glad to do my part.
Tyler Moore finished with seven tackles, including one sack (-8), one forced fumble and a 29-yard fumble return. Jahseari Patterson added six tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss (-6) and one sack (-1).
“The ball bounced our way a few more times tonight,” FVSU head coach Maurice Flowers said. ““I am very proud of defense. They set the tone tonight.”
Overall, FVSU limited Tuskegee to 99 total yards. The Tigers had 35 yards on the opening drive, but managed only 64 yards the remainder of the game. Tuskegee finished with four rushing yards and needed 19 rushing yards on it final possession to climb above zero for the game.
Tuskegee had six drives end in zero or negative yards.
“We just couldn’t get anything going on offense tonight,” Tuskegee head coach Willie Slater said. “We have a young quarterback and offense line and we put our defense in some bad situations with turnovers.”
Fort Valley led 6-0 at halftime on pair of field goals by Andre Labat.
The Wildcats scored 21 points in the third quarter to extend the lead to 27-0.
Quarterback Tyrell Jackson had two touchdown passes to Jhimarre Brown and Shemar Bridges. B
Jackson finished 17-of-34 for 166 yards and two TDs. Bridges led the team with seven catches for 83 yards.
Senior rover Zach Anderson scored on a 60-yard fumble return.
Labat added his third field goal to cap the scoring in the fourth quarter.
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