Image via Nathan Salley Photography
No. 19 Benedict College survived a furious Fort Valley State comeback Saturday afternoon, escaping with a 34-33 overtime victory in a wild SIAC showdown.
The Tigers improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Fort Valley State dropped to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in the SIAC.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Benedict took a 3-0 lead on Logan Karwacki’s 29-yard field goal. Fort Valley State answered with a 70-yard touchdown run by Rodrick Payne, then converted a blocked extra point into a two-point play to take an 8-3 lead.
Benedict regained the advantage before halftime when Jett Peddy scored on a 12-yard run, putting the Tigers ahead 10-8 at the break.
The Wildcats reclaimed the lead in the third quarter after a deflected Benedict pass was intercepted, setting up Kennique BonnerSteward’s 1-yard touchdown run. Karwacki later added another field goal, leaving Benedict within two at 15-13.
The Tigers then took control early in the fourth.
A’chean Durant broke loose for a 22-yard touchdown run, and Christopher Johnson followed with a 25-yard touchdown run to push Benedict ahead 27-15 with 7:45 remaining.
Then everything got chaotic.
Fort Valley State answered with Don Hudson’s 12-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 27-21. With just nine seconds remaining, Hudson connected with Myles Smith on a 6-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 27-27.
But a scoreboard error created confusion during the final minutes. Benedict’s earlier extra point had not been reflected on the stadium scoreboard, leading Fort Valley State to believe it had taken a 27-26 lead after its late touchdown. After officials clarified the correct score, Fort Valley State’s ensuing extra-point attempt hit the upright, sending the game to overtime.
Fort Valley State received the ball first in overtime and took advantage, with Payne scoring his second touchdown of the game on a 14-yard run. The Wildcats, however, missed the extra point, leaving Benedict trailing 33-27.
On the Tigers’ first play from the 25-yard line, Peddy found Reece Dobard for a 25-yard touchdown in the back corner of the end zone.
Karwacki then drilled the extra point to complete the comeback and give Benedict the 34-33 victory.
Benedict finished with 494 total yards, including a season-high 296 rushing yards. Durant and David Smith each rushed for 86 yards, while Johnson added 75 yards and a touchdown. Peddy completed 19 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown.
Final Score
| 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | OT | Final | |
| Benedict | 0 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 34 |
| Fort Valley State | 0 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 33 |
Key Stat: Benedict’s 494 yards of offense were a season high. The Tigers also rushed for 296 yards.
Next up: Benedict travels to Tuskegee on Thursday, Sept. 24, for a 7 p.m. nationally televised matchup on ESPN2.
