Courtesy of Freddie Coleman
Courtesy of Clark Atlanta Athletics
The Clark Atlanta Panthers suffered their first defeat of the season at home against the Savannah State Tigers.
Clark Atlanta University hosted the Savannah State Tigers the Panthers began the game confident coming off a win streak. The Panthers won the coin toss and deferred allowing Savannah State to receive the opening kickoff. The Tigers began at their 34-yard line where they struggled offensively and after a false start penalty led to an incomplete pass, the Tigers were forced to punt which put the Panthers at their 17-yard line. The Panthers aggressively attempted to take advantage of the drive but were unable to gain significant yardage. The Tigers then took possession and scored a touchdown midway through the first quarter. For the remainder of the quarter, both teams could not complete critical passes ending the first quarter with a score of 7-0.
In the second quarter, James Summersett ignited Panther Nation with a crucial interception not only denying the Tigers’ offensive attack but delivering a 51-yard touchdown to tie the game in the second quarter. Savannah State quickly answered with a 72-yard touchdown, followed by a 32-yard touchdown pass which further extended their lead to 21-7. The Panthers fought to change the momentum before the half, looking to David Wright III. Wright III advanced the ball to the 1-yard line where he was then able to connect with Trayvon Pinder for a touchdown with just 3 seconds remaining in the half. Leonardo Cabrera secured the additional point with a successful kick to reduce the margin to just seven points.
Beginning the second half with a score of 21-14 Clark Atlanta hit the field with determination, immediately ready to capitalize on the momentum of the end of the second quarter. The Panthers quickly tied the game at 21-21 with a 57-yard touchdown pass by Wright III to Armone Harris. They then executed an onside kick, recovering at Savannah State’s 23-yard line, but the drive ended with a missed field goal attempt. Savannah State took over at their own 45 and scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass leading 28-21 as the third quarter ended. The Panthers attempted to respond but managed only a short completion before time expired.
In the fourth quarter, Savannah State, took advantage of their momentum by completing a 33-yard pass followed by a 2-yard touchdown rush extending their lead to 35-21. Clark Atlanta continued to fight to respond to the Tigers, narrowing the score to 35-28 with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Virgil Young. Despite their valiant effort, the Panthers were unable to fully mount their comeback and with just under four minutes left, Savannah State took control and ran down the clock, securing the 35-28 victory.
UP NEXT
The Clark Atlanta University Panthers will travel to Ohio next Saturday, October 12 to take on Central State University at McPherson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm on HBCUGO Sports.
