image via Nicole Finch
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State escaped with a thrilling 27-24 victory over Savannah State on Saturday, October 24, using a late touchdown to survive a back-and-forth Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) football matchup at Alumni Stadium.
The Thorobreds found a way to secure the win despite being outgained by the Tigers, 481-309, and surrendering 221 rushing yards. Savannah State controlled possession for 38 minutes and 20 seconds, but Kentucky State capitalized on its passing game and defensive playmaking to hold on for the three-point victory.
Kentucky State finished with 288 passing yards and three passing touchdowns while overcoming three interceptions. The Thorobreds also returned two interceptions for a combined 86 yards, including one interception return for a touchdown, providing a crucial contribution in a game where every possession mattered.
Juan Gainous leads Kentucky State’s passing attack
Quarterback Juan Gainous powered the Thorobreds’ offense, completing 23 of 32 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. However, he also threw two interceptions, while backup quarterback Denim Johnson completed one of three passes for five yards and threw another interception.
Wide receiver Darius Cyprian delivered a strong performance, recording four receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Aiyon Carter led Kentucky State in receiving with 10 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown, including a long reception of 48 yards.
Cam Tucker added five receptions for 57 yards, giving the Thorobreds another reliable option in the passing game.
Kentucky State struggled to establish its ground attack, finishing with only 21 net rushing yards on 13 attempts. James Minor led the team with 20 yards on four carries, while Tristan Thomas added 14 yards on three attempts.
Savannah State piles up yards but falls short
Savannah State produced 481 yards of total offense, including 221 rushing yards and 260 passing yards. The Tigers recorded 23 first downs and ran 74 offensive plays, compared with 14 first downs and 49 plays for Kentucky State.
Fabian Walker contributed in both phases of the offense. He completed four of five passes for 128 yards and a touchdown while adding 39 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Rashawn Truell completed eight of 15 passes for 132 yards but threw two interceptions. Together, the two quarterbacks accounted for 260 passing yards and one passing touchdown.
Tristan Sizemore was Savannah State’s biggest receiving threat, catching three passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception went for 77 yards, providing one of the Tigers’ most explosive offensive plays.
Joshua Okeleye added one reception for 43 yards, while Jahziah Avilez caught three passes for 28 yards.
On the ground, Kendarius Brown led the Tigers with 56 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Rodney Hill added 50 yards on seven carries, while Walker’s rushing touchdown helped Savannah State sustain its offensive production.
Despite the yardage advantage, Savannah State could not turn enough of its opportunities into points. The Tigers converted six of 15 third downs and two of two fourth downs, while Kentucky State converted four of 10 third downs and its only fourth-down attempt.
Turnovers and late-game execution prove decisive
The difference in the contest came down to Kentucky State’s ability to make game-changing defensive plays and finish with a victory.
Savannah State threw two interceptions, while Kentucky State threw three. The Thorobreds’ defense returned two interceptions for 86 yards and a touchdown, helping offset the Tigers’ advantage in total offense.
Kentucky State also benefited from Savannah State’s penalties. The Tigers were flagged six times for 30 yards, compared with eight penalties for 76 yards against the Thorobreds.
The victory was especially important for a Kentucky State program that entered the matchup near the top of the SIAC standings and ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division II Super Region Two, according to the university’s pregame announcement.
For Savannah State, the narrow loss was another reminder that offensive production does not always translate into a victory. The Tigers generated nearly 500 yards but left Frankfort without the result they wanted.
Kentucky State, meanwhile, found a way to survive a difficult conference test. The Thorobreds’ late touchdown ultimately made the difference, allowing them to escape with a 27-24 win.
Final score: Kentucky State 27, Savannah State 24.
