Football Team 2017

Maroon Tigers Mauled by Wildcats

Box Score A game that was close in the first half became a rout in the second half and the Maroon Tigers fell, 52-7, to the reigning SIAC champion Fort Valley State Wildcats, at their homecoming. 

After falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter, the Maroon Tigers continued to move the ball downfield in the first and second quarters. Midway through the second quarter, tight end Lance Madden scored his first touchdown as a Maroon Tiger, to make the score 10-7. Madden made a leaping catch over his defender for a five-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Michael Sims who was making his first start at Morehouse. 

On the next Morehouse possession, Sims again drove the Maroon Tigers down the field, but had to settle for a 33-yard field goal attempt by Fernando Sdelamora. The kicked was blocked and the miscue seemed to take the wind out of the Maroon Tigers' sails. 

The second half started and ended badly for the Maroon Tigers who surrendered 42 unanswered points and dropped to 3-6 on the season. Sims, who started in place of Kivon Taylor, completed 25 of 43 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice. One of his interceptions was returned for a 59-yard touchdown. The other led to the first Wildcat touchdown in the third quarter. 

Wide receiver Tremell Gooden accounted for more than half of Morehouse's receiving yards, hauling in five passes for 95 yards.  

David Smith led the defense, with nine tackles, including two-and-a-half tackles for loss. Treyvon Luckey and Gary Awkard each had eight tackles. 

On the other side of the field, the Wildcats' win couple with an Albany State loss to Benedict gave FVSU the SIAC East Division title and sets them up for a championship game against the winner of Tuskegee-Miles next week. 

Most of the Wildcats' points came via Morehouse turnovers -- two fumbles and two interceptions. Morehouse gained a season-low 11 yards on the ground.  

The Maroon Tigers return home for the final game of the season, to face the Clark Atlanta Panthers, Saturday, at 2 p.m.  
 
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