Atlanta, GA | The Morehouse College Maroon Tigers could not bring a happy close to their week-long 2024 Homecoming, which resulted in them losing 42-20 against Fort Valley State University's (FVSU) offensive prowess led by starting quarterback Kelvin Durham. The first half of this meeting consisted of a considerably competitive match-up before FVSU took complete control over the rest of the game.
Coming into this game, the Maroon Tigers were on a three-game losing streak and had hoped to end it with a win on Homecoming game day, despite not winning a Homecoming match-up since 2019 against Benedict College. Despite this looming over the Tigers' heads, they began the first half of the game competitively, ending the first half only behind by one point, 21-20.
Morehouse's main contributors were starting quarterback Miles Scott, who finished the game with a 47.4 percent completion rate (9/19) and 116 passing yards. Caleb Grant ended the game with six solo tackles and two assisted tackles, one of which was a sack on Durham. Brogan Korta caught three receptions, gaining 32 yards, while Ajani Williams caught two passes for 88 yards.
To begin the game, the Maroon Tigers received possession of the football following a Fort Valley 61-yard kickoff by Trayvontae Williams that Korta Brogan returned for 18 yards. Morehouse would relinquish possession after three plays with a loss of yardage. Following six plays, Durham threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Za'tarious Anderson, followed by a good extra-point attempt by Daniel Gibbs, 7-0. At 8:40, Scott's pass is intercepted by Wildcats' Donovan Anthony, contributing to FVSU's momentum.
Fort Valley continued to strengthen their momentum at 6:36; Scott's pass was intercepted by FVSU's Jaylen Brown, resulting in a touchdown for Fort Valley and a successful extra point attempt by Gibbs, adding to their lead, 14-0. Scott begins this possession with a 26-yard pass to Korta, resulting in a 1st Down after five plays. Morehouse's Khasen Kirkland kicked a good 21-yard field goal attempt, 14-3. Fort Valley would score another touchdown and extra point, extending their lead to 21-3.
Following 11 play attempts by the Maroon Tigers, Kirkland's 40-yard field goal completion added to their score, 21-6. Keeping the Wildcats at bay, the Tigers linebacker, Eric Cowling Jr., intercepted Durham's pass to regain possession of the football and stopped FVSU from converting another scoring attempt. Morehouse scores on two separate series of plays, ending the first half, 21-20.
This Homecoming upset is unfortunate, but the Maroon Tigers have the strength to finish their last season games out strong. The Maroon Tigers will go on to compete next Saturday against Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. Play begins at 2:00 PM and will be available to stream on ESPN+. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.
