MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Senior quarterback Miles Scott delivered a record-setting performance Saturday night as Morehouse held off Tuskegee, 30-28, in the 90th Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic at Cramton Bowl.
Scott completed 30-of-42 passes for a career-high 392 yards and two touchdowns, surpassing his previous single-game career best of 367 passing yards against Kentucky State last season. His performance helped the Maroon Tigers pile up 525 yards of total offense and 32 first downs while controlling the football for more than 38 minutes. Scott was named the game's MVP.
Morehouse improved to 2-4 overall and 2-3 in SIAC play with the victory, while Tuskegee fell to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in conference action.
Game Summary
First Quarter
Morehouse took the opening kickoff and immediately put together a methodical 12-play, 63-yard drive. Davis Rowe capped the possession with a 28-yard field goal at the 9:21 mark, giving the Maroon Tigers an early 3-0 advantage.
Tuskegee answered less than two minutes later when Khalib Johnson connected with Rashad Wilson Jr. for a 24-yard touchdown, putting the Golden Tigers ahead 7-3.
The Maroon Tigers responded with another lengthy scoring drive, marching 75 yards in nine plays. Savion Red finished the possession with a one-yard touchdown run with 3:31 remaining in the quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but Morehouse regained the lead, 9-7. Morehouse had another scoring opportunity late in the period, but a 38-yard field-goal attempt missed.
Second Quarter
Defense took over in a scoreless second quarter. Tuskegee drove deep into Morehouse territory early in the period before missing a 29-yard field goal. Later, Kai Fernandes intercepted Johnson and returned the ball 32 yards, giving the Maroon Tigers another possession.
Tuskegee answered with an interception of its own before the Morehouse defense forced a fumble to stop the Golden Tigers' ensuing drive. Morehouse moved into scoring range before halftime, but Rowe's 50-yard field-goal attempt was blocked as the Maroon Tigers carried a 9-7 lead into the locker room.
Third Quarter
The scoring pace accelerated immediately after halftime. On Tuskegee's first offensive snap of the second half, Ja'Khael Rowser broke free for a 77-yard touchdown run, giving the Golden Tigers a 14-9 lead just 24 seconds into the quarter.
Morehouse answered quickly. Scott directed a five-play, 75-yard drive and connected with Chase DeVaughn for a 12-yard touchdown pass, putting the Maroon Tigers back in front, 16-14.
Tuskegee responded with another touchdown drive as Johnson found Preston Parker for a 17-yard score to make it 21-16.
Morehouse had the final answer of the quarter. Beginning at its own 10-yard line, the Maroon Tigers engineered a 10-play, 90-yard drive that consumed more than five minutes. Red capped the possession with a four-yard touchdown run with just two seconds left in the period, sending Morehouse into the fourth quarter with a 23-21 advantage.
Fourth Quarter
Tuskegee regained the lead with 11:12 remaining when Rowser scored from one yard out, finishing a short three-play, seven-yard drive and putting the Golden Tigers ahead 28-23.
Morehouse needed only four plays to respond. Scott moved the Maroon Tigers 75 yards in 2:03, finishing the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Red. Rowe's extra point gave Morehouse a 30-28 lead with 9:09 remaining.
The Maroon Tigers then leaned on their offense and defense to protect the advantage. Morehouse took possession at its own 3-yard line with 7:18 remaining and drove 59 yards while consuming 6:21 off the clock before punting with only 57 seconds left.
Tuskegee made one final push and reached the Morehouse 42-yard line. The Golden Tigers attempted a 59-yard field goal on the game's final play, but the kick was no good, allowing Morehouse to secure the 30-28 Classic victory.
Morehouse Statistical Leaders
- Miles Scott: 30-of-42 passing, career-high 392 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Scott surpassed his previous career-high of 367 yards against Kentucky State last season.
- Noah Rhodes: Five receptions for a team-high 125 yards, including a 44-yard reception.
- Jeremiah Gibson: Team-high eight receptions for 105 yards, giving Morehouse two 100-yard receivers.
- Chase DeVaughn: 16 carries for a team-high 68 rushing yards and five receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown.
- Savion Red: 10 carries for 52 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding four receptions for 49 yards and another score. Red accounted for three of Morehouse's four touchdowns.
- Sean Johnson: Team-high seven tackles, including three tackles for loss and one sack.
- Kai Fernandes: Three tackles, one pass breakup and a 32-yard interception return.
- Jordan Williams: Two tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack, along with a quarterback hurry.
Game Notes
- With the victory, Morehouse has now defeated Tuskegee in consecutive seasons for the first time since winning three straight meetings from 1991-1995
- For his 392 yards and two touchdown performance, Miles Scott was named the Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic game MVP for the second consecutive year.
- Morehouse won the 90th Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic, 30-28, at Cramton Bowl.
- The Maroon Tigers improved to 2-4 overall and 2-3 in SIAC play.
- Miles Scott established a new personal single-game passing record with 392 yards, surpassing his previous high of 367 against Kentucky State last season.
- Scott's 30 completions came on 42 attempts and included touchdown passes to Chase DeVaughn and Savion Red.
- Morehouse finished with 525 yards of total offense, including 392 passing and 133 rushing.
- The Maroon Tigers recorded 32 first downs compared with 15 for Tuskegee.
- Morehouse controlled possession for 38:18, compared with 21:42 for Tuskegee.
- The Maroon Tigers converted 9-of-15 third downs and scored on four of five trips into the red zone.
- Noah Rhodes and Jeremiah Gibson each eclipsed 100 receiving yards, finishing with 125 and 105, respectively.
- Savion Red scored three touchdowns, rushing for two and catching another.
- Morehouse's defense recorded seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
- The Maroon Tigers held Tuskegee to 371 total yards while running 77 offensive plays to the Golden Tigers' 47.
- Morehouse took the lead for good on Scott's 22-yard touchdown pass to Red with 9:09 remaining.
- Tuskegee's potential game-winning 59-yard field goal on the final play was unsuccessful, preserving the two-point Morehouse victory.
Up Next
Morehouse returns to Atlanta next Saturday for Homecoming as the Maroon Tigers welcome Savannah State to B.T. Harvey Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. as Morehouse looks to carry the momentum from its Classic victory back home in front of the Maroon Tiger faithful. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com or Maroon Tiger football on Instagram @morehousefootball.
