BLAKELY, Ga. – In a tough back-and-forth battle with Clayton State University, the Fighting Tigers were unable to hang on, falling 23-20 Saturday at Standifer Field in Blakely, Ga.
The loss marked Andrew College's fifth consecutive defeat to begin the season. Despite still searching for their first win, the Fighting Tigers put together one of their strongest performances of the season, battling on both sides of the ball and holding a five-point advantage late in the fourth quarter.
Andrew led 20-15 before Clayton State put together a nine-play, 70-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. With 1:53 remaining, quarterback DeAngelo Walton connected with Danirion Moxey for a 14-yard touchdown to give the Lakers a 21-20 advantage. Clayton State converted the ensuing two-point conversion to extend its lead to 23-20.
Down three with one final opportunity, the Fighting Tigers were unable to get into field goal range. Quarterback Nick Commisso connected with Nnamdi Osuorah for 14 yards on the final possession, but Andrew ultimately turned the ball over on downs at its own 34-yard line, allowing Clayton State to run out the remaining clock.
First Half
Andrew opened the game with a 37-yard rush from Jyrell Reese and drove deep into Clayton State territory before turning the ball over on downs.
The Fighting Tigers' defense quickly responded as Otis Samuel forced and recovered a fumble. Andrew was unable to capitalize, and Clayton State eventually built a 9-0 advantage.
Andrew finally broke through late in the second quarter. Following a 34-yard punt return from Jaden Cofer, Ja' Quan Billings scored from 3 yards out, cutting the deficit to 9-7 entering halftime.
Second Half
The Fighting Tigers quickly grabbed the momentum after halftime. Marcus Collins blocked a Clayton State punt, setting Andrew up at the Lakers' 8-yard line. One play later, Billings scored his second touchdown to give Andrew a 13-9 lead.
After Clayton State responded to retake the lead, Billings found the end zone for a third time, giving Andrew a 20-15 advantage late in the third quarter.
Andrew's defense continued to make plays as Danterious McKenzie recorded an interception in the fourth quarter, giving the Fighting Tigers their third takeaway of the afternoon.
However, Clayton State put together a nine-play, 70-yard drive late in the fourth quarter, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 1:53 remaining before converting the two-point conversion to take a 23-20 lead.
Andrew received one final opportunity but was unable to get into field goal range, turning the ball over on downs as Clayton State escaped with the win.
Notes
- Billings finished with 67 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries.
- Andrew forced three turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
- Otis Samuel led the defense with seven tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
- Danterious McKenzie recorded six tackles, a sack and an interception.
- Andrew rushed for 132 yards.
- The Fighting Tigers led 20-15 entering the fourth quarter.
Located in Cuthbert, Georgia, Andrew College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 16 sports and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference.
