BLAKELY, Ga. – In their 2026 season finale against Faulkner University, the Andrew College Fighting Tigers were unable to close out their inaugural NAIA campaign with a victory, falling 35-3 to the Eagles on Saturday at Standifer Field.
The Fighting Tigers finish their first season as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) with an 0-9 overall record.
First Half
Andrew College opened the game with intensity as the Fighting Tigers faced Faulkner for the second time this season. On Oct. 17, Andrew traveled to Montgomery, Ala., to face the Eagles in their Homecoming matchup, falling 46-21.
With that loss fresh in their minds, the Fighting Tigers entered Saturday's contest searching for their first NAIA victory in program history while looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Eagles on their home turf.
After forcing a quick three-and-out courtesy of the Andrew defense, the Fighting Tigers drove down to the Faulkner 31-yard line to set up
Aaron Bates for a 41-yard field goal, his longest of the season. The successful attempt gave Andrew an early 3-0 advantage.
However, just six plays later, Faulkner quarterback Kamden Wellington connected with Tomon Felton for a 33-yard touchdown pass to give the Eagles the lead.
Faulkner would eventually extend its advantage, taking a 14-3 lead into halftime.
Despite falling behind, Andrew pulled out all the stops in its season finale, particularly through its special teams unit.
Facing another fourth-down situation, head coach Dr.
Nick Garrett drew up a dazzling trick play that saw Bates complete an 8-yard pass to
Craig Summers, firing up the Fighting Tigers crowd and moving the chains for Andrew. Unfortunately, the Fighting Tigers were unable to capitalize on the momentum, eventually turning the ball over on downs to end the drive.
Andrew finished the contest converting two of its six fourth-down attempts.
Second Half
With Andrew receiving the ball to start the second half, the Fighting Tigers knew they needed to seize the momentum in front of their home crowd in Blakely.
Following an impressive 17-yard kickoff return from
Na'Quandre Coleman, Andrew was unable to establish an offensive rhythm, going three-and-out before punting the ball back to the Eagles.
Midway through the third quarter, Wellington connected with Tyrese Keiler for his second touchdown pass of the day, extending Faulkner's advantage to 21-3.
Unfortunately, the Fighting Tigers were unable to find the end zone in the second half as Faulkner continued to build on its lead.
The Eagles added two more touchdowns to secure the 35-3 victory, bringing Andrew's inaugural NAIA season to a close.
Notes
- Andrew recorded 11 first downs and converted two of its six fourth-down attempts.
- Aaron Bates recorded three punts for 111 yards, averaging 37 yards per punt. Bates also connected on a season-long 41-yard field goal.
- The Fighting Tigers finished with 146 yards of total offense, including 79 passing yards.
- Quarterback Nick Commisso completed 9 of 20 passes for 58 yards, including a game-long 27-yard completion to Elijah Coleman.
- Kaleb George recorded a season-long 49-yard kickoff return.
- Kelechukwu Ikpechukwu led the Andrew defense with six total tackles.
Located in Cuthbert, Georgia, Andrew College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 18 sports and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference.
