Panthers Add Another Chapter to AUC Rivalry History with Third Consecutive Win

Evin Goodwin
13 hours ago
3 min read

It’s a Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, and the humidity and heat presses down on over 9,700 students, alumni, and community members packed into Morehouse College’s B.T. Harvey Stadium to watch a historic matchup unfold. A majority of the crowd represents the home team—The Maroon Tigers. They boo and heckle the opponent—The Panthers—signaling an obvious divide. Yet, even as the chants and jeers persist, they are witnessing history and watching two teams battle for something bigger than themselves, something that began in a time most had only read about in history books, something deeper than the surface: The names on their chests and the ones who laid the foundation.

It was never just a game.

Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College have been woven into the fabric of Atlanta and HBCU culture for nearly a century and a half. Both institutions were among the first to educate formerly enslaved and newly emancipated Africans, ushering in a new generation of educated Black Americans who went on to change the world. So when these two teams met on the field—a rivalry dating back to 1900—it was never just a game. Justin Mordecai, Director of Athletic Communications for the Panthers, put it simply: "In my opinion, this is one of the best rivalries in college sports. It's a new chapter in a storied rivalry."

Prior to the game, Maroon Tigers punter, Seve Sprull II, was quoted saying, “There's a reason why we're doing this early in the year. You know, it's to gain momentum,” he said. “We’re ready to put together a good show and come off the summer real hot.” The Panthers had other plans, prevailing 31-21 against the Maroon Tigers, the sweltering heat, and the overwhelming Morehouse crowd in Atlanta’s Labor Day Classic.

“In my opinion this is one of the best rivalries in college sports.”–Justin Mordecai

This moment was huge for the Panthers who not only secured their first win of this season but have cemented themselves on the favorable side of AUC history in this rendition of the rivalry matchup. It was hard-fought through three quarters with multiple lead changes, until the Panthers widened the margin halfway through the third quarter en route to victory.

Ahead of the fourth quarter, while victory was minutes away from the Panthers’ grasp, Chloe Woolfork, Clark Atlanta University’s cheer captain, expressed her excitement and admiration for the process that led to this showcase. “With cheer, football, and band being so close, we've watched everyone work super hard,” she said. “So, to be able to pull this one out, it'd be a big AUC thing. It's super exciting and it's good for the culture of our school, honestly.” During the halftime show, CAU’s band, also known as the Mighty Marching Panthers, had a spectacular show, letting the Maroon Tigers crowd feel their presence and claiming the grass they stood on.

As the end of the game approached, CAU alum Derick Brown, ‘97, took a moment to appreciate the Panthers. “It's good to see that Clark is still upholding the attributes that we are, that we had when we were attending back in ‘97. So, we're proud of Clark Atlanta and seeing them come out with a win.”

Panthers Head Coach Terry Sims reflected on the big win: "Our board of trustees, our president, our director of athletics, they handpicked me. They gave me an opportunity to come run this program. I'm excited for our players, they worked hard in a short period of time. We put a great product together. Our coaches did a great job. I'm excited for everybody that had a part in this."

He also thanked the Panther supporters: "We appreciate our fans. We could not have done it without our fans. Even though it was 100 degrees out here, they stayed behind us. Can't say enough about the Panther fans and the things that they do for us. So, thank you very much, Panther Nation. And come out next week."