Panthers Fall to Benedict College in Tough Conference Clash Up

Clark Atlanta University’s Panthers were unable to overcome the odds on Saturday,

September 27th’s football game against Benedict College. They fell 59–24 to the Benedict College Tigers in a hard-fought conference matchup. The game kicked off slowly for the Panthers, as they found themselves trailing behind 21-3 at the end of the first quarter. Things started to look up for the Panthers after a second-quarter surge led by true freshman quarterback Xzavier Jackson, who had three passing touchdowns in the second quarter alone. Two of these passing touchdowns were received by another true freshman, wide receiver Chry'shawn Sellers.

However, the first-year duo wasn’t able to singlehandedly change the outcome for the Panthers. Four fumbles, with two resulting in turnovers during this quarter, made comeback chances a little further out of reach as the Panthers faced a 35-24 deficit at the end of the first half. In the second half, continued fumbles and an out-of-sync defense extended the Panthers’ struggles. The Tigers forced three more fumbles out of the Panthers, with one resulting in a turnover. The Panthers were held scoreless for the entire second half, resulting in a one-sided final score.

Despite the rough loss, there were some standouts for the Panthers. Offensively, Jackson threw for 388 yards, with three passing touchdowns and one interception in his first career start. Also, Sellers gave the Panthers a spark with 136 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Panthers were led by junior defensive back Markus Anderson, with four solo tackles, giving him

seven in total.

After coming out flat in the first quarter, the Panthers had no lead time or tied time in this matchup. Fumbles and low intensity on the defensive end took the game out of the Panthers’ hands. The Panthers will face Albany State University on October 11th, in their next matchup as they look to turn the tide and get back in the win column.