Panthers Secure Home Opener Win on the Red Carpet

Atlanta, GA. Despite an hour-long weather delay and a shortened game, the Clark Atlanta University Panthers managed to come out on top against the Florida Memorial Lions, with a score of 17-12 at Panther Stadium this past Saturday, September 7th. They bounced back after week zero’s loss against the Valdosta Blazers and evened their record to 1-1.

Zy McDonald set the tone for the Panthers, delivering a 50-yard touchdown run that gave them an early 7-0 lead with 4:55 remaining in the first quarter. Last week, McDonald spoke about his goals for this game, one of which was to improve his passing completions. He executed this goal in the matchup by securing a 73% completion rate, surpassing last week’s 46%.

McDonald connected a 37-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie West, rounding the Panthers to score 17-6 to end the third quarter. David Martin led the team in receiving yards, amounting to 61, and Armone Harris led receptions with six catches for 37 yards.

The Panthers' defense also came out and sent a message, holding the Lions offense to only 141 yards total. Linebacker Eric Searcy secured seven tackles, leading the team in the category, while true freshman Vaughn Mitchom got his first collegiate interception to stop the Lions' offense further. Florida Memorials Nygel Osborne and Fernando Jeanty both rushed touchdowns for the Lions; however, missing both field goal attempts put them at a deficit in extra points, allowing the Panthers to secure a wider advantage.

The Clark Atlanta Panthers set the tone in their first red carpet debut of the season and plan to carry the momentum this upcoming Thursday, September 11th, as they face Fort Valley State at 7 PM on home turf at Panther Stadium.