Lakers Fall Short Against VUL, 19-14

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Clayton State saw a strong defensive and offensive effort come up just short Saturday afternoon, falling to Virginia University of Lynchburg by a score of 19-14.

The Lakers struck first in dramatic fashion on special teams when Clint Rafe blocked a Dragons punt deep in VUL territory. DeAnthony Favors recovered the loose ball and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown to give Clayton State an early 7-0 lead.

Virginia University of Lynchburg answered with a methodical drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown run, knotting the game at 7-7.

Clayton State responded immediately. Quarterback Jeremiah Mallory connected with wide receiver Savion West on a 35-yard touchdown pass to cap a quick scoring drive and put the Lakers back in front, 14-7.

The Dragons took control late in the second quarter, finding the end zone on a 25-yard touchdown before adding another 10-yard touchdown run just before halftime. Both extra-point attempts were unsuccessful, but VUL carried a 19-14 advantage into the break.

The Lakers generated several productive drives throughout the second half and reached the red zone multiple times but were unable to cash in on scoring opportunities. Despite controlling much of the game statistically, Clayton State could not overcome costly turnovers.

The Lakers outgained VUL 273-164 in total offense, but three interceptions proved to be the difference in the contest and prevented Clayton State from pulling off the road upset.

Ryan Webster led the Lakers offensively, rushing for 93 yards on 15 carries. Defensively, Shaun Wilmore paced the team with eight tackles and one pass breakup.

Clayton State will have a bye week before returning to action on Oct. 31 when the Lakers travel to Newport News, Virginia, for a critical North Division showdown against Apprentice. The matchup will have significant implications in the division race as Clayton State looks to bounce back and return to the win column.

Eastman’s Late Field Goal Lifts Apprentice Past Keystone, 10-7

LA PLUME, Pa. — Logan Eastman connected on a 49-yard field goal with 3:02 remaining in the fourth quarter Saturday, lifting The Apprentice School to a 10-7 victory over Keystone College in a defensive battle.

The Builders overcame an early seven-point deficit, scoring 10 unanswered points to secure the road victory.

The Giants struck first with 10:34 remaining in the opening quarter when quarterback Trevin Arnold connected with Quinten Barclay on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Jaedyn Sanchez added the extra point to give the Giants a 7-0 advantage.

Apprentice answered later in the quarter, putting together a scoring drive capped by Patrick Chevning’s 2-yard touchdown run with 2:20 remaining. Eastman converted the extra point to tie the game at 7.

Neither team managed another touchdown as the defenses took control.

The contest remained deadlocked until Eastman delivered the decisive kick late in the fourth quarter, putting the Builders ahead for the first time.

Apprentice held on over the final three minutes to complete the comeback and earn the three-point victory.

Photo courtesy DeMetri Washington @pixxbydk

Apprentice Picks Up Tough Road Win at Stevens

LANCASTER, Pa. – After a bye week, Apprentice returned to action against the Bulldogs of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in a designated NSAC game and came away with the 16-15 victory behind the foot of Logan Eastman.

Eastman was 3-for-3 on field goals, all from 30+ yards.

Patrick Chewning found Isaiah Townsend for a 33-yard score with Eastman tagging on the extra point.

Tali Burgess netted 55 yards on the ground while Alvin Hicks Jr. added 25 yards.

Defensively, Leslie Hines had 8 solo and 2 assist tackles as well as one extra point block. Austin Moore had 3 solo and 4 assists tackles, a sack and forced fumble while Emmanuel Patterson added three solo tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. Seventeen Builders tallied tackles on the afternoon.

Apprentice improves to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in the NSAC.

Story courtesy Jacob Mullins/Apprentice Athletics; photo courtesy DeMetri Washington @pixxbydk

Lighthouse Christian Holds Off Trinity College of Florida, 41-36

GULF BREEZE, Fl. — Lighthouse Christian College built a commanding first-half lead and survived a late Trinity College of Florida rally for a 41-36 victory Saturday.

After falling behind 6-0, Lighthouse erupted for 34 points in the second quarter. Quarterback Brayden Hutchison scored on runs of 1 and 2 yards, while Jamarkus Jefferson added touchdown runs of 47 and 18 yards. Jaden Williams capped the outburst with a 96-yard interception return, sending Lighthouse into halftime ahead 34-14.

Trinity trimmed the deficit to 34-22 in the third quarter before Lighthouse answered in the fourth. Hutchison connected with Deonte Reinhardt for an 11-yard touchdown, extending the advantage to 41-22. The Tigers responded with two late touchdowns but could not complete the comeback.

The Makos finished with 418 total yards, including a dominant 263 on the ground. Jefferson led the rushing attack with 123 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Hutchison added 70 yards and two rushing scores while completing 11 of 16 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown.

The Lighthouse defense proved decisive despite TCF throwing for 313 yards. Williams recorded three interceptions, including his 96-yard touchdown return, as LCC forced four turnovers overall.

The Makos controlled the ground game, outrushing the Tigers 263-70, and converted 8 of 13 third-down opportunities.

Photo courtesy Lighthouse Christian College Athletics

Clayton State Comes from Behind for 23-20 Road Victory at Andrew

CUTHBERT, Ga. — Clayton State used a balanced offense and a strong defensive effort to hold off Andrew College 23-20 Saturday, earning a hard-fought road victory.

Andrew led 20-15 before the Lakers put together a nine-play, 70-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. With 1:53 remaining, backup 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.

The Lakers finished with 323 yards of offense, including 183 through the air and 140 on the ground. Andrew was limited to 203 total yards despite controlling the ball for more than 34 minutes.

Clayton State’s passing attack was led by the third-string quarterback Walton, subbing for Jeremiah Mallory who went out with a head injury. Walton completed 7 of 8 passes for 117 yards. Mallory added 66 yards on 7-of-15 passing.

Ryan Webster paced the Lakers on the ground, rushing 10 times for 105 yards, an average of 10.5 yards per carry.

Savion West provided the biggest impact in the passing game, catching three passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Moxey added four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Clayton State’s defense helped preserve the victory by intercepting Andrew twice. The Lakers limited the Fighting Tigers to just 71 passing yards and 2.8 yards per rushing attempt.

Andrew relied heavily on its ground game, running 48 times for 132 yards. J. Quan carried 20 times for 67 yards and scored all three of Andrew’s touchdowns.

Clayton State overcame two turnovers and 13 penalties totaling 114 yards. The Lakers converted 3 of 9 third downs while holding Andrew to just 1 of 11.

The Lakers improve to 5-0 on the season.

Photo courtesy Clayton State Football