BARNESVILLE, Ga. – The Clayton State Lakers put together a complete team effort Saturday, defeating rival Gordon State 23-0 behind a balanced offensive attack and a suffocating defensive performance.
The Lakers struck first early in the second quarter when kicker Michael Kraskoukas connected on a 32-yard field goal to give Clayton State a 3-0 advantage. Later in the quarter, quarterback Jemeriah Mallory found wide receiver DJ Walton streaking downfield for a 49-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 9-0 after the extra point attempt was blocked.
The third quarter belonged to the Lakers’ ground game. Running back Ryan Webster consistently moved the chains with key runs of 19 and 21 yards before capping the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run. Webster’s scoring run pushed the Clayton State lead to 17-0 and gave the Lakers full control of the contest.
The defense put the finishing touches on the victory in the fourth quarter when Savion West stepped in front of a Gordon State pass and returned the interception 66 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Lakers’ commanding 23-0 shutout victory.
Clayton State showcased a balanced offensive attack, totaling 357 yards of offense, including 174 rushing yards and 183 passing yards. Mallory efficiently led the offense, completing 14 of 20 passes for 183 yards and one touchdown. Walton provided the big-play threat, hauling in four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Lakers delivered one of their most impressive performances of the season, holding the Highlanders to a season-low 155 total yards. Safety Charles Gordon led the defensive effort with nine tackles and one pass breakup, helping anchor a unit that kept Gordon State off the scoreboard from start to finish.
With the victory, the Lakers improve to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in NSAC play while Gordon State drops 2-1 and 0-1. CSU now turns its attention to a pivotal conference matchup as it hosts Westgate on Saturday, September 26, in Morrow, Georgia. The Highlanders host Louisiana Community Christian on September 27.
Story and photo courtesy Clayton State Football
