ELLENWOOD, Ga. – The Clayton State Lakers earned a hard-fought 21-14 victory over Tennessee Valley Community Christian College in a game that remained competitive from start to finish. The matchup was as even as the final score indicated, with the Lakers holding only a slight edge in total offense, 335 yards to 318 yards. Ultimately, the difference came down to one key play, and the Lakers made it when it mattered most.

The Lakers struck first in the opening quarter when quarterback Jeremiah Mallory connected with wide receiver Danirion Moxey on a 62-yard touchdown pass, giving Clayton State an early 7-0 advantage. Tennessee Valley responded with an impressive 70-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Jah Williams, tying the game at 7-7.

Just before halftime, the Lakers regained momentum. Mallory engineered a late scoring drive and found wide receiver Clint Rafe for a 4-yard touchdown pass, sending Clayton State into the locker room with a 14-7 lead.

The Defenders answered again in the third quarter. Quarterback Johnny Jackson connected with wide receiver Noah Thompson on a 55-yard touchdown strike, knotting the game at 14-14 and setting up a tense fourth quarter.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Lakers delivered the decisive play. Early in the fourth quarter, Mallory found wide receiver Savion West behind the defense for a 58-yard touchdown pass. The explosive scoring play proved to be the game-winner as the Lakers defense held strong the rest of the way to secure the 21-14 victory.

Offensively, Clayton State was led by quarterback Jeremiah Mallory, who completed 19 of 35 passes for 285 yards and three touchdown passes while adding 31 rushing yards on the ground. Defensively, linebacker Ashton Parker paced the Lakers with nine tackles and was a key contributor in limiting the Defenders’ offense during crucial moments.

Story and photo courtesy Clayton State Football