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.

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

ELLENWOOD, Ga. – The Clayton State Lakers won in impressive fashion Saturday with a commanding 24-9 victory over Talladega, fueled by a high-powered passing attack and a dominant defensive performance.

Quarterback Jeremiah Mallory led the way for the Lakers, completing 16 of 28 passes for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Mallory consistently stretched the field and delivered big plays when the offense needed them most.

The Lakers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Mallory connected with Moxey on a 10-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter to give Clayton State an early lead.

In the second quarter, the Lakers struck again through the air when Mallory found Jaylen Jackson for a 53-yard touchdown, extending the advantage to 14-0. Dega U capitalized on a Lakers fumble late in the half and scored to trim the deficit to 14-7 heading into halftime.

Clayton State regained momentum in the third quarter behind the leg of kicker Michael Kraskouskas, who drilled a 32-yard field goal to push the lead to 17-7.

The Lakers sealed the victory in the fourth quarter when Mallory connected with Walton on a 47-yard touchdown strike, putting the game out of reach and securing the 24-9 win.

While the offense delivered explosive plays, the Lakers defense was the story of the night. Clayton State forced three turnovers and held Talladega to just 124 total yards of offense. The defense consistently controlled the line of scrimmage and limited scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

Gerald Brown III led the defensive effort with eight tackles, helping anchor a unit that set the tone from start to finish.

With a balanced offensive attack and a suffocating defensive performance, the Lakers showcased why they will be a team to watch this season. The victory moves CSU to 3-0 on the season and provides strong momentum as Clayton State looks ahead to conference play against home state rival Gordon State.

Story and photo courtesy Clayton State Football