Big plays get Miles back on track in 40-17 homecoming win against Kentucky State

FAIRFIELD, Alabama---Miles had to go back before it could get ahead.

The Golden Bears went back to quarterback David Thomas, inserting the redshirt senior into the starting lineup for the first time this season and the Opelika native led them to a 40-17 homecoming victory against Kentucky State.

Thomas finished with 195 yards and three touchdowns on 10-for-16 passing as the Golden Bears improved to .500 at 3-3 and more importantly 3-1 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

I'm proud of the guys. They bounced back.", coach Reginald Ruffin said of his team, which fell to previously winless Central State (Ohio) on the road last week. "We've had so many injuries and so many disciplinary (problems) that we probably kicked off five guys off the team last week before that Central State game last week. Our guys responded this week, had a great week of practice. And that's all we ask them to do, keep getting better when they step out on the field."

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2-Minute Drill: Miles College 40, Kentucky State 17

WHY MILES WON

The Golden Bears made big plays throughout and Kentucky State didn't.

It was simple as that.

In the first half alone Miles had touchdown passes of 27, 52 and 45 yards and a blocked field goal return for an 87 yard-score. It helped the Golden Bears build a 30-point lead, going into the break.

KEY MOMENT

The game looked like it prove to be competitive after all when Kentucky State kicker Cameron Lee connected on a 23-yard field goal with 8:38 to go in the second. But when the Miles added two touchdowns to tend the first half, any hope KSU might've had was gone.

STARS OF THE DAY

1. Miles College quarterback David Thomas. The senior quarterback made his final homecoming at Albert J. Sloan-Alumni stadium one to remember, finishing the night with 195 yards and three touchdowns against one interception on 10-for-16 passing.

2. Miles College wide receiver Darren Fife. The Cherokee County product Darren Fife didn't touch the ball much. But when he did, he made it count, adding a 45-yard touchdown reception and a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown.

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