Fort Valley State Drops Game in Last Seconds to Alderson Broaddus

FORT VALLEY, Georgia -- Wilson Vaughn found Dillon Schoolcraft with just 30 seconds left for the go-ahead score part of a 20-point fourth quarter to stay unbeaten defeating host Fort Valley State 27-20.

Trailing 20-14, the AB offense took over at its own 20 with just 2:56 to play. The drive started with a false start penalty, but a Vaughn 14-yard completion to Garrison Swain put the Battlers back ahead of the chains. The Battlers would convert three third downs including the touchdown pass to Schoolcraft.

The Wildcats got the ball back with 21 seconds left and promptly threw an interception to Michael Jameswho returned it 57 yards for a touchdown setting the final at 27-20.

At the 6:40 the Battler offense took over down 20-7. After Brandon Jones converted a fourth and one. The Battlers used a Fort Valley penalty and a Jones spurt to move the ball to the AB 41 yard line. Vaughn completed passes of 16 and 27 to put the ball at the Wildcat 11 and then found Tory Lee for the score to cut the lead to 20-14 with 5:01 to play.

The Wildcats took the lead just before the half on a Malcolm Eady to Drelon Freemon 12-yard touchdown hook up. It looked like Fort Valley was poised to add to the lead when Tracey White intercepted a Wilson Vaughn pass and returned it all the way to the Battler 1-yard line, but the AB defense stood tall and kept the Wildcats scoreless going into the break.

The Wildcats took a 3-0 lead at the 7:15 mark of the first quarter cashing with a Juan Serna 44-yard field goal. The Battlers answered on the next drive going 65 yards in nine plays capped by a 21-yard strike from Vaughn to Tory Lee to put AB up 7-3. Serna trimmed the lead to 7-6 with a 46-yard kick at the 1:10 mark of the first quarter.

Vaughn finished the game 23-of-43 for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Brandon Jones carried the rock 26 times for 121 yards.

Cooper Schroeder hauled in five passes for 80 yards while Tory Lee pulled down five ball for 55 yards and a pair of scores.

Justin Joyce led the defense with 15 tackles, 11 solo, and one tackle for a loss. James came up with five stops and the interception return for a touchdown.

The Battlers outgained the Wildcats 469-336. They also held a 25-22 advantage in first downs.

AB improves to 4-0 on the season and will return to action next Saturday, traveling to Pittsburgh for a showdown with FCS opponent Duquesne at 1 p.m.

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COURTESY FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION