KSU Thorobreds pull away late for 32-19 win at Benedict

COLUMBIA, South Carolina – The Kentucky State football team used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from Benedict for a 32-19 win and move to 2-0 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition.

With the game tied at 19 midway through the fourth quarter, Reginal Harris broke free and streaked 38 yards down the left sideline for the touchdown that would put Kentucky State in front for good. After forcing a Benedict three-and-out, The Thorobreds marched 62 yards in five plays, with Derek Woodmore scoring from seven yards out on an end around to push the lead to 32-19.

Harris finished with 86 yards and a touchdown, and Ora Johnson ran for 75 with a score, while also throwing for 106. Charles Johnson was the Thorobreds' top receiver with two catches for 46 yards.

The Thorobreds' defense was again strong, holding Benedict to 79 yards rushing and 76 through the air for 155 total yards. Brentton Ervin led the way defensively with 10 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, and a forced fumble. Raymond Malone and Jermaine Graham each had interceptions, making it Malone's fifth straight game with a takeaway.

The scoring got started early for the Thorobreds when Dimitri Cooper scooped up a blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown, making the score 6-0 less than three minutes into the game. The lead proved to be short lived though, as Benedict's Okechi Ntiasagwe took a screen pass 62 yards on the next series to give the Tigers a 7-6 lead.

Kentucky State went back on top early in the second quarter, taking advantage of a 26 yard completion from Ora Johnson to Charles Johnson on fourth-and-11. Three plays later, Ora Johnson was in the end zone on a nine yard scramble around the right side, giving Kentucky State a 13-7 lead after a Turner Warren extra point. The Thorobreds were able to take a 16-7 lead to halftime after 21-yard field goal by Bill Rose.

The third quarter saw Benedict charge back, beginning when Charles Powell intercepted a Kentucky State pass in its own territory, setting up a 20-yard touchdown run by the Tigers' Raheem Jennings on the next play.

The Thorobreds drove deep into Tigers territory on the next series, but were forced to settle for a Rose field goal and a 19-13 lead after penalties stalled the drive at the Benedict 16-yard-line. Two plays later, however, Jennings broke another touchdown run, this time from 51 yards, leaving the score tied at 19 after a missed extra point attempt.

With the win, Kentucky State moves to 2-3 overall and 2-0 in SIAC play. Benedict drops to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the conference. The Thorobreds are back in action at home next week when they host Fort Valley State for the homecoming game at 1:30 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

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