Miles Offense breaks out in big win over Central State

WILBERFORCE, Ohio -- Miles has struggled offensively for most of the season and when a team has to push its third-string quarterback into service, it does not portend to a change from what has been the norm.

But the Golden Bears, behind quarterback John McDowell, running back Jamarcus Nance and a still-stingy defense, have their most complete game of the season in a 34-9 thrashing of Central State Saturday afternoon. The win was the second in the last three for Miles (2-4, 2-0), which remains undefeated in the SIAC West Division.

McDowell - the third quarterback to start a game for Miles this season - was 14-of-21 for 160 yards passing and ran for another 58 yards. He led the offense to a 495-yard day as the Golden Bears averaged seven yards per play. Head coach Reginald Ruffin said he gave McDowell - a transfer from Missouri Southern - the same shot afforded Vincent Davis and David Whipple and thinks he may have found his triggerman for the rest of the season.

"We were 1-4 and needed to make a change," Ruffin said. "We felt like McDowell has been in some big programs. He's been very patient and waited his time. I said someone had to step up and lead this team. Had his shot and made the best of it."

Miles only led 10-9 at halftime. But the Golden Bears' issues have mostly been in the second half, where they have lost two games after enjoying leads at the break. Ruffin said he made it a point of emphasis to his team at the intermission.

"We knew last couple of weeks, we've let some games get away. We've been a first half team," Ruffin said. "So we challenged our guys this week and had our kids to be prepared for four quarters. So we told them to make sure we bring our "A" games in the second half."

The last two quarters belonged to the Golden Bears. The defense pitched a shutout and Nance put the game out of reach. The junior running back followed a Nick Christiansen 49-yard field goal with a 3-yard touchdown run near the end of the third quarter and a 4-yard scoring run early in the fourth. He finished with 14 carries for 90 yards and three touchdowns.

"He's a hard worker," Ruffin said. "We lost our two top running backs in our program. We were using a running back-by-committee approach. But he took control of that role and has provided great leadership for us."

After Nance's final touchdown, the Golden Bears capped the win on the Marauders next play from scrimmage. Caleb Duncan intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for the score.It was the second pick of the quarter for Miles and third of the game for a defense that has done a marvelous job this season.

"Most of our leadership is on that side of ball. They come to work every day," Ruffin said. "They have some break downs every now and then. But we can win a lot of football games when they come in to work like they did today."

Earnest Bell, Jr. (four catches, 69 yards) and Trey Smith (five catches, 36 yards) were the top receivers while Emmanuel Ray (nine tackles, eight solo) paced the defense or Miles, which is in action next Saturday when it hosts Kentucky State for Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

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