KSU Thorobreds unable to hold off Lane comeback in 21-14 loss

JACKSON, Tennessee – The Kentucky State football team jumped out to an early lead but fell victim to a late Lane College comeback, falling 21-14 in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game on Saturday at Lane Field.

Though the Thorobreds got out to the early 14-0 lead, Lane, which had been held to just a pair of field goals over the first 54 minutes, came up with 14 points in the final 6:01 to pull out the win. Kentucky State's defense had been strong most of the afternoon, but the Dragons were able to break through on a 27-yard touchdown from Marcus Reynolds to Darius Mitchell, then tied the game at 14 when Reynolds ran in the two point conversion.

Kentucky State's next drive stalled near midfield, and despite being backed up in a third-and-long, Lane's Aaron Thomas scored on a 72-yard touchdown pass from Reynolds down the right sideline with 1:00 left to play. On their last possession, the Thorobreds marched deep into Lane territory, setting themselves up with one final opportunity from the Lane 15-yard-line with four seconds to play. The last pass attempt was picked off by Lane as time expired.

Though the Thorobreds came into the game as losers of three straight, they seized the momentum on a pair of early touchdown runs by Reginal Harris. Harris topped the 100-yard mark for the second straight week, finishing with a season-high 142 yards rushing on 17 attempts.

Kentucky State wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard, with Corey Slaughter helping to set up the first touchdown by returning the opening kickoff to the Lane 45-yard line. Harris handled the rest by breaking a 24–yard run and a 19-yard touchdown on consecutive plays.



Harris opened the second quarter with a touchdown as well, getting free and streaking 68 yards down the left sideline to put the Thorobreds up 14-0. Lane added a 36-yard Carlas Moore field goal to make the score 14-3 at the half.

Unfortunately for Kentucky State, the two touchdowns would be all the points it would manage on the day. The Thorobreds had opportunities to build on their lead, but costly turnovers helped keep them off the scoreboard the rest of the way. Kentucky State lost the turnover battle 6-1 and fumbled the ball four times, including once inside the Lane 10-yard-line.

Offensively, the teams ended up with similar numbers for the game. Kentucky State narrowly outgained Lane 275-273, with nearly half of the Dragons' offense coming on the final two drives. Ora Johnson finished 9-of-22 passing for 87 yards, while Charles Johnson was the Thorobreds' top receiver with three catches for 42 yards.

Lydell Simon led the way on defense for Kentucky State, making seven tackles with three for loss and a sack. Ryan Luckett made six tackles and had an interception, while Trevon Spencer made five tackles with a sack.

With the loss, Kentucky State drops to 2-7 overall, 2-4 in SIAC play, and 1-3 in SIAC West Division competition. Lane improves to 3-6 overall, 2-5 in the conference, and 1-4 in the division. The Thorobreds wrap up their 2015 season when they host Stillman next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

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COURTESY KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION