Kentucky State Thorobreds Falls In Historic Event

HOPKINSVILLE, Kentucky -- An interception in the end zone as time expired ended the Kentucky State University football comeback attempt as the Thorobreds fell to Lane Saturday, 34-23, in the inaugural F.E. Whitney Classic at the Stadium of Champions. It marked the first collegiate game ever played in Hopkinsville.

Adding insult to injury, the interception was returned 100 yards to make the final score look worse than it was.

Kentucky State had numerous scoring opportunities against the Dragons, driving inside the Lane 15 on the final five possessions of the game. However, the Thorobreds managed just seven points, turning it over on downs three times and the aforementioned interception.

Lane took the lead on the game's first play of the game on an 82-yard touchdown pass. While the Thorobreds managed points on its ensuing drive, a 32-yard field goal from senior Turner Warren(Louisville, KY), it was a microcosm of what was to come for the entire game. Kentucky State took possession at the Lane nine following a 79-yard kickoff return by senior Matthew Bizimana(Louisville, KY).

BOX SCORE

The next KSU drive had the team in scoring possession for its second consecutive possession, driving to the Lane 23, but a missed 40-yard field goal ended any chance of points. Kentucky State would take the lead on its next possession as senior Michael Simpson (Dayton, OH) connected with senior Demetrius Andersonfrom 15-yards out on his first pass of the game.

It started a string of four consecutive scoring drives in the game, including a Lane touchdown with nine seconds remaining in the first half, and the Dragons led 21-16 at the break.

The Dragons scored on its first possession of the third quarter to expand their lead to 28-16, but the KSU defense stymied them for the rest of the game as they didn't advance the ball beyond their own 25 for the remainder of the game.

Kentucky State finished with 197 yards rushing on 41 attempts as sophomore receiver Brendan Lawler (Clarksville, IN) moved to the backfield due to a rash of injuries to rush for 83 yards and a touchdown. Senior quarterback Paul Campbell (Birmingham, AL) added 64 yards on the ground. He was 16-of-26 for 154 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked three times.

Sophomore Jules St. Ge (Lakeland, FL) hauled in seven passes for 57 yards, while junior Jordan Level (Detroit, MI) added five catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Junior Myrthel Stewart (Detroit, MI) led the way defensively with eight stops, and sophomore Micah Corley (Campbellsville, KY) added a career-high seven tackles and the team's lone sack.

Kentucky State (0-9 overall, 0-5 SIAC) closes the season 2 p.m. Saturday, hosting Benedict at Alumni Stadium. The athletic department will honor the contributions of the senior class in a pregame ceremony.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY THOROBREDS SPORTS INFORMATION