Mistakes cost Benedict; Maroon Tigers Roar to O.T. Win

Six turnovers are too much for Benedict to overcome in season opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Benedict’s dream of a storybook season began with a depressing opening chapter on Saturday at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. The Tigers fell behind early, rallied to take the lead, then lost 34-27 in overtime to Morehouse in the ninth annual Palmetto Capital City Classic in front of 7,629 fans.

The loss ends Benedict’s five-game winning streak in the Palmetto Capital City Classic. More important, the loss quickly puts the Tigers in a precarious position in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference — Benedict plays at defending conference champion Tuskegee next weekend. “We had took many turnovers, too many penalties at crucial times and too many breakdowns on both sides of the ball,” Benedict coach Stan Conner said.

“The only good thing was we had a lot of chances to quit, and didn’t. We kept playing hard and somehow forced the game into overtime. No doubt about it, this is a loss that is going to challenge the character of this football team.”




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Benedict Tigers Riley focuses on results

Columbia, S.C. --Pat Riley knows the deal. The talented Benedict College senior quarterback is aware of his importance to the Tigers’ hopes for challenging for the SIAC championship and a NCAA Division II playoff berth. Riley is the face of the team, the man in the spotlight and the guy on the hot seat. But what matters to the Attapulgus, Ga., native is the bottom line.

The Tigers broke through for an 8-3 record last season, Riley’s first in Columbia. The quest for greater glory begins with Saturday’s SIAC date against Morehouse in the 9th annual Palmetto Capital City Classic at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.

“I’m a competitor and I know I get pulled out a lot because of my position, but in no way am I an ‘I’ player,” Riley said. “My success depends on the team’s success. It’s not about the offense or the defense or special teams this season. It’s about the Benedict Tigers as a group. There are no individual agendas on this team.”

Palmetto Capital City Classic
WHO: Benedict vs. Morehouse
WHEN: 4 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium
TICKETS: $10, $15, $20 depending on seating

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