FRANKFORT, KY (November 5, 2011) – After a win last week against Lane College a win this week against Morehouse would secure the best record since Kentucky State University finished 7-4 in both 2003 and 2004. With emotions running high as the Thorobreds celebrate their senior day among family, friends and administration they took the field with the responsibility to end this season on a high.
Thirteen seniors were honored prior to the start of the game. They were greeted at mid-field by University President Dr. Mary Evans Sias, Director of Athletics Dr. Denisha Hendricks and Head Coach Wayne Dickens. Each player was given a framed jersey as a token of appreciation. Then, in the words of Coach Dickens, “It’s time to put those jerseys away and use the ones you have on.”
The first quarter started with a strong drive by the Thorobreds but they were unable to score. Morehouse was able to score a touchdown after running back, David Carter, snuck into the end zone at the 10:56 mark of the first quarter. After an offensive struggle on both ends, the game moved on to the second quarter.
Grandson Brown managed to awaken the Thorobreds’ offensive spirit with a clutch interception, and with a six-yard pass to Jovan Washington, Jerrel Noland delivered the Thorobreds’ first touchdown of the game with 5:31 to play in the half (Berryman PAT Good).
Morehouse answered back on their next drive with a pass from Byron Ingram for 57 yards to Derrick Hector, putting the Maroon Tigers ahead 14-7 with 3:16 in the half. The Thorobreds were forced to punt on their next drive and paid the price for it as Morehouse scored another touchdown with 1:23 left in the half. Heading into halftime the score was 21-7 in favor of Morehouse.
The Thorobred defense held a strong front during the third quarter. Cade Berryman was able to complete a 38 yard field goal with 1:38 making the score 10-21, Morehouse. On the Tigers’ next drive, KSU linebacker JacQuan Persley made two key tackles to bring up a third down for MHC. The Tigers were unable to convert this time and were forced to punt.
Keith Massey brought the Thorobreds back into the game after an interception and an explosive 51 yard return for a touchdown with 12:47 left in regulation, pulling the Breds within four points (17-21). After another defensive stop, Jerrel Noland scored a touchown on the quarterback keeper, and gave the Thorobreds’ their first lead (24-21) of the game with 5:49 to play (Berryman PAT Good).
Unfortunately, the Breds’ defense was unable to stop Morehouse on their next drive, as the Tigers scored with 2:07 remaining on a 4-yard touchdown rush by Carter, giving them a 28-24 lead.
On their final drive of the day, KSU began with the ball at their own 34 yard-line after an eight-yard return by Andrew Ramsey. The Breds were able to secure one first down on the drive, but after four incomplete passes, the Tigers regained possession on downs with 1:00 to play.
The Tigers ran the clock out and in their final game of the regular season, K-State fell to Morehouse 24-28.
MHC’s Carter finished the game with 200 yards on 34 carries, while KSU’s Ramsey led the team with eight rushes for 34 yards. Noland completed 30-of-52 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown. Raphael Amey led all receivers with 15 catches for 201 yards, while Jovan Washington had one receiving touchdown.
Defensively, the Maroon Tigers were led by Demario Dixon with eight tackles (six solo) and Mykel Green with eight tackles, including two for loss and a half sack. Green also had two quarterback hurries. Richard Sander chipped in with six tackles and two forced fumbles.
For the Breds, three linebackers had a total of 14 tackles. Terry Horton led the pack as he had two and a half tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry. Senior Stephen Scarborough chipped in with one tackle for loss, while JacQuan Persley had a game-high nine solo tackles in his total of 14. Bernard Crawford, Courtney “Gaige” Lewis and Keith Massey each had one interception.
The Thorobreds finish their season with a record of 6-4 (3-4 SIAC), while Morehouse improves to 8-2 overall, 6-1 in the SIAC.
Diane Martinez
Office of Sports Information
(502) 597-6399
ksu.sid3@gmail.com
