Clark Atlanta heard the noise all week. Around the Atlanta University Center, all the talk was about Morehouse Maroon Tigers and their sterling 7-2 record this season.
The same thing couldn’t be said for the Panthers. Their season was hindered by injuries and close losses. With the Morehouse game remaining on the schedule, Panthers coach Kevin Ramsey wanted his team to come out with intensity and effort.
The Panthers responded with a 30-13 victory over the visiting Maroon Tigers. The offense compiled 408 total yards and put a dent in Morehouse’s playoff hopes. Clark Atlanta finished at 3-7 overall and built momentum heading into the offseason.
“(Morehouse) had a great season and we had kind of a snake-bitten year,” Ramsey said. “We were hit with a Hail Mary, we would lose by one and lose by seven. The guys didn’t quit on me. They kept playing and today we executed in all phases of the game.”
On senior day, the Panthers were led by senior running back Roger Thomas. The 6-foot, 220-pound back rumbled for 199 yards on 31 carries. He took advantage of big holes created by his offensive line en route to averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
“It wasn’t me, but my teammates and my offensive line that did a great job,” Thomas said. “Especially coming through and fighting all the battles we had this year. We had a lot of injuries and we didn’t have depth at the offensive line as we should. I am proud of these guys for blessing me with the yards.”
Panthers quarterback Charles Stafford enjoyed a successful game in his first rivalry game since transferring from Albany State. The junior signal-caller added three touchdowns through the air. He finished 12-for-21 passing for 194 yards and added 13 yards on the ground. Stafford ends his season with 1,677 yards and 10 touchdowns.
“It means a lot for the team, the staff, and the AUC for Clark Atlanta University,” Stafford said. “The guys worked hard this whole week of practice and it showed today.”
Morehouse played a step behind Clark Atlanta all day. The Maroon Tigers started the game with four of their six possessions ending in a turnover or a punt. Senior returner Tamarick Vanover fumbled a punt and quarterback Michael Sims was intercepted at the 1-yard line by Johnny Sharp.
Both chances dashed Morehouse scoring opportunities. The Panthers capitalized with touchdown receptions by senior receiver Josh Banks and sophomore back Makel Young. The 14-point swing was the turning point in the game.
Morehouse coach Rich Freeman tipped his cap to Clark Atlanta. He said that the Panthers forced them into turnovers as they made uncharacteristic mistakes.
“I know we were more frivolous with the football than we ever been,” Freeman said. “We have been a careful football team, and we probably led the NCAA in lack of turnovers. They were a great football team, and great teams make you play out of character.”
The Maroon Tigers lone touchdown came in the second quarter. Sophomore running back Santo Dunn led a 11 play, 68-yard drive that ended with a 11-yard touchdown reception from sophomore quarterback Michael Sims.
Dunn registered 118 total yards and added six catches on the evening. Sims was 20-for-31 with 135 yards with a touchdown and one interception. Morehouse added two late field goals to end their scoring output.
“Defensively, we were sound,” Ramsey said. “They got us on the weakside running game. But, when they got it in the red zone we forced them into field goals.”
Clark Atlanta and Morehouse head into the offseason in a different way. The Panthers have momentum with the win. The Maroon Tigers look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to end a 7-3 season.
“We always knew we were young, and our best is yet to come,” Ramsey said.
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