Image via @morehousefootball

By: Kobe Scales, Sports Editor

The Morehouse Maroon Tigers suffered a devastating loss to the Virginia Union Panthers in Canton, Ohio on Sunday afternoon. What Maroon Tiger fans hoped would be the start of a new era will have to wait as the Panthers dominated 45-13. 

The Maroon Tigers defense looked determined to keep them in the game for most of the day. Only allowing one score in each of the first three quarters. Allowing 21 points through three quarters is not a bad outing for a college defense. 

Nonetheless, the Virginia Union Panthers would go on to explode in the fourth quarter, scoring three more touchdowns. 

Morehouse had a tough day on offense, not scoring their first touchdown until the fourth quarter. Maroon Tiger quarterback, Derrach West, looked to improve on a 2022 season that saw many highs and lows, but struggled on Sunday afternoon. West only completed 13 of 30 passes for 127 yards and an interception on the day. 

In the fourth quarter, Jaylon West showed life on the offensive end scoring the Maroon Tigers only offensive touchdown. 

Daylon Land celebrates after a big hit. via @morehousefootball

On the defensive side of the ball, Daylon Land continued to impress finishing the day leading the team with 10 total tackles and multiple heavy hits. Joel Girtman Jr. also impressed with 9 tackles, two of them for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. 

Special teams had the biggest bright spot of the day for the Maroon Tigers, scoring on a blocked punt. In the third quarter, Devin Olawumi Jr. blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown, providing a much-needed boost to the Maroon Tigers spirits. 

The Maroon Tigers will be on the road again, September 9th, for a showdown with Division 1 FCS opponent Howard University. The Maroon Tigers will be looking to improve on their offense while hoping to play the same defense that was played for the first three quarters against Virginia Union. 

Copy Edited by: Auzzy Byrdsell, Editor in Chief