Photo by Carson Ming, Photo and Video Editor

By Rece Allen, Sports Editor

The Morehouse Maroon Tigers lose 28-11 in Head Coach Terrance Mathis debut against the Edward Waters Tigers at B.T Harvey Stadium. Although the Maroon Tigers offensive struggles led to the team’s defeat, the team’s defense showed heart and great potential. 

Coach Mathis began his first game with the Maroon Tigers with a 51 yard touchdown catch from quarterback Khamar Carlisle to wide receiver Ajani Williams on the opening offensive play. The fans roared as the Maroon Tigers ran into the endzone, and took an early 7-0 lead.

As the game continued, the story quickly shifted from touchdown to turnovers. The team had a total of seven turnovers, five interceptions between the first and second string quarterbacks and two fumbles from the running back. The Tigers capitalized on the Maroon Tigers turnovers, as they scored all of their 28 points from turnovers or turnover on downs. 

“We started the game like I expected, we just couldn’t maintain,” Coach Mathis said. “I don’t care what level of football you play, if you turn the ball over seven times, you’re not supposed to win the football game, and we were still in it going into the fourth quarter.” 

Despite the offensive struggles, the defense forced two safeties and stopped the opposing team from scoring off a turnover, while in Maroon Tiger territory, four out of seven times. The defense kept the Maroon Tigers hopes alive to win the game going into the fourth quarter, as the team was only down 14-11. However, to close out the game, the defense allowed 14 points in the final quarter. 

The defense was also responsible for three turnovers, including an 82 yard interception by Sean Johnson, middle linebacker. Despite these efforts, the Maroon Tigers couldn’t capitalize on that opportunity and missed the field goal to close out the drive.

“I knew this defense was going to be lights out. The 28 points is not on them, it’s on us as an offense. We had opportunities to score from the defense, but we did not capitalize.”

Mathis says the necessary steps to get ready for next week’s game is to “watch the film tomorrow and then move on. The quicker we move on the better we’ll be.”

The Maroon Tigers are set to face Johnson C. Smith University next Saturday at B.T Harvey Stadium at 3pm.

Copy Edited by Editor-in-Chief, Colin Royal