By: Niles Garrison, Features Editor 

The Clark Atlanta Panthers defeated the Morehouse Maroon Tigers on Saturday 28-17 to win the Battle of the Big Cats. The Maroon Tigers’ defense and special teams closed the gap but offensive inconsistencies halted a comeback for themselves.

The Maroon Tigers created six turnovers in the game with a combination of five interceptions and a fumble recovery. Maroon Tigers cornerback, Donavon Parks, intercepted Panthers quarterback David Wright III three times. Cornerback, Carlos Dubvant Jr., and linebacker, Caleb Grant, both caught interceptions with Grant returning his for a touchdown. The Maroon Tiger’s special teams also created a score after a blocked punt that Joshua Maye returned for a touchdown.

Although the defense and special teams created scores, the Panthers were able to score on both. The Panthers’ first score came from a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. Wide receiver, Jamal Jones, also returned a punt for a touchdown that made the game 28-3 in the 3rd quarter. Wright threw five interceptions on the day but had two passing touchdowns including a deep ball to his wide receiver Ronnie West.

Morehouse’s offense struggled in the AUC rivalry with the Maroon Tigers putting up zero points on offense. Coach Terrance Mathis started with quarterback Miles Scott for the game but with the offense creating nothing, he switched to Khamar Carlisie. Scott and Carlisie both made plays at quarterback but neither were able to get into the endzone. The Panther’s defense forced two interceptions including one in the endzone to end the Maroon Tigers drive.

Unfortunately, we were unable to get a post-game interview with Coach Mathis to hear his thoughts about the game and the end to his first season as the Head Coach of the Maroon Tigers.

The Maroon Tigers season is over as they finish with a 1-9 record. Coach Mathis finished his debut season with Morehouse and looks to improve next year. The Panthers move on to the SIAC Championship next week against Miles College.

Copy Edited by Rece Allen, Sports Editor