Kentucky State got off to a fast start, and the defense locked the gates to the end zone as the Thorobreds spoiled Clark Atlanta’s home opener with a 30-3 thumping in Panthers Stadium on a muggy Saturday night in Atlanta, GA.
Clark Atlanta struggled to find the offensive energy they had in last week’s rivalry win over their AUC neighbors from Morehouse College. What they lacked, Kentucky State embodied. The Thorobreds’ offense outgained the Panthers 453-156 yards.
Jaun Gainous completed 18-of-29 passes for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns. Denim Johnson replaced Gainous for a few plays, throwing for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Darius Cyprian led all receivers with 9 catches for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. The eight Breds receivers combined for 24 receptions. When the offense wasn’t in the air, the offense was chewing up the turf.
Jamohn Dyson led a contingent of ten ball carriers that amassed 172 yards rushing with a 4.9-yard-per-carry average.
The Panthers had a few bright spots like local prep star Chry’shawn Sellers (Langston Hughes). The sophomore receiver caught 5 passes for 70 yards, including passes of 14, 15, 17, and 23 yards.
Defensively, the Breds checked off all the boxes, sacking Xzavier Jackson 6 times and recording 8 tackles for-40 yards. The secondary allowed just 6 catches by 2 receivers.
Kentucky State has a non-conference date at home with Saginaw Valley State. Clark Atlanta will have another shot at getting their first and best chance at a home win next week when winless Miles College comes to town.