After a week of chirping across the fence and a social media reel or two, the bragging rights between Atlanta University Center (AUC) schools Morehouse and Clark Atlanta were settled Saturday night. The Panthers hold on to the title for another 365 days after defeating the Maroon Tigers 48-45 in the final regular-season game of 2025.
A pair of big runs from Jalen Samuels and Donte McCall, and a deep ball to Ronnie West gave the Panthers a 21-0 lead over the slightly favored Maroon Tigers. A short punt by Seve Spruill gave the Panthers a short field to work with. Samuels seized the opportunity, bursting through the line for a 39-yard touchdown. One play, one touchdown.
West repeated Samuels’ one-play score to capitalize on a second short field situation provided by Chry’shawn Sellers’ 34-yard punt return. The SIAC’s seventh-ranked receiver in yardage sprinted past the coverage and caught a well-thrown ball from Xzavier Jackson for six.
Morehouse took an entire quarter to respond. Once they did, it became clear why this match-up is considered a great rivalry. Quarterback Miles Scott put the M-Tigers on the board with an 11-yard sprint to the pylon. The score capped a 10-play, 75-yard drive and gave the maroon and white a spark.
Defense was in short supply for most of the game, but when it did show up, the offense reaped the benefits. Four of the five punts in the game resulted in scoring drives for the receiving team. Fumbles by both teams also resulted in touchdowns.
Clark Atlanta held a 38-21 lead at the half, but it was clear this game was not going to be a cake walk. The furious scoring barrage of the first half slowed down in the third quarter, with each team only managing to reach the end zone once.
Except for a 37-yard field goal by Lopez that capitalized on a fumble recovery, the Panthers’ offense was held in check. It turned out to be the game winner.
Morehouse with three scores on four possessions. Davis Rowe opened up the quarter, splitting the uprights from 27 yards away. Miles Scott answered the Lopez field goal with a dime to Eric Stephens for a 23-yard touchdown. He nearly duplicated the feat, hitting Kamrin Brunson on a 22-yard slant cut the Panthers’ lead to a field goal.
CAU Head Coach Teddy Keaton made sure there was going to be little to no time left on the clock if the Tigers managed to get the ball back. The Panthers chewed up 2:36 and 38 yards before Jackson took a knee on fourth down at the Maroon Tigers’ 33-yard line. Morehouse needed to dial up another one of their one-play touchdowns. Scott’s deep ball to Armon Porter fell incomplete at the CAU 30 as the horn sounded.
What’s Next
The next time the Panthers and Maroon Tigers meet will be on the hardcourt on January 17, 2026. The top-seeded Albany State Golden Rams will play host to the SIAC Championship game. They will host the Benedict Tigers at 1 pm EST. Purchase your tickets here.