Rebuilding in the Building at Clark Atlanta University
It is evident from the results early on in the season that Clark Atlanta University is in rebuilding mode. After putting up a doughnut versus Tuskegee last week, the team was nearly blanked again by Central State University, as CSU drubbed CAU at CAU Panther Stadium, 49-12.
The Marauders attacked the Panthers, stealing the first quarter and not looking back. A run of 35 unanswered points put this game away fast as a diss track from Drake. Junior QB Marquis Wells had a dominate game, throwing for 3 TDs and rushing for 1 more.
Quarterback Matthew Vincent, also a junior, caught the first TD of the Panthers season from SO WR Jaha McCray. This happened late in the third quarter after the game was comfortably put away. The Panthers missed the 2-point conversion. Vincent went on to throw another TD to JR WR Deandre Jackson, where they subsequently missed the 2-pt conversion as well.
First year Coach Kevin Ramsey stated his focus is on developing good players on and off the field as CAU rebuilds its program. The record so far this season shows this is going to be a bit of a process.
Clearly the focus for Coach Ramsey will be on trying to improve the defense. Last week’s performance was not lingering, as the defense flew all over the field making plays despite what the scoreboard told. Led in tackles by JR LB Jacob Mitchell, the defense was waaaay more active. They are going to have to continue building on that activity because next week Fort Valley State University SO QB Otis Brown is coming and he had a STELLAR performance against Lane College.
The band shouldn’t be in rebuilding mode. I can’t lie, I got there kinda late, but judging by the scoreboard, it didn’t really matter. Hmph. We are going to need a little bit more noise and action from the band. If the first two games are any indication of how this season will shape up, could you at least make the experience a little more enjoyable?
Next Saturday’s contest will kick-off at 2 PM at CAU Panther Stadium. Fort Valley Stadium University enters the game 1-1 after falling to Delta State University in their first contest of the season, 48-7, before rebounding against Lane College 50-38. Brown has thrown for 416 yards this season and a TD this season, and boasts an impressive 62.2 completion percentage. Brown also leads FVSU in rushing with 146 yards on 24 carries with three scores.
By Lytrell Howard