Greene County News
WILBERFORCE — While the start to this year’s season is far from what the Central State Marauders were expecting, Saturday’s Homecoming game against Lane College allows for fans of HBCU football to witness some of the top talent in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Saturday features two of the best rushers in the conference in Central State’s De’Michael Jackson and Lane’s Marcus Holliday. Jackson is second in the conference in rushing with 657 yards. The senior transfer has eclipsed the century mark in four games this season and is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. The only running back ahead of Jackson in rushing yards is Holliday, who has accumulated an impressive 721 yards on the ground while averaging 6.3 yards per touch.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Marauders continue to lean on seniors Deonate Gary, Clim Robbins and Nehemiah Coward. Gary’s 54 tackles ranks fourth in the SIAC. Robbins is the leader in pass break ups as well as punt return yards. Coward, who blocked two punts against Lane last season, continues to make plays on the ball. He currently has one interception, two fumble recoveries and one punt block through the first six weeks of the season.
The Dragons enter the game with the top pass rusher in the conference in defensive lineman Whitney Richardson. Richardson comes into McPherson Stadium with 11.5 sacks and a team-leading 45 tackles. Other key contributors for the Lane defense include All-SIAC pre-season selections Javonte Kelly and Ray Taylor.
While the Marauders have won the previous three games against Lane and are 6-1 in the all-time series, the Dragons come into Saturday’s game with confidence after last week’s dramatic 19-18 win over Benedict College.
Currently at 4-2 overall with a 2-1 mark in the SIAC, Lane is on pace to have its best season in years. The Marauders, who are winless in the first six weeks, hope to re-energize their fan base with a win on Homecoming weekend.
Saturday’s game is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
