Central State prepares to host Tuskegee

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Greene County News

WILBERFORCE — After giving up the game winning touchdown in the final seconds of last week’s 30-28 loss at Fort Valley State, the Marauders return home to face perennial power Tuskegee during Military Appreciation Day 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29.

Both Central State and Tuskegee enter Saturday’s contest coming off emotional losses last week.

After falling behind, 20-0, to Fort Valley State in the first half, the Marauders rallied to score 28 unanswered points to take a 28-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. The loss dropped the Marauders to 1-7 overall, with a 1-5 mark in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 1-2 in the West Division.

Tuskegee’s homecoming was lost, 10-9, to the hands of Kentucky State. The loss dropped the then 10th-ranked Golden Tigers down to 20th in the FootballD2.com national poll. The loss also took Tuskegee down to second place in the SIAC West Standings. TU is 6-1 overall, 4-1 in SIAC play and 1-1 in the division.

With two games remaining in 2016, the Marauders are focused on ending the year on a high note. Senior running back De’Michael Jackson is in contention for the SIAC rushing title. His 843 yards trails only Lane’s Marcus Holliday’s 846 yards on the ground.

Quarterback Lavon Meeks has had his share of ups and downs in his first season with the CSU program. He ranks among the league leaders in passing with 997 yards.

The Marauder defensive unit has played well over the last month of the season. CSU has climbed up to no. 2 in the SIAC in yards allowed (271.2). Linebacker Deonate Gary maintains his consistent play. The senior currently ranks fourth in the conference with 62.5 tackles.

Led by Osband Thompson’s 75 tackles, TU’s calling card remains its defense, which ranks no. 1 in NCAA Div. II in yards allowed per game (228.1). The Tuskegee pass rush has also been effective, totaling 22 sacks for a cumulative loss of 171 yards. Vladimir Gray and Daryl George lead the team with 3.5 sacks each. Offensively, the Golden Tigers rank second in the SIAC in scoring (25.7 ppg).

In addition to the game, the Central State community will be celebrating Military Appreciation Day.

All active and retired members of the military will gain free admission to Saturday’s game when they present a valid D.O.D. Identification Card.

The military will also have a strong presence inside of McPherson Memorial Stadium. The Army Reserves will have military vehicles on display for fans to view and take photos. Informational tents will also be accessible for any individuals interested in learning more about Central State’s ROTC program. The Army Reserves are also providing an obstacle course inside the stadium for younger fans in attendance.

At halftime, new ROTC cadets will take the Loyalty Oath of Service. Col. Reginald Bryant, Professor of Military Sciences at Central State University, will conduct the ceremony. All military personnel in the stands will also be publicly recognized at halftime.

For tickets to Saturday’s game go to http://centralstate.universitytickets.com/. On-campus parking requires a fee of $10.

Central State senior running back De’Michael Jackson (1) is just three yards from holding the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rushing lead. Jackson currently has rushed for 843 yards this season.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/10/web1_JacksonRun_PS-2.jpgCentral State senior running back De’Michael Jackson (1) is just three yards from holding the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rushing lead. Jackson currently has rushed for 843 yards this season.

Marauders quarterback Levon Meeks is among the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s passing leaders this season. He has thrown for 997 yards thus far. Central State will host SIAC powerhouse Tuskegee on Saturday at McPherson Stadium in Wilberforce.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2016/10/web1_MeeksRun_PS.jpgMarauders quarterback Levon Meeks is among the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s passing leaders this season. He has thrown for 997 yards thus far. Central State will host SIAC powerhouse Tuskegee on Saturday at McPherson Stadium in Wilberforce.

Story courtesy of Central State University Athletics.

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