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Page 10 Clmi^danta^niversih^anthei^ October 9, 1991 SPORTS CAU Squeaks past Fort Valley 14-12,Remain Unbeaten in Conference By Anthony George m Sports Editor With Clark Atlanta University's defense playing prevent, outside linebacker Craig DuBose forced Fort Valley’s quarterback Danny Smith to run inside the pocket, but linebacker Dale Dixon was their to greet him with a sack with 15 seconds remaining, sealing the Panther victory 14-12 in Fort Valley Saturday. 'That was the biggest play of the game,” said Panther defensive coordinator David Edwards. "Fort Valley has a very strong running game, but we wanted to get them in a situation where they had to pass, because they aren't a very strong passing team." The Panther offense was able to put the defense in that comfortable position. Gaining possession of the ball early in the fourth period, the Panthers, running out of the wishbone, were able to drive 90 yards, consuming more than 10 minutes. On a fourth and goal on the 1-yard line, the Wildcats stopped Panther runningback Charles Evans for a 4-yard loss. Taking their final possession from the Panther 5-yard line, the Wildcats were unable to surmount a potential winning drive. "We showed a lot of character," said Edwards. 'We new we could gut it out. I am happy we were able to pull out a tough game. Unlike last season, we were able to hold on. The team really showed a lot of pride." Panther quarterback Charles Parks finished with his consecutive 200 yard plus passing performance. He completed 18 of 33 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown. Equally as dangerous was the Panthers running attack, as they finished with 220 yards. The major ground gainer was runningback Tim Lowery, as he rushed 13 times for 101 yards. The win improved the Panthers to 3-1-1 overall, and 2-0 in the conference. Fort Valley fell to 3-2 overall, and 3-1 in the conference. "Although we made some mistakes, we held together in the long run and that helped us win," said head coach Willie Hunter. "As long as everyone plays together, we will win games." The Panthers trailed in the first period after Wildcat runningback Zackary Reynolds scored on a 1-yard run. The Panthers scored on the ensuing kickoff as they drove 11 plays for 81 yards. Runningback Charles Evans scored on a 15-yard pass from Parks. The Panthers got a break in the third quarter, as a Wildcat fumble gave the Panthers the ball on their 31-yard line. Evans topped off the four play drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, giving the Panthers a 14-12 lead. imm? CAU (3-1) at Tuskegee (2-3 1:00 p.m. Braves Scalp Panthers 42-28 Suffer First loss of Season A CAU Defensive Lineman takes ct break during a timeout against West Georgia. PHOTO BY ANTHONY GEORGE HI By Anthony George m Sports Editor Although the Panthers played in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium a month ago, they could not avoid the Indian war chant, nor the tomahawk chop. When the West Georgia fans got going, it usually was trouble for the Panthers' in the second half. As they cheered their team on, the Braves responded as they scored 29 second half points and defeated the Panthers 42- 28 in Carollton, Ga. Sept. 27. The Braves rushing game accounted for 333 yards, the Panthers with 66 yards. With the ground game silent. Panther quarterback Charles Parks had a career day, as he completed 21 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns. "Our running game just wasn't there," said Panther runningback Charles Evans. "A linebacker usually filled the gap we tried to run through. But we were able to open up our our passing game. That shows our versatility." "I feel pretty good about our offense because we were able to execute," said Robert Haygood, offensive coordinator. "The offensive line played well and gave Charles an opportunity to pass. On defense, we made several mistakes, and we have to work harder." "We just didn't execute on defense," said David Edwards, defensive coordinator. "West Georgia has a strong team and we matched up well with them. What separates us from them is they had the advantage in depth. With that, they wore our guys down. Nevertheless, we were capable of winning this game." West Georgia improved to 2-2, and CAU suffered their first loss of the year, dropping to 2-1- 1. Ron Jurney, West Georgia head coach said said many favorable things about CAU's athletic program. "Coach Hunter is doing a fine job for that program," said Jurney. "I told my team not to underestimate Clark because I know they have a good team. The are well coached and never give up. They played extremely tough tonight." After playing to a 14-14 tie at halftime, CAU struck early in the third period on a 66-yard pass to wideout Shedrick Austin from Parks. Parks primary receiver was wideout Felix Lewis, but the ball tipped it off his fingers, and a defender, as an alert Austin grabbed the ball, and outran the West Georgia defense, giving the Panthers the lead 21-13. "That guy is going to be the next player drafted from CAU," said Millard Hamilton, former Panther. "He has excellent speed, and has all the tools to be a great receiver." After the Panther defense stopped West Georgia on their ensuing drive, the Panther offense also went sour. Then, West Georgia’s offensive lineman started dominating the line of scrimmage. On a barrage on trap runs, and sweeps, the Braves drove 65 yards to the CAU 5-yard line. Wideout Chip Massey caught a 5-yard pass from quarterback Cris Teal, that tied the score at 21. Early in the fourth quarter, the Braves took the lead 28-21. West Georgia drove six plays, 55 yards as runningback Mark Evans scored on a 19 yard run. Alter the Panthers were forced to punt, West Georgia drove 66 yards on 8 plays, scoring on a 19 yard reception by wideout Leo Mendenhall from Teal, giving the Braves a comfortable 35-24 lead with 6:10 remaining. The Panthers closed the gap to 35 28, as Evans ran for his second touchdown, on a 5-yard trap over the center. The big play was a 59 yard bomb from Parks to Austin that put CAU on the 15-yard line. Austin finished with four receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns.