Wildcats Trounce South Carolina State

Karsceal Turner
I Got Next! Special to West Orlando News

Wildcats faithful are likely feeling a tad of Déjà vu these days.  Considering the fact that the  #23 Bethune-Cookman University knocked South Carolina State off their high horse is definitely a decent omen of possible things to come.  The Wildcats left no doubt about their offensive and defensive prowess as they handed the #10 Bulldogs a 14-0 loss at Oliver .C Dawson Stadium Saturday afternoon.  It was SCSUs first home loss since 2007.

The win snapped both a 13-game home-stand and 21-game conference winning streak of the two-time defending champion Bulldogs, who are now 4-2 (2-1 MEAC). B-CU remains undefeated at 6-0 (4-0 MEAC).

I was an assistant sports information director in 2002.  The last time the Wildcats has such a great start was on their way to a MEAC Championship.  What makes this thing so special is that this team has completely bought into the system of Head Coach Brian Jenkins.  The team effort thing is paying off.

The low scoring output by both teams was testimony to the defensive struggle, which ensued.  In fact, B-CU’s offense was held below its average for the season by 35 points. The Wildcats forced four Bulldog turnovers and held tight when the Bulldogs threatened.

The Wildcats first score came on a 16-yard reverse pass for a touchdown from junior wide receiver Maurice François to senior wide receiver Jevaughn Reams to go ahead 7-0 with 4:51 left in the first-half.  Oh by the way, Francois was once the starting signal caller for the Cats.  The converted wide-out showed the throwing arm is still intact.

However, it was Quarterback Matt Johnson, who continued his productivity by putting in work in the air.  He was 17-of-29 for 198 passing yards and one interception. He also had 12 carries good for 56 yards on the ground.

Johnson directed a key 90-yard third quarter drive that ended with a 1-yard Androse Bell scamper to give B-CU a 14-0.

Bell finished with 52 yards on 11 carries to lead B-CU rushers. Meanwhile, Reams was good for five passes for 86 yards.  Your boy Pat Brown had four catches for 67 yards.

On the defensive side, your boys Ryan Davis and Reggie Sandilands continued to serve as anchors.  Sandilands had nine tackles and Davis had seven.  Aaron Bagsby, Ryan Lewis, and Don Hanks each contributed four tackles apiece.  Lewis picked off SCSUs Malcolm Long twice in the second-half to set up to set up the second score of the day.

It simply wasn’t a good afternoon for SCSU. Senior quarterback Malcolm Long had a hard time.  He was 15 of 33 in passing with two interceptions and 141 yards in the SCSU passing attack.   He was continuously booed throughout the contest by the Bulldog faithful…wow no class.  Daytona Fans would never act that way right?

Anyway, SCSU Head Coach Buddy Pough wasn’t pleased with the crowd booing his quarterback and he sure as hell wasn’t pleased with the overall play of his team.

“Malcolm did not have a good game,” Pough said. “But believe me, not all of it was his fault, we struggled protection-wise and that surprise me a bit, that we could not protect our quarterback.  Uhh you think Coach?

SC State put together an impressive drive with backup quarterback Derrick Wiley leading the Bulldogs into the Bethune-Cookman’s red zone. However, his fumble at the two yard line gave Bethune-Cookman the break they needed to hold on to their shut-out.  Game over.

The Wildcats travel to North Carolina Central (2-4) next Saturday in Durham, N.C. Bethune-Cookman looks to move to 7-0, a mark that hasn’t  been reached since 2002, the last MEAC Championship season. That game is set for a 2:00 p.m. EST kickoff.  Stay tuned to West Orlando News Online for your B-CU Wildcat coverage.  Remember, I got next!

“I always tell our kids to live in the moment,” head coach Brian Jenkins said. “I tell them don’t look too far behind or look too far ahead. Stay in the moment. Whatever you are working on, you work on that and don’t worry about anyone else. Just worry about yourself. That’s what my dad always taught me.