COLUMBIA, S.C. — Despite a strong second-half offensive performance that saw Edward Waters University outscore Benedict College 21-10 over the final two quarters, the Tigers were unable to overcome a sizable halftime deficit, falling 45-24 to the Benedict Tigers on Saturday afternoon at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
The loss drops Edward Waters to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play, while Benedict improves to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in conference action.
Senior quarterback Tavion Faulk turned in another productive performance through the air, completing 30 of 52 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns. Faulk also led Edward Waters on the ground with 44 rushing yards on 16 attempts.
Junior wide receiver Xavier Irvin paced the Tigers' receiving corps with eight receptions for a game-high 124 yards, while Izaiah Jean-Baptiste added seven catches for 90 yards. Wide receiver Tylon Williams hauled in three receptions for 39 yards and two touchdowns, providing the Tigers with a pair of second-half scoring plays.
Edward Waters finished with 447 yards of total offense, including 349 passing yards, and recorded 27 first downs compared to Benedict's 21.
Benedict established control early, opening the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run by David Smith midway through the first quarter. Christopher Johnson followed with a 10-yard touchdown run later in the period, giving the home-standing Tigers a 14-0 advantage after the opening 15 minutes.
Benedict continued its offensive momentum in the second quarter, capitalizing on an Edward Waters interception with a 32-yard touchdown run by Smith to extend its lead to 21-0.
A 12-yard touchdown pass from Jett Peddy to Demetris McKelvey pushed Benedict's advantage to 28-0 with 10:33 remaining in the first half.
Edward Waters broke through on the scoreboard late in the second quarter when Cole Sosa-Jones connected on a 24-yard field goal, capping a seven-play, 75-yard drive to make the score 28-3.
However, Benedict answered just before halftime with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Gianni Mascolino to Zackery Watkins, sending the home team into the locker room with a 35-3 lead.
Edward Waters emerged from halftime with renewed offensive energy, marching 74 yards on seven plays during its opening possession of the third quarter.
A 29-yard completion from Faulk to Jean-Baptiste and a 31-yard reception by Johntarrious Thomas helped set up a two-yard touchdown run by Camren Stewart. Shelby Towkach converted the extra point to trim the deficit to 35-10 with 12:22 remaining in the third quarter.
Benedict responded with a 24-yard field goal from Zane Spires, extending its lead to 38-10.
The Tigers continued to battle, putting together another impressive scoring drive covering 77 yards in nine plays. Faulk connected with Williams for a 21-yard touchdown reception, and Towkach added the extra point to make the score 38-17 with 4:54 remaining in the third quarter.
Unfortunately for Edward Waters, Benedict immediately answered with a 76-yard kickoff return touchdown by Chris Butler, pushing its lead to 45-17.
Edward Waters refused to go quietly.
Early in the fourth quarter, Faulk engineered another scoring possession, moving the Tigers 70 yards in seven plays before finding Williams for an 18-yard touchdown pass. Towkach's third successful extra point of the afternoon brought Edward Waters within 45-24 with 11:35 remaining.
The Tigers' defense held Benedict scoreless in the final quarter, but Edward Waters was unable to generate additional points as Benedict secured the 21-point victory.
Despite the setback, Edward Waters finished with an 80-yard advantage in total offense, outgaining Benedict 447-367.
Faulk's 349 passing yards highlighted an afternoon in which five Edward Waters receivers recorded multiple receptions.
Along with Irvin's 124 yards and Jean-Baptiste's 90 yards, Thomas contributed four receptions for 57 yards, while Jayden Pressey caught seven passes for 37 yards.
Thomas also rushed for 37 yards on 13 carries, while Stewart recorded the Tigers' lone rushing touchdown.
Defensively, junior linebacker Trevon French led Edward Waters with a game-high 11 tackles, including eight solo stops, three tackles for loss, and one sack.
D'Juan Grant and Aykenon Rodgers each contributed five tackles, with Rodgers also forcing a fumble and recording a pass breakup.
Javon Miller added four tackles, half a sack, and a fumble recovery.
Benedict's rushing attack proved to be a difference-maker, as the home-standing Tigers accumulated 238 yards on the ground and scored three rushing touchdowns.
Smith led Benedict with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while Johnson added 63 yards and a touchdown.
Edward Waters will look to bounce back when the Tigers return to Jacksonville for their highly anticipated 2026 Homecoming matchup against Clark Atlanta University on Saturday, October 24, at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium.
The Tigers will look to defend their home turf and return to the win column in front of Tiger Nation as they continue their pursuit of SIAC championship contention.
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