JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Edward Waters University football team delivered a Homecoming performance to remember on Saturday afternoon, overwhelming Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) rival Clark Atlanta University with a commanding 62-14 victory inside Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium.
Behind a spectacular seven-touchdown performance from senior quarterback Tavion Faulk, a dominant rushing attack, and an opportunistic defensive and special teams effort, the Tigers put on an offensive showcase in front of 2,513 fans, rolling up 600 yards of total offense while holding the Panthers to just 14 points.
With the victory, Edward Waters improved to 6-2 overall and 5-1 in SIAC play, while Clark Atlanta fell to 2-6 overall and 2-4 in conference action.
Faulk continued his outstanding senior campaign with another sensational performance, completing 19-of-22 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. The Tigers' signal-caller was equally dangerous with his legs, adding 33 rushing yards and two touchdowns on six carries to account for seven of Edward Waters' nine touchdowns.
The Tigers' aerial attack was led by Tylon Williams, who turned in a career-type performance with a game-high 171 receiving yards on six receptions, highlighted by a spectacular 78-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
Zackeus Malveaux also enjoyed a strong afternoon, hauling in five receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Fatoma Paulk added three catches for 53 yards and a score.
Davari Morris contributed two receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown, while Kyron Burroughs finished with two catches for 28 yards and a score, giving Faulk five different touchdown targets.
On the ground, senior running back Johntarrious Thomas powered the Tigers' rushing attack with a game-high 132 yards on 14 carries, averaging an impressive 9.4 yards per attempt. His afternoon included an explosive 50-yard run that helped keep the Panthers' defense on its heels.
Edward Waters finished with 224 rushing yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry, while recording 31 first downs and averaging an impressive 10.2 yards per offensive play.
Edward Waters wasted little time establishing control, marching 75 yards on seven plays during its opening possession. Faulk capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, giving the Tigers an early 7-0 advantage.
After the EWU defense forced a Clark Atlanta punt, the Tigers struck again when Faulk connected with Paulk on a 27-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 13-0.
The offensive fireworks continued later in the opening quarter when Faulk found Morris for a 23-yard touchdown strike, pushing Edward Waters ahead 20-0 with 3:30 remaining in the period.
Clark Atlanta managed to get on the scoreboard on the final play of the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown run from Trayvon Pinder, trimming the deficit to 20-7.
However, the Tigers quickly responded in the second quarter.
Faulk connected with Burroughs for a 19-yard touchdown reception early in the period before finding Malveaux on a 20-yard scoring pass with 4:22 remaining before halftime.
The two scores extended the Tigers' advantage to 34-7 at the intermission, as Edward Waters entered the locker room firmly in control.
The Tigers continued their dominance coming out of halftime, with their special teams unit delivering one of the afternoon's biggest highlights.
On Clark Atlanta's opening possession of the third quarter, King Williams-Johnson blocked a Panthers punt, recovered the football, and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, sending the Homecoming crowd into a frenzy and extending the EWU lead to 41-7.
Edward Waters' offense returned to work on its next possession, putting together an 11-play, 64-yard scoring drive that was capped by a 13-yard touchdown run from Camren Stewart on fourth down.
Clark Atlanta responded with a 34-yard touchdown run from Pinder to make the score 48-14, but the Tigers answered almost immediately.
On the very next offensive snap, Faulk connected with Williams for a breathtaking 78-yard touchdown pass, needing just 13 seconds to extend the Edward Waters advantage to 55-14.
The Tigers added their final points early in the fourth quarter when Faulk scored on a nine-yard touchdown run, completing his seven-touchdown afternoon and putting the finishing touches on the 62-14 Homecoming victory.
While the Tigers' offense stole the spotlight, the Edward Waters defense was equally impressive, limiting Clark Atlanta to 308 total yards and forcing two interceptions.
Junior linebacker Trevon French anchored the defensive effort with a game-high 10 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss totaling 20 yards. French consistently disrupted the Panthers' rushing attack and helped set the tone for an aggressive defensive performance.
Za'quwon Moss added seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups, while defensive back Aykenon Rodgers contributed five tackles and two pass breakups.
D'Juan Grant finished with four tackles and an interception, while Mataye Youman came away with a crucial interception near the goal line and returned it 35 yards, preventing a potential Clark Atlanta scoring opportunity in the second quarter.
Donald Lockett Jr. also made his presence felt with three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
The Tigers' defense totaled 13 tackles for loss, while the special teams unit contributed three blocked kicks, including blocked punts by Malveaux and Johnson and a blocked field goal by Jordan Allen.
Sophomore kicker Shelby Towkach also contributed to the victory, converting eight extra-point attempts.
As a team, Edward Waters held Clark Atlanta to just 101 rushing yards and limited the Panthers to 15 first downs.
By the Numbers
Following their dominant Homecoming victory, the Tigers will turn their attention to a pivotal SIAC road matchup next weekend.
Edward Waters will travel to face Central State University on Saturday, October 31 (Halloween), in a highly anticipated conference showdown as the Tigers look to build on their momentum and continue their pursuit of the SIAC championship.
With a 6-2 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play, Edward Waters will look to carry its explosive offensive production and defensive intensity into the final stretch of the regular season.
Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWU_Athletics (X/Twitter and Instagram), /EWUTigers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
