WILBERFORCE, Ohio — Despite a determined fourth-quarter comeback and a strong offensive performance, the Edward Waters University football team came up just short Saturday afternoon, falling 35-28 to Central State University in a pivotal Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup at McPherson Memorial Stadium.
The loss dropped the Tigers to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in SIAC play, while Central State improved to 6-3 overall and 6-1 in conference action.
Edward Waters accumulated 423 yards of total offense, including 208 rushing yards and 215 passing yards, but missed scoring opportunities and Central State's ability to sustain lengthy drives proved costly. The Tigers mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, outscoring the Marauders 15-0, but could not overcome a 22-point deficit.
Senior quarterback Tavion Faulk led the Edward Waters offense, completing 17 of 27 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown while adding 79 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Faulk accounted for three of the Tigers' four offensive touchdowns.
Running back Johntarrious Thomas contributed 89 rushing yards on 11 carries, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, while Camren Stewart added 25 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Edward Waters wasted little time establishing its offensive rhythm, taking the opening kickoff and marching 75 yards in eight plays. The Tigers moved efficiently downfield behind contributions from Faulk and Thomas before Stewart capped the possession with a 13-yard touchdown run. The unsuccessful extra-point attempt left Edward Waters with an early 6-0 advantage at the 11:04 mark of the first quarter.
Central State responded with an 11-play, 66-yard scoring drive, capped by a one-yard touchdown run from quarterback Jackson Wasik. Kofi Adubofuor's successful extra point gave the Marauders a 7-6 lead with 4:59 remaining in the opening period.
The Marauders extended their advantage early in the second quarter when Wasik connected with Khamari Adams on a nine-yard touchdown pass, completing a nine-play, 68-yard drive to push the score to 14-6.
Central State continued to build momentum midway through the second period, engineering an eight-play, 85-yard drive that ended with Wasik's 10-yard touchdown run. The score extended the Marauders' lead to 21-6 with 5:09 remaining before halftime.
Facing a 15-point deficit, Edward Waters answered with one of its most explosive possessions of the afternoon.
Beginning at their own 16-yard line, the Tigers covered 84 yards in just five plays and 1:31. Faulk connected with Izaiah Jean-Baptiste for a 45-yard completion on third down before Thomas broke free for a 34-yard run to the Central State three-yard line. Faulk finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown run, and Shelby Towkach converted the extra point to cut the deficit to 21-13 with 3:32 remaining in the half.
The Tigers' defense prevented additional points before intermission, with linebacker Trevon French recording a 12-yard sack to help stall Central State's final possession. The Marauders eventually missed a 53-yard field goal attempt as the first half concluded.
Central State regained control following halftime, opening the third quarter with an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Wasik connected with Nicholas Smith Jr. for an 18-yard touchdown pass, extending the Marauders' advantage to 28-13.
Edward Waters appeared poised to respond when Thomas ripped off a 25-yard run into Central State territory, but Faulk's pass was intercepted by Dylan Purry, ending the scoring opportunity.
The Tigers' defense quickly created another chance. French recorded a sack and helped force a fourth-down stop, giving Edward Waters possession at the Central State six-yard line.
However, the Tigers were unable to capitalize on the favorable field position. Edward Waters advanced to the one-yard line before being stopped on fourth down, turning the football over to the Marauders.
Central State then delivered one of the game's decisive possessions, marching 99 yards in nine plays. Wasik capped the drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Damon Griffin Jr., giving the Marauders their largest lead of the afternoon at 35-13 with 1:21 remaining in the third quarter.
Despite the deficit, Edward Waters refused to go away.
The Tigers assembled a 10-play, 75-yard drive that carried into the fourth quarter. Faulk connected with Jayden Pressey for a seven-yard touchdown reception with 12:30 remaining. A successful two-point conversion pass from Tyreese Williams trimmed the Central State lead to 35-21.
Edward Waters' defense followed with a three-and-out, giving the Tigers possession at the Marauders' 32-yard line following a short punt.
The Tigers drove inside the Central State five-yard line, but another scoring opportunity slipped away. A holding penalty pushed Edward Waters backward, and the possession ended with an incomplete pass on fourth down from the four-yard line.
Central State managed to consume valuable time on its ensuing possession before punting the football back to Edward Waters with 2:57 remaining.
The Tigers mounted one final scoring drive, beginning at the Central State 45-yard line. Faulk completed a 20-yard pass to Tylon Williams and followed with a 21-yard completion to Jean-Baptiste, moving Edward Waters inside the five-yard line.
Faulk capped the six-play, 45-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run with 1:56 remaining. Towkach added the extra point, bringing the Tigers within seven points at 35-28.
However, the late comeback ultimately fell short as Central State preserved its advantage to secure the conference victory.
Jean-Baptiste led the Edward Waters receiving corps with three receptions for 76 yards, including a game-long 45-yard catch. Pressey hauled in a team-high four receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown, while Tylon Williams added three catches for 40 yards. Zackeus Malveaux contributed three receptions for 26 yards and a 19-yard rush.
Defensively, Edward Waters was led by Tyreese Williams and Trevon French, who each finished with 11 tackles.
French delivered another disruptive performance, registering 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Williams added two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as the Tigers finished with four sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Javon Miller contributed seven tackles, while Jaevin Jenkins finished with six. Darius Johnson and Mataye Youman added five tackles apiece.
Central State quarterback Jackson Wasik finished with 216 passing yards and three touchdowns while adding 59 rushing yards and two scores. Running back Isaiah Thompson led the Marauders' ground attack with 154 yards on 25 carries.
Both teams produced similar offensive totals, with Central State holding a narrow 429-423 advantage in total yards. However, the Marauders controlled the pace with 29 first downs compared to Edward Waters' 24 and converted seven of 13 third-down opportunities.
The Tigers finished just two of seven on third down and converted four of six red-zone opportunities, while Central State scored touchdowns on all five of its red-zone trips.
Edward Waters was also penalized nine times for 90 yards, compared to six penalties for 54 yards against Central State.
Edward Waters will look to bounce back when the Tigers return to Jacksonville for their Senior Day celebration and the highly anticipated AME Classic rivalry showdown against Allen University at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium.
The contest will provide an opportunity for Tiger Nation to honor the program's senior student-athletes for their dedication, leadership and contributions to Edward Waters football while renewing one of the program's most meaningful rivalries.
With conference positioning and bragging rights on the line, the Tigers will look to defend their home turf and deliver a memorable performance in front of the Purple and Orange faithful.
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