Allen Yellow Jackets (3-6, 2-5 SIAC) at Edward Waters Tigers (6-3, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium — Jacksonville, Florida
Game: AME Classic / Senior Day / Greek Takeover / Faculty & Staff Appreciation
Weather: Jacksonville, Fla. Forecast
Watch: SIAC Network
Live Stats: Edward Waters University Athletics
Last Meeting: Allen 53, Edward Waters 30 — November 8, 2025
NCAA NPI: Edward Waters No. 5; Allen No. 26 in Super Region Two
Edward Waters University returns to Jacksonville on Saturday, November 7, to host Allen University in the AME Classic at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, closing the 2026 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season with championship implications still surrounding the Tigers. Edward Waters enters the contest at 6-3 overall and 5-2 in conference play following a 35-28 setback at Central State, while Allen arrives at 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the SIAC after holding off Morehouse 26-23 in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Tigers remain among the conference's leading programs despite last week's loss, entering the final weekend at 5-2 in SIAC play. However, Edward Waters has been eliminated from contention for the SIAC Football Championship Game due to the conference's tiebreaking scenarios, even though the Tigers could finish with a 6-2 conference record. Edward Waters still has significant postseason aspirations, entering Saturday ranked No. 5 in NCAA Division II Super Region Two and No. 20 nationally in the November 1 NCAA Power Index rankings. A victory over Allen would strengthen the Tigers' postseason résumé as they pursue an NCAA Division II playoff berth.
Edward Waters nearly erased a 22-point deficit against Central State on October 31, scoring 15 unanswered fourth-quarter points before falling 35-28. Quarterback Tavion Faulk accounted for three touchdowns, including two rushing scores and a touchdown pass, while Johntarrious Thomas rushed for 89 yards and Izaiah Jean-Baptiste led the receiving corps with 76 yards. The Tigers generated 423 total offensive yards and averaged 7.4 yards per play, but struggled to contain Central State's sustained scoring drives and failed to capitalize on several opportunities inside the red zone.
Allen enters Saturday with momentum following a 26-23 victory over Morehouse in which the Yellow Jackets controlled much of the contest behind a physical rushing attack and efficient third-down execution. Running back Demetri Simmons rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. added 99 rushing yards, including a 68-yard touchdown run, and threw a 45-yard scoring pass to Mike Bowman. Allen generated 370 total offensive yards, including 227 rushing yards, and converted 10 of 15 third-down opportunities to secure its third victory of the season.
Saturday's matchup presents contrasting objectives for the two programs. Edward Waters is seeking to strengthen its NCAA postseason résumé, finish the regular season with seven victories and avenge last season's 53-30 loss to Allen. The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, will attempt to build on their victory over Morehouse and conclude the season with consecutive wins against conference opponents. With Edward Waters featuring the SIAC's highest-scoring offense and Allen possessing a dangerous rushing attack, Saturday's contest could develop into another high-scoring meeting between the programs.
THE MATCHUP
Edward Waters enters Saturday leading the SIAC in scoring offense at 40.2 points per game and total offense at 456.9 yards per contest. The Tigers have accumulated 4,112 total offensive yards through nine games, including 2,907 passing yards and 1,205 rushing yards. Faulk directs one of the conference's most productive passing attacks, having completed 183 of 280 passes for 2,841 yards and 26 touchdowns. His 315.7 passing yards per game lead the conference, while his 3,116 yards of total offense represent one of the most productive individual performances in the SIAC this season.
Allen counters with an offense averaging 29.1 points per game, ranking fifth in the conference in scoring. The Yellow Jackets have demonstrated the ability to move the football through both the passing and running games, with Upshaw serving as the primary offensive playmaker. Upshaw has thrown for 1,813 yards and 12 touchdowns while accounting for 2,010 yards of total offense. Against Morehouse, Allen leaned heavily on its rushing attack, generating 227 yards on 48 carries and scoring three rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, Edward Waters will seek to rebound after allowing Central State to generate 429 total offensive yards, including 213 rushing yards and 216 passing yards. The Tigers recorded four sacks and eight tackles for loss, but Central State converted seven of 13 third-down opportunities and scored touchdowns on all five of its red-zone trips. Linebacker Trevon French and defensive standout Tyreese Williams each recorded 11 tackles, while French added 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Their ability to disrupt Allen's rushing attack and contain Upshaw will be important Saturday.
Allen enters the matchup after holding Morehouse to 207 total offensive yards, including just 41 rushing yards on 25 attempts. The Yellow Jackets limited the Maroon Tigers to 12 first downs and two third-down conversions on 10 opportunities, while Jayshawn Smalls recorded nine tackles and Joseph King intercepted a pass. However, Allen allowed two touchdown passes to Noah Rhodes and surrendered a fourth-quarter punt return touchdown, allowing Morehouse to cut a 16-point deficit to three points late in the contest.
The matchup features an Edward Waters offense capable of producing explosive plays through the air against an Allen defense that performed well against Morehouse but will face a considerably more productive passing attack. Conversely, Allen's ability to establish Simmons and Upshaw in the running game could help the Yellow Jackets control possession and limit Edward Waters' offensive opportunities. The Tigers will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage, while Allen will seek to replicate the physical, ball-control approach that produced its victory in Week 9.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Edward Waters – QB Tavion Faulk
Faulk enters Saturday as one of the SIAC's most productive offensive players, leading the conference with 2,841 passing yards and 315.7 passing yards per game. Through nine games, he has completed 183 of 280 passes for 26 touchdowns and five interceptions, posting a 65.4 completion percentage and a 177.7 passing efficiency rating. He also has 275 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, giving him 3,116 yards of total offense and an average of 346.2 yards per game. Against Central State, Faulk completed 17 of 27 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown while rushing 13 times for 79 yards and two scores. His ability to create explosive plays through the air and contribute in short-yardage situations will be central to Edward Waters' offensive strategy against Allen.
Edward Waters – WR Izaiah Jean-Baptiste
Jean-Baptiste has established himself as one of Edward Waters' most dangerous receiving threats, contributing eight receiving touchdowns through eight recorded appearances. Against Central State, he caught three passes for a team-high 76 yards, including a 45-yard reception that demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and create explosive opportunities. Jean-Baptiste's speed and big-play ability provide Faulk with an important downfield option in an offense that leads the SIAC in passing production. His matchup against Allen's secondary will be particularly important after the Yellow Jackets allowed Morehouse receiver Noah Rhodes to catch two touchdown passes in Week 9.
Edward Waters – LB Trevon French
French enters the regular-season finale as the SIAC's leading tackler with 101 total stops through nine games, averaging 11.2 tackles per contest. He also leads the conference with 15 tackles for loss, averaging 1.67 per game, and has recorded 3.5 sacks. Against Central State, French delivered another outstanding performance with 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make plays behind the line of scrimmage will be critical against an Allen rushing attack that produced 227 yards against Morehouse.
Allen – QB Brent Upshaw Jr.
Upshaw enters Saturday as Allen's leading offensive playmaker, having completed 136 of 241 passes for 1,813 yards and 12 touchdowns through nine games. He has also contributed 197 net rushing yards, giving him 2,010 yards of total offense and an average of 223.3 yards per contest. Against Morehouse, Upshaw completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown while rushing eight times for 99 yards and another score. His 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped Allen build a 26-10 advantage and ultimately proved decisive in the Yellow Jackets' three-point victory. Upshaw's ability to extend plays and generate explosive gains will be a significant challenge for Edward Waters' defense.
Allen – RB Demetri Simmons
Simmons enters Saturday following one of his strongest performances of the season, rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries against Morehouse. His 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter extended Allen's lead to 19-10 and helped establish the Yellow Jackets' physical approach. According to the SIAC's season statistics, Simmons has rushed for 377 yards and four touchdowns on 92 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. His production against Morehouse demonstrated his ability to carry a significant workload and sustain drives, making him an important component of Allen's strategy to control possession against Edward Waters.
Allen – LB Jayshawn Smalls
Smalls has been one of the SIAC's most productive defensive players, ranking among the conference leaders with 73 total tackles through nine games, averaging 8.1 stops per contest. He has also recorded 13.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to make plays both at the line of scrimmage and in pursuit. Against Morehouse, Smalls led Allen with nine tackles, including eight solo stops and a tackle for loss. His ability to diagnose plays, tackle in space and disrupt Edward Waters' offensive rhythm will be particularly important against Faulk and the conference's leading scoring offense.
BY THE NUMBERS
6-3 — Edward Waters' overall record entering Saturday.
5-2 — Edward Waters' SIAC record entering the final conference game.
3-6 — Allen's overall record entering Saturday.
2-5 — Allen's SIAC record entering the final conference game.
35-28 — Edward Waters' Week 9 loss to Central State.
26-23 — Allen's Week 9 victory over Morehouse.
40.2 — Points per game for Edward Waters, leading the SIAC.
29.1 — Points per game for Allen, fifth in the conference.
456.9 — Total offensive yards per game for Edward Waters, leading the SIAC.
4,112 — Total offensive yards for Edward Waters through nine games.
2,907 — Passing yards generated by Edward Waters this season.
2,841 — Season passing yards for Edward Waters quarterback Tavion Faulk.
26 — Season touchdown passes for Faulk.
315.7 — Passing yards per game for Faulk.
3,116 — Total offensive yards for Faulk.
346.2 — Total offensive yards per game for Faulk.
10 — Total touchdowns scored by Faulk this season, including nine rushing touchdowns.
763 — Season receiving yards for Edward Waters' Izaiah Jean-Baptiste.
47 — Season receptions for Jean-Baptiste.
8 — Season receiving touchdowns for Jean-Baptiste.
580 — Season rushing yards for Edward Waters' Johntarrious Thomas.
101 — Season tackles for Edward Waters' Trevon French, leading the SIAC.
15 — Season tackles for loss for French.
11 — Tackles each for French and Tyreese Williams against Central State.
423 — Total offensive yards for Edward Waters against Central State.
208 — Rushing yards for Edward Waters against Central State.
215 — Passing yards for Edward Waters against Central State.
79 — Rushing yards for Faulk against Central State.
89 — Rushing yards for Thomas against Central State.
370 — Total offensive yards for Allen against Morehouse.
227 — Rushing yards for Allen against Morehouse.
126 — Rushing yards for Allen's Demetri Simmons against Morehouse.
99 — Rushing yards for Allen quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. against Morehouse.
68 — Length in yards of Upshaw's fourth-quarter touchdown run against Morehouse.
1,813 — Season passing yards for Upshaw.
12 — Season touchdown passes for Upshaw.
2,010 — Total offensive yards for Upshaw.
723 — Season rushing yards for Allen's Javis Floyd, second among the SIAC's listed rushing leaders.
9 — Season rushing touchdowns for Floyd.
73 — Season tackles for Allen's Jayshawn Smalls.
13.5 — Season tackles for loss for Smalls.
10-of-15 — Allen's third-down conversions against Morehouse.
34:14 — Allen's time of possession against Morehouse.
41 — Rushing yards allowed by Allen against Morehouse.
5 — Edward Waters' NCAA NPI ranking in Super Region Two.
58.772 — Edward Waters' NCAA Power Index rating.
20 — Edward Waters' national NCAA NPI ranking.
26 — Allen's NCAA NPI ranking in Super Region Two.
WHAT TO WATCH
Edward Waters' NCAA Postseason Aspirations
Edward Waters enters the final weekend of the regular season with an opportunity to strengthen its position for the NCAA Division II Football Championship, despite being eliminated from contention for the SIAC Football Championship Game. At 5-2 in conference play, the Tigers sit one game behind Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State, each of which enters the weekend at 6-1. Although a victory over Allen would allow Edward Waters to finish 6-2 in SIAC competition, the conference's tiebreaking scenarios prevent the Tigers from advancing to the championship game.
The Tigers' conference championship outlook was effectively ended following their 35-28 loss to Central State on October 31, a result that allowed the Marauders to improve to 6-1 in SIAC play. However, Edward Waters remains firmly in the NCAA postseason conversation, entering the final weekend ranked No. 5 in Super Region Two and No. 20 nationally in the NCAA Power Index. The Tigers have compiled a 6-3 overall record and demonstrated their ability to compete against nationally ranked opponents, including a 61-42 victory over Kentucky State earlier in the season.
Saturday's contest against Allen provides Edward Waters with an opportunity to conclude the regular season at 7-3 overall, improve its conference record to 6-2 and strengthen its NCAA postseason credentials. While the Tigers will not participate in the SIAC Football Championship Game, their national and regional rankings give them a meaningful opportunity to remain in the NCAA playoff discussion. A strong performance against Allen would provide momentum entering the final NCAA selection process and reinforce Edward Waters' position among the leading programs in Super Region Two.
Can Edward Waters' High-Powered Offense Rebound?
Edward Waters enters Saturday with the SIAC's highest-scoring offense, averaging 40.2 points and 456.9 total offensive yards per game. The Tigers have generated 2,907 passing yards and 1,205 rushing yards through nine contests, demonstrating their ability to attack opposing defenses through multiple offensive options. Faulk leads the conference with 2,841 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes, while Jean-Baptiste, Tylon Williams and Xavier Irvin provide a dangerous collection of receiving threats.
Against Central State, Edward Waters generated 423 total yards and averaged 7.4 yards per play but managed only 28 points. The Tigers scored on their opening possession and mounted a late fourth-quarter comeback, but several missed scoring opportunities prevented them from completing the rally. Edward Waters converted only two of seven third-down opportunities and failed to score on two of its six red-zone possessions.
Allen enters Saturday after limiting Morehouse to 207 total yards, including just 41 rushing yards. The Yellow Jackets demonstrated strong defensive discipline against the Maroon Tigers, but Edward Waters presents a different challenge with its combination of explosive passing plays and quarterback mobility. The Tigers will seek to establish an early offensive rhythm and avoid the scoring droughts that allowed Central State to build a commanding lead.
Allen's Rushing Attack Against Edward Waters' Defense
Allen produced one of its most effective rushing performances of the season against Morehouse, generating 227 yards on 48 attempts while scoring three touchdowns on the ground. Simmons carried 27 times for 126 yards and a touchdown, while Upshaw added 99 rushing yards and another score. The Yellow Jackets consistently moved the chains, recording 13 rushing first downs and controlling possession for more than 34 minutes.
Edward Waters allowed Central State to rush for 213 yards on 44 attempts, including 154 yards by Isaiah Thompson and 59 yards and two touchdowns by quarterback Jackson Wasik. The Tigers recorded eight tackles for loss but struggled to prevent sustained drives, allowing Central State to score touchdowns on five possessions and control the football for more than 34 minutes.
Allen will likely attempt to establish a similar approach Saturday, using Simmons, Upshaw and the running game to sustain drives and limit Edward Waters' offensive possessions. The Tigers must improve their tackling and maintain disciplined assignments, particularly against Upshaw's ability to escape the pocket. If Allen can consistently move the football on the ground, the Yellow Jackets could shorten the game and place additional pressure on Edward Waters to maximize its scoring opportunities.
Tavion Faulk and the SIAC's Leading Passing Attack
Faulk has established himself as one of the conference's most productive quarterbacks, throwing for 2,841 yards and 26 touchdowns while averaging 315.7 passing yards per contest. His ability to distribute the football to multiple receivers and generate explosive plays has been central to Edward Waters' offensive success. Jean-Baptiste leads the Tigers with 763 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, while Tylon Williams has contributed 599 receiving yards and five touchdowns and Irvin has added 465 yards and three scores.
Allen's secondary will face a significant challenge after allowing Morehouse receiver Noah Rhodes to catch three passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9. Although the Yellow Jackets limited Morehouse to 166 passing yards overall, Rhodes' 59-yard touchdown reception demonstrated the potential impact of explosive plays against their defense.
Edward Waters will seek to stretch the field and create favorable matchups for its receiving corps, while Allen must prevent Faulk from consistently finding open targets downfield. Pressure on the quarterback and disciplined coverage will be essential for the Yellow Jackets, particularly against an offense that has demonstrated the ability to score quickly and produce large yardage totals.
The Battle Between Trevon French and Allen's Offensive Line
French enters Saturday as the SIAC's leading tackler with 101 stops and leads the conference with 15 tackles for loss. Against Central State, he recorded 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble, providing consistent pressure against one of the conference's most productive offenses. His ability to diagnose running plays and disrupt the backfield will be important against an Allen offense that relies heavily on its rushing attack.
Allen's offensive line helped the Yellow Jackets generate 227 rushing yards against Morehouse while preventing the Maroon Tigers from recording a sack. The unit also contributed to Allen's success on third down, allowing the offense to convert 10 of 15 opportunities and sustain several lengthy possessions.
The matchup between French and Allen's offensive front could determine whether the Yellow Jackets can establish their preferred offensive tempo. Edward Waters will need French and Williams to generate negative plays and force Allen into passing situations, while the Yellow Jackets must protect Upshaw and create running lanes for Simmons and the rest of the backfield.
Javis Floyd Adds Another Dimension to Allen's Offense
Although Simmons led Allen's rushing attack against Morehouse, Javis Floyd remains one of the conference's most productive running backs. Floyd has rushed for 723 yards and nine touchdowns on 141 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt and 80.3 yards per game. He ranks second among the SIAC's listed rushing leaders and has accounted for 10 total touchdowns this season.
Floyd did not record a rushing attempt in Allen's Week 9 box score against Morehouse, making his availability and potential role against Edward Waters an important storyline. If available, his return to the offensive rotation could provide the Yellow Jackets with another explosive rushing option alongside Simmons and Upshaw.
Allen has demonstrated that it can produce rushing yards through multiple players, but Floyd's season-long production gives the Yellow Jackets an additional weapon capable of generating explosive plays and finishing drives. Edward Waters will need to prepare for the possibility of a more varied rushing attack while maintaining discipline against Upshaw's mobility.
Third-Down Efficiency and Time of Possession
Allen's ability to sustain drives was a defining factor in its victory over Morehouse. The Yellow Jackets converted 10 of 15 third-down opportunities, recorded 20 first downs and controlled possession for 34 minutes and 14 seconds. The offense generated 370 total yards on 68 plays, consistently moving the chains and limiting Morehouse's opportunities.
Edward Waters struggled in those areas against Central State, converting just two of seven third-down opportunities and controlling possession for 23 minutes and 40 seconds. Central State converted seven of 13 third downs and sustained several lengthy scoring drives, including a 99-yard touchdown possession that helped build a 35-13 advantage.
Saturday's matchup could be influenced by which team controls the football and maintains offensive efficiency. Allen will seek to use its rushing attack to extend possessions, while Edward Waters will attempt to generate explosive plays and create more opportunities for Faulk and its receiving corps. Third-down execution will be particularly important if the contest develops into a high-scoring matchup.
AME Classic, Senior Day and the Regular-Season Finale
Saturday's contest will be played as the AME Classic and will also feature Edward Waters' Senior Day, Greek Takeover and Faculty & Staff Appreciation festivities. The Tigers will recognize members of their senior class while attempting to secure an important victory in their final regular-season home appearance.
The matchup carries significance beyond the conference standings because Edward Waters and Allen share institutional connections through the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The AME Classic provides an opportunity to celebrate those traditions while showcasing two HBCU football programs competing in the SIAC.
Edward Waters will seek to honor its seniors with a victory, strengthen its NCAA Division II playoff aspirations and conclude the regular season with momentum. Allen will attempt to spoil the celebration, build on its victory over Morehouse and finish the season with consecutive wins. With both programs featuring dynamic offensive playmakers, Saturday's contest provides a compelling conclusion to the 2026 regular season.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Allen 53, Edward Waters 30
November 8, 2025 — Westwood High School, Winnsboro, South Carolina
Allen defeated Edward Waters 53-30 in the programs' most recent meeting on November 8, 2025, using a dominant second-half performance to secure a 23-point victory. The teams were tied 14-14 at halftime before the Yellow Jackets erupted for 25 points in the third quarter and added 14 more in the fourth, outscoring the Tigers 39-16 over the final two periods.
Allen opened the scoring on a four-yard touchdown run by Fabian Duncan, but Edward Waters responded as both offenses exchanged scores during the first half. The Tigers remained within striking distance entering the third quarter before Allen seized control with a series of explosive offensive plays and scoring opportunities.
Quarterback Jamir Dismukes led Allen's offensive effort with 284 passing yards and 85 rushing yards, while Marcus Fleming contributed 89 receiving yards. Edward Waters received 148 passing yards from Demetrius Boney, 105 rushing yards from Johntarrious Thomas and 54 receiving yards from Makai Lovett.
The victory snapped Edward Waters' advantage in the recent series and provided Allen with a memorable conclusion to its 2025 regular season. Saturday's rematch gives Edward Waters an opportunity to avenge that defeat on its home field, while Allen will seek consecutive victories over the Tigers.
LAST TIME OUT — ALLEN
Allen 26, Morehouse 23
October 31, 2026 — C.F. Bolden Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Allen University secured a 26-23 victory over Morehouse on October 31, using a productive rushing attack and strong third-down execution to withstand a late fourth-quarter rally. The Yellow Jackets generated 370 total offensive yards, including 227 rushing yards and 143 passing yards, while limiting Morehouse to 207 total yards. Allen controlled possession for 34 minutes and 14 seconds and converted 10 of 15 third-down opportunities, improving to 3-6 overall and 2-5 in SIAC play.
Allen opened the scoring early in the first quarter when Upshaw connected with Mike Bowman on a 45-yard touchdown pass, giving the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 advantage. Morehouse answered with a 59-yard touchdown pass from Miles Scott to Noah Rhodes to tie the contest at 7-7. Allen regained the lead early in the second quarter when Ja'Morian Phillips scored on a two-yard touchdown run, completing a 16-play, 72-yard drive that consumed nearly seven minutes. Morehouse added a 21-yard field goal by Davis Rowe late in the half, sending Allen into halftime with a 13-10 advantage.
The Yellow Jackets extended their lead in the third quarter when Simmons capped a 10-play, 70-yard drive with a 14-yard touchdown run, making the score 19-10. Allen continued to build momentum early in the fourth quarter when Upshaw broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run, completing a four-play, 94-yard drive that extended the advantage to 26-10 with 12:34 remaining.
Morehouse mounted a late comeback, beginning with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Scott to Rhodes that cut the deficit to 26-16 with 5:37 remaining. The Maroon Tigers then added a 22-yard punt return touchdown by Jordan Woods with 3:07 remaining, trimming Allen's lead to 26-23. However, the Yellow Jackets maintained possession during the closing minutes, running out the clock to secure the three-point victory.
Simmons led Allen's rushing attack with 126 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, while Upshaw contributed 99 rushing yards and another score on eight attempts. Upshaw also completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, with Bowman catching three passes for 81 yards and a score. Deveon Williams added three receptions for 27 yards, while Lorenzo Kitching Jr. contributed two catches for 18 yards.
Defensively, Smalls led Allen with nine tackles, including eight solo stops and a tackle for loss. Zanias Rosemond added four tackles and a pass breakup, while Nicholas Payne and Mandrell Sanders each contributed three stops. Joseph King recorded an interception and returned it 10 yards, while Tyreshon Freeman and Sekou Bangoura also broke up passes. Allen limited Morehouse to 41 rushing yards and held the Maroon Tigers to two third-down conversions on 10 opportunities.
The victory demonstrated Allen's ability to establish its running game, sustain drives and control possession against a conference opponent. However, the Yellow Jackets will need to improve their fourth-quarter execution after allowing Morehouse to score 13 unanswered points and nearly erase a 16-point deficit. Allen will seek to build on its offensive production and defensive performance when it travels to Jacksonville to face Edward Waters in the regular-season finale.
LAST TIME OUT — EDWARD WATERS
Central State 35, Edward Waters 28
October 31, 2026 — McPherson Memorial Stadium, Wilberforce, Ohio
Edward Waters University suffered a 35-28 setback at Central State on October 31, falling short despite a fourth-quarter comeback that saw the Tigers score 15 unanswered points. Edward Waters generated 423 total offensive yards, including 208 rushing yards and 215 passing yards, while averaging 7.4 yards per play. However, Central State controlled possession for more than 34 minutes, converted seven of 13 third-down opportunities and scored touchdowns on all five of its red-zone possessions to secure the victory.
Edward Waters opened the contest with an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by Camren Stewart's 13-yard scoring run, giving the Tigers an early 6-0 advantage. Central State responded with a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jackson Wasik to take a 7-6 lead before extending its advantage to 14-6 early in the second quarter on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Wasik to Khamari Adams.
The Marauders continued to build momentum midway through the second quarter when Wasik scored on a 10-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 21-6. Edward Waters answered with a three-yard touchdown run by Faulk, completing a five-play, 84-yard drive that cut the deficit to 21-13 with 3:32 remaining before halftime.
Central State extended its advantage in the third quarter with two touchdown passes from Wasik. The first came on an 18-yard completion to Nicholas Smith Jr., while the second was a 25-yard touchdown pass to Damon Griffin Jr. that capped a nine-play, 99-yard drive. The scores gave Central State a commanding 35-13 advantage late in the third quarter.
Edward Waters responded with a determined fourth-quarter rally, beginning with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Faulk to Jayden Pressey. A successful two-point conversion pass to Tyreese Williams cut the deficit to 35-21 with 12:30 remaining. The Tigers continued to battle, and Faulk added a one-yard touchdown run with 1:56 remaining to make the score 35-28. However, Central State maintained possession during the closing minutes to secure the seven-point victory.
Faulk led Edward Waters offensively, completing 17 of 27 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown while rushing 13 times for 79 yards and two additional scores. Thomas contributed 89 rushing yards on 11 carries, while Stewart added 25 yards and a touchdown on four attempts. Jean-Baptiste led the receiving corps with three receptions for 76 yards, while Tylon Williams added three catches for 40 yards. Pressey finished with four receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, French and Tyreese Williams each recorded 11 tackles. French contributed 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble, while Williams added two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Javon Miller finished with seven tackles, while Jaevin Jenkins contributed six stops. Edward Waters recorded four sacks and eight tackles for loss but allowed Central State to generate 429 total offensive yards and 29 first downs.
The loss dropped Edward Waters to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in SIAC play, eliminating the Tigers from conference championship game contention due to the league's tiebreaking scenarios. Despite the setback, Edward Waters remains among the leading NCAA Division II postseason contenders in Super Region Two and demonstrated its offensive explosiveness and ability to rally from a significant deficit. The Tigers will seek to improve their defensive consistency, third-down execution and red-zone efficiency against Allen while attempting to finish the regular season with a victory and strengthen their NCAA playoff résumé.
NCAA DIVISION II NPI WATCH
Edward Waters enters Saturday ranked No. 5 in NCAA Division II Super Region Two, according to the NCAA Power Index rankings released Sunday, November 1. The Tigers hold a 58.772 NPI and a 5-2 Division II record for ranking purposes, placing them No. 20 nationally. Despite their 35-28 loss to Central State, Edward Waters remains among the region's leading postseason contenders and continues to strengthen the SIAC's representation in the NCAA rankings.
Allen enters the regular-season finale ranked No. 26 in Super Region Two following its 26-23 victory over Morehouse. The Yellow Jackets remain outside the region's leading NCAA postseason contenders but have an opportunity to improve their NPI position with a victory over Edward Waters. Defeating a nationally ranked opponent would provide Allen with a significant result to conclude its regular season.
The NCAA Power Index, introduced for Division II football in 2026, evaluates programs based on game results and strength of schedule and serves as an important component of the NCAA postseason selection process. The system establishes national rankings while reflecting each program's position within its region, with updated rankings released weekly throughout the remainder of the regular season.
Edward Waters' No. 5 regional ranking is particularly significant as the Tigers seek to secure an NCAA postseason berth. The program has demonstrated its ability to compete against the conference's leading teams, including a 61-42 victory over Kentucky State earlier in the season. Although losses to Benedict and Central State have eliminated Edward Waters from SIAC Championship Game contention through the conference's tiebreaking scenarios, the Tigers remain positioned to compete for an NCAA Division II playoff berth. Saturday's matchup against Allen provides an opportunity to strengthen their postseason résumé and maintain their standing among the region's leading programs.
The SIAC continues to maintain a strong presence in Super Region Two, occupying the region's top three positions for the third consecutive week. Kentucky State leads the region at No. 1 with a 61.834 NPI, followed by Central State at No. 2 with a 61.116 NPI and Benedict at No. 3 with a 60.965 NPI. Edward Waters ranks No. 5 with a 58.772 NPI, giving the conference four of the region's top five programs.
Nationally, Kentucky State ranks No. 10, Central State No. 13, Benedict No. 14 and Edward Waters No. 20, giving the SIAC four programs among the nation's top 20. Tuskegee also maintains a top-10 regional position at No. 10, while Miles ranks No. 14, Albany State No. 17, Morehouse No. 22, Clark Atlanta No. 23 and Allen No. 26.
The final NCAA postseason picture will be determined following the conclusion of the regular season and conference championship games, with the NCAA Division II Football Championship Selection Show scheduled for Sunday, November 15. For Edward Waters, Saturday's contest represents an opportunity to protect its top-five regional standing, strengthen its national postseason résumé and conclude the regular season with seven victories. Although the Tigers are no longer eligible to advance to the SIAC Football Championship Game due to conference tiebreaking scenarios, their NCAA Power Index ranking keeps them firmly in the conversation for a Division II playoff berth. Allen will seek to conclude its season with a victory over a nationally ranked opponent and carry momentum into the offseason.
Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters University Athletics, follow the Tigers on X (Twitter) and Instagram at @EWU_Athletics, Facebook at /EWUTigers, or visit the official home of Edward Waters Athletics at EWUTigerPride.com.
