ATLANTA, Ga. – The Clark Atlanta Panthers fought off climate delays after which needed to maintain on for a 17–12 victory over Florida Memorial on Saturday, leaning on explosive performs from quarterback Zy McDonald and a resilient defensive effort.
Early Strike by Clark Atlanta
After the sport kicked off an hour and 45 minutes late as a consequence of climate, Clark Atlanta set the tone within the first quarter when McDonald broke free for a 50-yard landing run with 4:50 remaining. Carlos Lopez added the additional level to provide the Panthers a 7–0 lead.
Florida Memorial answered within the second quarter with a grinding 12-play, 62-yard drive, capped by a 1-yard landing from Nygel Osborne. The Lions missed the additional level, leaving CAU forward 7–6.
Simply earlier than halftime, the Panthers’ two-minute offense got here alive. McDonald guided the group 68 yards in 5 performs, organising Lopez for a 31-yard discipline objective that pushed the result in 10–6 on the break.
Panthers Discover the Massive Play within the Second Half
The spotlight of the sport got here early within the third quarter. On the primary play of a drive, McDonald linked with Ronnie West on a 37-yard landing strike, extending Clark Atlanta’s result in 17–6.
That cushion proved very important as Florida Memorial mounted a late push. With 6:40 left within the fourth, Fernando Jeanty punched in a 6-yard rating to shut the hole to 17–12. Nonetheless, the Panthers’ protection held agency within the closing minutes to safe the win.
Offensive Leaders
Clark Atlanta (CAU)
QB Zy McDonald: 11-of-15 passing, 148 yards, 1 TD; 2 carries, 54 speeding yards, 1 TD
WR Ronnie West: 4 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD
WR David Martin: 1 catch, 61 yards
RB Armone Harris: 1 rush for 22 yards; 6 receptions for 37 yards
Florida Memorial (FMU)
RB Fernando Jeanty: 11 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD
RB Nygel Osborne: 12 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD
QB David Buggs: 5-of-12 passing, 39 yards, 1 INT
By the Numbers
Complete Offense: CAU 256 yards (148 passing, 108 speeding) | FMU 141 yards (39 passing, 102 speeding)
Yards per Play: CAU 6.6 | FMU 3.1
Third Down Conversions: CAU 3-of-9 | FMU 4-of-13
Turnovers: FMU 1 (interception) | CAU 0
Closing Ideas
Clark Atlanta showcased steadiness on offense, with McDonald rising as a real dual-threat chief. The protection bent at occasions however didn’t break, preserving Florida Memorial out of the tip zone till late within the sport.
For Florida Memorial, the run sport confirmed promise behind Jeanty and Osborne, however struggles within the passing assault restricted their capacity to maintain tempo.
The Panthers transfer ahead with confidence, whereas the Lions go away with classes realized after a gritty effort on the highway.
