Courtesy of SC State Athletics
COOKEVILLE, TENN.—Graduate HBCU football quarterback Eric Phoenix threw for a game-high 412 yards and three (3) touchdowns connecting on 17-of-31 with a long of 70 yards to lead South Carolina State to a 22-20 win over Tennessee Tech Saturday (Oct. 5) inside Tucker Stadium.
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South Carolina State jumped out to an early lead, but Tennessee Tech reclaimed it with some timely takeaways and had a chance to win the game on a last-second field goal. However, the kick sailed wide left as time expired, leading the Bulldogs to the victory over the Golden Eagles on Saturday in a non-conference matchup.
“I am so proud of this team and how the kept their heads when things got tough at the end,” said South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry. “We still have to work to do and clean some things up but for the most part we are getting stronger as a team.”
Several Bulldogs had outstanding performances on the day.
Caden High had a team-high seven (7) catches for 150 yards, while Justin Smith-Brown added four (4) receptions for 129 yards and two (2) touchdowns, which added the 465-yard total offense.
Tight end Nick Brown gave that extra spark on the offense, filling in for the injured Keshawn Toney chipping in two (2) catches for 89 yards including a 67-yard touchdown reception.
Linebacker Aaron Smith led the defense with a team-high 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 interception for 5 yards. Teammate Jadin Jones also added 10 tackles, Diego Addison’s six (6) tackles, and an interception.
Ashaad Hall provided a solid performance on the defensive front with five (5) tackles, three (3) tackles for loss for 15 yards, two (2) sacks for 11 yards, and one forced fumble. Josh Barker also finished with six (6) tackles and one for loss.
Berry noted, “The defense held us down at the end. I have give those guys a special thank you each week I can see the strength in them as a unit.”
South Carolina State improves to 3-2 overall, while Tennessee Tech falls to 2-3.
NEXT UP: South Carolina State will take on Division II HBCU football program Fort Valley State on Oct. 19th at home for a special occasion celebrating “Parents Week/Community Day along with ROTC|Youth Day” in a 2 p.m. kickoff.