Box Score
Kentucky Wesleyan recorded its first win of the 2016 season with a 21-7 victory over Central State. The Panthers improve to 1-4 on the season with the win.
Neither team scored in the first half, and Central State took the first lead of the contest after scoring on a two-yard run with 8:44 left in the third quarter. The Panthers would respond with an 81-yard touchdown pass from Damarcus Smith to Keelan Cole.
Early in the fourth quarter, KWC took its first lead of the game, after Smith yet again found Cole 25 yards out for his second touchdown pass of the day, and Cole's second touchdown reception. Kentucky Wesleyan's defense was able to step up and make several critical stops throughout the game. KWC's defense collected four interceptions, and held Central State to just 87 yards of passing in the contest.
Late in the fourth, Kentucky Wesleyan put the game out of reach, after Josiah Israel ran it in from one yard to put the Panthers ahead 21-7.
Despite only registering nine first downs in the contest, the Panthers totaled 208 yards on the day. Smith finished with 188 passing yards, and Keelan Cole brought in 155 yards. Cole average's well over 100 yards receiving per game. Israel led the Panthers ground attack with 38 total rushing yards.
Defensively, Tim Patterson led the way with a team-high eight solo tackles, and two assisted tackles. Vasco Billberry recorded seven solo tackles in the game. Patterson, Ty Martin-Miles, De'Vonta Moffitt, and Colton Billups each produced one interception.
The Panthers will play next Saturday at Northwestern State in Louisiana. Kickoff is tabbed for a 6 p.m. CT start.
