FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers showed their toughness today, defeating Kentucky State in an instant classic by a score of 26-25. This is the second straight victory by the Panthers over the Thorobreds. 

With the win the Panthers move to 1-1 on the year, while KSU falls to 1-1. 

In the opening quarter, down 7-0, JaKwon Roberts led a five play, 77 yard drive that ended up in a Wesleyan touchdown to tie things up at 7-7. Roberts hit David Florence for a 35 yard pass to get the score for the Panthers.

After a second quarter touchdown and field goal by the Thorobreds, the Panthers went into the locker room down 17-7 at the half.

The Panthers started storming back in the third quarter, powered by David Florence and his second touchdown of the day, this one a seven-yard pass from Christian Arrambide. 

Facing a 19-14 defecit heading into the fourth quarter, the Panthers defense gritted their teeth and stepped up. A Jalen Wilson tackle-for-loss forced a three-and-out on KSU's first drive of the frame. On the opening play of the very next drive, Arrambide hit Brennan McGuire for a 64 yard touchdown pass and a 20-19 lead, the Panther's first of the game. Kentucky State would score on their next drive to go up 25-20 with 4:36 left in the game, but that was too much time to give Wesleyan. Coach Craig Yeast and his offense marched down the field to set up a 3rd and nine from the KSU 18. Arrambide hit senior Peyton Peters for an 18 yard touchdown pass to give the Panthers the all-important one point lead. The danger wasn't over, however, as Kentucky State ran the kickoff back 62 yards to set up a 1st and 10 from the KWC 30 with 1:20 to go in the game. The defense came up big, only allowing 12 yards over the next few plays and forcing KSU to kick a field goal. The line's pressure force the kicker to miss wide left and gave the panthers the 26-25 victory. 

Arrambide led the Panthers in passing, going 16-for-25 with 241 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception. 

Florence had an absolute monster day on the receiving end, catching 9 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. McGuire also eclipsed 100 yards receiving, going for 120 yards with a touchdown. 

Jatorian Dillard led the Panthers in rushing with 31 yards.

On defense the Panthers were led by Jalen Humphrey, who had 10 tackles, followed by Raymond Jackson (9) and Dalan Cofer (9). Cofer led Wesleyan with three TFL, followed by Jalen Wilson (2) and Zereoue Johnson (2).

The Panthers will be on the road again next week as they head to St. Charles, MO. to take on the Lindenwood Lions. Gametime is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 18. 

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