DOMINATING WIN

SC STATE FOOTBALL Fort Valley State's offense entered Saturday's matchup with South Carolina State averaging just under 40 points per game, but the Wildcats managed just a field goal in a 30-3 loss Saturday in Orangeburg. "I'm so proud of the defense," SC State coach Chennis Berry said after the game. "(Fort Valley) has an explosive offense, and our (players) did a great job of keeping them out of the endzone.

" Defensive lineman Ka'Von Chisolm led SC State with five tackles including two tackles for loss and had two of South Carolina State's four second-half sacks. Aaron Smith added five tackles and Jayden Broughton had 1.5 sacks.



Both offenses struggled early, each turning the ball over in the first quarter. South Carolina State capitalized on some explosive plays to help put points on the scoreboard. "(The offense) did enough to get the ball in the end zone and accomplish victory, but we have to get better," Berry said.

"There are plays to be made, and if we're going to be a championship level program then we have to take what the defense is giving. There are things you work on through the week, but you have to execute on gameday." Berry was disappointed in his team's ability to rush the football Saturday.

The Bulldogs finished with 104 yards on the ground led by KZ Adams who finished with 82 yards. Deondra Duehart added 44 yards and a touchdown. "I'm so proud of the defense.

(Fort Valley) has an explosive offense, and our (players) did a great job of keeping them out of the endzone." Chennis Berry, SC State football coach "We have to find ways to run the football, and it starts with the guys up front," Berry said. "We had times when we wanted to run but we couldn't generate successful runs the way we wanted.

Kudos to Forth Valley State, they played hard on defense." Receiver Einaj Carter caught two passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs. Carter, a transfer from Savannah State, talked about the growing talent at the receiver position.

"We have a lot of good guys in the receiving room, even the guys not starting," Carter said. "We just feed off each other and help each other, there's no hate. We want to see each other win.

" SC State quarterback Eric Phoenix 8-of-19 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Justin Smith-Brown caught four passes for 46 yards. "We left some plays on the field (offensively)," Berry said.

"We looked really good in practice all week, but in the game (we) did something a little different. The level of focus needs to increase, but the mission doesn't change. We have to understand the urgency of now gets bumped up to a whole other level.

Every week now is a championship game." With Saturday's win, South Carolina State concluded the non-conference portion of its schedule. The Bulldogs will now have five-straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games.

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