Box Score Central State sacks SIAC opponent Stillman to remain undefeated at home

Wilberforce, OH -- Facing the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's top ranked offense in Stillman, Central State's defensive unit held the Tigers in check in a 41-14 victory on Saturday.

The Marauder defense set the tone on the first play from scrimmage when Dashad Tucker intercepted a Joshua Straughman pass to ultimately set up a John Adams field goal to give the Marauders an early 3-0 lead. Senior quarterback Michael Wilson scored his 6th rushing touchdown of the season, evading three Tiger defenders to score from 7 yards out at the 9:00 minute mark of the second quarter.

"Mike has been making plays with his feet all season," CSU head coach Cedric Pearl said. "Since taking on the starting role, he has been our playmaker on offense."

CSU leading rusher Isaiah Grooms ran for a score with 1:55 remaining in the 1st half, capping off a 11 play, 65 yard drive to give the Marauders a 17-0.

Midway through the 3rd quarter, Tucker found the ball in his hands again, recovering a Stillman fumble to set up another John Adams field goal from 41 yards out. 

Down 20-0, Stillman found the endzone on the next drive when Straughman converted on a 64 yard pass to Hudson Cain. The 13 point margin would be the closest Stillman would get as the Marauders scored the next 21 points with touchdowns from Grooms, Moses Vine and Zach Thomas to build a seemingly insurmountable lead at 41-7 with 7 minutes left in the game.

Stillman, which averaged nearly 478 yards per game, was held to just 267 yards of total offense. Led by Wilson's arm and legs, the CSU offense totaled 433 yards. 

Wilson finished with 173 yards and a touchdown through the air and picked up another 87 yards on the ground. Moses Vine led all rushers with 97 yards. Sophomore tight end Zach Thomas finished with a game 82 receiving yards. The Marauder defense was led by Artrell McMillan's 5.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Joseph Blount finished with 6 tackles followed by 5 from Kevin Carter.

Central State, who had never beaten Stillman prior to Saturday (0-4), forced 3 turnovers and sacked Straughman 6 times on the afternoon. 

With the victory, the Marauders improve to 3-5 overall with a 2-3 mark in the SIAC West Division and remain perfect at home (3-0). Stillman fell to 4-4 overall and are now at 3-2 in the division.

The Marauders return to action next Saturday when they host Tuskegee. The game is scheduled for 1:30 pm kickoff at McPherson Stadium.

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