Box Score Dragons Ride a Big Offense Attack to Victory
Frankfort. KY
The Dragons continued to have success on the road as they defeated the Thorobreds from Kentucky State University 28-14. The Dragons produced season highs in both total yards (439) and total plays (81) to collect their third road victory of the season.
The Thorobreds scored in the 1
st quarter on a 3-play 61-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard pass from (QB) Joey Pierce to (WR) Vance Locke. The extra point was good and the Thorobreds led 7-0 at the end of the 1st quarter. To start the second quarter, the Dragons marched downfield on a 10-play 64-yard drive for the game-tying touchdown. Quarterback
McKinsley Marbury connected with (WRs)
Johnny Ivey (19 yards) and
Evan Yabu (17 yards) with pass completions setting the Dragons up at the 18 yard line. The drive ended as Marbury plunged his way into the end zone from 1 yard out for his first touchdown of the game.
David Castillo added the extra point to tie the game 7-7. On the next possession for the Dragons, Marbury connected on back-to-back tosses to
Duke Coleman (14 & 8 yards) moving the ball to the Thorobreds' 20 yard line only to have the drive stall, forcing a 38-yard field goal attempt. The Thorobreds broke containment and blocked the kick sending the game into half-time tied at 7.
The Dragons scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1 second left on the third quarter clock to take a 14-7 lead. Offensive Lineman
Georgio Washington provided a pancake block that allowed Marbury to cruise into the end zone from 8 yards out completing a 7-play, 75-yard drive for the Dragons. As the final quarter began, the Dragons' defense (rated # 1 in the SIAC in passing defense) stopped a would-be drive by the Thorobreds, and forced a short punt. With great field position, the Dragons' offensive unit opened up the ground-and- pound attack that resulting in a 3rd touchdown from Marbury for a 21-7 lead. Another great defensive stand by the Dragons stopped the Thorobreds in their tracks, setting up the final touchdown for the Dragons. Behind the dominating blocking of the offensive line,
Eric Knowlton danced his way down the field avoiding all tacklers for a 46-yard touchdown run and a 28-7 lead. The Thorobreds mounted one last drive that resulted in a late touchdown run by QB Pierce from 11 yards out and a final score of 28-14.
Quarterback
McKinsley Marbury set three (season high) records on the day with 22 rushes, 36 pass attempts, and 24 pass completions for combined 307 yards of total offense. He scored three rushing touchdowns (1, 8, and 1 yards) which also tied another season high record. Running Back
Eric Knowlton also had a big day for the Dragons as he collected two season high records with 120 yards rushing and a 46-yard touchdown run.
Johnny Ivey ended the night hauling in 6 passes for 70 yards, while
Duke Coleman caught 5 passes for 51 yards.
The defensive unit strengthened their #1 ranking by allowing 253 yards of total offense (188 rushing, 63 passing).
Corey Jones led the defensive unit with 13 tackles adding to his conference lead, and establishing a new career high of 109 total tackles with one game left to play.
Paris Hopper collected 11 tackles, and was in on a quarterback sack for a loss of 2 yards.
Jack Howard stepped in front of a would-be receiver for his 4
th interception of the season.
The Dragons' (4-5, 2-4 SIAC) will host the Tigers (1-8, 1-5 SIAC) from Benedict College for the final game of the season November 3. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Lane Field.
