Box Score
Columbia, SC
The Dragons traveled to Columbia, SC for the final regular season game of the year to face the number one rated defense in the conference. The Tigers of Benedict College were also ranked sixth-best in the nation for total defense. The 530 yards of offense displayed by the Dragons were the most yards given up all year by the Tiger defense.
A big third quarter allowed the Dragons to pull away from the Tigers for a 48-13 victory. The victory for the Dragons moved their record to 6-4 overall, which is the first winning season since 1995.
The Dragons started the scoring in the first quarter relying on the leg of quarterback Chris Rini as he connected on two field goals (24 & 21 yards) for a 6-0 score after the first quarter of play. The Dragons extended the lead in the second quarter as Rini plowed ahead for a touchdown from one yard to finish off an eight-play, 47-yard drive. The two-point conversion failed for a 12-0 lead for the Dragons. With the last possession of the second quarter, the Dragons marched downfield on ten plays covering 80 yards for another touchdown. Rini spotted a wide-open Jamion Dunning over-the-middle for a 37-yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked by the Tigers and the Dragons carried an 18-0 lead to halftime.
The third quarter was all Dragons as they scored 30 points to pull away from the Tigers. The high octane offensive unit scored first as Rini and Dunning connected for 31 yards for a touchdown. Rini then connected with Darius Mitchell in the right corner of the end zone for the two-point conversion and a 26-0 lead. The Tigers next possession came to a screeching halt as Michael Ruffin cut in front of the receiver for his forth interception of the season. The return of 38 yards by Ruffin set the offensive unit up at the 26 yard line. Rini made short work of the field position as he connected with Dunning again (3rd TD) from six yards and a touchdown. The pass for the two point conversion was in-and-out of the receiver's hands for a 32-0 score.
The Tigers scored their first touchdown on a 13-yard pass from quarterback Marcus Graham to receiver Maurice Griffin making the score 32-7 with plenty of time left in the third quarter. Marching downfield again, the Dragons covered 70 yards on six plays for the next score of the quarter. Rini connected with the SIAC leading receiver Gregory Moore for his 11th touchdown reception of the season on a 28-yard toss-catch-and run. Another two point conversion from Rini to Mitchell extended the score to 40-7. Sheraton Hutchins created the next scoring opportunity for the Dragons as he made connection with the Tigers return specialist, jarring the ball lose, creating a scramble for the loose ball. From the bottom of the pile of players, the indication on the field was a Dragons recovery.
Enter Mckinsley Marbury as the Dragons quarterback. On his first play from scrimmage Marbury scurried up field for 10 yards and a Dragons touchdown. The two-point conversion was good as Marbury plowed over a defender on the way to a 48-7 lead at the end of the third quarter. The Tigers added a late touchdown in the fourth quarter as Marcus Graham carried it in from three yards and a final score 48-13.
Stat recap:
Chris Rini: 86 yards rushing 1 TD, Passing 29 of 39 for 347 yards and 4TDs.
Jamion Dunning: 10 receptions for 145 yards 3 TDs
Gregory Moore: 7 receptions for 92 yards and 1 TD
Defense: Bruce Thomas 8 tackles.
The Dragons finished the season 6-4 overall and 2-3 in the Western Division of the SIAC. The strong season also placed the Dragons in the top ten teams in Super Region II.
