Box Score September 3, 2016
The Dragons dominated the game in all aspects to win the 1stAnnual CME Classic 44-6 over Texas College. The first game played between the two schools will be one to be remembered for the Dragons. In the post-game interview, Coach Burroughs talked about playing a complete game and that is exactly what the Dragons did on Saturday at Lane Field. "The defense played well, the offensive game plan was great, and the special teams played well….It was a fun game."

The Steers of Texas College won the coin toss and elected to receive to open the season. They completed a 7-play, 63-yard drive for a touchdown. QB Sean Stell connected with Phillip Callier for 23 yards and the score. Cameron Brown broke free to block the extra point for an early 6-0 lead for the Steers.

The Dragons answered the opening score with a touchdown of their own. Marcus Reynolds connected with Ahmad Isaac on a big 30 yard play to keep the chains moving on the opening drive. On the final play of the drive, Justin D. Hill crossed the goal line for the first touchdown of the new season. Raul Martinez connected with the point-after-kick for a 7-6 Dragons lead. The Dragons never looked back from that point, scoring another touchdown in the 1st quarter. Jamion Dunning returned a punt for 27 yards on the next series to set the Dragons up at the 42 yard line.  Marcus Holliday completed the drive with a seven yard scamper for his first touchdown on the day. A mishandled snap on the point after attempt resulted in a 13-6 Dragon lead after one quarter of play.

The Dragons continued to add touchdowns in the second quarter with Garian Bradley finishing a 7 play, 72 yard drive for a touchdown from one yard out. Raul Martinez added the extra point for a 20-6 Dragons lead. On the next series for the Dragons, Raul Martinez connected from 26 yards for a field goal to extend the lead to 23-6. The Dragons added another touchdown before the 1st half ended with a 9 yard jog for Marcus Reynolds to finish a 9 play 84-yard drive. With Martinez adding the extra point, the score moved to 30-6 for the Dragons. The defense stepped up once again to stop a Texas College drive as (the other) Justin Hill stepped in front of a defender for his first of two interceptions on the day sending the teams to half-time.

The Dragons received the ball to start the second-half with another touchdown drive. Marcus Holliday busted loose for an 11-yard touchdown run for his second touchdown of the day. Raul Martinez connected once again for the point after and a 37-6 Dragons lead. The Dragons added one last touchdown in the final quarter as Marcus Reynolds connected with former Jackson Central Merry receiver Terrance Kinnie, Jr, for a 6-yard touchdown. The point after was good for a final score of 44-6 for the Dragons victory in the 1st Annual CME Classic.

Leading the Dragons on defense was Demarius Pitts, collecting 10 total tackles. Justin Hill hauled in two interceptions and the defensive unit held Texas College to 185 total yards for the game. The Dragons offensive unit collected a total of 484 yards with 160 coming from the passing game and the other 324 yards coming via the ground game. Marcus Holliday led the surge collecting 128 yards on 16 carries and 2 touchdowns. Ahmad Isaac hauled in 3 passes for 46 yards leading the receivers.

The Dragons now focus on the game plan for week two opponent Fort Valley State University. This will be the first SIAC opponent this season, and the Dragons look for revenge after last year's game with the Wildcats. "Unity in the Community" is the theme for week two as the Dragons invite everyone from other colleges and high schools to the game. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 PM at Lane Field.