Behind four defensive takeaways, two lengthy touchdown drives and a determined fourth-quarter finish, Lane College defeated Fort Valley State University, 16-6, Saturday afternoon to earn its first victory of the 2026 season and the program's first win since November 2024. The breakthrough came one week after a leadership change within the football program, with Lane College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeremy C. Patterson stepping in to guide the Dragons. Lane established the tone early with a defensive stand deep inside its own territory. Fort Valley State advanced to the Lane 12-yard line before
Victor Georges intercepted a pass near the goal line and returned it 27 yards.
The Dragons turned the momentum into the opening points of the game, marching 66 yards on a nine-play drive. Quarterback
Tametrius Pogue helped keep the possession alive with a fourth-down completion to
Landon Wilson, while a pair of Fort Valley State penalties extended the drive.
John Christian III finished the possession with a three-yard touchdown run, and Wilson converted the two-point attempt to give Lane an 8-0 advantage with 5:45 remaining in the first quarter. The Dragons' defense protected the lead throughout the remainder of the first half. Fort Valley State entered Lane territory twice during the second quarter, but both possessions ended with turnovers on downs as Lane carried its 8-0 advantage into halftime.
Fort Valley State scored its only touchdown of the game on a 14-yard run during the third quarter. The Wildcats were unsuccessful on the conversion attempt, allowing Lane to maintain an 8-6 lead.
The Dragons responded with the defining possession of the afternoon. Beginning at their own 28-yard line late in the third quarter, Lane put together a methodical 14-play, 72-yard touchdown drive that consumed 9:17. The possession included a fourth-and-one conversion by
Jeremiah Malbroue, a 13-yard run by Pogue and a 29-yard completion from Pogue to Wilson on fourth-and-five. After being pushed back to the Fort Valley State eight-yard line, Lane faced fourth-and-goal. Pogue remained composed and found Wilson for an eight-yard touchdown, extending the Dragons' lead with 7:25 remaining. Christian powered into the end zone on the two-point conversion, giving Lane a 16-6 advantage.
Fort Valley State threatened to answer by driving to the Lane two-yard line, but the Dragons' defense delivered another game-changing play.
Cadarius Newcomb forced a fumble and recovered it at the Lane three-yard line, ending the Wildcats' scoring opportunity. Fort Valley State received one final possession with just over a minute remaining. The Wildcats advanced to the Lane 21-yard line before
Frederick Lewis Jr. intercepted a pass in the end zone to seal the long-awaited victory.
Lane's defense forced four turnovers, recovering two fumbles and recording two interceptions. The Dragons also registered seven tackles for loss and held Fort Valley State to six points despite the Wildcats entering Lane territory several times.
Kyan Parker-Crawford led the defense with 10 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Maxwell Jean-Louis and Newcomb each finished with six tackles and a fumble recovery. Newcomb also recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and shared a sack with
Joshua Williams. Georges added three tackles, an interception, a 27-yard return and a pass breakup. Lewis contributed three tackles, one tackle for loss and the game-clinching interception.
Offensively, Pogue completed 11 of 17 passes for 92 yards and one touchdown while adding 25 rushing yards. Wilson led Lane's receivers with four catches for 52 yards and the decisive fourth-quarter touchdown. Christian led the rushing attack with 40 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Makhi Watson added 36 yards on nine attempts as the Dragons finished with 115 rushing yards.
Lane converted four of its five fourth-down attempts, including two during the fourth-quarter touchdown drive.
The victory improved Lane to 1-8 overall and 1-6 in conference play. It also gave the Dragons a 2-1 advantage in their three meetings with Fort Valley State since 2021. The 10-point result marked Lane's largest margin of victory in the series. The Dragons will now return to Jackson with momentum as they prepare to host Tuskegee University for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Lane Field.
For the latest news, schedules, scores and updates, visit golcdragons.com and follow Lane College Athletics on Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also follow Lane College Football on Instagram at @lanecollegefootball.
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