Clark Atlanta Panthers Defeat Fort Valley State 45-35 in Teddy Keaton Era Opener

In a thrilling season opener, the Clark Atlanta Panthers emerged victorious in the first game of the Teddy Keaton era, defeating Fort Valley State 45-35. The win not only snapped a 13-game losing streak for the Panthers but also marked their first victory since week seven of the 2022 season.

The game started off rocky for Clark Atlanta, with their offense struggling to find its rhythm and special teams committing costly errors that allowed Fort Valley State to take an early 14-0 lead. However, once quarterback David Wright and the Panthers’ offense settled in, they were unstoppable. Wright, the reigning SIAC Player of the Year, threw for an impressive 415 yards and a career-high seven passing touchdowns.

Despite Fort Valley State’s efforts to mount a comeback in the final minutes, led by quarterback Kelvin Durham and running back Brandon Marshall, they fell short as Clark Atlanta held on for the win. The Panthers’ performance, particularly Wright’s standout play, has garnered praise from analysts and fans alike, with many touting them as serious contenders in the SIAC.

Looking ahead, Clark Atlanta will face off against Wright’s former team, the Allen Yellow Jackets, in their home opener. With improvements needed on special teams and continued strong play from Wright, the Panthers have the potential to make a significant impact in the conference. On the other hand, Fort Valley State will need to shore up their defense if they hope to compete for a conference title.