BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. - The 8th ranked Allen University football team suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday night falling 49-21 at home to SIAC rival and 7th ranked Fort Valley State University (Ga.) from Westwood HS.

AU sophomore QB David Wright threw for 366 yards and 2 touchdowns on 28 of 51 passing and ran for 46 yards, but threw four costly interceptions including a "pick Six" late in the first quarter that gave the Wildcats a commanding 21-0 lead. 

Allen began a comeback, though, in the second quarter as their defense held FVSU to zero points while the offense finally got on the board with Wright's 21-yard TD run. They then converted a two-point pass conversion from Wright to sophomore WR Armone Harris to get AU to within 13 points at 21-8 at the half. The scoring drive was 8 plays for 73 yards. 
In the third, Allen climbed even closer to the Wildcats forcing a fumble and recovering on the 27 yard line of FVSU. AU then took advantage by scoring their second touchdown on a 7-yard TD pass from Wright to junior WR Bobby Moore to get to within seven at 21-14 with 10 minutes to play.

However, FVSU would come back with two scores of their own to go up 35-14 on a passing score and a rushing score as they took advantage of a muffed punt by the AU punter, Daamir Wilkins. Allen did, however, finish the quarter with a 23-yard TD pass from Wright to Harris to complete a 4-play 50-yard drive in just 90 seconds to get to within 14 points at 35-21.

Unfortunately, in the fourth, FVSU would extend their lead back to three touchdowns with an 18-yard pass after Wright threw his third interception that FVSU returned to the 11 yard line of AU. Allen then tried to get back in it by driving 75 yards in 8 plays to get inside the 4-yard line but a fourth INT from Wright on a tipped pass in the end zone sealed the win for Fort Valley. The Wildcats would add an 84-yard TD pass to make the final score of the game.

"Disappointing loss last night, but we'll bounce back stronger," commented head coach Teddy Keaton.  "Our team showed heart and determination on the field. We'll learn from this and work harder to come back stronger in the next game. Thanks to our amazing fans for your support!"

Senior WR Deyandre Ruffin led the offense with 5 catches for 85 yards while Harris had 6 catches for 84 yards. RBs Beau Herrington and Alan Riggins also combined for 150 total yards on 8 catches and 15 rushes.

Defensively, Allen was led by 10 tackles and a forced fumble from senior LB Gary Bourrage while sophomore cornerback Kevin Graham also had 7 tackles. Senior Linebacker MC Henderson also forced a fumble and made 5 tackles along with fellow senior LB Kirkland Boone, who recorded 5 tackles and a TFL. Junior LB Cameron Scott and senior safety Sharrod Simmon also combined for 11 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Allen falls to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the conference while FVSU improves to 4-1 and 4-0 in the SIAC. The Yellow Jackets will next remain home for their 5th time this season as they will host SIAC foe Clark Atlanta next Saturday at 6:00 pm.