COLUMBIA, S.C. — In front of a roaring Homecoming crowd, the Allen University Yellow Jackets delivered their most complete performance of the season — a statement win that blended emotion, execution, and championship urgency. On a day honoring seniors, celebrating the spirit of the A.M.E. Classic, and fighting for postseason survival, the Yellow Jackets showed the SIAC exactly what a locked-in team looks like.
From the opening kickoff, Allen came out with fire. Sophomore running back Fabian Duncan wasted no time igniting the Hive, bulldozing his way into the end zone on a 4-yard bruising run that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. That early strike set the tone for the afternoon — physical, fearless, and focused.
But the game was far from easy. Edward Waters responded, forcing the Jackets into a 14–7 hole midway through the second quarter. That's when the leadership of Head Coach Cedric Pearl and the relentless "Da Vision" offensive line came alive. Anchored by veterans who controlled the trenches, Allen stormed back as Duncan found pay dirt again — this time on a 2-yard run that knotted the game at 14–14 heading into halftime.
Whatever Coach Pearl said in the locker room worked. The adjustments were surgical. The third quarter became a fireworks show as the Jackets unleashed 25 points — the most in a single quarter during the Pearl Era. The offense, orchestrated by Junior Quarterback Jamir Dismukes, looked unstoppable. Dismukes was pure command and composure, completing 23-of-32 passes for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing 17 times for 85 yards and another score.
Duncan continued to showcase why he's considered one of the top running backs in the SIAC, finishing with 14 carries for 84 yards and 3 touchdowns. Senior running back LaMarco Yates added two more short-yardage touchdowns, proving that Allen's backfield is as deep as it is dangerous.
The passing game was a balanced masterpiece. Marcus Fleming caught 6 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, while Michael Townsend was clutch all afternoon with 6 receptions for 87 yards. Nanders Lawrence led all receivers with 7 catches for 55 yards, turning key first downs into momentum swings that kept the offense rolling. Kaleb Commings came into his own with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Dismukes.
And none of it happens without the unsung heroes — the "Da Vision" offensive line. They created daylight for Duncan, time for Dismukes, and frustration for the Edward Waters front seven. Their dominance in the trenches turned the third quarter into a highlight reel of power, precision, and pride.
Defensively, Allen's swarm lived up to the Yellow Jacket name. Amarie Fleming led the charge with 6 tackles (3 for loss), 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery — a performance worthy of SIAC Defensive Player of the Week consideration. Rayquan Williams added an interception returned 53 yards, while DeJuan Hughes snagged a mind-blowing pick to seal Allen's momentum in the second half. The defense totaled multiple takeaways and relentless pressure that forced Edward Waters into mistakes all game long.
By the final whistle, the scoreboard told the story: Allen 53, Edward Waters 31. A season-high in points. A defining Homecoming victory. And a postseason berth earned — not given.
This wasn't just a win — it was a statement.
