Central State falls to rival in first game since 2019

Just playing again and doing so at one of college football’s most famous stadiums was a reward for the players despite the result.

“It was very emotional when we first walked in,” tight end Robert Corbin said. “It was breathtaking. It was like a shocking moment.”

The game marked the Central State debut for more than 50 players, and it was also the first game as head coach for Bobby Rome II, who was hired in February of 2020.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys, a lot of freshmen,” Rome II said. “They had the experience of coming out here and playing at the Shoe, and I thought it was awesome. Hopefully, we’ll end up on the winning side here soon. We’ve got some development to do. This is all going to help. This will help in the development of our program.”

Despite the loss, Central State still leads the series against Kentucky State 36-24-1. The series started in 1947.

Central State was outgained 322-134 on the ground. Kentucky State attempted only four passes and did not complete one.

Demonte’ Dunlap led the Central State offense with 120 rushing yards on 15 carries. Justin Olibrice caught four passes for 42 yards.

Central State drove to the Kentucky State 25-yard line on its first possession before an incomplete pass on 4th-and-4 ended the drive. It punted on its second drive and missed a 37-yard field goal on its third.

Kentucky State’s first drive ended in a fumble, which was recovered by Central State linebacker Kailen Abrams. The Thorobreds took advantage of a blocked punt and put together a 48-yard touchdown drive on their second drive, taking a 6-0 lead on a 6-yard run by Brett Sylve with two minutes left in the first quarter.

Kentucky State extended its lead to 13-0 with 7:10 left in the second quarter. Kentucky State’s Justin Hooks sacked Central State quarterback Tyriq Henderson and forced a fumble. Henderson recovered the fumble and returned it four yards for a touchdown.

Central State didn’t get on the board until the fourth quarter. Jacoby Smith threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Olibrice with 11:49 to play. The two-point conversion failed, and Central State trailed 13-6.

Kentucky State then added to its lead on a 39-yard touchdown run by Kendon Walker with 5:19 to play.

The Marauders are off next week and return to action Sept. 11 against Lincoln University (Pa.).

“We got some good film on tape to learn from,” Rome II said. “We’re going to watch it with a critical eye and try to get better.”