Central State tops Winston Salem States, 41-21, in 3rd Black College Footballs HOF Classic

CANTON, Ohio  Central State and Winston-Salem combined for eight penalties, two fumbles, two jumbled snaps, three interceptions  including a pair of pick sixes and a missed field goal on Sunday.

   And it was the first quarter of the third Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton.

   Central State overcame an early slump to win 41-21.  In front of an announced 13,989 fans in the opener for both teams, the Marauders ran, pushed and led the way to victory.

   Offensively, we shot ourselves in the foot a couple of times, said Central State coach Kevin Porter, who was beginning his coaching career with the Marauders, who have more than 60 freshmen.  I have played a few games, and I know it is hard to replicate full speed work when you're in the preseason. I had more concerned about tackles than penalties. That is to be expected early in the season. Finishing

   Central State quarterback Brandon Kyles gone 26-41 for 277 yard, three touchdowns and 3 interception.  Dayton receiver Twain Hines hauled in seven receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown.

   Winston Salem's Asa Barnes rushed 19 time for 107 yard.

   Central State linebacker Jalil Lenore led all defender with 12 tackle eight solo.  He was named the defensive players of the games.

   With both coaches being defensive backs in NFL Central States Porter (five seasons) and Winston-Salem's Robert Massey (nine seasons), you'd expect a battle of defensive minds.  And a tackle in the open field saved some potential breakaways for both teams.  But turnovers and penalties marred the game for both teams trying to get back to winning ways.

   He collected 30 penalties  15 each and five fumbles.

   Punishment Not all your gardens were like this either.  From rear block, unnecessary roughness, intentional grounding, a side warning and others that form a smorgasbord of calls.

   The most glaring thing is the turnovers, Massey said.  Unfortunately, we get a penalty that kept the drive alive and allowed them to scores.

   This match was a bitter experience for Messi.

   We had an opportunity to bring our university to the national stage, to show people what kind of football program we have, he said, adding that visibility also applies to school spirit, band and other aspects of the university.  It occurs.

   At the end of the day, Messi said, the main goals are to come here and win.

   In last year's classic, Tennessee States committed 18 penalties for 150 yard in a loss to Grambling States.

   On Sunday, both teams used no-huddle offenses early and tried to combine runs and passes, and the game had its moments.

   In the third quarter, a fumble in the backfield forced the Rams to drive the ball deep down their field and Central State capitalized minutes later when Kyles threw a 7 yards touchdown to Euclid's Kenyadas Hollins Jr.

   Central State defensive back Anthony Mack returned an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter, then saved the score when he leapt to tip the ball into the end zone for Winston Salem's RJ.  Mobly minutes later.

   However, Mobley finished with four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns and was named the offensive player of the game.

   Central State's Twain Hines electrified the crowd with an 81-yard run on the game's opening kickoff to put the Marauders in scoring position.  Two plays later, he caught a short pass from Kyles for the game's first touchdown.  But the sloppy play soon spread like a virus and penalty flags flew throughout the game.  The game took more than four hours to play as the infraction stopped the clock.

   Kyle and Hines worked a 52-yard connection with 10:56 to go in the first quarter.  But the team constantly swap rumbles on play.

   Central State evened their win total for all of 2021, when the Marauders finished 1-9, 0-6 in the Southern Athletic Intercollegiate Conference.

   Last season Winston-Salem finished 3-6, 3-4 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

   The Classic is an opportunity for HBCUs to showcase their program on a neutral site and gain visibility for their program and school.  This increases awareness as well as limiting networking opportunities and entertainment day that can lead to a recruitment boom.