September 1st, 2024 9:00am
FORT VALLEY, Ga. – After a long-awaited return to the field, Quarterback David Wright threw for commanding seven touchdowns and 423 yards to trounce Fort Valley State 45-42 in the season opener on Saturday afternoon. The win marks Clark Atlanta's first victory against Fort Valley since 2018.
The Wildcats mounted an early 14-0 lead over the Panthers after two muffed punts started Fort Valley in plus territory on back-to-back drives. With three minutes left to play in the first quarter Allen transfer quarterback David Wright found fellow Lane College transfer Virgil Young for a 22-yard dart to put the Panthers on the board (14-6).
As the first quarter expired, Wright threw a 59-yard bomb to Jamal Jones for his second touchdown of the day to bring Clark Atlanta within one point (14-13). Fort Valley responded with a 7-yard touchdown pass, extending their advantage to 21-13 at the 9:28 mark in the second frame.
Wright continued his offensive clinic as he found Armone Harris for a 34-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter, narrowing Fort Valley's lead back to one point 21-20. Clark Atlanta took their first lead of the day with 54 seconds left in the first half when Wright found Young for their second touchdown connection on a 10-yard toss.