Quarterback Eric Phoenix threw for a game-high 412 yards and three touchdowns to lead South Carolina State to a 22-20 win over Tennessee Tech Saturday.
“I am so proud of this team and how the kept their heads when things got tough at the end,” said head coach Chennis Berry. “We still have to work to do and clean some things up, but for the most part, we are getting stronger as a team.”
Several Bulldogs had outstanding performances on the day.
Caden High had a team-high seven catches for 150 yards, while Justin Smith-Brown added four receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns, which added 465 yards total offense.
Tight end Nick Brown gave that extra spark on the offense, filling in for the injured Keshawn Toney, chipping in two catches for 89 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown reception.
The defense was led by linebacker Aaron Smith, who had a team-high 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 interception for 5 yards. Teammate Jadin Jones also added 10 tackles, along with Diego Addison, who had six tackles and an interception.
Ashaad Hall provided a solid performance on the defensive front with five tackles, three tackles for loss for 15 yards, two sacks for 11 yards, and one forced fumble. Josh Barker also finished with six tackles and one tackle for loss.
Berry noted, “The defense held us down at the end. I give those guys a special thank you each week, and I can see the strength in them as a unit.”
South Carolina State improves to 3-2 overall, while Tennessee Tech falls to 2-3.
Courtesy: South Carolina State Athletics
