Powered by a strong defensive performance, the Miles Golden Bears are the Kings of the SIAC, claiming the conference championship in a 53-25 win over the Clark Atlanta Panthers.
This marks Miles’ first conference championship since 2019 and their fifth since 2011 (three in the past six seasons).
The win is the ninth straight for the Golden Bears, who started the season 0-2. They will now await selection into the Division II playoffs, which will be announced tomorrow evening at 6:00 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
Miles starts hot
After having their first offensive drive stalled, Miles turned to its defense to produce the game’s first points.
The Golden Bears disrupted Clark Atlanta’s productive offensive drive. They drove the ball past midfield, forcing a fumble on a strip sack and returning it for a touchdown.
That momentum then transferred to the Miles offense as they drove the ball 60 yards downfield on their next possession, punctured by a five-yard touchdown run for Jonero Scott.
After recording a safety on an errant snap on a punt attempt to end the first quarter, Miles began the second quarter putting another touchdown on the board to extend the lead to 23-0.
Javonta Leatherwood gets into the end zone TWICE, once on the ground, once through the air, to give @miles_football a 29-14 halftime lead over Clark Atlanta in @TheSIAC Championship Game. He has 10 rushing scores and 11 total TDs on the season. pic.twitter.com/NgE5CHXM7E
— Miles Golden Bears (@GoldenBearsofMC) November 16, 2024
Clark Atlanta woke up but it was too late
In the second quarter, Clark Atlanta began to show life, getting more consistent production on both ends of the field.
The offense got the tide rolling, producing touchdowns on consecutive drives (both touchdowns were connected by David Wright III to Jamal Jones), trimming their deficit to 23-14.
Meanwhile, the Clark Atlanta defense limited Miles to -3 yards over their next three possessions, including forcing an interception.
Clark Atlanta produced 180 offensive yards on an average of 8.6 yards per play in the second quarter after only managing 42 offensive yards on 3.0 yards per play.
Miles left no doubt in the second half
Despite giving up a Clark Atlanta avalanche in the second quarter, Miles entered halftime with some momentum, punching in a two-yard touchdown run to take a 29-14 lead into the locker room.
The Miles defense took over in the second half, forcing six Clark Atlanta turnovers, including five interceptions (three in the third quarter).
SIAC Player of the Year David Wright III was under constant pressure, taking numerous big hits that left him laboring on the field long after the play.
