Clark Atlanta got its season going in an exciting contest, battling with Valdosta State in the Week Zero Labor Day Classic, but fell short in a 31-28 loss.
In his Clark Atlanta debut, Jackson State quarterback transfer Zy McDonald delivered 234 passing yards, 56 rushing yards on seven attempts, and three total touchdowns.
Panthers receivers Armone Harris and David Martin each combined for seven receptions for 126 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown reception by the latter.
After each team scored touchdowns on their respective opening offensive possession, both defenses began settling in, forcing a pair of three-and-outs on two of the next three drives.
Valdosta State then took a 14-7 lead in the second quarter, following a 49-yard touchdown with 5:28 remaining in the first half.
Final from Birmingham.
Clark Atlanta returns to action next Saturday, September 6th, against Florida Memorial at 3 PM inside Panther Stadium! 🏈🐾#GoPanthers🐾 | #EverydayCounts pic.twitter.com/KrpHQK0FkB
— Clark Atlanta Football (@CAU_Football) August 30, 2025
After benefitting from a holding penalty that wiped out a 34-yard passing touchdown by Valdosta, the Panthers got the ball back on the next play on an interception by Eric Searcy.
Clark Atlanta cashed in on the forced turnover, scoring with 18 seconds left to tie the game 14-14 at halftime.
Riding the momentum from their touchdown before the end of the first half, the Panthers took their first lead of the contest on their second drive of the second half, connecting on a 22-yard touchdown pass from McDonald to Darren Stephens.
This began a streak of four-straight drives culminating in touchdowns, peaking with a Valdosta State two-yard touchdown run to tie the game 28-28 entering the fourth quarter.
Valdosta State took the lead back on a 24-yard field goal, giving Clark Atlanta the ball back with 7:58 remaining in the game with a chance to tie or win the game.
The Panthers drove the ball downfield, beginning at their five-yard line, getting the ball past midfield as the game entered the two-minute timeout.
After two incomplete passes by McDonald, the Panthers faced fourth-and-13 at the Blazers’ 32-yard line. This led to a 48-yard field goal attempt that was blocked, effectively ending the game.
Clark Atlanta will look to get itself into the win column next week when it faces Florida Memorial in the Sunshine Showdown.
