ROME, Ga. – Shorter University's football team fell to 0-3 on the season when they fell to Fort Valley State University (1-2, 0-0 SIAC) on Saturday. In a back-and-forth contest, the Wildcats emerged victorious 30-23.
 
Shorter got out to an early 7-0 lead on a three-yard touchdown run by Trevor Smith. With less than a minute remaining in the first quarter, Fort Valley State got on the scoreboard with a 33 yard field goal.
 
Elijah Gilbert caught a touchdown pass from Tyler Pullum to extend Shorter's lead to 13-3.  Fort Valley State's offense answered the call, taking advantage of multiple miscues by the Hawks. Before the first half ended, the Wildcats put up 20 unanswered points to take a 23-13 lead into halftime.
 
Pullum got the offense started again in the second half, scampering into the end zone from five yards out to cut Fort Valley State's lead to just 3.  Once again, Fort Valley responded with a scoring drive of their own – this time capping with a two-yard touchdown run.
 
As the game moved into the late stages of the fourth quarter, the Hawks were driving and working well into the red zone. Unfortunately, Shorter was unable to punch it into the end zone and had to settle for a 21 yard field goal off the foot of Nicholas Pope.
 
Looking Ahead:
Shorter will take on the defending national champions and current #1 team in the country, Valdosta State, at home next weekend.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2019. All fans are encouraged to wear black as Shorter looks to black out Barron Stadium. All veterans, active military, and first responders will be admitted to the game free of charge with valid ID.