Box Score FRANKFORT, Ky. (September 8, 2012) – Kentucky State University's football team opened the 2012 season tonight with a home game against instate foe, Kentucky Wesleyan College. After four quarters of play, KWC played spoiler for KSU, defeating the Breds 13-6.
 
The Panthers got on the scoreboard first, driving the ball 36 yards after Zach Rahm intercepted Martez James in KSU territory. KSU took possession again, but was able to gain just 36 yards before being forced to punt again.
 
After KWC's first score, the Panthers' offensive output ran stagnant, producing just 42 net yards through the remainder of the first half. The Thorobreds seemed to be on track to score on several plays, gaining 125 yards after KWC's first score; however, the Breds couldn't punch it into the end zone before the half ended. At intermission, KWC led 7-0.
 
The second half began slowly. The Panthers received the ball first in the second half and on their first possession of the half, gained just 7 yards. On KSU's first possession, Justin Williams rushed twice, but KWC's rush defense was solid, allowing Williams three yards. After James' pass went incomplete to Vance Locke, the Breds were forced to punt. Cade Berry, who serves as KSU's placekicker, has been thrust into the punter role this year, and on this punt, the Panthers got the ball in great position at the KSU nine yard-line (11:37 3^rd quarter).
 
Will Barnes' first pass to Gavin Le'Gall was incomplete. Gaige Courtney then stopped Le'Gall for a one-yard gain and Kenny Townsend followed by sacking Barnes for an eight-yard loss. KWC was still able to capitalize on their field position, as Matt Wilson nailed a 35 yard field goal with 10:10 to play in the third quarter.
 
At the 5:47 mark in the third quarter, KSU received the ball on a KWC punt. With Joey Pierce now in at quarterback for the Breds, KSU's offense was thirsty for a score. Pierce's first pass was incomplete (Troy Churchill). Williams then broke loose for an 11-yard carry for the first down. After another incompletion from Pierce to Locke, Pierce connected with David Keown for a 14-yard completion and another Thorobred first down. Williams rushed for seven yards on his next two carries, and then Pierce, in Michael Vick fashion scrambled  for a first down and turned the scramble into a 24-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Breds on the board with 2:57 to play in the third quarter (PAT no good, 13-6 KWC).
 
Kentucky State's defense remained steady in the fourth quarter until the Panthers drove the ball 72 yards and took a 13-6 lead on a 30-yard field goal. With 1:12 to play in the game, the Thorobreds took possession but were unable to drive the ball, as Pierce threw three incomplete passes and his final pass to Williams came up a yard short of continuing their drive. KWC took over on downs with 43 seconds to play and Barnes took a knee twice to end the game (13-6 KWC).
 
Martez James went 7-21-1 passing for 63 yards, while Pierce completed 4-9-0  for 53 yards. Vance Locke led the Breds' receiving corps with three catches for 47 yards, while KWC's Jeff Ward had a game-high 90 reception yards on 6 catches. Justin Williams gained 37 yards on 15 carries for the Breds and KWC's Elijah Johnson tied Williams' game-high with 37 yards on 11 rushes.
 
KSU's special teams was led by Grandson Brown IV, who had two punt returns for 24 yards (long of 16) and two kickoff returns for 76 yards (long of 52). Cade Berryman had 5 punts for 133 yards and booted one punt inside the 20 yard-line.
 
Kenny Townsend led all defensive players with 14 tackles (6 solo). He amassed 4.5 tackles for loss, including three sacks for a loss of 19 yards.
 
For their efforts, Joey Pierce and Kenny Townsend were named the Talent Pushers Inc. Offensive and Defensive Players of the game, respectively.
 
Kentucky State heads to Lincoln University next weekend to battle the Lions in their second of three non-conference contests this year. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and Lincoln University Stadium.