Injury, injury, then more injuries along with turnovers, and a 99-yard touchdown pass hurt the Eagles in their first game of conference play in the MEAC.
The result was a heart-breaking defeat as the Eagles lose 33-30 to the Tigers of Savannah State University, also in its first year in the MEAC.
"I think our effort is still good, we're still playing our best but we're lacking concentration at certain times," said head coach Henry Frazier.
This is the second straight game in which the Eagles have lost in 3 points or less.
"I`m just tired of coming up short," said fifth year senior quarterback Michael Johnson repeatedly.
Johnson threw for 315 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a career-high 28 completions.
Senior Linebacker Brandon Outlaw led the defense with 12 tackles.
Unfortunately for the Eagles and their offensive line, junior offensive lineman Justin Lewis left the game with a broken foot midway through the first quarter. This put a damper on the Eagles as they allowed five total sacks and many rushed throws for Johnson.
After missing two extra points, freshman kicker Oleg Parent hit a 24-yard field goal, giving the Eagles their first lead of the game 15-13, with a little over 12 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
The turning point in the game may have been the 99-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide-receiver Brian Lacker from sophomore quarterback Antonio Bostick that put the Tigers up 20-15 late in the 3rd.
"You give up a 99 yard touchdown, I'm mean that's just lack of focus," said Frazier
Senior Demario Lackey did however step up with 9 receptions for 104 yards, after redshirt-junior wide-receiver Geovonie Irvine went down to injury, startling some fans.
"Both of my calves were cramping up. I probably didn't drink enough fluids," said Irvine.
He would later return to the game halfway through the 4th quarter.
After cutting the Tiger's lead 27-22 from a touchdown pass to Lackey from Johnson, the Eagles D would next hold steady and force a 3-and-out.
The Eagles then gained possession with less than two minutes left in the game. Johnson made his only mistake of the game throwing an interception to Tigers junior wide-receiver and defensive back Byron Leggett, returning it for a score.
In the absence of junior return man Arthur Goforth, due to any injury, Irvine ran the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown, giving Eagle fans a glimpse of hope, but a failed attempt at an onside kick would stymie the Eagles' efforts.
"There comes a time where you just have to make plays," said Frazier.
The next game for the Eagles will be on Oct. 8 after a bye, where they will face a tough S.C. State (2-2), who finished last season second in the MEAC with a 9-2 record.
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