A pick-6 with 26 seconds to play gave the Kentucky Wesleyan football team their first win of the season in a 19-13 victory over Kentucky State.
In the Panthers’ first night game at Steele Stadium since 2014, KWC (1-2) had to overcome a 10-0 halftime deficit and then break a late tie to get the win.
With 1:33 remaining in regulation, Kentucky State drilled a 48-yard field goal to tie the game at 13. A pair of incompletions forced the Panthers to punt with 42 seconds to play, putting the Thorobreds at their own 24-yard line.
Two plays later, Alijah McGhee picked off a pass at the 28-yard line and took it to the end zone to give Wesleyan a 19-13 lead, their largest of the game. The extra point was blocked and Kentucky State threatened with a pair of 15-yard receptions, but the Panthers held on for a non-conference victory.
To start the game, Kentucky State got on the board early with a quick touchdown drive, and added a field goal as time expired in the second quarter to take a 10-0 lead into halftime.
Wesleyan’s most efficient drive came in the third quarter, totaling 76-yards on nine plays in 2:46. Chauncey Greer hauled in a 26-yard pass before Jacob Yates recorded a 17-yard gain to break into the Thorobred red zone. Quarterback Mike McGee rushed for 16 yards before he was stopped at the 1-yard line. After a quick quarterback change, Dessi Austin punched in a 1-yard run for the Panthers first score.
Two drives later, Wesleyan got their second touchdown when Javian Jackson had an 18-yard reception, barely getting two feet in play to give Wesleyan their first lead.
The Panthers finished with 274 yards of offense, including 181 passing yards on 22 completions by McGee. De’Ondre Boggs led receivers with 55 yards on seven catches, and Corey Johnson led the Panthers on the ground with 63 yards on 10 rushing attempts.
The defense was led by Kyle Hurt with 14 tackles. Dalan Cofer and Luke Baird both recorded a sack, while McGhee and Jalen Wilson each had one interception.
Wesleyan returns to Great Midwest Athletic Conference action next week, hosting Malone University at 1 p.m. Saturday.
