BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ^__ In a classic rivalry showdown at historic Legion Field, the Tuskegee Golden Tigers rallied late to earn a thrilling 24-23 victory over Miles on Saturday afternoon.

Senior Quarterback Michael Franklin threw three touchdown passes, all to freshman Preston Parker, including the game-winning 11-yard strike with 1:56 remaining, as Tuskegee earned a dramatic win to close out the 2025 conference schedule.

Tuskegee jumped out to an early lead, scoring on its opening drive when Franklin connected with Parker for an 11-yard touchdown to put the Golden Tigers ahead 7-0.

Kicker Lorcan Ryans added a 34-yard field goal later in the first quarter to extend the lead to 10-0. After a Miles field goal cut the deficit, Parker struck again, hauling in a 35-yard touchdown pass to give Tuskegee a 17-3 advantage.

Miles tacked on a late field goal before halftime, sending the Golden Tigers into the break up 17-6.

The third quarter belonged to Miles, who scored twice, once through the air and once on the ground, to take their first lead of the day at 20-17. A fourth-quarter field goal by the Golden Bears pushed the margin to 23-17 before Tuskegee mounted one final drive.

Franklin orchestrated a seven-play, 65-yard march capped by his third touchdown pass of the day to Parker, reclaiming the lead at 24-23 with under two minutes remaining.Tuskegee's defense sealed the victory, forcing a turnover on downs after Ezekiel Moore's sack pushed Miles back in the closing seconds.

Franklin finished 18-of-27 passing for 194 yards and three touchdowns, while Parker delivered the best performance of his young career, catching eight passes for 130 yards and all three scores.

The Golden Tigers rushed for 151 yards behind a balanced ground attack led by Franklin, Zina Mulbah II, and Johnny Morris.
 
Miles was led by quarterback Brinley Vandiver,  who accounted for two touchdowns, and kicker Reid Grek, who connected on three field goals.

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