TUSKEGEE, Ala. __ The Tuskegee Golden Tigers opened the 2025 season in dramatic fashion, defeating Winston-Salem State 20-17 in the fifth annual Red Tails Classic at Montgomery's historic Cramton Bowl.
With the victory, Tuskegee improved to 1-0 on the season, fueled by a relentless defensive effort, clutch special teams play, and a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes from quarterback
Raequan Beal.
Before a raucous crowd of 15,005, the Golden Tigers delivered a statement win in a back-and-forth contest that highlighted both Tuskegee's grit and its ability to finish late.
Tuskegee struck first on its second possession when
Lorcan Ryans drilled a 31-yard field goal to cap a seven-play, 38-yard drive, giving the Golden Tigers a 3-0 lead with 5:36 left in the opening quarter.
However, Winston-Salem State responded in the final seconds of the quarter with an explosive 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Daylin Lee to Ja'Hari Mitchell, taking a 7-3 lead at the horn.
The second quarter was a defensive battle as Tuskegee's offense stalled while the Golden Tiger defense bent but refused to break. Winston-Salem threatened midway through the frame, driving deep into Tuskegee territory, but kicker Gilberto Lorenzana missed a 22-yard field goal attempt that would have extended WSSU's lead.
After another sustained drive by Winston-Salem late in the half, Lorenzana connected on a 34-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining, sending Tuskegee into halftime trailing 10-3.
Tuskegee came out of the locker room determined, and Beal engineered a statement drive to open the second half. Beal completed three key passes, including an 18-yard strike to freshman
Preston Parker for a touchdown, tying the game 10-10 with 10:37 remaining in the third quarter.
The Golden Tiger defense forced a quick three-and-out, and Beal went back to work. Tuskegee marched 47 yards on 10 plays, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass to Rashad Wilson. With Ryans' extra point, the Golden Tigers surged ahead 17-10 heading into the final quarter.
Winston-Salem refused to go quietly, tying the game at 17-17 on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Lee to Davontay Deloatch early in the fourth quarter.
But Tuskegee's offense responded with composure. On a methodical 14-play, 52-yard drive, Ryans capped the possession with a 29-yard field goal to reclaim to reclaim the lead at 20-17 with 5:15 remaining.
From there, Tuskegee's defense slammed the door shut. Defensive leaders
Devon Irving Jr. and
Deandre Chatmon helped force a Winston-Salem punt on their final possession, sealing the victory for the Golden Tigers.
Beal led the Golden Tigers' offense, completing 19-of-36 passes for 154 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception, winning MVP honors. Running back
Johnny Morris III contributed 41 all-purpose yards (41 rush, 11 receiving), while Parker added three receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. Wilson also made a critical impact with a late six-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Ryans went 2-for-3 on field goals, including the 29-yard game-winner late in the fourth quarter. Defensively, Tuskegee dominated the line of scrimmage, holding Winston-Salem State to just 123 rushing yards and an impressive 1-for-10 on third down conversions.
Up Next
The Golden Tigers will look to carry its momentum into next week as the Golden Tigers make history with their first-ever night game at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. and the matchup will be broadcast live on HBCUGO, giving fans across the nation a chance to witness this historic moment under the lights in Tuskegee.
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www.goldentigersports.com.
