Miles still held an outside shot at playing in the SIAC Championship Game and possibly even earning a Division II playoff bid heading into Saturday's tilt against Central State. But the Golden Bears turned the ball over four times and were sacked six times en route to a 48-20 loss ot the Marauders at Sloan-alumni Stadium that all but dashed any postseason hopes.
Miles tried to set the tone early. On Central State's second play from scrimmage, quarterback Jackson Wassik was picked off by Jacobi Whitefield, his second interception of the season. The Golden Bears drove to the CSU 5 but was unable to convert on third down.Â
Rourke Davis connected on a 24-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead less than five minutes into the first quarter. But that lead was short lived as Central State responded with a touchdown pass from Wasik to Damon Griffin, Jr. to take the lead on the ensuing drive. Wasik then added a 14-yard rushing touchdown to give the visitors a 14–3 advantage at the end of the opening period.
Down 21 points late in the first half, the Golden Bears tried to get back into the game before halftime.
Anthony Mix, Jr. broke the plane on a 1-yard rush by jumping in the air and reaching the ball across the goal line with 17 seconds remaining before the break to cut the deficit to 27-10 at the half. Miles continued to fight in the third quarter. Davis connected on a 37-yard field goal after a lengthy drive, bringing Miles within 27–13.with two minutes left in the period.
But CSU found its way into the end zone two plays later on a 48-yard scoring pass from Wasik to Avantae Burt to extend the lead and Miles never got closer. An 8-yard touchdown run by Mix in the fourth quarter brought the Golden Bears to within 41-20 with six minutes left but the Marauders got into the end zone one more time to finish off the Golden Bears for the first time ever at Sloan-Alumni Stadium.
Mix had 104 passing yards on seven completions and the two rushing scores in relief.Â
Cherriez Gardner was Miles' leading receiver, catching five passes for 86 yards while
Jaiden Jones added five receptions for 63 yards.
Roderick Thomas had a team-high 62 yards rushing.
Vintavious Johnson had a team-high 10 tackles in defeat for Miles, which closes out the home portion of its schedule on Thursday night against Fort Valley State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
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