STWF Sports| GRAMBLING, La.| September 5, 2026 — Grambling State delivered another strong early-season performance Saturday night, using a dominant rushing attack and balanced offensive production to defeat Central State, 48-26, at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
The Tigers piled up 644 yards of total offense, including 361 on the ground, to improve to 2-0. Central State dropped to 0-2 despite showing more offensive life in the second half.
Grambling State’s Dominant Performance
Grambling State set the tone almost immediately. Running back Jamarion Parker broke loose for a 40-yard touchdown run just over two minutes into the game, finishing a five-play, 75-yard opening drive. After the Tigers forced a quick three-and-out, kicker Diego Alfaro added a 19-yard field goal to make it 10-0.
Alfaro connected again from 24 yards late in the opening quarter, giving Grambling State a 13-0 advantage and complete control of the early momentum.
The Tigers’ rushing attack became even more dangerous in the second quarter.
D’Shaun Ford scored on a short touchdown run to extend the lead to 20-0. Central State answered with a Kenyon Gardner field goal, but Grambling responded in explosive fashion when Tony Phillips Jr. broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run, pushing the margin to 27-3.
Central State quarterback Jackson Wasik helped the Marauders settle in before halftime. Wasik connected with Damon Griffin Jr. for a 12-yard touchdown pass, cutting Grambling’s lead to 27-10.
The Tigers’ special teams also made an impact, as Markeis Sykes blocked a field goal attempt to prevent Central State from adding points earlier in the half.
Grambling kept the pressure on after halftime. Clyde Mcclendon Jr. capped a nine-play, 45-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, extending the advantage to 34-10 midway through the third quarter.
The Tigers’ defense then took center stage. Jaylen Burrell recorded two interceptions during the period, helping Grambling State maintain control and prevent Central State from building sustained momentum.
The Marauders continued fighting in the fourth quarter.
Wasik scored on a 15-yard touchdown run and found Avantae Burt for the two-point conversion, trimming the deficit to 34-18. Grambling immediately answered when Byron Eaton Jr. exploded for a 58-yard touchdown run.
Central State responded again, with Wasik finding Burt for a 29-yard touchdown pass to make it 41-26 with just over four minutes remaining.
Grambling State, however, finished the night the way it started — with its offense in control.
The Tigers mounted an eight-play, 75-yard drive before Hayden Benoit scored from 1 yard out with 31 seconds remaining, sealing the 48-26 victory.
Grambling’s ground game proved to be the defining factor. The Tigers averaged 9.0 yards per carry and scored six rushing touchdowns, with Parker, Phillips Jr., Eaton Jr., Ford, Benoit and Mcclendon Jr. all reaching the end zone.
Quarterback Reginald Johnson also provided an efficient performance, completing 18 of 23 passes for 258 yards while distributing the football to eight receivers. Tyson George led the way with five receptions for 93 yards, while Jordan Bride added three catches for 70 yards.
Defensively, Grambling finished with two sacks, six tackles for loss, two interceptions and a blocked field goal. Marcellius Johnson and Lonell Cunningham each recorded seven total tackles.
The Tigers also controlled possession for 33:11 and converted 9 of 12 third downs, allowing the offense to consistently stay on the field and wear down Central State.
Grambling State will now turn its attention to a major road test against Big 12 opponent TCU on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the game streaming on ESPN+.
