How Kentucky State's Scoring Drive Ended in a Field Goal

Kentucky State University scored against Benedict after a long drive ended with a nullified touchdown due to a penalty. Despite the setback, Leland Gantz converted a 35-yard field goal to put points on the board for the team.

Kentucky State player Juan Gainous orchestrated a drive that appeared to end in a touchdown, only for the officials to intervene.

A penalty erases the score

The drive began with 07:36 remaining on the clock, starting from the Kentucky State 3-yard line. Gainous utilized a no‑huddle, shotgun formation to move the ball effectively through the air and on the ground.

Early progress included a 7‑yard pass to Cam Tucker and a 16‑yard completion to Dwaun Futch. The drive eventually reached the Benedict 9-yard line, setting the stage for a potential scoring strike. On a second‑and‑13 play, Gainous completed a 13‑yard pass to Futch that crossed the goal line into the Benedict end zone.

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However, the touchdown was nullified due to an ineligible downfield penalty on Clifford Moore. This infraction moved the ball back 5 yards from the Benedict 13 to the Benedict 18. The penalty effectively stalled the Kentucky State offense, forcing them into a difficult fourth‑down situation.

Gantz secures points for Kentucky State

A short rush by Tristan Thomas left the team facing a 3rd and 18 at the Benedict 18‑yard line. A subsequent pass attempt to Joshua Thomas Jr. was broken up by Joshua Lee, resulting in a fourth down.

With only seven seconds left in the sequence, Leland Gantz attempted a 35‑yard field goal. The kick was successful, with the snap provided by Camden Saunders and the hold by Cory Jackson.

Play Description	Result	Yard Line
Juan Gainous pass to Dwaun Futch	Nullified Touchdown (Penalty)	BEN 00
Leland Gantz Field Goal	Good (35 yards)
Chris Butler Kickoff Return	41 yards	KSU 47

The successful field goal provided a momentary reprieve for the Benedict defense, though the ensuing kickoff allowed Chris Butler to return the ball 41 yards to the Kentucky State 47‑yard line.

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The drive’s efficiency was notable before the penalty, as Gainous accounted for multiple first downs through short completions to Darius Cyprian and Aiyon Carter.