Dragons head north for important showcase

Lane College’s football team will travel to Rochester, New York, to compete in the Baldwin Richardson Foods Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic on Saturday at the Rochester Community Sports Complex. 

The Dragons will square off against the Central State Marauders.

This annual classic is more than a football game for everyone involved. 

It's a showcase of HBCU pride, culture, and tradition. 

Fans can expect a day filled with excitement, including pre-game tailgating, high-energy football action, and the fan-favorite 5th Quarter Battle of the Bands, where school spirit continues long after the final whistle.

"We are thrilled to participate in the Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic and share the energy and excellence of Lane College with the Rochester community," said Lane head coach Stanley Conner. "This event not only highlights the talent of our student-athletes but also celebrates the rich history and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities."

Conner said the Dragons are eager to bring their competitive fire to a national stage. Supporters near and far are encouraged to be part of the celebration.

Lane enters the game with a record of 0-3 after falling at Alabama A&M last week 49-7.

The Bulldogs led 7-0 after the first quarter, but those points came from a field goal and a pair of safeties.

After that, the home team scored 21 points in each of the second and third quarters.

Lane avoided the shutout when Dugan Carter returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown with 5:45 remaining in the game.

Central State, who is in Ohio, is also in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with Lane and enters the game 0-4, so not only will a team get its first win of the year, it will get its first conference victory as well.