After one half last week, Concordia led Clark Atlanta 17-7. Although it was far from over, it was a promising start for a Hornets team looking for its first victory of the year.

Before Concordia could try to finish off the win, a thunderstorm hit the Selma area and forced the game to be suspended just seconds into the third quarter.  Players never got back on the field, and the game was ruled a no-contest, leaving Concordia still winless on the year.

The Hornets (0-8) have two more chances to avoid being shutout of the win column this year. The first comes Saturday against Central State (4-5) in Wilberforce, Ohio.

The Marauders have rushed for 147.78 yards per game this season and make no secret about wanting to keep the ball on the ground. Central State runs the ball on 67 percent of its plays this season.

“I would imagine they are going to come right at us,” said Concordia head coach Stanley Conner. “Hopefully, our quickness is going to be an advantage and not a disadvantage, and hopefully, we can put together a complete ball game.”

Conner worked with Central State head coach Cedric Pearl when both coaches were on Alabama A&M’s staff. Conner said Pearl, who is a Selma native, has always leaned on his running game.

“He’s always been passionate about running the ball,” Conner said. “He hasn’t changed.”

Concordia and Central State have played three common opponents this season — Clark Atlanta, Stillman and Lane. The Hornets were in tight games with both Stillman and Lane but couldn’t hang on to second half leads.

Central State won three of its four games against those three teams, with the Marauder’s other victory coming over Benedict College. Conner said he’s paid attention to the tape from those games, and he knows his team is going to be tasked with slowing down a physical team Saturday.

“Schematically you have to be sound,” Conner said. “You have to make sure all the gaps are covered. You have to be smart about how you’re trying to attack. Sometimes you can’t just stand up and go toe-to-toe.”

Concordia has shuffled quarterbacks throughout the year but James Crosby was the starter last week and scored two first half touchdowns. Conner said he’s likely to get the start again Saturday and will get a chance to lead the Hornets to their first win of the year.

In many games this year, Concordia has started fast, but the Hornets have watched three second half leads evaporate. Conner still wants to see his team close the deal.

“We considered it a win on last week even though they didn’t consider it regulation,” Conner said. “It got to three quarters, so we talked about finishing and I felt like we were, but there’s nothing like doing it.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.