Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic Sets 2025 Division II Showdown: Central State Marauders vs. Lane College Dragons
Rochester, NY — On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the Rochester Community Sports Complex will host the second annual Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic, spotlighting a Division II matchup between the Central State University Marauders and the Lane College Dragons. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST, with tickets priced at $25, promising another day of spirited competition, cultural celebration, and community engagement.
The Frederick Douglass Classic, a relatively new addition to the rich tradition of HBCU football classics, debuted in 2024 and quickly established itself as a significant event on the HBCU sports calendar. Last year, Central State made its inaugural appearance but fell to Albany State 28-7 in a game that drew thousands of spectators and energized the Rochester area’s HBCU fan base.
For 2025, Central State returns for its second appearance, eager to redeem itself under fresh leadership. The Marauders have appointed Tony Carter as their new head coach, a seasoned veteran with a distinguished background both as a player and a coach. Carter’s experience spans eight years in the NFL as a defensive back, including stops with the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, and coaching roles at the collegiate level and in professional leagues such as the XFL. Since his March 2025 hiring, Carter has expressed a passionate commitment to restoring Central State’s proud football tradition, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and excellence. “This program has a rich history of greatness, and I am committed to bringing that tradition back to life,” Carter stated, highlighting his goal to unify alumni, fans, and the university community behind a winning culture.
Central State’s 2024 season was a challenging one, ending with a 1-9 record. Carter’s arrival marks a turning point aimed at revamping the team’s competitiveness within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. His prior coaching stints and NFL background equip him with the tools to develop a disciplined, resilient Marauder squad ready to compete at a higher level.
On the opposing sideline, Lane College will make its debut in the Frederick Douglass Classic, bringing a new chapter to the event’s history. Lane, competing in the same conference as Central State (SIAC), is also under new leadership with Stanley Conner at the helm. Conner is a former standout at Jackson State and brings decades of experience as a longtime assistant coach. Lane’s football program, currently in transition following the departure of their previous head coach, looks to make a strong impression with this high-profile opportunity.
The Frederick Douglass Classic is more than just a football game—it is a weekend infused with cultural significance and community outreach. Alongside the gridiron battle, the event will feature a college fair aimed at inspiring local youth to pursue higher education at HBCUs, a pep rally, a festive tailgate with live music, and after the game, a vibrant “battle of the bands” between the Invincible Marching Marauders of Central State and Lane College’s Quiet Storm. These elements underscore the event’s mission to celebrate HBCU heritage, foster pride, and invest in the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Erin Tolefree, president and CEO of Baldwin Richardson Foods, the Classic’s title sponsor, highlighted the broader impact of the event, stating, “If even one student who attends these events is inspired to attend an HBCU and becomes a future entrepreneur, who builds something meaningful and creates jobs here in Rochester, then the mission we all share is advanced.” The Classic’s inaugural year reportedly reached over 7,000 students in the area, illustrating its potent role in education and empowerment beyond athletics.
The Frederick Douglass Classic exemplifies the unique spirit of HBCU traditions, where athletic competition intertwines with cultural celebration and community uplift. In his remarks, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans reflected on the century-long legacy of HBCU football classics, emphasizing their role not only as sporting contests but as gatherings that embody community pride, history, and hope for the future.
As both Central State and Lane College prepare for their respective debuts in the 2025 Classic—one returning with a hunger for redemption, the other seeking to establish itself on this stage—the game promises to deliver compelling drama and showcase the talent and tenacity emblematic of HBCU football.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate that this matchup will set the tone for the season within the SIAC and contribute to the growing prominence of HBCU football classics nationwide. Central State’s embrace of new leadership under Tony Carter signals a program on the rise, while Lane’s participation under Stanley Conner’s guidance marks a significant milestone as the Dragons seek to carve out their legacy.
With tickets available for $25, the Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic invites fans, alumni, and community members to be part of an event that celebrates sport, culture, and education—hallmarks of the HBCU experience.
Upcoming developments to watch include Central State’s 2025 football schedule featuring several key SIAC matchups that will test the Marauders’ progress under Coach Carter, and Lane College’s coaching search completion which could further stabilize their football program. Both schools exemplify the resilience and pride that have long defined HBCU athletics.
The Frederick Douglass Classic thus stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of Black college football, community engagement, and the promise of future generations continuing a tradition of excellence on and off the field.