Meredith Long 09/25/10
MURFREESBORO
- The Chowan University football team remains winless on the season
after dropping a 20-13 decision to Virginia State University this
evening. The Hawks rallied in the second half to cut the game to seven
points in the fourth quarter but were unable to convert late in the game
to pick up their fourth loss of the season. The Trojans improve to 3-1
overall and 2-0 in the CIAA after tonight's game. Chowan falls to 0-4 on
the year and 0-2 in league play. Chowan's defense created four VSU
turnovers but couldn't convert those turnovers into points. Virginia State got on the board first in the game after Jarred Battle connected with Dion Futch on a 49 yard paydirt pass. Justin Parker made good on the point after to take a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. They added ten second quarter points to extend their lead to 17-0 at the break.
Chowan finally answered with back-to-back field goals by rookie kicker Derek Embree . Embree hit a 29 yard field goal at the 12:07 mark of the third quarter and a 28 yarder to open the fourth quarter. Parker connected on a 30 yard field goal with 3:23 to play to extend the Trojan lead to 20-6.
Robert Holland hauled in a 13 yard pass from CU's Cameron Stover with just under a minute to play to cut the lead to 20-12 with just under a minute to play. Embree split the uprights to bring the Hawks within a score of the Trojans. The Hawks' onside kick attempt on the ensuing kick off failed and the Trojans ran the clock out to take the 20-13 win.
Holland caught 11 passes for a season-high 152 yards. Stover threw for 215 yards on 19 of 37 passes. Elliot Smalls carried the ball 19 times for 91 yards tonight.
For Virginia State, Kenay Hawks rushed for 86 yards on 16 carries. Battle ended the night with 168 yards passing on 14 of 24 completions.
Anthony Hooks had two interceptions in tonight's game for Chowan and Leon Eason had eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Brad Cash collected six tackles with a sack and two tackles for a loss and Marcus Johnson had five solo tackles.
Chowan (0-4, 0-2) will host Virginia Union University in a CIAA North Division match up next Saturday (10/2). Kick off is set for 1:05pm.