MURFREESBORO, North Carolina -- The Trojans battle back to defeat Chowan University Hawks in a 32-28 seat clinching homecoming upset. The win lifts the Trojans to a 6-3 overall record, 4-2 in the conference.
The Trojan offense was fueled by the running back duo of sophomore running back Trenton Cannon (Hampton, VA) and junior running back Kavon Bellamy (Hampton, VA). Cannon recorded 106 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown while Bellamy contributed 99 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Gene Holloman, Jr. (Virginia Beach, VA) added 68 yards on 4 receptions and a touchdown. Running back Tyree Lee led the Hawks offense recording 118 yards on 25 touches.
Defensively the Trojans were led by sophomore defensive lineman Jonathan Pearson (Chesterfield, VA) who recorded nine tackles (six solo) while junior defensive lineman Erin Pettiford (Cedar Grove, NC) recorded seven tackles (six solo) and two sacks. The Hawks defense was led by Newberry who recorded nine tackles all solo.
On their first drive of the game the Hawks put together an eight play drive for 65 yards to take the early lead. Down by seven, Cannon burst through the Hawk defense for a 29 yard run to put the Trojans on the board and tie the game with an extra point kick by sophomore kicker Mathew Hillquist (Glenn Allen, VA) The score would remain tied at 7-7 to end the first quarter.
Watkins and Lee of the Hawks took turns running the ball on their first drive of the second quarter. A 6 yard run by Lee quickly breaks the tie and Chowan regains the lead.
The Trojans seek to answer back starting their drive with a quick pass to Holloman on first down for 17 yards, followed by a completion on 3rd & 9 to sophomore wide receiver Josh Harris (Mechanicsville, VA) to keep the drive alive. A quarterback keep by junior Tarian Ayres (Dillwyn, VA) resulted in a 7 yard touchdown for the Trojans, but a missed extra point kick attempt would leave the lead with the Hawks.
The Hawks don't hold back and revisit the end zone on a 20 yard run by Watkins to extend their lead, 21 -13. The Hawks maintained their 21 - 13 lead heading into halftime.
Chowan's offense take a shot at the end zone on their opening drive of the third quarter. A pass from Watkins to Lombard for 34 yards extended the Hawks lead to 28-13 over the Trojans.
Down by 15 the Trojans attempted to rally back, but can't convert on 3rd and 10 at the Hawks 22 yard line. Hillquist's field goal chipped away at Chowan's lead. At the end of the third quarter, the score was 28-16.
The Trojans looked to Hillquist again as they enter the fourth quarter with a fourth and goal scenario. Hillquist's field goal cuts the Hawks lead to 28 - 19.
Having under eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, a 6 yard run by Bellamy closed the scoring gap and brought the Trojans within two points of the Hawks, 28 - 26.
A two point differential and the win on the line, the Trojans put together a 19 yard drive to get the ball into Chowan's territory.
On 1st and 10 at the Chowan 39 yard line, Ayres completes a quick pass to Cannon. Cannon throws the ball deep down the field to Holloman for a Trojans touchdown. The Trojans take the lead, 32-28.
The Hawks made one last effort to score, but couldn't withstand the pressure coming from the Trojan defense. The Trojan victory would give the Hawks a homecoming upset.
"With the game on the line you got to be willing to take shots," said Head Coach Byron Thweatt. "The execution was great and it all goes back to being poised."
The Hawks move to a 5-4 overall record, 3-3 in the conference.
"Wins like this symbolize unity and family. I love this team and we understand that we practice, and play for each other," said Coach Thweatt. "It symbolizes that we stay together in times of adversity and we will always believe in each other. We are all we got and all we need."
Mark your calendars! The Trojans will take on the Panthers of Virginia Union University on Nov. 7 for Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Rogers Stadium.
The Virginia State Department of Athletics annual 1,000 cans, 1 goal campaign initiative is underway. The canned food items collected will be donated to the local food banks. The Department encourages all fans, alumni, faculty and friends to bring a canned food item to all of the home volleyball and football games this season.
For more information on VSU Trojans Football, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.
BOX SCORE
Sports Information GA- Shalyn Moore
COURTESY VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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