WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Trailing, 24-21, Coach Mike London and the Howard University Football team started its final drive on their own 11-yard line.
First play, freshman Caylin Newton connected with sophomore Jequez Ezzard for a 41-yard pass and moved into Spartans' territory. After three plays, the Bison faced a 4th-and-8 situtation where Newton's throw was deflected into the hands of sophomore Kyle Anthony for 16 yards, enough to keep the drive alive.
Then, Newton put HU into the red zone after a 16-yard run. After a costly holding penalty, Newton scrambled for 15 yards and was forced out-of-bounds at NSU's 5-yard line. Next, senior Anthony Philyaw picked up a fresh set of downs with a three-yard run. Two plays later, Newton rolled to his right and stretched across the goal line for the game-winning touchdown with five ticks remaining.
Howard (7-3, 6-1 MEAC) earned its fifth consecutive win after compiling 476 total offense yards, including 317 on the ground.
On this day, several Bison were recognized for their dedication and hard work on and off the field. Philyaw was among those seniors playing their final contest at Greene Stadium.
The California native put on a show, rushing for 193 yards on 20 carries while scoring two touchdowns in the victory.
HU struck first with a 7-yard touchdown from Philyaw, 7-0.
Norfolk State responded with a five play, 65-yard drive, capped off by a 19-yard pass from Juwan Carter to Demetreus Ferebee, 7-7.
NSU answered again and took the lead after one, thanks to a 5-yard run from Aaron Savage, 14-7.
Norfolk State put together a 6:39 drive, which resulted in a 2-yard run by Carter, 21-7.
Howard battled back with a long drive of their own, going nine plays for 73 yards, including a 3-yard TD run from Philyaw, 21-14.
With more than enough time, the Spartans capitalized before halftime with a 37-yard field goal by Josh Nardone, 24-14.
After a scoreless third, HU endured another long drive resulting in a 3-yard touchdown from graduate Dezmond Wortham. The drive started from Howard's 10-yard line and took 4:03.
BOX SCORE
Ezzard continues his solid play down the stretch, grabbing seven balls for 113 yards.
Defensively, the Bison held NSU scoreless after intermission. Senior Devin Rollins registered a team-high seven solo tackles, including a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble. Freshman Bryan Cook recorded three tackles and two INTs in the win.
For Norfolk State (3-7, 3-4 MEAC), Savage rushed for 112 yards on 23 touches with a touchdown. Defensively, Anthony Smith posted a game-high 12.5 tackles (11 solo), including two tackles for loss, and an interception.
Howard concludes the regular season at rival Hampton. The Battle of the Real HU continues Saturday at Armstrong Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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