Sunday, October 28, 2018

DSU Hornets Win First With Inspired Homecoming Performance

HORNETS WIN FIRST WITH INSPIRED HOMECOMING PERFORMANCE
MICHAEL CHRIS-IKE
DOVER, Delaware -- Running backs Michael Chris-Ike and Brycen Alleyne rushed for more than a hundred yards and a touchdown each, and the defense allowed a season-low point total to lead Delaware State to a 28-13 win over MEAC rival North Carolina Central in the Hornets’ homecoming contest at Alumni Stadium today. DSU won for the first time this season to improve to 1-7 overall and 1-4 in the MEAC, while snapping the Eagles’ two-game win streak. NC Central fell to 3-4 and 2-2.

The win was also the first for DSU head coach Rod Milstead, who was doused by his players on the sideline as time wound down in the game.

BOX SCORE

Chris-Ike, a freshman playing in his second game, rushed for a game-high 127 yards on 21 carries, including his second career touchdown on a 42-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Alleyne, a senior, ran for 122 yards on 16 attempts, highlighted by a career-best 76-yard fourth-quarter touchdown to seal the win.

The 13 points allowed by the Hornet defense marked the fewest by a DSU opponent since a 13-10 overtime victory at Norfolk State in 2014. DSU also recorded season-highs in sacks (3) and forced turnovers (2) in the contest.

The Hornets took advantage of a North Carolina Central turnover to open the scoring. The 10-play, 42-yard drive was capped off by a five-yard touchdown pass from Jack McDaniels to tight Isiah Williams with 6:28 left in the first quarter. The touchdown was the first of the season and second career score for Williams. McDaniels completed 5-of-7 passes for 53 yards during the drive, including a 23-yard strike to Taronn Selby and a 20-yarder to Trey Gross. Jose Romo-Martinez nailed the extra point to give the Hornets a 7-0 lead.

After the Delaware State defense forced a three-and-out, the Hornets stretched the lead on their next possession. McDaniels and wide receiver Kwannah Kollie connected on a 27-yard touchdown on fourth-and 10 for DSU’s second score in less than five minutes. The touchdown was also Kollie’s first of the season and fourth in his career. The extra point kick by Romo-Martinez put the Hornets ahead 14-0 at the 1:40 mark of the first quarter.

After NC Central cut the Hornets’ lead to 14-7 on a 24-yard touchdown run by quarterback Chauncy Caldwell early in the second quarter, DSU answered with a scoring run by Chris-Ike to regain the momentum. The first-year back capped-off the eight-play, 83-yard drive with a 42-yard touchdown with 9:19 left in the second quarter. He rushed for 60 yards on five carries during the possession.

The touchdown and extra point gave DSU a 21-7 lead, which it held at the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, NC Central placekicker Adam Lippy nailed field goals of 28 and 34 yards in the fourth quarter to cut the Hornets’ lead to 21-13.

Delaware State was holding onto the eight-point lead and facing a third-and-11 from its 24-yard line when Alleyne ran around right end for a 76-yard touchdown with 4:42 left to play. The run was the longest by a Hornet since a 78-yard touchdown by Chris Strother in 2008.

McDaniels, starting his second straight game, completed 10-of-19 passes for 102 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Brian Cavicante and Justin Castell led the Hornet defense with nine tackles each. Cavicante, the MEAC’s leading tackler entering the game, was also credited with 2.5 tackles-for-loss (-7). Alex Lozano had eight tackles, including a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. Freshman Andrew Reese had his first career interception for the Hornets.

STINGERS The 100-yard rushing performances by Chris-Ike and Alleyne in the same game were the first by the Hornets since Alleyne (174) and Mike Waters (154) performed the feat in 2016 … Delaware State won its homecoming game for the first time since 2013 … DSU’s 15-point win was also its largest since a 35-10 victory over Savannah State in 2014 … Chris-Ike has 183 yards on 31 carries this season (5.7 ypc) … The Hornets remain home for their next game on Nov. 3 against Savannah State (2:05 p.m.).

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

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