Dover, DE (October 10, 2009) --- Freshman Kory Kowalski kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:12 left to play to lift Bethune-Cookman to its first win of the season, 9-7, over Delaware State in the 2009 home opener for the Hornets at Alumni Stadium.
The Wildcats improved to 1-4 overall and 1-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), while the Hornets fell to 1-3 and 1-2. Bethune-Cookman also snapped a four-game losing streak against the Hornets, and won at Alumni Stadium for the first time since 2003.
Delaware State had one possession after the Kowalski field goal, but back-up quarterback Nick Elko, playing in his first collegiate game, was intercepted by Bethune-Cookman's Michael Williams at the Hornet 35-yard line with 32 seconds left to play. Elko was inserted into the game when DSU starter Anthony Glaud left the game due to injury in the second quarter.
"We certainly had our chances to win the game, but failed to execute at critical times," said Delaware State head coach Al Lavan, who fell to 35-25 in MEAC games and 4-2 against Bethune-Cookman. "We let them hang around all game, and it came back to bite us. The defense gave up some yards, but we were able to keep them off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter. On offense, our running game started well, but we bogged down as the game went on."
Bethune-Cookman drove 29 yards on seven plays to set up Kowalski's game-winning kick. The key play in the drive was a 13-yard pass from Matthew Johnson to Jevaughn Reams to the Delaware State 23. The field goal was just the second of the season for Kowalski, who missed two attempts earlier in the game, including a 37-yarder with 7:22 left in the fourth quarter.
The game began on a high note for the Hornets. Redshirt freshman Travis Tarpley returned the opening kickoff 85-yards to the Bethune-Cookman two-yard line. On the first play after the return, Jaashawn Jones rushed for a two-yard touchdown. Riley Flickinger's extra point gave the Hornets a 7-0 lead just 16 seconds into the game.
The score held up through the second and third quarters, although each team failed to convert scoring opportunities. Bethune-Cookman lost a fumble inside the Delaware State five-yard-line in the second quarter, while the Hornets missed a field goal attempt in each quarter.
Bethune-Cookman finally broke through on the third play of the fourth quarter. Johnson connected with Jameil McCloud on a 46-yard scoring pass to pull the Wildcats to within 7-6 with 14:16 left to play. The play capped off a seven-play, 70-yard drive that consumed two-minutes-53-seconds. Johnson completed three-of-four passes for 67 yards in the drive. The Wildcats failed to tie the game when Delaware State's Greg Ligon blocked Kowalski's extra point kick.
"We work very hard on special teams, and the blocked extra point was big at the time," said Ligon, who also had three tackles in the contest. "This was a tough loss, but we can't hang our heads. We must get back to work and focus on the next game.
Bethune-Cookman dominated the Hornets in nearly every statistical category.
The Wildcats outgained the Hornets 350-to-166, and held a 22-minute advantage in time of possession (41:11-18:49). Bethune-Cookman passed for 218 yards, compared to 71 for the Hornets. BCU also won the rushing battle, 132-to-95.
Jones led all players with a career-high 71 yards rushing on 13 carries for the Hornets. Zacharri Charles led DSU with three receptions, although he totaled just 10 yards. Larrone Moore had a team-high 28 receiving yards on two catches.
Elko completed 5-of-15 passes for 32 yards in his relief role. The redshirt freshman did not see action in the Hornets' first three games.
"I was a little anxious in the beginning, and things were a little out of synch," said Elko, who was hurt by a few dropped passes. "I'll learn from the experience and look to improve each time out."
DSU's Jerome Strums led all players with a career-high 12 tackles, including seven solo stops. Francis Adjei had nine tackles and his fourth career interception (27-yard return) in the contest.
Delaware State will step into the major college world next week. The Hornets will take on the Michigan Wolverines at 107,000 seat Michigan Stadium next Saturday (Oct. 17). Game time is 12:00 p.m.
DSU Stingers
DSU's Captains were quarterback Anthony Glaud, center Nick Richmond, linebacker Mike Gable, defensive back Jerome Strums, and punter Nick Lochner.
DSU won the toss, and elected to receive.
The opening kickoff was run back 85 yards inside the two yard line by Travis Tarpley. The 85 yards for the redshirt freshman was a career high.
The touchdown Jaashawn Jones from two yards away was the fourth of his career. Hornets lead 7-0 with 14:44 to go in the first quarter.
Mike Gable's 6 tackles extended his streak of games stopping a ball carrier to 20. Francis Adjei's 9 stops was his 15th consecutive game with one as well.
Larrone Moore has caught a pass in seven straight games.
The Hornets have not been shut out in 57 straight games. DSU hasn't been shut out since a 49-0 loss to Southern Illinois on Sept. 25th, 2004.
Ryan Langdon made his first career start for the Hornets.
Hornets force a 3 and out on their opening drive for the first time this season
Jaashawn Jones made the most of his first start at DSU. The redshirt sophomore ran the ball 13 times for 71 yards and a touchdowns Jones was a DNP in two of the first three games this season.
The interception by Anthony Glaud in the first quarter was his first in MEAC play this season.
Redshirt freshman Nick Elko made his college debut replacing the injured Anthony Glaud in the second quarter.
Flickinger misses kicks from 48 and 46 yards. He is 1 for 6 on the season.
Greg Ligon's block of a Kory Kowalski PAT in the 4th quarter was the 3rd blocked PAT or field goal by the Hornets this year.
