Delaware State (0-2, 0-1 MEAC) returns to conference action as the Hornets travel to Hampton, Va., to face the Hampton Pirates (2-1, 1-0 MEAC) on Saturday, Sept. 26. Kick off is slated for 6:00 p.m.

The Hornets are looking to avenge a three-point loss to the Pirates (17-14) last season at Alumni Stadium.

DSU is coming off a loss in the Inaugural Route 1 Rivalry for the First State Cup, falling to the Delaware Blue Hens, 27-17, on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Hornets enter this week's game looking for the team's first win of the season.

Delaware State comes into the Hampton contest ranked No. 71 in total offense (308.50 yards-per-game) and No. 96 in total defense (414.00 yards-per-game), nationally. DSU improved both totals following its game in Newark, Del., tallying 343 yards of total offense versus the Blue Hens and holding Delaware below its season average in total offense (116 yards on the ground, 227 yards through the air).

Quarterback Anthony Glaud put up career numbers versus the Blue Hens, completing 23-of-40 passes for 208 yards. His 23 completions proved to be the fifth-highest total in DSU history for completions in a single game (tied with Vashon Winton - 23 vs. S.C. State on Nov. 1, 2008). On the season, Glaud has registered a pass efficiency rating of 103.56, completing 55.6 percent of his passes for 396 yards. The Sicklerville, N.J., native has recorded one touchdown and one interception on the year. Glaud also notched his first-career rushing touchdown last Saturday, recording 17 yards on 11 carries versus the Blue Hens.

Junior Jason Randall had a career day versus Delaware, rushing for 93 yards on 20 carries. The Bowie, Md., native recorded a team-high and career-best 118 all-purpose yards on Saturday, including a 31-yard run - the longest run from scrimmage of his career. The DSU running back also recorded two catches for 25 yards. Randall enters this week's game as DSU's leading rusher, compiling 147 yards on 36 carries and one touchdown. Joining Randall in the backfield is redshirt sophomore Tahree McQueen, who had five carries for 25 yards last Saturday.

The Delaware State receiving corps is led by sophomore Darius Jackson, who ranks No. 12 in the nation in receptions-per-game (7.50). The Quincy, Fla., native set a career-mark in receptions for the second-straight week, recording eight catches for 81 yards versus the Blue Hens. Jackson's 81 yards receiving was a career-best for the 5-foot-10 Hornet. Jackson has registered 15 catches for 148 yards this season. Junior Larrone Moore tallied a season-high five catches for 45 yards last Saturday. Through two games, Moore has notched eight receptions for 96 yards.

Defensively, DSU is led by linebacker Mike Gable, who enters Saturday's game averaging 9.00 tackles-per-game. The Bel Air, Md., native led the Hornets in tackles for the second-straight game on Saturday, recording seven tackles (5 solo) versus the Blue Hens. Senior Avery Grant also notched seven tackles versus Delaware to increase his season total to 13 (9 solo). Free safety Jerome Strums entered the DSU record books, recording the fifth-longest interception return in school history last Saturday. Strums returned a pick of Pat Devlin 71 yards for his first-career touchdown. The interception was the fourth of Strums' career. The Windsor, Conn., native enters this week's game with eight tackles (1 solo).

Linebacker John Sutton is coming off his first-career start, registering five tackles (5 solo), including his first-career sack last weekend. Also recording his first career sack versus the Blue Hens was defensive tackle Andre Caroll, who picked up five tackles (3 solo). On the year, Caroll has tallied nine tackles (5 solo), two tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

Senior placekicker Riley Flickinger registered a personal-best last Saturday, converting a 42-yard field goal attempt versus the Blue Hens. His previous best was 35 yards (Oct. 25, 2008 at Morgan State). Flickinger has recorded 11 field goals for his career, placing the Gresham, Ore., native No. 5 all-time in the DSU record books (tied with Everett Morgan - 1982-84).

Game Notables

            - Saturday will mark the 35th meeting between DSU and Hampton. 

            - DSU is looking to snap a two-game losing skid to start the season.

            - Head Coach Al Lavan holds a 2-3 record all-time versus the Pirates.

            - The Hornets are looking to avoid their first 0-3 start since the 2004 season (Al Lavan's first year at DSU).

            - Saturday marks Coach Lavan's 59th game as DSU head coach.

            - Saturday will be Coach Lavan's 32nd-career road game (16-15).

            - Saturday marks the first time since the 1998 season that Delaware State has started the season with three-straight road games.

            - The Hornets enter Saturday's game having scored points in 55-straight games (dating back to Oct. 2, 2004).

            - DSU is 2-2 on date of Sept. 26 (dating back to 1970).

 A Quick Look at Hampton

The Hampton Pirates (2-1, 1-0 MEAC) are coming off a 24-14 win over the N.C. A&T Aggies on Saturday, Sept. 19. Hampton enters this week's game ranked No. 78 (179.33 yards-per-game) in total offense and No. 53 (323.67 yards-per-game) in total defense, nationally.

The Pirates are looking for their second-straight win over DSU and second-straight overall. The last time the Hornets traveled to Armstrong Stadium they came away with a 24-17 victory (2007). Hampton has won its only home game of the year - a 31-24 season-opening victory over N.C. Central on Sept. 5.

Hampton is led offensively by running back LaMarcus Coker, who is averaging 97.7 yards-per-game on the ground (No. 21 nationally). Coker has rushed for 293 yards on 50 carries and has scored two touchdowns this season. Coker is coming off his second-career 100-yard rushing performance, tallying 112 yards on 24 carries versus the Aggies.

Behind center, the Pirates are led by redshirt junior Herbert Bynes, who comes into Saturday's game having completed 50.0 percent of his passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Backing up Bynes is sophomore David Legree, who leads the team with 330 passing yards on 20-of-42 passes and two touchdowns.

The Hampton receivers are led by Damon McDaniel. The senior wide receiver has recorded nine catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns this season. McDaniel caught five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns versus N.C. A&T.

The defense is anchored by reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Week Brandon Roundtree. The weak-side linebacker registered six tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions versus the Aggies last Saturday. On the year Roundtree has recorded 18 tackles (9 solo) with 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season. The Pirates leading tackler is middle linebacker Julio Sanchez, who has recorded 25 tackles (15 solo) on the year.

The Pirates are also strong on special teams, averaging 26.75 yards-per-punt return (No. 2 in the nation) and 21.09 yards-per-kickoff return (No. 50 in the nation). McDaniel is the team's top punt returner, averaging 35.7 yards-per-return with one touchdown. Coker averages 26.1 yards-per-kick return and one touchdown. 

The Last Meeting (Oct. 4, 2008)

Hampton dealt a blow to Delaware State's bid for a second-consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title with a 17-14 victory over the Hornets before a Parents' Day crowd of 5,218 at Alumni Stadium. The Pirates won their third-straight game to improve to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the MEAC. Delaware State dropped its third in a row to fall to 1-3 overall and 1-1 in league play. The loss also snapped Delaware State's nine-game winning streak in MEAC contests, and 10-game home win streak against conference foes.

The defeat was DSU's first to a MEAC opponent since a 20-17 setback to Howard in the final game of the 2006 season, and the first at home to a league opponent since a 29-14 setback to Hampton on September 30, 2006. Hampton scored the game-winning touchdown on a 30-yard pass from Herbert Bynes to Justin Brown with 3:13 left in the fourth quarter. Brown caught the pass at the Delaware State 10, then broke several attempted tackles before diving into the endzone.

Following the touchdown, Byrnes completed a two-point pass to Ralph Steward to give the Pirates a 17-14 lead. On the ensuing possession, Delaware State drove 48 yards to the Hampton 34, but the drive ended on a fourth down incompletion with 21 seconds left.

Delaware State - Hampton Series History

            - Saturday's contest will mark the 35th meeting all-time between Delaware State and Hampton.

            - Hampton leads the series history, 22-12.

            - The last two meetings between DSU and Hampton have been decided by seven points-or-less.

            - Hampton has won eight of the last 10 games

            - Al Lavan's first-career win at DSU came against Hampton (28-23 on Oct. 2, 2004).

            - DSU has scored in nine-straight games versus Hampton while the Pirates have scored in14-consecutive contests.

            - The Hornets hold a 6-12 record at Hampton.

 A Delaware State Win Would...

            - Give the Hornets their 13th win over the Pirates.

            - Prevent the Hornets from starting 0-3 for the first time since 2004.

            - Give Coach Lavan his 35th-career win at Delaware State.

            - Give Coach Lavan his 17th road victory as DSU head coach.

            - Improve DSU's 2009 record to 1-2.

            - Improve DSU's 2009 MEAC record to 1-1.

            - Give the DSU football program its 330th victory all-time.

            - Give quarterback Anthony Glaud his first career victory.

Inside the Numbers

            - The 2009 Delaware State roster consists of 30 freshmen and 15 sophomores and only 38 juniors and seniors.

            - DSU's opponents have a combined record of 14-12.

            - Five DSU opponents are listed in this week's FCS National Polls.

            - The most people to see Delaware State play in a single season is 111,096. To date this season, 37,794 fans have been to a DSU game.

            - Delaware State has not been shut out in 55-straight games.

            - Delaware State is 8-12 in the month of September under Al Lavan.

           - Two DSU receivers are listed at 6-foot-3 or taller. Freshman Justin Brewton is 6-foot-4 and senior Erick Jones is 6-foot-3.

            u The tallest player on the DSU roster is sophomore offensive lineman Nail Muradymov (6-foot-7)

            - The shortest players on the DSU roster are Nafis Pickett, James Rosseau and Travis Tarpley (5-foot-7).

            - The heaviest player on the DSU roster is senior offensive lineman Mike Maloney (325 lbs).

            - 19 newcomers (players who prior to this season have not taken the field in a DSU uniform) are listed on this week's depth chart.

            - DSU leads the MEAC in passing offense (198.0 yards-per-game).

Strums Makes His Mark Versus Blue Hens

Redshirt senior Jerome Strums etched in the DSU record books with a 71-yard interception return for a touchdown on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Delaware Stadium. The interception was his first of the season and the first-ever return for a touchdown by the Windsor, Conn., native. It also became the fifth-longest interception return in Delaware State history. It also marked only the fifth time in DSU history a player return an interception for 70 yards-or-more.

The pick was the first interception for a touchdown by the Hornets since Akeem Green scored on an 86-yard interception versus N.C. A&T on Oct. 13, 2007.

More Additions to the Record Book at Delaware

During DSU's 27-17 loss at Delaware (Sept. 19), two Hornets were added the school's record books while one moved up in the rankings.

Jerome Strums picked off a Pat Devlin pass for 71 yards (fifth-longest in school history). Quarterback Anthony Glaud completed 23 passes (fifth-most completions in a single game - tied with Vashon Winton who had 23 versus S.C. State on Nov. 1, 2008).

Placekicker Riley Flickinger made his 11th-career field goal, moving the Gresham, Ore., native into a No. 5 tie with Everett Morgan (1982-84) for most field goals in a career.

"Flick" in the DSU Record Books

Senior place kicker Riley Flickinger registered 10 field goals during the 2008 season, putting the Gresham, Ore., native on the single-season records list at DSU (No. 5 all-time).

This season he is 1-for-3 in field goal attempts, putting his career total at 11. He is currently tied with Everett Morgan for No. 5 on the all-time DSU list.

On This Date

Dating back to the 1970 season, Delaware State has played in four games on Sept. 26. In those contests the Hornets have registered a 2-2 record. The last time DSU played on Sept. 26, the Hornets defeated Grambling, 45-42 at the Pontiac Silver Dome during the 1992 season. Below is a listing of Sept. 26 games.

1992 - W, 45-42 vs. Grambling at the Pontiac Silver Dome (Detroit, Mich.)

1987 - W, 69-14 at the University of the District of Columbia

1981 - L, 16-19 vs. West Chester State (Dover, Del.)

1970 - L, 7-10 at Montclair State

Consecutive Streaks

A number of DSU Hornets enter this Saturday's game riding consecutive streaks. Mike Gable comes into this week's game recording a tackle in 18-straight games. Francis Adjei and Avery Grant have each had at least one tackles in 13-straight games. Defensive tackle Andre Caroll has had a tackle in 12-consecutive games.

On the offensive side of the ball, Larrone Moore has had a reception in five-straight games, while Darius Jackson has caught a pass in four-straight.

55 and Counting

The Delaware State Hornets scored 17 points versus the Delaware Blue Hens to extend the teams' consecutive games scored streak to 55. The Hornets have not been shut out since a 49-0 loss to Southern Illinois on Sept. 25, 2004.

Team Awards

Each week the DSU coaching staff will select their team MVP for each game. Below is a listing of those selections.

Week 1 - at Florida A&M

Offensive - N/A

Defensive - Mike Gable

Special Teams - BJ Conley

Week 3 - at Delaware

Offensive - Darius Jackson

Defensive - Jerome Strums and the DSU defensive line

Special Teams - BJ Conley

Lavan Suffers First-Ever Loss to Rattlers

Delaware State's season-opening loss to the Florida A&M Rattlers was the first-ever for Head Coach Al Lavan. In his sixth season with the Hornets, Lavan entered the 2009 season with a perfect 4-0 record versus the team from Tallahassee. In the first four meetings with the Rattlers, Lavan's squads averaged 25.0 points-per-game with an average margin of victory of eight points. This year's contest marked the first time a Lavan-coached team had not scored 20-or-more points versus FAMU (12). The loss also snapped DSU's longest winning streak versus FAMU (4).

Double-Digit Tackles

Through the team's first two games, one Hornet has recorded 10-or-more tackles in a single contest. Linebacker Mike Gable notched a career-high 11 tackles versus the Florida A&M Rattlers (Sept. 5). For his career, Gable has amassed 66 tackles. The school record for tackles in a single game is 23 held by Craig Parsley (vs. Howard on Nov. 18, 1989). Parsley finished his DSU career with 233 tackles (No. 8 all-time at DSU).

10-or-more-Tackles

Mike Gable (11 at Florida A&M)

Game of Firsts

During Delaware State's season-opener at Florida A&M (Sept. 5), eight players made their first-career starts at Delaware State. Anthony Glaud (QB), Nail Muradymov (OT), Darryl Hicks (OG), Jason Randall (RB), Braheim Haywood (DT), Joe Mendes (DE), Ahmad Harris (LB) and Greg Ligon (CB) each made their first-career starts.

Two players also recorded their first-career touchdowns in the contest. Randall recorded his first-ever rushing touchdown at DSU with a four-yard run in the fourth quarter. Zach Charles notched his first-career touchdown reception, following a 30-yard grab in the second quarter.

Captains Named

On the final day of this year's preseason camp the Delaware State Hornets voted for their 2009 captains. Quarterback Anthony Glaud and center Nick Richmond are this year's offensive captains. Defensive captains are linebacker Mike Gable and defensive back Jerome Strums.

Nick Richmond Nominated for Allstate/ACFA Good Works Team®

Center Nick Richmond has been nominated for the Allstate / AFCA Good Works Team® as announced on July 23. A total of 106 nominations submitted by sports information directors across the country on behalf of their teams surpasses all previous single-season nominee totals in the 18-year history of the award. The 2009 class of nominees represents 41 states, including Washington, D.C., and 45 college athletic conferences.

A hard-working and committed group of college football players will take the field this fall knowing that the impact they have on their teams and communities has nothing to do with touchdowns, tackles or receptions.　

For a second consecutive year, Allstate Insurance Company has partnered with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) to announce the list of 106 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, which honors college football players who make outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement.        

Richmond, who is entering his final year with Hornets, has been the starting center for Delaware State over the past four years. He is a 2008-09 MEAC All-Academic honoree and anchored an offensive line that averaged 136.45 yards-per-game on the ground and 167.64 yards-per-game through the air last season. The DSU offensive line ranked second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in sacks allowed (1.82 sacks-per-game). Nick has been nominated for his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Some of his work with the community includes, mentoring and serving as a role model for kids at the Stevenson House Detention Center (Milford, Del.). The Lampeter, Pa., native also assists the community in fundraisers, luncheons and prayer groups. Richmond is also a regular participant in visits to local elementary schools.          

For his charitable work, Richmond is one of 55 nominees in the "Combined Divisions (FCS, II, III & NAIA)" for this year's team honor.         

The 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® nominee list is the largest in the 18-year history of award        

With their unselfish acts, such as volunteering at orphanages in Kenya, building a reliable water source for villagers in Kabul, tutoring disadvantaged youth, and visiting elderly patients in nursing homes, Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® nominees distinguish themselves among the more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year collegiate institutions through off-the-field accomplishments.

Two New Coaches on 2009 Staff

Two new assistant coaches have joined Al Lavan's staff  - offensive line coach Adam Shorter and cornerback's coach Ronald Bolton.

- Adam Shorter, Offensive Line Coach - Shorter is in his first season with the Hornets. He came to DSU after a one-year stint at Alcorn State, where he was in charge of the offensive line and tight ends.        

While with the Braves, Shorter was instrumental in the success of 2008 All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) offensive lineman Bronson Carvalho. His administrative duties included development of game plans and recruiting profiles. He also coordinated the university's Letterman's Golf Outing and Captains Breakfast.        

Shorter began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the University of Cincinnati (2005-2007). There he assisted in various areas of scouting, including film break down and weekly opponent scouting reports for the offense, defense and special teams.      

In 2006, Shorter was promoted to interim offensive line coach. He helped lead the Bearcats to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the inaugural International Bowl in Toronto, Canada. That year, UC recorded 1,737 yards on the ground and 11 rushing touchdowns.

The 2007 Bearcats were 10-3 and appeared in the Papa Johns Bowl. Cincy was ranked 17th in the final Associated Press poll.       

Shorter was a four-year letterman at Cincinnati, where he was the team's starting center. He was the recipient of the John Pease Award as the Bearcats' most outstanding offensive lineman as a senior. Shorter appeared in three of Cincinnati's four bowl appearances during his tenure. He competed in the 2001 Motor City Bowl, was a member of the 2002 Conference USA Championship squad that played in the New Orleans Bowl and wrapped up his senior year in the Fort Worth Bowl.         

While at Cincinnati, Shorter was coached by former Miami Dolphins center and Dan Marino teammate Jeff Ulenhank and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Larry Zierlein.            

He earned a bachelor's degree in integrated social studies in secondary education from Cincinnati in 2004.           

A native of Indianapolis, Ind., Shorter and wife Michelle reside in Dover.

- Ronald Bolton, Cornerback's Coach - The Petersburg, Va., native is in his first season on the Delaware State staff. He brings experience as a professional player, collegiate player and coach, and high school coach to the Hornets.           

After a standout college career at Norfolk State, where he was a Pittsburgh Courier Gazette Black College All-America, Bolton was selected by National Football League's New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 1972 draft. During his four seasons as a cornerback with Patriots, he served two years as the team's Player Representative.            

From 1976 to '82, Bolton was a member of the NFL's Cleveland Browns. He helped lead the Browns to the AFC Central Division championship and playoff berth in 1980.           

Bolton's college coaching experience includes stints at Howard University (2002-06), Norfolk State University (1997-2001) and Liberty University (1996-97).          

While at Howard, Bolton served as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator under current Delaware State defensive coordinator Ray Petty, who was head coach of the Bison from 2002 to '06. Howard was No. 1 in the MEAC in total defense in 2005 and No. 2 in '06.            

Bolton was also position coach for three Howard players currently in the National Football League. Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis Colts), Ronald Bartell (St. Louis Rams) and Geoff Pope (Cincinnati Bengals) each benefitted from Bolton's tutelage while playing for the Bison.           

Bolton was defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Norfolk State and defensive backs coach at Liberty.          

During the 2007 and '08 seasons, he was a teacher and head football coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Bolton earned a bachelor's in Health and Physical Education from Norfolk State in 1972. 

Hornets Picked Seventh in MEAC Preseason Poll

The Delaware State Hornets have been selected to finish seventh in this year's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Football Preseason Poll as announced by the league office on July 31, 2009. The predicted order of finish was voted on by the conference head coaches and sports information directors.