Dover, Del. (Oct. 12, 2013) --- Quarterback Cory Murphy scored the go-ahead touchdown on a one-yard keeper with 5:25 left to play to give Delaware State a 14-7 homecoming win over Norfolk State in a MEAC contest at Alumni Stadium today.

The Spartans drove to the DSU 30 on their final possession, but Hornet safety Davon Moore intercepted a pass by Norfolk State quarterback Rico Flores at the nine-yard line to seal the win.

Delaware State's 61-yard game-winning touchdown drive took 18 plays and consumed eight-minutes-42 seconds. The Hornets had three third-down conversions and two fourth-down conversions during the march.  Murphy completed six-of-nine passes for 58 yards on the drive, including first down completions of 11 and 16 yards to Malik Golson; and 17 yards to Milton Williams III. The Hornets kept the drive going when Lamar Shaw rushed for four yards on a fourth-and-two at the NSU 15. DSU faced another fourth down after Murphy connected with Aris Scott for 12 yards to the Norfolk State two. Shaw again got the call, picking up the one yard needed to continue the drive. On the next play, Murphy followed center Brandon Cunningham into the endzone for the go-ahead score. Mitchell Ward's extra point kick gave the Hornets a 14-7 lead. Ward was two-for-two on extra points to give him 41 straight since 2011.      

After a scoreless first quarter, Norfolk State took advantage of a Hornet turnover to draw first blood. Five plays after a Brent Singleton interception of a Murphy pass and 17-yard return to the DSU 32, Norfolk State quarterback Tyler Clark connected with Derrick Demps for a 14-yard touchdown. Cameron Marouf's extra point kick gave the Spartans a 7-0 lead with 3:11 left in the second quarter.   

Delaware State appeared to tie the game just two seconds before halftime when defensive back Joe Boyd returned an interception to the endzone, but there was a Hornet penalty on the return.

DSU finally broke through in the third quarter to tie the game.

The Hornets took possession of the ball after Alex Perry forced a Norfolk State fumble that was recovered by Cory Scott at the DSU 44. A Spartan penalty and a 15-yard pass from Murphy to Golson helped the Hornets advance the ball to the NSU 13. Two plays later, Nagee Jackson rushed for seven yards to the endzone for the Hornets' first score of the game. Ward's extra point tied the game at 7-7 with 7:07 left in the third quarter.

The Hornets forced a season-high five turnovers in the contest, highlighted by their first two interceptions of the year. The DSU defense held the Spartans to 184 total yards, the season-low for a Hornet opponent.

Linebacker Ernest Adjei had a career-high 16 tackles (seven unassisted), including two behind the line-of-scrimmage. Defensive back Terrick Colston had nine tackles (two solo).

Delaware State tallied 237 total yards, 125 on the ground and 112 passing.

Murphy completed 14-of-25 passes for 112 yards, but was intercepted three times. Golson had seven catches for a team-high 56 yards.

Dae-Hon Cheung led the Hornets with 66 yards rushing on 11 carries.

Norfolk State running back Rolandan Finch rushed for 46 yards on 15 carries and had a team-high six receptions for 39 yards.   

The Hornets improved to 2-4 overall and 2-1 in the MEAC. The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Norfolk State, which fell to 2-4 and 2-1.

Delaware State will begin a two-game road swing at North Carolina A&T next Saturday (Oct. 19).    

The Hornets return home Nov. 2 to face Howard (2:00 p.m.).

STINGERS
Delaware State tight end Nate Ortiz had his first career catch (four yards) in the contest … Davon Moore also intercepted a pass on Norfolk State's final possession to seal the Hornets' 20-17 victory over the Spartans last season … DSU has recorded 15 sacks in the last three games ... Delaware State has a 33-12 homecoming record since 1969.