Hampton, Va. (Oct. 10, 2015) --- Delaware State had its share of scoring opportunities, but managed just one late touchdown in a 21-7 loss to Hampton in a MEAC contest at Armstrong Stadium this afternoon.
The Hornets possessed the ball in Hampton territory six times, including three inside the Pirate 10, but were scoreless until second-string quarterback Gil Rivera (jr.) capped off a six-play, 64-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run with two minutes left to play.
Delaware State's frustrations were highlighted by two missed 26-yard field goal attempts and a lost fumble that was returned for a touchdown for Hampton's final score of the game in the fourth quarter.
“We're obviously very disappointed because of opportunities that we didn't finish,” said Delaware State first-year head coach Kenny Carter. “We drove the ball down into the red zone several times and didn't convert. We had two opportunities for field goals that we didn't make. You just can't win games when you don't score in the red zone. It has to happen. You want touchdowns but you have to at least come away with field goals.”
Rivera entered the game after starting quarterback Esayah Obado left due to an undisclosed injury in the second quarter. The back-up Hornet QB completed 14-of-24 passes for a career-high 183 yards. The fourth-quarter touchdown run was the first of his career. Obado did not return to the game.
Hampton scored first when quarterback David Watford ran 27 yards for a touchdown. The extra point kick by Adam Brown gave the Pirates a 7-0 lead with 6:21 left in the opening quarter.
After the Hornets failed to get a first down on the ensuing possession, Hampton matched 82 yards in seven plays to stretch its lead. Watford connected with Rashawn Proctor on a nine-yard touchdown pass to cap off the drive. The extra point kick put the Pirates ahead 14-0 with 1:47 to go before halftime.
Watford, the MEAC's top passer, completed 19-of-29 attempts for 194 yards, 61 below his season average entering the contest. Hampton receiver Twarn Mixson caught seven passes for 72 yards. He was averaging 100 yards per game in the Pirates' fist five contests.
The Hornets still trailed 14-0 when freshman defensive back Logan Wescott intercepted a Watford pass and returned the ball 72 yards to the Hampton eight with 10:20 left in the fourth quarter. The interception was the first of Wescott's career and the fourth for the Hornets this season. The 72 yard interception return was the longest by a Hornet since Nick Williams ran 79 yards in 2012.
On DSU's first play after the pick, Rivera's attempted pitch to running back Kesselly Tyler was fumbled. Hampton's Oral Varcciann scooped up the ball and ran 83 yards to the endzone to give the Pirates a three-touchdown lead.
Seven players had at least one catch for the Hornets. Wide receiver Aris Scott had career-highs of seven receptions for 140 yards. The yardage total was the most by a DSU receiver since Milton Williams III had 179 on nine catches against Morgan State in 2013.
Hornet wideout Kamal Abrams had a season-high four catches for 23 yards, including a key fourth down reception in the first quarter.
Defensively, Rashawn Barrett led the Hornets with nine tackles (six solo), including 1.5 behind the line-of-scrimmage.
Terrick Colston was second on the team with eight tackles, including five unassisted.
JR Robinson had seven tackles, while Gabe Sherrod recorded six tackles, including a sack (-11).
The Pirates snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the MEAC. The Hornets fell to 0-5 and 0-2.
The Hornets are back in action next Saturday at Florida A&M. Game time is 3 p.m. in Tallahassee, Fla. DSU returns home Oct. 24 to face South Carolina State in the annual homecoming contest. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.
STINGERS
… Senior WR Morris Frasier had his first catch of the season (12 yds.). Frasier sat out the first two games due to a shoulder injury.
…Delaware State successfully converted an onsides kick to begin the game, but failed to score after recovering the ball at its 47-yard line.
