2016 DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL — GAME 1
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY “HORNETS” VS.
DELAWARE “FIGHTIN' BLUE HENS”
THU., SEP. 1, 2016 (7 p.m.)
DELAWARE STADIUM “TUBBY RAYMOND FIELD” (22,000) - NEWARK, DEL.
STREAMING AUDIO: HERITAGE SPORTS RADIO NETWORK (HSRN.COM)
Delaware State: 0-0; 1-10/1-7 MEAC in 2015
Delaware: 0-0; 4-7/3-5 CAA in 2015
Live Audio Streaming: HSRN (HSRN.com)
Live Video Streaming: BlueHens.com
Live Stats: BlueHens.com
THE GAME
Delaware State kicks off the 2016 season at Delaware in the renewal of the “First State Rivalry.” Second-year Hornet head coach Kenny Carter returns just 33 lettermen (14 starters) from his 2015 squad, which posted a 1-10 overall record and was tied with three other teams for eighth in the MEAC with a 1-7 league mark.
Entering this week's opener, Carter has stated that he plans to play both Kobie Lain (so.) and San Bernardino Junior College transfer Daniel Epperson (jr.) at quarterback, although he has not indicated which one will start.
In the backfield, speedster Brycen Alleyne (so.) is the Hornets' top returning
runner with 249 yards and three touchdowns last season. Alleyne also had 16 receptions for 132 yards and led the Hornets with 481 kickoff return yards (1 TD). The Hornet running game is also expected to be bolstered by the addition of former Philadelphia HS star Mike Waters (fr.) at halfback. Waters rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 51 touchdowns at Imhotep Charter before signing with DSU.
Veteran Aris Scott (sr.), Jerimiah Williams (jr.) and newcomers Mason Rutherford (jr.) and Fatu Sua-Godinet (fr.) highlight the receiving corps. Scott was fourth in the MEAC in receiving yards (62.1 pg) and fifth in receptions (4.2 pg) as a junior in 2015.
On the front line, four-year starter Ernest Mengoni (sr.) leads the way at center, while guard Chuka Ezeuzoh (so.) is a preseason All-MEAC Third Team selection.
The Hornet defense is highlighted by a solid linebacker corps. Inside backer Malik Harris (jr.) is a preseason All-MEAC selection, while Rashawn Barrett , Kameron Rogers (jr.) and newcomers Garfield Heslop (jr.) and Brian Cavicante (fr.) are expected to be major contributors this season.
On the defensive front, tackle Javon Barnes (so.), along with ends Abdul-Kamal Ajelero and (so.) and Nick Nelson (sr.) are the key returners.
Cornerback Gary Melton (sr.) and strong safety Logan Wescott (so.) headline the
secondary
The Hornets return placekicker Wisdom Nzidee (so.), while newcomer Fidel Romo-Martinez (fr.) is the new punter.
THE SERIES (Delaware leads 6-0)
This will be the seventh meeting between the state's two Division I teams. Each game has been played at Delaware Stadium. The Hens have won the previous meetings by a combined score of 223-68. Delaware won the last contest 27-9 on Sunday Sep. 7, 2014. The game was originally scheduled for the previous day, but was postponed due to severe thunder and lightning storms. When the game was played, Jalen Randolph rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Hens. UD quarterback Trent Hurley completed 17-of-21 passes for 172 yards, while the Blue Hen defense contributed four sacks to the win. Delaware State RB Malcolm Williams rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, DSU's first 100-yard game against the Hens. Hornet wide receiver Milton Williams III had four receptions for 90 yards, highlighted by spectacular 38-and-41 yard catches. Delaware won the total yardage battle, 450-325. The Hens rushed for 278 yards and tallied 172 passing. Delaware State had the advantage in time of possession 35:27-to-24:33.Gilbert Rivera, a senior on the 2016 Hornets, was Delaware State's starting quarterback in the 2014 UD contest. Rivera completed 15-of-22 passes for 171 yards. The Hornets have passed for 810 yards in the last three games against the Hens. Delaware State has yet to hold a lead in the series with the Hens. This also marks the second time that the Hornets have opened a season at Delaware. UD's 42-21 victory over DSU in 2013 was also the season opener for both teams.
