Staten Island, N.Y. (Oct. 2, 2021) --- Delaware State overcame an early 14-point deficit and some late game frustrations to rally for a 33-27 double-overtime victory at Wagner this evening.
The Hornets scored the game-winning points on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Jared Lewis to Trey Gross on DSU's second overtime possession. Delaware State failed to connect on the required two-point attempt after the touchdown.
On Wagner's second overtime possession, the Hornets were slapped with a pass interference penalty on a second-and-19 play for the Seahawks, giving the home team a first down at the DSU 14. The Delaware State defense overcame the penalty by holding Wagner to minus-two yards on the next four plays, including a fourth down sack by defensive back Andrew Reese, setting off a celebration on the DSU sideline.
The score was 27-27 at the end of regulation.
The Hornet defense also came up big on the first overtime possession when Esaias Guthrie intercepted his fourth pass of the season to keep Wagner off the board.
The Hornets had an opportunity to win the game on their ensuing overtime possession, but a missed field goal to force the second overtime series.
The contest started out in shocking fashion for Delaware State, which gave up a touchdown on the game's first play from scrimmage on a 74-yard pass and run from Alexis Guenson to Naiem Simmons, giving Wagner a 7-0 lead just 17 seconds into the game.
The Seahawks stretched their lead to 14-0 on a one yard run by Ricky Spruill with 14:21 left in the second quarter.
Delaware State began its comeback when Kwannah Kollie, playing near his Staten Island home, returned the ensuing kickoff 72 yards to the Wagner 19. The kickoff return was Kollie's second of more than 50 yards this season. Two plays after the big return Sy'Veon Wilkerson scored a 13-yard touchdown run  with 13:36 left in the second quarter. The extra point kick by Jake Bridel cut the Seahawks' lead to 14-7. 
Wilkerson ran for a career high 169 on 40 carries, setting a new DSU record for rushing attempts in a game.
Wagner scored a late second quarter touchdown on a 39 yard pass from Guenson to Julian Jordan to open up a 20-7 lead at the half.
The Hornets scored back-to-back touchdowns to even the score early in the fourth quarter.
Lewis and Gross connected for their first touchdown of the game on a 26-yard pass to pull to within 20-13 with 8:04 left in the third quarter. Gross had five catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns, giving him for his career.   
Lewis hooked up with tight end Myles Beverly on a five-yard scoring pass to tie the game at 20 with 11:38 left in regulation.
The Hornets took the lead for the first time in the game after an interception by Rommel Harris-Freeman on the ensuing Wagner possession. Two plays after the pick, Lewis found Kollie in the endzone to put DSU ahead. The extra point kick by Bridel gave Delaware State a 27-20 lead with 9:35 left in regulation.
Wagner evened the game again on a 22-yard fourth down touchdown pass from LeShane Taylor with 6:18 left in the fourth quarter.
Lewis completed 16 of 26 passes for 169 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
Delaware State snapped a three-game skid to improve to 2-3 this season, while Wagner fell to 0-5. The Hornets also defeated a non-conference FCS opponent for the first time since a 2012 vs. VMI, a string of 15 games.
The Hornets will look for their second win in row at home against Virginia Lynchburg next Sat. (Oct. 9). Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.