CULLOWHEE, NC - Despite losing tonight's season opening game to Western Carolina 42-0, the feeling around the field house after the game was not dreary. In fact it was just the opposite. The players and coaches alike were proud of their performance against the NCAA Division I-AA team, featuring two of the Southern Football Conference's top rushers and kick returners.
The Hawks held the ball for 32:16 of the 60 minute gridiron battle and put together some impressive drives, although none resulting in a score. Chowan gained 176 yards of offense to WCU's 381 total yards in the game. Sophomore QB Sam Williams gained 50 yards on the ground on 16 carries while Jack Ross grunted out 34 yards on 15 carries. Williams completed 8 out of 17 passes with 4 interceptions. Josh Floyd caught four of those eight completed passes for a total of 49 yards.
"This is a great springboard for our game against Union College," stated Coach Atkinson. "The speed of tonight's game will help us and put us in a better position to win on the 9th." Atkinson is speaking of their home season opener on September 9th when Union College comes to town for a 12:00n kick off.
