Box Score ROCKY MOUNT, NC - Despite career numbers by quarterback CJ Westler, the Hawks were stopped short at the 12th Annual Down East Viking Classic, losing with a final score of 35-30 to Elizabeth City State University. Westler dominated the Hawks offense, leading them to record setting numbers with 562 yards of total offense. Westler not only threw for a season-high 362 yards, he scrambled for a game-high 154 yards on 21 carries. But in the end it was the Vikings who had the final say in the game with the five-point victory. 

Chowan trailed 14-0 before putting points on the board in the second quarter. CJ Westler connected with Kevin Hodrick for an 11 yard strike with Cory Cline making good on the point after attempt to cut into the Vikings lead 14-7. After ECSU scored on their next possession Cline connected on a 32 yard field goal to get Chowan on the board again before halftime. The Vikings took a 21-10 lead into the halftime break. 

Westler capped off a 14 play drive to open the third quarter with a touchdown pass to Hodrick, this time from four yards out. The Hawks opted for the two-point conversion but it failed, giving ECSU a 21-16 lead. ECSU scored another touchdown at the end of the third quarter when Tashawn Lee completed a 45 yard pass to Casey Owens, making the score 28-16 to start the fourth quarter. Despite Westler's touchdown connections with Robert Holland and again with Hodrick in the final quarter, the Hawks ran out of time in their comeback attempt.

After today's loss the Hawks fall to 0-4 while the Vikings improve to 3-1 overall. Holland once again shined for the wide receiver core with 197 yards receiving on 12 catches. He also caught a touchdown pass from Westler in the game. Hodrick ended the game with three touchdown catches and 87 yards receiving on eight catches. 

Defensively the Hawks were led again this week by Jeremy Bednardz-Gray who tallied 5.5 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss. Jackey Moore totaled 4.5 tackles while Brendon Scott had 4 tackles with 2 sacks and 3 tackles for a loss. 

The Hawks will continue with their road schedule next week as they travel to CIAA Eastern Division member, Virginia Union University for a 1:00pm kick off.