MURFREESBORO, NC- The Chowan University football team defeated Lincoln University (PA) 35-19 on Saturday afternoon.  Saturday's victory pulled the Hawks to 6-4 overall and 5-2 in CIAA play on the season.  The 2012 season is the first winning season for the Hawks since 1999 when the then-Braves posted a 5-4 mark.  This season is the most successful in terms of wins and conference finish since the school began its transition to a four year school in 1992. 

Saturday's game was Senior Day for 14 Hawks football players, and two CU Sapphires. Jobari Coleman-Wilson, Adrian Ferns, David Fulton, Brandon Harris, Bryan Harris, Sean Hampshire, Sherman Ratliff, Ethan Reedy, Elliot Smalls, Jake Thornton, Cornelius Tomlinson, Jermaine Wade, Nick Watts, and Hadji Woods were honored prior to the game, along with Jasmine Anderson and Shentaria Steward . 

Senior Elliot Smalls broke the single game rushing record with 200 rushing yards in the win.  The previous record was set by Jawarren Cowles in 2002 when he collected 197 rushing yards against Christopher Newport University.  Smalls rushed for two touchdowns on 24 carries averaging 8.3 yards per carry. 

Cameron Stover completed 15-26 passes to seven different receivers for a total of 153 yards and one touchdown pass. 
On the defensive side of the ball, TJ Batchelor had 10 tackles (seven solo, three assisted), two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a sack.

Chowan had a monster first quarter, scoring 28 of their 35 points while shutting out the Lions' offense. After forcing Lincoln (PA) to go three and out on their opening possession, the Hawks struck first on a two play 45 yard drive.  Cameron Stover connected with Ryon Martin on a 30 yard pass to the Lincoln (PA) 15.  The very next play, Elliot Smalls rushed for 15 yards for a Hawks' touchdown.  Alex Noboa made good on the point after attempt giving the Hawks a 7-0 advantage. 

Lincoln (PA) moved the ball down the field using the run and the pass to end up with 1^st and goal on Chowan's two yard line.  With 2^nd goal, TJ Batchelor forced a Lions' fumble that was recovered that was recovered by Brandon Harris at the Chowan three.  The Hawks took advantage of the momentum shift using a mixed offensive attack resulting in a one yard touchdown rush by Cameron Stover.  The 97 yard, nine play drive put the Hawks up 13-0 early in the contest.  Noboa made good on the point after attempt to give the Hawks a 14-0 lead. 

Lincoln's next possession resulted in a turnover on downs giving the ball back to the Hawks who started on their own 18 yard line.  On 2^nd and 10, Cameron Stover rushed for 17 yards to the Hawks a first down at the CU 35.  Two plays later Elliot Smalls rushed for 64 yards for a touchdown.  Smalls' 64 yard run was his season long.  Noboa made good on the point after attempt and the Hawks pulled away 21-0. 

Lincoln (PA) started the next drive on their own 30 yard line.  A tackle for loss and sack from TJ Batchelor pushed the Lions back to the 18.  Lincoln (PA) attempted to pick up the first down despite being 4^th and 22 deep in their own territory.  A Lion fumble on the five yard line resulted in a turnover on downs, setting up the Hawks for a one play touchdown drive. 

With the ball on the Lincoln three thanks to an offside penalty, senior Jermaine Wade put the Hawks up 27-0 with a three yard rushing touchdown.  Noboa made good on the point after attempt to give the Hawks a commanding 28-0 advantage with 2:49 left to play in the first quarter.

The Lion's quarterback Doug Cook tossed a 38 yard touchdown pass to Phil Jean-Justo to put Lincoln (PA) on the board. Kyle Jaski made good on the point after attempt to make the score 28-7.
 
The Hawks headed to the locker room at halftime with the 28-7 lead. 

Robin Hoey, Al Pierce, Johnny Warren, Jeff Whitaker, and Spencer White were recognized at halftime as the 2012 Jim Garrison Hall of Fame inductees.  To read more about each inductee click HERE. 

The Hawks and Lions exchanged field positions throughout the third quarter.  With 3:19 left in the quarter and the ball on the Chowan 27, the Hawks moved 73 yards down the field in just over two minutes to set up Stover's six yard touchdown pass to Antjuan Randall.  Noboa made good on the point after attempt allowing the Hawks to move ahead 35-7 with 1:02 left in the quarter. 

With 9:47 remaining in the game, Tyahir Mitchell blocked Noboa's field goal attempt. Chowan's Coleman-Wilson recovered the ball.  Lincoln (PA) took over at their own 23 yard line and Doug Cook hurled a 77 yard touchdown pass to Ivan Mitchell to make the score 35-13.  Jaski's point after attempt failed. 

With the ball on the Chowan 37, a Hawks' fumble was scooped up Kenny Johsnon and returned 25 yards to the end zone.  The Lions went for two, and failed in the attempt. 

The Hawks close out the 2012 season with a 35-19 win over the Lions.  Chowan finishes the year with a 6-4 overall record and 5-2 record in league play.  Predicted to finish 5^th in the CIAA North, the Hawks continued their rise in the conference with a 2^nd place finish in the Northern Division.  The Lions finish 1-9 on the season and 1-6 in CIAA play.