Box Score RICHMOND, VA- The Chowan University football team suffered a 33-14 setback to the Virginia Union University Panthers on Saturday afternoon at Hovey Field. The Hawks slide to 4-3 overall on the season and move to 2-2 against CIAA opponents with an 0-2 divisional record after the loss. The Panthers improve to 6-1 on the season and remain perfect in league and divisional play with a 3-0 and 2-0 marks, respectively.
The Panthers struck first in the contest after Beymar Piraquive kicked a 20 yard field goal with 7:22 remaining in the first quarter. The Hawks were unable to answer back in their next possession, but forced a fumble on Stephan Robinson's punt return and successfully recoverd to shift the momentum in their favor. The play led to
Randall Dixon connecting with
Tyree Lee on a 25 yard touchdown pass to give the Hawks the lead.
Nick Hahula made good on the point after attempt to leave the Panthers trailing 7-3 with 3:41 remaining in the first quarter. Defense proved to be the key for both teams in the second quarter as the Hawks and Panthers were both held off the scoreboard.
Following Hahula's kickoff to start the second half, Hakeem Holland restored the lead to Virginia Union using a 79 yard touchdown run to put the Panthers back on top. Piraquive made good on the point after attempt, resulting in a 10-7 lead for Virginia Union with 14:39 remaining in the third quarter. The Panthers extended the advantage by scoring 23 unanswered points before the end of the third quarter to take a 33-7 lead over Chowan heading into the final quarter of the contest.
Tyree Lee ended the offensive drought for the Hawks at the start of the fourth quarter when his 35 yard touchdown run put Chowan on the board for the first time in the second half. The score capped a seven play, 67 yard drive for the Hawks. Hahula made the score 33-14 after making good on the point after attempt. The Hawks' defense kept the Panthers off the board for the remainder of the contest but Chowan was unable to overcome the deficit and suffered the 33-14 setback.
The Hawks were held to 186 offensive yards over the course of the afternoon. Dixon completed 16 of 33 pass attempts for a total of 191 yards. He connected with five different receivers in the loss including Lombard nine times for 135 yards and one touchdown and
Anthony Prince three times for 32 yards. Lee tallied 20 carries for 87 yards with one touchdown.
Demetrius Newberry totaled 11 tackles(seven solo, four assisted) on the afternoon while
Anthony Joffrion added eight tackles (seven solo, one assisted).
The Panthers accumulated 422 offensive yards on the day led by Holland with 16 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Shawheem Dowdy threw for 151 yards after completed 11 of 21 pass attempts. Chazton Mckenize had two receptions totaling 55 yards while Olu Izegwire hauled in six passes for 49 yards.
Paulin Miano led all defensive players in the game with 12 tackles (seven solo, five assisted) including 6.5 for loss (53 yards). Jospeh Blanks added nine tackles in the win (three solo, six assisted).
The Hawks return to action on October 24th when they host crosstown rival Elizabeth City State University in Garrison Stadium. Kick-off for the CIAA Northern Division match-up is slated for 1:00pm.
