MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Chowan football team celebrated their first victory since November 5, 2022, against Elizabeth City State University, securing an impressive win over Mississippi College on Saturday afternoon. Saturday's win elevates the Hawks to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Mississippi College falls to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in conference.

With the victory over Mississippi College, Head Coach Paul Johnson achieved a significant milestone, earning his first-ever win as a college head coach. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

In a hard-fought matchup on Saturday afternoon, the Chowan football team edged out Mississippi College with a nail-biting 27-25 victory, marking a significant moment for the Hawks and Head Coach Paul Johnson, who celebrated his first win as a college head coach.

The game began with an explosive start for Chowan, as quarterback Maurice Smith connected with Jakobe Lane for a 28-yard touchdown pass just under four minutes into the first quarter. Kicker Matthew Conord added the extra point, putting the Hawks ahead 7-0.

In the second quarter, Chowan continued to build momentum, with Smith finding Lane again for a 22-yard touchdown reception, extending the lead to 14-0. Mississippi College responded with a 44-yard field goal from Ben Pledger, narrowing the gap to 14-3. As the quarter progressed, the Choctaws made a push, scoring on a 5-yard pass from Pete Zamora to Tyson Keys, bringing the score to 14-10.

Chowan quickly retaliated, executing a 75-yard drive capped off by a stunning 37-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Gabrial Jackson, pushing the Hawks' lead to 20-10. Just before halftime, Chowan's defense made a game-changing play, as Cameron Richardson intercepted a pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown, increasing the lead to 27-10 after Conord's successful kick.

In the 4th quarter, the Choctaws scored a touchdown with a 20-yard pass from Jackson Allen to Javier Batiste, trimming the deficit to 27-17. Shortly after, Mississippi College capitalized on a safety to bring the score to 19-27.

With just under five minutes remaining, the Choctaws struck again, as Marcus Williams rushed for a 21-yard touchdown. The score tightened to 25-27, putting pressure on the Hawks as the clock wound down.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 27, Mississippi College 25

RECORDS | Chowan 1-2, Mississippi College 0-4

LOCATION | Murfreesboro, N.C. (Garrison Stadium)

Chowan's Maurice Smith, threw for 176 yards. Chowan's passing game saw Smith connect on 10 of 16 attempts. 

Leading the charge was Jamison Davis, who had 16 carries for 76 yards. Maurice Smith also made significant contributions, taking 13 carries for 35 yards. Gabrial Jackson racked up 4 receptions for 84 yards, including a touchdown. Jakobe Lane was the standout receiver of the day, making a statement with 5 receptions for 80 yards and not one, but two touchdowns.

UP NEXT

Chowan will hit the road on Saturday, October 5th for an away game against Delta State at 7:00 PM.