WILSON, N.C. – The Chowan University football team came up just one touchdown shy in a 28–21 loss to Barton College on Saturday evening. The Hawks struck early, finding the end zone just three minutes into the contest, and continued to fight until the final buzzer. However, Barton was able to capitalize on key moments down the stretch to secure the win.

With the setback, Chowan moves to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in Conference Carolinas,  while Barton improves to 2-5 overall and 2-1 in league action.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 21 , Barton 28

RECORDS | Chowan (2-5, 1-2) | Barton (2-5, 2-1)

LOCATION | Wilson, N.C. (Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium)

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st Half:
Chowan opened the scoring as Maurice Smith broke free for a 16-yard rushing touchdown just three minutes into the contest, giving the Hawks an early 6-0 lead. The score held until midway through the second quarter when Barton responded with a touchdown at the 9:20 mark, converting the extra point to take a 7-6 advantage. 

The Hawks answered at 5:38 remaining in the half as Smith connected with Dezmond Randolph on a 15-yard touchdown pass. Jack Beylo added the extra point to put Chowan back in front, 13-7. However, Barton capitalized late, finding the end zone with under a minute left in the half to take a narrow 14-13 lead into the break.

2nd Half:

The third quarter opened with both teams trading possessions before Barton extended its lead with a touchdown at the 8:38 mark, pushing the score to 21-13. Despite two additional drives in the quarter, the Hawks were unable to convert.

Chowan found momentum in the fourth quarter when Smith hit Malique Frazier for an 8-yard touchdown at 8:38. The Hawks successfully executed a two-point conversion as Smith connected with Randolph, tying the game at 21-21. Barton reclaimed the lead with just two minutes remaining, aided by multiple first downs on a drive extended by four Chowan penalties. Trailing 28-21, NyJal "Jelly" Johnson led Chowan on their final drive, converting three first downs and completing a fourth-down pass to Jakobe Lane at the Barton 37-yard line, but a tackle forced a turnover on downs, sealing the game.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Chowan split quarterback duties between Maurice Smith and NyJal "Jelly" Johnson as each contributed through the air and on the ground. Smith completed 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns. Johnson went 11-for-25 through the air, totaling 196 yards.

In the pass game, Luke Krall led the way with two receptions for 107 yards, including a long gain of 66 yards. Dezmond Randolph and Jakobe Lane each recorded four catches, with Randolph posting 56 yards and a touchdown, and Lane finishing with 55 yards. Their longest receptions were 31 and 30 yards, respectively. Malique Frazier added one catch on the evening, an 8-yard touchdown grab.

For the run game, Jalen Razor paced the rushing attack with 33 yards on seven carries. Khamani Barnes added 17 yards on four attempts. Johnson and Smith also contributed, rushing for 29 and 30 yards, respectively, with Johnson carrying five times and Smith eight.

Defensively, Damarcus Carroll led the Hawks tying the game-high 12 tackles, including four solo stops and eight assists. Darryl Harris added seven tackles, while Malachi Howell and Jylon Council each tallied six, with Council recording a tackle for loss. Darian Whitaker turned in a standout effort with five tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. Jamall Browning also finished with five tackles and one tackle for loss.

On special teams, Laurence Wallace punted twice for a total of 83 yards. Jack Beylo connected on a field goal and recorded four kickoffs totaling 260 yards. In the return game, Romeo Felton and Jakobe Lane each had one return for gains of 19 and 17 yards, respectively.

UP NEXT

Chowan returns home to host UNC Pembroke in another conference matchup on Saturday, October 25th. Kick-off is slated for 6:00 PM in Garrison Stadium.