MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Chowan University football team fell to UNC Pembroke in a conference matchup on Saturday evening at Hawks Field. The Braves struck first on the scoreboard before the Hawks answered in the second quarter to narrow the gap. However, UNC Pembroke pulled away in the second half as Chowan struggled to regain momentum.

With the setback, Chowan moves to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in league play, while UNC Pembroke improves to 7-2 on the season and 4-1 in conference action.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 10 , UNC Pembroke 42

RECORDS | Chowan (2-6, 1-3) | UNC Pembroke (7-2, 4-1)

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

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half:
UNC Pembroke struck first, finding the end zone on a 9-yard rush at the 12:04 mark to take an early 7-0 lead. The Braves extended their advantage late in the first quarter with a 5-yard touchdown pass and successful extra point, carrying a 14-0 lead into the second quarter.

Chowan responded early in the second, as Jakobe Lane hauled in a 19-yard touchdown pass from NyJal "Jelly" Johnson, with Jack Beylo converting the extra point to make it 14-7. Both teams traded possessions before UNC Pembroke added another score on a one-yard quarterback sneak, pushing the lead to 21-7. The score held steady heading into halftime after a series of defensive stops from both sides.

Second Half:
UNC Pembroke opened the third quarter with possession but was held scoreless on their first drive. The Hawks pieced together a balanced attack of runs and passes, highlighted by a completion from Johnson to Dezmond Randolph down to the 14-yard line. After a brief setback on the next series, Beylo connected on a field goal to trim the deficit to 21-10. However, the Braves answered quickly, capping their next drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to extend their lead to 28-10.

At the start of the fourth quarter, UNC Pembroke added to their advantage with a 10-yard touchdown pass at the 12:21 mark to make it 35-10. The Braves would find the end zone once more late in the game to seal the 42-10 final score.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Chowan split quarterback duties between NyJal "Jelly" Johnson and Dominic Haney. Haney led the ground attack with 158 rushing yards and added 11 yards receiving, while Johnson went 4-for-16 through the air for 65 yards and a touchdown.

In the passing game, Jakobe Lane recorded a 19-yard touchdown reception, while Dezmond Randolph hauled in a 26-yard catch. Haney also contributed with a 9-yard reception to round out the Hawks effort.

On the ground, Javen Gooch broke off a 16-yard run, and Johnson added 32 yards on six carries, helping to sustain drives throughout the game.

Defensively, Darian Whitaker led the way with six solo tackles and a tackle for loss. Omari Kinsler followed closely with five tackles and an interception, while Darryl Harris and Isaiah Fulton each recorded five tackles and a tackle for loss. Justin Taylor added four tackles and a tackle for loss, and Chris Pierre made a key impact with two tackles and a sack for a nine-yard loss.

On special teams, Laurence Wallace punted four times for 108 total yards, with a long of 46 yards. Romeo Felton provided a spark in the return game with two returns for 50 yards, including a 36-yard long, while Khamani Barnes added an 11-yard return. Jack Beylo connected on a 34-yard field goal and totaled 120 yards on two kickoffs.

UP NEXT

Chowan will hit the road to Due West, S.C., to face Erskine College on Saturday, November 1, at 1:30 PM.