MURFREESBORO, N.C. –The Chowan University football team brought in the 2025 season with a 28-14 win against Elizabeth City State on Saturday evening. Saturday's win elevates the Hawks to 1-0 overall, while Elizabeth City State falls to 0-1. 

The Hawks used a balanced attack through the air and on the ground to amass 426 yards of total offense en route to the season opening win. 

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 28, Elizabeth City State 14

RECORDS | Chowan 1-0, Elizabeth City State 0-1

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

Chowan's Maurice Smith, threw for 287 yards, completing 22 of 33 passes. He connected on one touchdown through the air and also caught a touchdown pass on a trick play from Jakobe Lane. Rodney Green caught two passes for 84 yards to lead the Hawks wide receiver core. Dominic Haney caught a team-high six passes for 58 yards. 

Jalen Razor paced the Hawks ground attack with 10 carries and 52 yards with a touchdown score. Jamison Davis also scored a touchdown out of the backfield. 

Defensively for the Hawks, Justin Taylor led the way with 6 total tackles while teammates Jaden Leonard and Darryl Harris tallied five tackles each. Isaiah Fulton had four tackles, a tackle for a loss, and an interception with a 17 yard return. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Half: 

Chowan came out strong after winning the coin toss, choosing to start the game receiving. The Hawks put together a balanced drive led by quarterback Maurice Smith, who completed a 30-yard pass to Dominic Haney and a key 20-yard strike to Dezmond Randolph. Jamison Davis added  a 7-yard touchdown run, and a successful two-point conversion gave Chowan an early 8-0 lead.

Elizabeth City State reached the Chowan 2-yard line on their next drive but was stopped on 4th down as the Hawks' defense held them off to gain back possession of the ball. Chowan ended the quarter in ECSU territory, controlling the tempo on both sides of the ball.

Chowan opened the second quarter looking to continue to build on the early momentum they gained. The Hawks put together a strong11-play drive that consisted of solid runs from Jamison Davis and a key 14-yard reception by Malique Frazier. ECSU would respond to Chowan's early lead by scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 14-8 lead late into the second quarter. 

A late offensive possession gave the Hawks a chance to respond, as Davis broke off an 11-yard run from deep in Chowan territory. However, penalties and limited time snuffed out the drive, sending Chowan into halftime down 14-8. 

Second Half:

The second half belonged to the Hawks. Chowan's defense shut ECSU's offense out in the final two quarters of play while the offense added 20 points to the board, including two fourth quarter scores to bolster the lead and get the eventual 28-14 season opening win. 

UP NEXT

Chowan will host West Alabama in a non-conference match-up on Saturday, September 6. Kick-off is slated for 1pm at Garrison Stadium.