TIGERVILLE, S.C. – The Chowan University football team took down undefeated #15 North Greenville University in a commanding 16-13 win on Saturday afternoon. The victory marks the first for the Hawks in the NCAA Division II era against a ranked opponent. The win also moves Chowan to first in the conference standings among the six other competing teams. The Hawks remain the only team still undefeated in conference play.
After a scoreless first quarter following a solid defensive effort by the Chowan defense, the Hawks broke through first in the second quarter as Tyler Adkins found Dezmond Randolph in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown. Swanson converted a 34-yard field goal before halftime to put Chowan up 9-0. The Chowan defense made critical stops throughout the half, limiting North Greenville's scoring opportunities and keeping the Trailblazer's off the scoreboard.
Adkins found Amir Alexander for a five-yard touchdown in the third quarter to extend the lead to 16-0. North Greenville made a late push, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a defensive touchdown, but it would not be enough to overcome the Hawks as Chowan secured the 16-13 victory.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 16, #15 North Greenville 13
RECORDS | Chowan (3-3, 2-0 CC), North Greenville (5-1, 2-1 CC)
LOCATION | Tigerville, S.C. (Younts Stadium)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams opened the game with strong defensive efforts. North Greenville moved into Chowan territory on its opening possession, but the Hawks held them to a missed 27-yard field goal attempt. Chowan also threatened to score on its first drive, advancing to the North Greenville 15-yard line before the Trailblazers' defense came up with a fourth-down sack to force a turnover on downs.
The Hawks continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, putting together a nine-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in the first points of the afternoon. Adkins connected with Randolph for a 13-yard touchdown with 9:09 remaining in the half. Chowan's defense continued to hold North Greenville scoreless, and the Hawks added to their advantage just before the break when Riley Swanson converted a 34-yard field goal with five seconds remaining to make it 9-0 at halftime.
Chowan extended the lead in the third quarter after the defense came up with a key takeaway. Zachary Jones intercepted a North Greenville pass and returned it 32 yards to the Trailblazers' 40-yard line. The Hawks capitalized on the turnover with a seven-play, 40-yard drive, capped by a five-yard touchdown pass from Adkins to Alexander. Swanson added the extra point to give Chowan a 16-0 advantage with 9:16 remaining in the third quarter.
North Greenville would reach the end zone early in the fourth quarter, putting together a 69-yard drive that ended with a 22-yard touchdown pass. The Trailblazers' two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Chowan ahead 16-6.
The Hawks' defense continued to answer, forcing North Greenville to turn the ball over on downs on their next possession. North Greenville recovered a fumble and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown with 2:35 remaining. The Trailblazers converted the extra point to pull within three, 16-13.
With the game hanging in the balance, Chowan worked their way into North Greenville territory on its ensuing possession. Lane Roberts carried the ball on four consecutive plays as the Hawks attempted to run down the clock, reaching the Trailblazers' 33-yard line. North Greenville's defense held on fourth down, returning possession back to them with 26 seconds remaining.
North Greenville made one final push, moving the ball to their own 48-yard line as time expired. The Hawks held on to secure the 16-13 victory over the nationally ranked Trailblazers.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Offense
Chowan finished with 245 yards of total offense, including 171 passing yards and 74 rushing yards, while recording 17 first downs. The Hawks converted five of 14 third-down attempts and controlled possession for 34:19.
Adkins completed 16-of-20 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. He connected with five different receivers throughout the afternoon.
Alexander led the receiving corps with five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. His performance included a 48-yard reception, and he capped Chowan's scoring with the five-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Randolph added three receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown, including the 13-yard scoring reception that opened the scoring in the second quarter. James Williams also recorded five receptions for 39 yards, while Terrell Jackson contributed two catches for 12 yards.
Timothy Baker Jr. led the ground game with 72 yards on 27 carries, averaging 2.7 yards per attempt with a long of 15 yards. Lane Roberts added eight rushing yards on five carries, while Treshawn Blair contributed two yards on one attempt.
Defense
The Hawks' defense limited North Greenville to 177 yards of total offense, including 117 passing yards and 60 rushing yards. Chowan held North Greenville to 11 first downs and forced a turnover through the air.
Whitaker led the defensive effort with a career-high 13 tackles, including seven solo stops and six assisted tackles. He also recorded two tackles for loss for four yards.
Greg Lott followed with nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and half a sack. Darryl Harris added five tackles, while Jerrel Howard and Malachi Howell each finished with four tackles. Howell also recorded a tackle for loss.
Tayshawn Benson contributed three tackles, including a nine-yard sack, and Zachary Jones recorded two tackles and an interception. Jones returned the interception 32 yards in the third quarter, setting up the Hawks' second touchdown of the afternoon.
Chowan finished with two sacks and limited North Greenville to 12 completions on 26 passing attempts.
Special Teams
Swanson converted a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter and added the extra point following Chowan's third-quarter touchdown. He finished with four kickoffs for 158 yards.
Laurence Wallace handled the punting duties, recording five punts for 193 yards and averaging 38.6 yards per punt. His longest punt traveled 56 yards.
UP NEXT
The Hawks return home to host Erskine College on Saturday, October 17, at Garrison Stadium. The contest will serve as Chowan's Homecoming game, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM.
