LIVINGSTON, AL. – The Chowan University football team battled against non-conference Gulf South Conference opponent West Alabama on Saturday evening. The Hawks put together a strong second-half response against No. 24 West Alabama, scoring 20 unanswered offensive points and pulling within three in the fourth quarter before the nationally ranked Tigers held on for a 29-26 decision at Tiger Stadium.
After trailing 27-6 at halftime, the Hawks held West Alabama scoreless offensively throughout the second half while Tyler Adkins threw three touchdown passes to lead the comeback effort. Chowan outgained the Tigers 352-316 in total offense as they clawed their way back into the game.
Chowan's defense played a key role in leading the comeback, holding the Tigers scoreless offensively throughout the second half and repeatedly putting the ball back in the hands of the Hawks' offense. Chowan finished with six tackles for loss and three sacks while limiting West Alabama to 159 passing yards. Malachi Howell led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks as the Hawks' defense helped create an opportunity to tie the game in the closing seconds.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 26, #24 West Alabama 29
RECORDS | Chowan (2-3, 1-0 CC), West Alabama (5-1)
LOCATION | Livingston, Ala. (Tiger Stadium)
HOW IT HAPPENED
West Alabama opened the scoring on their first possession using a 40-yard drive to score a two-yard rushing touchdown.
The Tigers added a 37-yard field goal on their next possession to extend the lead to 10-0, but the Chowan defense quickly provided an answer.
On West Alabama's first play of its ensuing drive, Tayshawn Benson forced a Tiger fumble in the backfield. Altiziano Edwards recovered the loose ball at the West Alabama 29-yard line and returned it all the way to the end zone, putting the Hawks on the board at 10-6 with 5:13 remaining in the opening quarter.
West Alabama responded with a 15-yard touchdown pass to take a 17-6 advantage.
The Tigers added to their lead in the second quarter with a 44-yard field goal, finding the end zone again before the half on a one-yard rush. This would bring the score to 27-6 into the break.
Chowan came out of halftime looking to cut into the deficit. After West Alabama missed a 50-yard field goal, the Hawks put together a nine-play, 68-yard scoring drive. Adkins connected with Dezmond Randolph for gains of 25 and 17 yards during the possession before finding Terrell Jackson for a seven-yard touchdown. Riley Swanson converted the extra point to make it 27-13 with 5:58 remaining in the third quarter.
The Chowan defense followed by forcing a three-and-out, giving the Hawks possession at their own four-yard line.
The Hawks responded with their longest drive of the afternoon. 96 yards on 23 plays while taking 10:43 off the clock. The Hawks converted multiple fourth downs to keep the possession alive before Adkins connected with Randolph for a 20-yard touchdown on 4th and 10. Swanson's extra point pulled Chowan within seven, 27-20, with 8:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Hawks' defense came through again on West Alabama's next possession. Malachi Howell and Jayden Acevedo combined for a sack on fourth down, giving Chowan possession at midfield with 5:50 remaining.
Adkins and the Hawks needed just four plays to capitalize on the stop. The quarterback connected with Jackson for 27 yards to move the ball to the West Alabama 23 before finding Randolph for another seven yards. Adkins then connected with James Williams for a 16-yard touchdown, pulling Chowan within one at 27-26 with 4:01 remaining.
West Alabama blocked the ensuing extra-point attempt returning the loose ball for a defensive two-point conversion, moving the Tigers' advantage to 29-26.
Chowan's defense responded once again, forcing a three-and-out to give the Hawks one final possession with 2:15 remaining.
Starting at their own 35-yard line, the Hawks moved into West Alabama territory. Adkins connected with Randolph for 24 yards on 4th and 10 to keep the drive alive before Swanson attempted a 48-yard field-goal attempt with 13 seconds left on the clock.
West Alabama would regain possession and secure the 29-26 win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Offense
The Hawks produced 266 yards through the air and 86 on the ground while recording 20 first downs.
Adkins led the offense, completing 21-of-42 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the Chowan rushing attack with 48 yards on seven carries, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt with a long of 11 yards.
Randolph turned in another 100-yard receiving performance, hauling in six receptions for a game-high 115 yards and a touchdown. His afternoon was highlighted by a 44-yard reception and the 20-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that brought Chowan within seven.
Jackson added five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, including a 27-yard reception that helped set up Chowan's final touchdown of the afternoon.
Williams hauled in two passes for 28 yards, including the 16-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that pulled the Hawks within one.
Amir Alexander finished with three receptions for 24 yards, while Luke Krall added a 21-yard reception. Timothy Baker Jr. contributed 32 rushing yards on 15 carries while adding an 11-yard reception.
Defense
Howell led the defensive effort with a game-high 10 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also recorded two quarterback hurries and helped produce the fourth-down sack that gave Chowan possession at midfield late in the fourth quarter.
Darian Whitaker followed with nine tackles and a quarterback hurry, while Cameron Richardson, Darryl Harris, Marcus Baker and Greg Lott each finished with six tackles.
Benson contributed four tackles, including a tackle for loss, and produced one of Chowan's biggest plays of the afternoon when he forced the first-quarter fumble that Edwards recovered and returned 29 yards for a touchdown.
Edwards finished with four tackles in addition to his fumble recovery touchdown, while Demontre Adams and Jalen Britton each contributed half a sack.
Special Teams
Swanson converted both of his successful extra-point attempts and handled five kickoffs for 238 yards.
Laurence Wallace handled the punting duties for Chowan, recording three punts for 130 yards and averaging 43.3 yards per punt. Wallace posted a long of 47 yards and placed one punt inside the West Alabama 20-yard line.
James Williams recorded two kickoff returns for 34 yards, while Nizaya Hall added a 20-yard return and Khamani Barnes recorded a 14-yard return.
UP NEXT
The Hawks return to Conference Carolinas action on Saturday, October 10, as they travel to Tigerville, S.C., to take on North Greenville University at Younts Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
