WISE, VA. – The Chowan University football team earned their first victory of the season on Saturday evening, defeating UVA Wise 24-20 in a non-conference road contest at Carl Smith Stadium.
The Hawks came out strong defensively, forcing UVA Wise to punt on their opening possession after Cameron Richardson and Darian Whitaker combined for a sack that resulted in a 15-yard loss.
Chowan quickly capitalized on the field position, as Tyler Adkins connected with Amir Alexander for a 53-yard touchdown at the 12:43 mark of the first quarter. Riley Swanson converted the extra point to give the Hawks an early 7-0 lead.
Chowan extended its advantage later in the quarter when Adkins found Treshawn Blair for a touchdown with 5:14 remaining, pushing the Hawks ahead 14-0 following another successful extra point from Swanson.
The Hawks added to their lead early in the second quarter when James Williams rushed six yards into the end zone for a touchdown with 14:14 remaining. Swanson's extra point made it 21-0 in favor of Chowan.
UVA Wise battled back, but the Hawks responded with a key defensive play in the third quarter. Makai Dorn intercepted a pass to give Chowan possession and set up a lengthy drive. The drive resulted in three more points, as Swanson connected on a 33-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining in the third quarter to give the Hawks a 24-20 advantage.
The fourth quarter remained scoreless, allowing Chowan to hold on for the 24-20 victory and improve to 1-1 on the season.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 24, UVA Wise 20
RECORDS | Chowan (1-1 ) | UVA Wise (0-2)
LOCATION | Wise, Va. (Carl Smith Stadium )
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Offense
Adkins completed 23-35 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. His longest completion came on Chowan's opening touchdown, a 53-yard connection with Alexander. Adkins also added 45 rushing yards.
Treshawn Blair led the Hawks' rushing attack with 13 carries, while Khamnai Barnes recorded 27 yards on six carries.
Alexander led the receiving corps with 11 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown. Terrell Jackson added two receptions for 58 yards, while Williams recorded three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Blair finished with four receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown, while Dareon Ripley had two receptions for 10 yards and Luke Foster added one reception for eight yards.
Defense
Darryl Harris and Greg Lott led the Chowan defense with eight tackles apiece. Harris recorded four solo tackles, four assisted tackles and a pass breakup, while Lott finished with five solo tackles and three assisted tackles.
Whitaker added seven total tackles, including one solo and six assisted, along with 1.5 tackles for loss totaling nine yards and 0.5 sacks for an eight-yard loss.
Nolan Lee recorded five tackles, while Justin Taylor, Jimmy Lacy and Jayden Acevedo each finished with four tackles. Taylor and Lacy also recorded a pass breakup apiece.
Richardson, Jylon Council, Jerrel Howard, Tayshawn Benson and Demontre Adams each recorded three tackles. Richardson also added a sack, while Malachi Howell recorded a sack for a loss of 16 yards and Leland Beckford added a sack.
Dorn recorded an interception and a pass breakup.
Special Teams
Laurence Wallace handled punting duties for the Hawks, recording five punts for 229 yards with a long of 55 yards.
Swanson connected on a 33-yard field goal and converted all three of his extra-point attempts. He also recorded five kickoffs for 285 yards, averaging 57 yards per kickoff.
UP NEXT
Chowan returns home for their first home game of the season on Saturday, September 12, hosting Virginia Union at Garrison Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM and will serve as the Military & First Responders Game and Brave Hawks Club Day.
All current military personnel, veterans and first responders are encouraged to attend, along with current Brave Hawks Club members and those interested in joining the Brave Hawks Club.
