Sept. 27, 2008
Final Stats
Petersburg, VA - The Fayetteville State Broncos pick up a 23-13 win and their second consecutive conference victory over Virginia State University on Saturday night from Rogers Stadium on the campus of VSU. FSU improves to 4-1 in the overall standings and 2-0 in the CIAA.
Despite earning more first downs than the Trojans (21-16) and total offensive yards (411-324); this was no easy victory for FSU. The first quarter came to a close with both teams scoreless. Fayetteville State put together a nine play, 58-yard drive at the start of the second. Freshman place kicker Bryant Conner nailed a 27-yard field goal to move the Broncos ahead 3-0.
VSU's offense woke up on the ensuing drive. Tailback Taron Hampton capped off the Trojans' series with a six-yard touchdown run. The score gave VSU a 7-3 lead with 9:47 remaining in the first half.
The running tandem of sophomore Richard Medlin and junior Calvin Harris carried the bulk of the load on the Broncos' next scoring drive. Harris broke a run for 17 yards to pick up the first down and get FSU closer to the goal line. Medlin punched in the touchdown from the one yard line and gave Fayetteville State a 10-7 advantage.
Just before the end of the first half, VSU's Hampton dashed up field for 56 yards. With the ball on the FSU 24, Trojan quarterback Leonard Johnson attempted a pass to the right side of the field that was intercepted by junior cornerback Monte' Summerville. Summerville's interception prevented Virginia State from scoring and allowed the Broncos to go into the locker room at halftime up 10-7.
VSU drove downfield after the half and tied the score with a 35-yard field goal by place kicker Justin Parker. Medlin had a 27-yard kickoff return to put the Broncos on the VSU 39. Senior quarterback Bryan Hardy found Harris for a 21-yard touchdown reception. Harris' leaped into the end zone to give FSU a 17-10 lead with 6:15 left in the third quarter.
The Trojans trailed 17-13 after a drive that produced a 46-yard field goal. FSU offensive coordinator Connell Maynor orchestrated a 14 play, 99-yard drive that broke the Trojans' back. Sophomore center Dillon Kestner and freshman offensive guard Larry McDonald were instrumental in providing protection and opening holes on the long series. Harris and Medlin both escaped for big gains a halfback draw to convert for a first down and keep the drive moving.
Medlin crossed the goal line for his second touchdown and the final score of the contest. Conner missed the extra point, which accounted for the 23-13 final.
Harris finished with a team-high 116 rushing yards on 17 carries and one receiving TD. Medlin produced 71 yards on the ground off 18 attempts, including two rushing touchdowns. Hardy completed 14-of-22 passes thrown for 173 yards and a TD. Senior linebacker Terrel Allen was a true defensive presence with a team-high eight tackles, a sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Broncos return home to face Chowan University on Saturday, October 4th. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm from Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. For more information, please visit www.fsubroncos.com.
