Murfreesboro, NC - Fayetteville State performed as expected in the opening series of its first game since Hurricane Florence. But after 60 minutes of football, the Bronco defense secured a 40-38 victory over Chowan for its first conference win of the season.
The last game FSU played was three weeks ago which includes two weeks of not being able to step on the football field.
"I am really proud of these guys," said Head Coach Richard Hayes. "To come out here and get this big win today says a lot about the testament of our guys."
Chowan jumped to an early 14-0 lead with 8:12 left in the first quarter. The Hawks potent offense ate up 63 yards on its opening drive to score after four plays in a minute and 44 seconds. Dominic Floyd scored on a 31-yard pass from Bryce Witt to open the game. Witt connected with Paul Gooden for the second score that capped a seven-play 86-yard drive.
Prior to the end of the first quarter, David Lamb nailed a 39-yard field goal with 2:12 left in the period.
After a change in direction, at the 14:06 mark in the second quarter, Brandon Person-Boyd hauled in a 58-yard touchdown pass from Collyn Anderson to close the gap to 14-10.
The one-two punch of Stevie Green and Donshel Jetton began to shed a little light before halftime. Green, who ran for a game-high 202 yards, scampered into the endzone twice to give FSU a 24-14 lead with 8:29 left in the half.
Chowan would tack on two touchdowns of its own before intermission for a 28-24 halftime lead.
Fayetteville State would answer the call after the break with a slick touchdown pass from Wide Receiver Jalen Gavin to Quarterback Collyn Anderson and a 31-28 lead.
The Hawks tied the game at 31 with a 39-yard field goal and took a 38-31 lead with 12:47 left in the game.
Jetton, who finished the game with 90 yards rushing on ten carries, walked into the endzone from eight yards out to even the game at 38-all.
After a long kickoff that pinned the Hawks on their 13-yard line. After a delay of game penalty, the Broncos defense blitzed for a sack in the endzone and a 40-38 lead with the safety.
With a minute left in the game, Chowan's Bryce Witt found Torry Baker in the middle of the field for a quick strike but the Broncos defense would come up with the football as Baker had the ball stripped by Alex Woods and landed in the waiting arms of Jerome Bentley.
Fayetteville State finished will face CIAA Southern Division foe Shaw University on next Saturday in the Durham County Stadium.
