CIAA: Elizabeth City State 37, Chowan 31

MURFREESBORO, N.C. — It took an extra quarter and a fourth down turnover but, Elizabeth City State University held on to defeat Chowan University 37-31 in overtime Saturday afternoon at Garrison Stadium.

After the first half combined for 13 points (ECSU led 10-3 at the intermission), the teams scored 49 points over the third and fourth quarters for 31-31 tie at the end of regulation. The Hawks won the coin toss but gave ECSU the first crack on offense from the 25 yard line in the sudden death overtime.

Three plays, a first down and a one yard rush by Petey Boone later, Tyrell Houghton found Javoris Bryant in the corner of the end zone from 14 yards out to break the tie, however the extra point flew wide right and ECSU clung to a 37-31 lead.

The Hawks began their do or die drive from the 25 yard line but the ECSU defense was staunch, yielding only a two yard rush on Chowan’s second play from scrimmage. After a third and goal pass attempt to Robert Holland fell incomplete the Hawks faced a final shot to tie and win with a successful extra point conversion.

On what turned out to be the final play of the game CU’s Ryan Simpson dropped back and fired a 23-yard strike to Antjuan Randall in the end zone. But while he was airborne the Vikings’ Lavonte Baker snatched the ball from Randall’s grasp for a game sealing interception, simultaneously spoiling the Hawks’ Homecoming.