MURFREESBORO, NC – Chowan football bid farewell to a 13-game losing streak that dated back to 2022 on Saturday, outlasting Mississippi College 27-25 on homecoming Saturday afternoon.
The Hawks’ triumph, which also marked the first for second-year coach Paul Johnson, elevated the Hawks to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Choctaws fell to 0-4 and 0-2.
The Hawks struck early, as quarterback Maurice Smith connected with Jakobe Lane for a 28-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter for a 7-0 edge. The momentum continued in the second quarter when Smith found Lane again for a 22-yard score, extending the lead to 14-0.
Mississippi College responded with a 44-yard field goal by Ben Pledger to make it 14-3. The Choctaws soon cut the lead to 14-10 after a 5-yard touchdown pass from Pete Zamora to Tyson Keys.
However, Chowan answered back with an impressive 75-yard drive, capped by a 37-yard touchdown reception from Gabrial Jackson. Just before halftime, Cameron Richardson provided a defensive spark by returning an interception 65 yards for a touchdown, giving Chowan a commanding 27-10 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Mississippi College attempted a comeback. Jackson Allen connected with Javier Batiste for a 20-yard touchdown, making it 27-17. The Choctaws also added a safety, trimming the score to 27-19. With under five minutes to go, Marcus Williams’ 21-yard touchdown run brought Mississippi College within two points, but Chowan held on for the 27-25 win.
Saturday marked Chowan’s first win since a 54-8 triumph over Elizabeth City State on Nov. 5, 2022. The following Saturday, the Hawks played in the CIAA championship game and lost a nailbiter to Fayetteville State 31-28 on a last-second field goal.
Coach Mark Hall departed after that game to take over UNC Pembroke’s program. Chowan went 0-10 last season and started this year 0-2 before getting into the win column this weekend.
Up Next: Chowan will travel to face Delta State on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. Delta State has been a top 25 team all season, providing a challenging test for the Hawks.
Chowan Leaders
- Maurice Smith (QB) – Passed for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns, completing 10 of 16 attempts.
- Jakobe Lane (WR) – Recorded 5 receptions for 80 yards, including 2 touchdowns.
- Jamison Davis (RB) – Led the ground game with 16 carries for 76 yards.
- Gabrial Jackson (WR) – Added 4 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
- Cameron Richardson (DB) – Made a key play with a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Scoring Summary
- 1st Quarter (3:27): Chowan – Maurice Smith threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Jakobe Lane (Matthew Conord kick). CHO 7-0
- 2nd Quarter (12:43): Chowan – Smith to Lane for a 22-yard touchdown (Conord kick). CHO 14-0
- 2nd Quarter (9:42): Mississippi College – Ben Pledger 44-yard field goal. CHO 14-3
- 2nd Quarter (4:35): Mississippi College – 5-yard touchdown pass from Pete Zamora to Tyson Keys (Pledger kick). CHO 14-10
- 2nd Quarter (1:53): Chowan – Smith threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Gabrial Jackson. CHO 20-10
- 2nd Quarter (1:08): Chowan – Cameron Richardson 65-yard interception return (Conord kick). CHO 27-10
- 4th Quarter (8:43): Mississippi College – 20-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Allen to Javier Batiste (Pledger kick). CHO 27-17
- 4th Quarter (7:39): Mississippi College – Safety. CHO 27-19
- 4th Quarter (4:48): Mississippi College – Marcus Williams 21-yard touchdown run. CHO 27-25
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