Sept. 30, 2006
Final Stats
NEWBERRY, SC- In the first ever meeting between the two teams, the Newberry College Indians defeated the Elizabeth City State University Vikings 49-33.
Newberry, who entered the game averaging 32.7 points per game, stay a perfect 4-0 while ECSU suffers its first loss of 2006 falling to 3-1.
Newberry took an early two touchdown lead in the first quarter with the first coming on the Indian's first play from scrimmage on a 79-yard touchdown run by Kelton Tindall. On their ensuing possession, senior quarterback Josh Stepp rushed for a 15-yard score to cap a 10-play, 72 yard drive. The Vikings finally got the board in the 2nd quarter when Curtis Rich, Jr. connected with Chris Carter for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 7:53 remaining in the half. The score remained at 14-6 due to a blocked extra point attempt by the Indians.
The Indians would strike again with 4:41 remaining in the half on a 2-yard touchdown run by Alex Haynes. Then blocked punt attempt set a 5-yard scoring pass from Stepp to Charles Brandon for a 28-6 halftime lead in favor of the Indians. For the half the Vikings struggled offensively accumulating just 81 yards of total offense and going 0-7 on 3rd down conversions. Just the opposite the Indians rolled up 269 first half yards and were 3 for 3 in red zone chances.
At the start of the fourth quarter the Indians held a 42-6 advantage before some sloppy play (three 4th quarter fumbles) allowed the Vikings to convert scores on each of their opponent's missteps. Both Chris Carter and Marvin Jackson caught fourth quarter touchdowns and the Vikings got a spark with 5:55 remaining in the game when Justin Hamilton returned a fumble 43 yards to bring the score to 49-27. The final Indian turnover led to a 37-yard touchdown reception by Billy Wiggins, II for the final point spread.
After going into Saturday's game as the CIAA's second leading passer, Curtis Rich, Jr. finished the afternoon 15-for-30 for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Vikings will return to action on Saturday, September 23, 2006 as they travel to Raleigh, NC to take on Saint Augustine's College. For more information on ECSU Athletics visit www.ecsuvikings.com.
