Sept. 29, 2007
Final Stats
PETERSBURG, VA- The Elizabeth City State University Vikings picked up their first win of the season in a 12-9 double overtime win over division rival Virginia State University Saturday afternoon at Rogers Stadium.
It was ECSU's second overtime game in as many weeks but this one would have a happy ending for the Viking faithful. In the first extra session, the score knotted at 6, the Vikings failed to score on their initial possession and were forced to watch as VSU's Justin Parker attempted to end the game with a 27-yard field goal. The Vikings were given new life when Parker's kick pulled wide left sending the game to a second overtime.
On the first possession of the 2nd OT Parker would redeem himself by connecting on a field goal from 26-yards out. With a do or die situation at hand the Vikings responded with an impressive 9-play 25-yard drive that was capped with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Joel McClenney to lift ECSU to the 12-9 win. During that, drive the Vikings wore the Trojans out by rushing the ball 7 times (the last six plays were all on the ground), converting two first downs on the way to the end zone.
It was business as usual for the Viking defense as the Blue Swarm held the Trojans at bay all afternoon, limiting the home offense to 51 plays and 140 yards of total offense. VSU (2-3, CIAA 1-1) managed only 43 passing yards and 97 yards on the ground. Defensively ECSU kept the pressure on Trojan quarterback Michael Terry, sacking the play-caller 5 times. Karl Wimberly led ECSU with a team high 9 tackles while Jeff Baker added 8 tackles and 2 sacks for a loss of 8 yards. On the other side of the ball, the Vikings moved the pigskin well most of the afternoon. The offensive line, under the direction of first time starter Dominic Strand (15-for-30 for 150 passing yards), paved the way for 352 yards of total offense (191 on the ground). Brandon Fields had his best outing of the season with his first 100 + yard rushing game netting 127 yards on 29 carries.
ECSU's other scores came via two first half field goals by Daniel Mendez (26 and 29 yards) giving the Vikings their first halftime lead (6-0) of 2007. The Trojans would get on the board when a fake punt resulted in a 36-yard rushing touchdown by Justin Cummings. The aforementioned Parker failed to convert the extra point leaving the score a 6-6 for the duration on regulation.
The Vikings (1-4, CIAA 1-1) will hit the road this Saturday, October 6th to face cross division foe Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC. Game time is slated for 6:00pm at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Athletic Complex. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.
