Sept. 8, 2007

Final Stats

CHARLESTON, WV-The University of Charleston dropped the Elizabeth City State University Vikings to 0-2 on the season with a 17-8 win Saturday afternoon at Laidley Field.

ECSU got on the board first after Rod Jones blocked a punt attempt through the back of the end zone with 13:59 to go in the first quarter. Although ECSU controlled the tempo throughout most of the first half missed opportunities (0-2 in red zone chances) to extend the lead led to a deficit of 3-2 when the Golden Eagles kicked a 22-yard field goal 5 seconds before the first half expired.

In the third quarter the Golden Eagles extended their lead to 10-2 after a 1-yard touchdown run by Josh Culbertson at the 7:41 mark.

Offensive continuity was an issue on Saturday for ECSU as each time the Vikings threatened to score a miscue would cost the visitors valuable field position. The final one came in the fourth quarter the Vikings had mustered an impressive drive into Charleston territory when a bad snap turned into a 52-yard loss back to their own eight yard line. Penalties were also an Achilles heel for the Vikings with 13 flags for 104 yards. Two penalties against the Vikings on a late Golden Eagle (2-1) drive led to Charleston's final score of the afternoon another 1-yard TD by Culbertson.

On their first play from scrimmage on their next possession Rayburn Morris connected with Casey Owens for a 65-yard touchdown pass with but failed on the extra attempt for the final point span of 17-8. After surrendering 491 yards in their season opener the Viking defense redeemed itself holding Charleston to 192 yards on 57 plays from scrimmage.

The Vikings will return to action against North Carolina Central University at the 37th Annual Whitney Young Football Classic in East Rutherford, NJ. Game time is slated for 2:00pm at Giants Stadium. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.