Sept. 13, 2008

Final Stats

GREENEVILLE, TN- Tusculum College scored team safety with 5:16 remaining in the fourth quarter to take a commanding 32-7 lead over Elizabeth City State University Saturday night.

What appeared to be a convincing 25 point lead quickly disappeared as the Vikings scored a touchdown and then recovered two onside kicks resulting in three touchdowns and a field goal to pull within two points. Yet the ultimate comeback was not to be as backup quarterback Creven Powell overthrew Tashawn Lee for the two point conversion. Three times were not a charm as a third attempt at an onside kick was recovered by Tusculum College quarterback Corey Russell and the Pioneers ran took a couple of knees to run out the clock.

Russell threw for 366 yards and rushed for another 75 yards on the evening. He also threw four touchdown strikes while the Pioneer defense stifled the Viking offense by surrendering only one Viking score through for more than three and a half quarters. That score was a 20-yard touchdown pass from Curtis Rich, Jr. to Sean Thomas for an early 7-0 lead with 10:49 left in the first quarter. Afterward a 24 yard field goal by Tusculum's Gareth Rowlands began a Pioneer scoring onslaught led by senior quarterback Russell who by day's end had set three new Pioneer records for pass completions, passing yardage and total offense.

The Pioneers (2-1) rolled up 597 yards of total offense and ran 90 plays to 73 for ECSU. However the Pioneers coughed up the ball 6 times (five fumbles and one interception) to none for the Vikings.

Though they had their opportunities the Vikings struggled on third down converting only 4 of 18 on Saturday night.

ECSU will wrap up their road dates with the South Atlantic Conference Saturday, September 20 as they travel to Wingate University. Game time is slated for 1:30pm. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.