Aug. 30, 2009
Final Stats
RALEIGH, NC- The Shaw University Bears scored 24 unanswered fourth quarter points to earn a 54-30 win over the Elizabeth City State University Vikings Saturday evening at Millbrook High School.
The two teams combined for 14 kickoff returns for a total of 255 yards and 6 interceptions for 287 yards. Fortunately for the Bears, 21 points via picks returned for touchdowns came in the final 8 minutes of play after a tightly contested game. Shaw outscored ECSU 30-6 in the final quarter.
Three costly turnovers on as many consecutive Viking possessions gave the Bears a 17-point turn-around mid-way through the 4th quarter. With the score knotted at 30, a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown by Quintez Smith gave the Bears their second and final lead of the contest. Then a fumble recovery on the ensuing ECSU drive resulted in a 4- yard field goal by Lyncon Shepherd for a ten-point lead. Mr. Smith came calling again on the Vikings' next possession in the form of a 34-yard pick returned for a score. With 2:26 remaining Micguel Johnson added a 63-yard interception returned for a touchdown and the final point spread.
Before the final minutes of the interception onslaught, the Vikings and Bears battled each other blow for blow throughout the first half and were knotted at 24 at the intermission. The Vikings drew first blood when Reggie Smith took their first punt of the day and returned it 68-yards for a touchdown (13:39 in the first period). At the 6:03 mark Quintez Smith got his first of three visits to the end zone via an interception with a 90-yard return and a 7-7 tie. Both teams then swapped field goals for the second tie of the day before Cedric Blacknall capped a 6-play, 71-yard drive courtesy of a 3-yard rushing touchdown with 7:03 remaining in the half. The 17-10 lead was quickly negated when Raymond Williams broke for an 88-yard kickoff return for a score. ECSU briefly pulled ahead with 1:03 left in the second on a 6-yard rushing score by Daronte McNeill however Shaw again drew even with 30 ticks left in the half when Brandon Landers connected with Julius Gregory for a 53-yard strike.
After the high scoring first half neither team broke the goal line in the 3rd quarter. ECSU led Shaw 488-321 in total offense. The Vikings moved the ball very efficiently against their opposition with 25 first downs to 14 for the Bears and held a 226-151 rushing advantage on Saturday.
ECSU (0-1) will travel to Charlotte, NC next Saturday to face Johnson C. Smith University. Game time is scheduled for 6:00pm. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.
