Aug. 27, 2011
Final Stats
CLEVELAND, MS- The No. 2 ranked Delta State University Statesmen rallied from at 14 points halftime deficit to earn a 28-21 overtime win over Elizabeth City State University Saturday night.
Statesmen signal caller Micah Davis shook off a shaky start to lead DSU to three scores between the second half and overtime. His 1-yard touchdown run with 30 seconds remaining in regulation capped a methodical 15-play, 91 yard drive to tie the game at 21 apiece.
The winning score came courtesy of a 5-yard rushing score by Brandon Lucas on the first possession of overtime. The Vikings attempt to force a second extra session was halted when Jerry Barnes picked off a pass by Creven Powell at the DSU 10-yard line, sealing the come from behind win for the Statesmen.
The Vikings took a 14-0 lead the first half after Powell connected with Anthony Faulcon for two passing scores; the first went for 55-yards with 6:20 to go in the first quarter then, the duo hooked up again, this time on a 16-yard score in the second quarter at the 9:42 mark. The Statesmen finally got on the board on a 4-yard pass from Davis to Chance Dennis with 8:28 to go in the half. However, after a good kickoff return and a penalty on DSU, just 17 seconds later, a play action pass from Powell found Keith Strickland for a 40-yard scoring reception and ECSU took a 21-7 lead into the locker room.
The Statesmen scored on the opening drive of the second half, trimming the ECSU lead to 21-14 in favor Delta State's defense clamped down in after halftime, surrendering only six yards of offense after the intermission.
Defense and special teams played a huge part in the Vikings first half dominance. ECSU forced 3 fumbles (recovered 2), foiled both of the Statesmen's first quarter field goals and Nigel Rios intercepted Davis (who was sacked three times on the evening) twice, once in each half. DeWitt Dixon lead a defenders with a career high 17 tackles (10 solo, 7 assisted).
The Vikings will hold their home opener next Saturday when they welcome Winston-Salem State University to Roebuck Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6:00pm. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.
