ELIZABETH CITY, NC- The Vikings showed tenacity, determination, and poise in 49-41 loss to the Hawks of Chowan University on the road in Murfreesboro, N.C. 

ECSU drops to a 2-6 overall record, 2-4 in the CIAA. 

The Hawks improve to 2-6 on the season, 1-4 in the CIAA. 

The Vikings offense utilized the quarterback duo of Kedric Patterson (Winston-Salem, NC) and Kevin Caldwell (Philadelphia, PA) today. Patterson completed 23-of-34 passes for 330 yards, four touchdowns, and had one interception. Caldwell completed 3-of-5 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Dajuan Greene (Washington, DC) recorded his third consecutive 100+ yards receiving game of the season leading the Vikings offensive efforts with 191 yards on 13 receptions for a pair of touchdowns. Greene currently leads the CIAA in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Isaiah Pierre (Miami, Fl) led the charge for the Vikings defense accounting for 15 tackles (8 solo) and an interception.

Deshaun Wethington led the Hawks in his return to the gridiron with 302 rushing yards on 28 attempts and three touchdowns. Bryce Witt completed 17-of-24 passes for 221 yards.

Cameron Smith led the Hawks defensively with 12 tackles (6 solo) in the contest.

Wethington rushed for a 46-yard touchdown to put the Hawks on the scoreboard on their opening drive. Down by seven early, the Vikings maintained their composure putting together a five-play drive for 69 yards; highlighted by a 25-yard pass from Patterson to wide receiver Brandon Joyner (Fairbanks, AK) to even the score 7-all.

Both teams exchanged touchdowns to end the first quarter with the score knotted at 14-all.

The Hawks offense came out in the second quarter looking to continue a promising drive, but it was cut short on 3^rd and 10 at the ECSU 16-yard line when Pierre intercepted Witt's pass in the endzone for a 15-yard return.

Momentum now in the Vikings favor, ECSU brings in Caldwell at the quarterback position who rushes for 17 yards on 3^rd and 5 to keep the first drive of the second quarter alive. Caldwell connected with Greene for three receptions in the series giving the Vikings their first lead of the game 21-14 over Chowan on a 10-yard pass completed to Greene.

Fighting to answer back the Hawks go to Brandon Hughes on 3^rd and goal, but he is met by Pierre with a huge stop for the Vikings forcing the Hawks to attempt a field goal that was blocked by Juanya Majette (Hampton, VA).

Patterson reentered the game capping off a nine play 85-yard drive with a 28-yard pass to Jaquarious Bellamy (Hampton, VA) to increase the Vikings lead 28-14 with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter.

The Vikings led the Hawks 28-14 going into halftime. As expected, the Vikings were on fire in the air with 222 passing yards at the half, while the Hawks recorded 167 yards of their own off the run game.

ECSU recorded 316 total yards of offense and 17 first downs to Chowan's 241 yards and 11 first downs giving the Vikings an edge in the first half.

But, a 21-0 third quarter dominance by the Hawks became the downfall for the Vikings in Murfreesboro.

Trailing the Hawks 42-28, a 37-yard touchdown pass from the trustworthy Patterson/Greene duo closed the scoring gap to make it a one-possession game 42-35 in Chowan's favor.

The Hawks answered back to reclaim a two touchdown lead late in the fourth quarter, but the Vikings were determined to fight until the end.

A late 35-yard touchdown pass to Yarborough with 1:07 remaining in the game gave the Vikings hope and was a testament to their poise throughout the contest.

ECSU went for the onside kick, but the Hawks recovered and were able to hold the ball for the final minute of the game to secure the win.

The Vikings will return to action on Saturday, November 2 against the Panthers of Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m.