Box Score ELIZABETH CITY, NC- The Vikings celebrate Homecoming unleashing a 32-28 victory over the Hawks of Chowan University.
 
The Vikings improve to 3-5 overall, 3-2 in the CIAA. While Chowan drops to 5-3 overall, 2-3 in the CIAA.
 
Senior quarterback Kevin Caldwell (Philadelphia, PA) completed 7-out-of-13 passes for 66 yards for a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown. Senior De'Abrie Smith (Palatka, Fl) completed 13-out-of-16 passes for 160 yards and two touchdown passes.  
 
Junior receiver Zion Riddick (Ahoskie, NC) pioneered the Vikings offensively totaling 84 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns. Riddick also added 131 yards off three kick returns.  
 
"The support of all the alumni and people that came out today was big for us, we wanted to start on the first play to just come out and play, said Riddick. 
 
Sophomore Erick Meija (Alexandria, VA) went 2-of-4 on PAT kicks, which is a bright spot for the Vikings who have had to adjust all season in that area. Meija a linebacker who is also ranked top 25 in the CIAA. 
 
Junior linebacker Juanya Majette (Hampton, VA) recorded 10 tackles (6 solo) and senior defensive back Taeyonn Reynolds (Virginia Beach, VA) followed up with seven tackles (6 solo). Reynolds is ranked fourth in tackles in the conference, while Majette ranks eighth.
 
Defensively the Vikings played well against a Chowan offense that has proved they can score and run an effective offense through the hands of quarterback Bryce Witt. Witt threw for 474 yards and four touchdowns, but the Vikings were able to capture the win by executing today's game plan in all three phases when it mattered most.
 
The Vikings came out and got right to business with an explosive 80-yard kick return from special teams standout Riddick. Riddick making the offense's job easy, Caldwell connected with fellow Philadelphia native senior receiver Jordan Barnes (Philadelphia, PA) for a 16-yard reception to setup 1^st and goal. Two plays later the Vikings capped off the opening drive with a touchdown on a 2-yard quarterback keep from Caldwell.
 
Despite the amazing start the Vikings momentum was short-lived after a quick 79-yard touchdown pass and the PAT gave Chowan a 7-6 lead on their opening drive. Chowan scored again on their next drive to grab a quick 14-6 lead.
 
The Vikings proved to be poised under pressure throughout the day. Smith came in at quarterback and had a pair of big rushes to get the Vikings in striking distance down at the Hawks 32-yard line before connecting with Riddick for a 32-yard touchdown to close the scoring gap 14-12 Chowan.
 
Aside from the amazing energy from the Homecoming crowd, freshman defensive back Khalil Turner (Charlotte, NC) made the biggest play of the first half blocking a Chowan punt attempt that was recovered by Shai Wheeler to give the Vikings the touchdown and an 18-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
 
Chowan held the Vikings scoreless in the second stanza to take a 21-18 lead into halftime and scored the first touchdown of the second half to increase their lead to 28-18.
 
The Vikings made some adjustments and despite being held scoreless for an extended period, Smith finds freshman Josiah Hayes (Suffolk, VA) in the endzone for a 5-yard reception bringing the Vikings within three points trailing Chowan 25-28 with 2 mins remaining in the third quarter.
 
"We had to grow up a whole lot in the second half," said junior offensive lineman Mathew Weatherford (Greensboro, NC). "We have some younger guys up there, but they stuck with it and saw us through. Chowan leads the CIAA in sacks, so I was proud of my boys."
 
Defensively the Vikings held Chowan to one touchdown in the second half, while the Vikings re-entered the endzone off a 16-yard completion to Riddick with 4:06 left to play.
 
With plenty of time left to score, the Hawks started to play with a sense of urgency going for it on 4^th and 15 but the Vikings defense halted the Hawks. ECSU took time off the clock during their final offensive possession but Chowan got the ball back with 25 seconds left on the game clock. Despite the attempt, the Vikings held up and pulled off the 32-28 homecoming victory. 
 
Regarding the win and what some have called an upset, Vikings Hayes simply responded, "we expected this win."

Among today's festivities the Vikings were honored with three donor gifts on behalf of the Class of 1971, the Class of 1981, and Ms. Mary Douglas. The Vikings also honored the 1971 Championship team for their 50th Anniversary and the 2021 ECSU Hall of Fame Inductee Class: Matthew Coates, Grace Bell, Darryl Riddick, James Griffin, Randy Jones, and Dr. Mary Albritton-Douglas.
 
The Vikings will be back in action on Saturday, October 30 for Senior Day at Roebuck Stadium hosting the Panthers of Virginia Union University at 1 PM.
 
Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre-and post-game stories and updates.
 
ECSU Athletics is also on social media, follow us on Twitter at @ECSUVikings and Instagram at @ecsusports