MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Through three quarters, Elizabeth City State and Chowan traded punches in a physical season opener that featured long drives, costly penalties, and a dramatic swing on the scoreboard. But in the final period, Chowan's ground attack and timely passing proved decisive in a 28-14 road win at Roebuck Stadium.

Chowan struck first midway through the opening quarter when quarterback Maurice Smith engineered a 65-yard drive capped by Jamison Davis' 7-yard touchdown run. Smith then connected with former ECSU player Dezmond Randolph for the two-point conversion to give the Hawks an early 8-0 lead.

Elizabeth City State answered with a grinding 11-play, 64-yard march in the second quarter, capped by Tra'Quan Johnson's 3-yard scoring plunge. A missed PAT left the Vikings trailing 8-6, but ECSU surged ahead just before halftime on Ameil Braswell's 1-yard touchdown run. ECSU followed with a Troy Smith reception for the two-point conversion to grab a 14-8 lead at the break.

The third quarter belonged to Chowan. Smith spread the ball around on a 12-play, 67-yard drive, finishing it off with a 14-yard touchdown strike to Malique Frazier. Jack Beylo's extra point pushed the Hawks back in front, 15-14.

Elizabeth City State's defense produced stops to keep the game close, including a key stand that forced a missed 41-yard field goal by Chowan late in the third. The Vikings' offense found some rhythm on the ground behind Johnson's bruising runs, but an interception by Isaiah Fulton halted a promising drive deep in Chowan territory.

Fourth quarter swing

Smith hit Rodney Green for a 45-yard gain to ignite a 10-play, 79-yard drive, capped by backup QB Jakobe Lane's 3-yard touchdown pass to Smith. The score put the Hawks ahead 21-14 with just over five minutes to play.

On the ensuing possession, Elizabeth City State's Terrance Holland fumbled at the Chowan 21, ending a 10-play march that had looked poised to tie the game.

The Hawks responded by pounding the ball on the ground, with Jalen Razor ripping off multiple first-down runs. A personal foul on ECSU helped extend the drive, and Razor finished it himself with a 13-yard touchdown burst to make it 28-14 with two minutes remaining.

Chowan's defense slammed the door from there, forcing a quick three-and-out and stopping ECSU's final drive on a pair of incompletions.

Smith led Chowan with efficient passing and timely runs, while Razor closed the game with a punishing fourth quarter. Johnson was a bright spot for ECSU, rushing hard between the tackles, but the Vikings' second-half turnovers and penalties proved costly.

Game Notes

• Key Performers – Elizabeth City State (ECSU):
• RB Tra'Quan Johnson: 2nd quarter TD run, consistent interior rushing
• RB Ameil Braswell: 1-yard TD run just before halftime
• LB/Defense: Multiple third-quarter stops to keep game within one score

Key Performers – Chowan:

• QB Maurice Smith: Controlled tempo, threw 1 TD, caught 1 TD late
• RB Jalen Razor: Sealed the win with 4th-quarter 13-yard TD
• WR Rodney Green: Critical 45-yard reception in 4th quarter
• CB Isaiah Fulton: Interception to stop ECSU rally

Turning Points:

• Fulton's third-quarter interception deep in Chowan territory stalled ECSU's momentum.
• Holland's fumble at Chowan's 21-yard line with five minutes remaining.
• Razor's touchdown run extended Chowan's lead to two scores with 2:00 left.

By the Numbers:

• ECSU led 14-8 at halftime before being outscored 20-0 in the second half.
• Viking Turnovers - Chowan took advantage mistakes by scoring on two drives following an ECSU turnover.  
• Chowan produced back-to-back 10+ play drives to control 4th-quarter clock.
• ECSU penalties: Extended multiple Chowan drives.
• Missed PAT: Early special teams miscue loomed large in first half.

Up Next: ECSU Football is on the road again next week, with a 6 PM matchup against FCS Hampton Pirates on Saturday, September 6th. The Vikings follow with the 2025 home opener against Johnson C. Smith at 1 PM on Saturday, September 13.