ELIZABETH CITY STATE DEFEATS SAINT PAUL'S 38-12

ELIZABETH CITY STATE DEFEATS SAINT PAUL'S 38-12
Vikings Capture All Important Division Win on the Road

October 24, 2009 - The Elizabeth City State University Vikings picked up a 38-12 victory over Saint Paul’s College Saturday afternoon at Parkview High School.

The Vikings held Saint Paul's (3-5, CIAA 2-4) to 178 total yards, including 81 yards through the air. Offensively ECSU was perfect in the red zone going 4-4 on scoring opportunities. The Tigers were 2-3 in the red zone but only crossed mid-field into Viking territory a total of four times however two of those possessions ended with a punt and an interception.

ECSU led 3-0 until a 1-yard touchdown run by Cedric Blacknall put ECSU 10-0 at the 14:19 mark of the second quarter (8 plays, 65- yards). The Vikings struck again after Jeff Lynn blocked a punt back toward the goal line where Justin Hamilton scooped the ball 2-yards out before falling into the end zone for a 17-0 lead.

Tiger quarterback Alwan Lee would connect with Keith Duhart on a 9-yard touchdown strike with 2:22 left before the break (extra point failed). Creven Powell called his own number for a 1-yard TD just before the intermission and the Vikings took a 24-6 lead to the locker room.

With 9:04 left the in third quarter the Tigers pulled a little closer, converting the game’s only turnover till that point into a score and a 24-12 ECSU advantage. After a failed two-point conversion the Tigers sputtered offensively and only threatened to score once more but Lee was intercepted at the Viking 20-yard line by Kobi Williams killing the 7 play drive. On the other hand ECSU padded their lead with another 1-yard TD run by Blacknall and another blocked punt, this time courtesy of Hamilton but recovered in the end zone by Sequan Nevels for the game final point spread.

Defensively the Vikings were again led by Malcolm Jenkins who finished with a team high 8 tackles, one and a half sacks for a loss of 11 yards and 4 quarterback hurries. Terry Griffin contributed a solid performance with 2 sacks a forced fumble and 7 total tackles.

The Vikings (6-3, CIAA 4-2) will head to Richmond, VA to take on division leading Virginia Union University on Saturday, October 31st. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm at Hovey Field. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.