The Morgan State Bears secured a thrilling 30-28 victory over Hampton in their season opener Saturday night.
The game’s opening moments were marked by Hampton’s bold strategy. Seeking to seize early momentum, they surprised the Bears with an attempt to recover an onside kick. The Bears, however, were prepared and successfully recovered the kick at midfield.
Keith Jenkins Jr. ignited the drive with a hard-nosed 24-yard run, setting the tone. The Bears’ offensive line paved the way as the Bears methodically drove the ball down the field over nine plays and 45 yards. The drive, which chewed up a significant 5:24 off the clock, culminated in Myles Miree punching the ball into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown rush. The score gave Morgan an early 7-0 lead with 9:35 remaining in the first quarter
Hampton’s offense seized the opportunity presented by a poor punt from Shane Messenger, finding themselves in prime field position at the Bear’s 40-yard line. Capitalizing on the short field, the Pirates marched downfield efficiently, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Elijah Burris.
Morgan lit up the scoreboard early in the second quarter, setting the stage for an offensive surge. Jenkins Jr. provided the initial spark with a pair of tough, 10-yard runs, establishing a rhythm for the Bears’ ground game. Then Jason Collins Jr. showcased his explosive speed, breaking free on just his second carry for a 41-yard touchdown scamper down the left sideline. This electrifying play catapulted Morgan into a 14-7 lead.
The Bears capitalized on a turnover midway in the second quarter when Chris Zellous floated over his intended target and was intercepted by Jadon Carter, who returned it deep into Hampton territory. Three plays later, the Bears took advantage, as Miree scored on a 4-yard misdirection run for his second touchdown of the night. The ensuing extra point attempt by Beckett Leary was blocked. Morgan led 20-7 with 9 minutes left in the first half.
Despite facing adversity with a pair of penalties that stalled their drive, the Pirates offense found a spark in quarterback Mays. Facing a 2nd and 17, Mays ran a play-action pass and found Elijah Burris wide open over the seam for a 33-yard touchdown strike. This explosive play breathed life back into the Pirates’ momentum, cutting the Bears’ lead to 20-14 with just two minutes left in the half.
The momentum shifted in the third quarter as Tahj Smith’s electrifying run propelled the Bears. However, the Bears’ offensive drive, though impressive in its length and time of possession, ultimately stalled just short of the end zone. After a grueling 13-play, 73-yard drive that chewed up over 7:33 of the clock, the Bears were forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal by Leary. The successful kick extended their lead to 23-14.
The Pirates’ offense ignited with a crucial spark when a face-mask penalty on Josh Graham propelled them to the Bears’ 4-yard line. Seizing the opportunity, Ja’Quan Snipes plunged up the middle on the ensuing play, finding the end zone and narrowing the deficit to 23-21 with just 1:40 remaining in the third quarter.
The Bears’ offense once again responded. A play-fake by Tahj Smith caught the defense off guard, allowing him to connect with Marquez Phillips for a 37-yard gain. This momentum shift paved the way for J.J. Davis, who capped off the drive with a decisive 15-yard touchdown run. The score pushed the Bears’ lead to 30-21.
Tahj Smith connects with Andre Crawley for a big 3rd down conversion
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The Pirates’ hopes hung in the balance as the clock ticked down. Zellous’ deep throw, a desperate gamble on 3rd and long, was met with a holding call that kept their drive alive with just five minutes remaining. On the ensuing 3rd and short, Malcolm Mays found wideout Kevin Johnson Jr. in space, and the receiver broke a tackle and exploded into the endzone for a 29-yard touchdown. The score, a spark of hope amidst the dwindling time, brought the Pirates within two points, trailing 30-28 with 4:29 left to play.
The Bears, clinging to a slender lead, had the opportunity to drain the clock and secure victory. Facing a crucial 3rd and short, Smith delivered, picking up the first down and getting bonus yards as a late hit after the whistle drew a flag for unnecessary roughness. Then, the Bears put the game away when Myles Miree exploded through the line, breaking off a 15-yard run that carried him deep into Hampton territory.
Courtesy: Morgan State Athletics
