NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State football team sent its seniors off with a bang in their final home game at Dick Price Stadium, crushing Delaware State 38-19 on Saturday afternoon.
Norfolk State quarterback
Jalen Daniels completed 13-of-21 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns through the air, scoring another touchdown with his feet as well.
Kevon King led the Spartans on the ground, totaling 87 rushing yards with two touchdowns.
Prior to the game, Norfolk State honored nine seniors for their contributions to the NSU football program:
Amadeu Vital,
Chris Jones,
Gregory Perkins,
Jacquez Jones,
Sage Beuchert-Irvine,
Ricky Harleston,
Terron Mallory,
Devon Allen, and
Garrison Wheatley.
Closing out the senior day festivities, Wheatley provided an iconic moment in front of the Norfolk State crowd, getting down on one knee to propose to his long-time girlfriend.
Delaware State knocked down a field goal after Norfolk State's muffed fair catch early on, but the Spartans answered with a strong first drive.
Elyjah Mitchell drew a passing interference penalty to get Norfolk State into enemy territory, before
Kevon King cut to the outside for a 23-yard gain into the red zone. King punched the ball in on the next play to give NSU a 7-3 lead.
The Hornets used plenty of clock on its next offensive opportunity, getting as far as the Norfolk State 36-yard line. The drive stalled too far for a field goal attempt, prompting a lengthy fourth down play that came up unsuccessful.
Norfolk State went three-and-out on its next possession, giving the ball right back. Delaware State reached the opposite side of the field once again, hitting a 42-yard field goal.
DSU gashed the Norfolk State defense with several big runs a few minutes later, eventually finding the end zone for a 13-7 lead.
With under a minute to play in the half, the Spartans began to move the ball with a sense of urgency. Daniels found
Kam'Ryn Thomas with a defender draped on his back, making the spectacular catch for a 43-yard gain. A quick pass to Mitchell set up a 47-yard attempt from
Grandin Willcox, converting to trim the halftime score to 13-10.
Norfolk State came up empty on its first possession of the second half but got the ball right back by forcing another turnover.
Keshawn Lynch poked the football free on a rushing play, before
Jamare Robinson recovered in Delaware State territory.
The Spartans took advantage of the takeaway, scoring a touchdown on a 24-yard pass to Thomas. The play pushed Norfolk State ahead 17-13.
With all the momentum in the home team's favor, Norfolk State continued to apply maximum pressure.
Jaylen Williams forced a panicked throw on the run from Delaware State, resulting in a Senior Day interception for Allen.
After completing a few quick passes off the strong field position, Daniels rushed into the endzone himself for the Spartans' second consecutive score.
Dantey Menard ripped past the Delaware State offensive line for a sack, stifling Delaware State's next possession.
Jaylen Laudermilk returned the punt 16 yards, before three Hornet penalties put the Spartans near the goal line. Daniels found Perkins for a receiving touchdown for senior day, the second of his Norfolk State career.
The Spartans suddenly found themselves with an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Delaware State completed a 38-yard pass midway through the period, setting up a 13-yard touchdown run that cut the gap to 31-19.
But Norfolk State made sure to end the win on a high note. King shouldered the entire load for the Spartans' final offensive possession, rushing 37 yards on five carries, culminating in an 18-yard touchdown run.
Checking The Box Score
- Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Daniels completed 13-of-21 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns
- NSU running back Kevon King tallied 87 yards on the ground on 17 carries, including two touchdowns
- Kam'Ryn Thomas led the Norfolk State receiving corps with four catches for 87 yards and a touchdown
- Devon Allen recorded an interception and a pass breakup on his Senior Day
- Terique Miles led the Spartan defense on Saturday, producing seven tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack
- Sage Beuchert-Irvine racked up six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack on his Senior Day
- Gregory Perkins caught three passes for 22 yards and a touchdown on his Senior Day
News & Notes
- Norfolk State improved to 4-7, 2-2 in the MEAC with the win
- Delaware State dropped to 1-10, 0-4 in the MEAC with the loss
- DSU now leads the all-time series 18-8
- Through 10 games, the NSU defense has recovered nine fumbles and recorded 12 interceptions
UP NEXT
Norfolk State will head to South Carolina State for its regular season finale on Saturday, Nov. 23, with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
