In the battle of the real HU, the Hampton Pirates outlasted the Howard Bison 27-20, with big plays on the ground and a strong start helping them secure the win. The Pirates, led by a balanced attack, held off a late surge from the Bison to take the victory.
The Pirates got on the board first in the opening quarter, when quarterback Chris Zellous connected with Tyler Hatcher for a 6-yard touchdown pass at 3:51, capping off a 9-play, 79-yard drive. Brian Csehoski’s extra point made it 7-0 Hampton.
Hampton extended their lead early in the second quarter. This time it was quarterback Malcolm Mays breaking free for a 34-yard touchdown run at the 10:32 mark, finishing a 6-play, 65-yard drive. Another extra point from Csehoski pushed the score to 14-0.
Howard, however, found life late in the second quarter. Richie Ilarraza hit Kasey Hawthorne with a 24-yard touchdown pass at 1:51, finishing off a quick 7-play, 95-yard drive that trimmed the lead to 14-7 going into halftime.
The Bison carried that momentum into the third quarter. Eden James scored on a 16-yard run at 3:04, tying the game at 14 after a 4-play, 48-yard drive. With the game seemingly shifting in Howard’s favor, Hampton responded. Ja’Quan Snipes broke off a 53-yard touchdown run with just 14 seconds left in the third quarter, reclaiming a 21-14 lead for the Pirates.