WSSU wide receiver Reggie Wilkins tries to advance the ball up the field against a host of Chowan defenders. Photo Credit: WSSU Office of Marketing
Winston-Salem State football’s comeback rally late in the fourth quarter wasn’t enough to defeat Chowan in their home opener on Oct. 3.
WSSU defensive back Daveon Perry returned the game’s opening kick-off for 89 yards and a touchdown to give the Rams an early 7-0 lead.
From there, however, the Rams struggled to find their rhythm offensively and defensively, as they were outscored 27-3 by the Hawks of Chowan until the middle of the fourth quarter.
In Rashad Cooper’s second start as quarterback, he threw 8 for 19 for 57 yards, no touchdowns and an interception, later being replaced by Rod Tinsley – the original starting quarterback – in the third quarter.
Chowan comfortably led WSSU 27-10 entering the fourth quarter, as everything seemed to go their way.
The game seemed to be over with, until two sudden Rams scores by wide receiver Marcel Caver and running back Bronson Greene – both resulting from much-needed interceptions by Kyrell Williamson, an inside linebacker, and Kailan Chavis, a defensive back.
The score was then 27-24 with approximately 8:12 left in the game.
The Rams played superb defense in the closing minutes of the contest, led by defensive end Michael Bloomfield with 11 tackles on the day.
However, they failed to score for the remainder of the game. Kicker Will Johnson connected on one of three of his attempted field goals, missing the last that would’ve tied the game with 10 seconds left.
With this loss, the Rams fall to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in CIAA play, while Chowan improves to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.