By Ed Hill, Jr.
WASHINGTON – Howard University football team fell behind, 14-0, but rallied to tie the game, but ultimately, Hampton University was able to hold off the Bison, 27-20, in the fourth annual Truth & Service Classic at Audi Field in front of 16,813 fans.
The Pirates (3-1) scored on their second possession, using its power running game to go 79 yards in nine plays with Tyler Hatcher grabbing a six-year pass from Chris Zellous, 7-0.
The Bison had trouble sustaining any drives but was able to hold off the Pirates taking advantage of some key Howard penalties. This time, Hampton moved 65 yards in six plays that was capped off by a 34-yard TD run by Malcolm Mays, making the score 14-0 at the 10:34 mark of the second quarter.
Then Howard, feeling a sense of desperation, marched 95 yards on seven plays that featured a spectacular 29-yard catch of a third and long. The drive was capped off by another exciting play with senior wide receiver Richie Ilarraza (Clearwater, Fla.) getting a reverse from Jaylon Tolbert (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and throwing a 24-yard pass to Kasey Hawthorne (Sebring, Fla.). Howard trailed, 14-7, at intermission.
Using the score as momentum, Howard finally was sparked by the running of junior running back Eden James (Indianapolis), who capped off the drive with 16-yard jaunt to tie the game, 14-14, with 3:04 left in the third quarter.
Hampton would respond less than three minutes later when reserve running back Ja’Quan Snipes bolted 53 yards and raced untouched to help his team regain the momentum, 21-14, with just 14 ticks before the end of the third quarter.
Then came what have been the play of the game. Howard drove smartly down the field, using 12 plays to cover 76 yards. But on fourth and goal from the one-yard line, graduate running back Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.) fumbled in an attempt to cross the goal line, giving the Pirates the ball at their own three-yard line. The Pirates would turn the mistake into an 87-yard drive that ended with Snipes scoring his second touchdown, this time from five yards out.
Hampton missed the PAT but led, 27-14, with 8:34 on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Howard would respond, this time taking 12 plays to go 73 yards with Tolbert scoring untouched from two yards out with 4:12 remaining. The Bison attempted the two-point conversion, but missed and trailed, 27-20.
Then, Hampton went to its running game and picked up two key first downs to run out the clock and secure its eighth straight win over the Bison.
James had his best game of the season, leading all rushers with 107 yards on 14 carries. Hunter chipped in with 65 yards on 14 carries. Tolbert was 18-of-26 for 201 yards in the loss.
All-American safety Kenny Gallop Jr. (Portsmouth, Va.) had yet another outstanding game with 10 solos tackles, a pass breakup and fumble recovery. Junior defensive tackle Noah Miles (Tampa, Fla.) continues to be a factor as he finished with five solo tackles, a sack and forced fumble.
NEXT UP: Howard travels back to New Jersey for a third time when it takes on Princeton Saturday (Sept. 28). Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m.
