CARBONDALE, Ill. – Hampton had five turnovers in their contest against Southern Illinois tonight, but that was not the story of the game. The Pirates young quarterback that everyone talked about set a new game record -- Herbert Bynes became the first Pirate quarterback to throw for over 400 yards in a single game. Bynes finished the night with 403 yards, but it was not enough for the Pirates to claim the victory, as they lost 37-31.

 

In the first half of play, the Pirates proved to be there own worst enemy, as they had some costly turnovers that the Salukis turned into points on the board. The first was a fumble that Southern Illinois tuned into a 21-yard touchdown pass with 10:59 to go in the first quarter. The second major turnover was a fumble by running back LaMarcus Coker. The Pirates’ defense would save face, as they held the Salukis off and blocked a field goal attempt.

 

“I though that there were a few times on third downs when we had a chance to stop them and give out offense another shot at it that we didn’t capitalize on, but that is all a part of getting better,” said head coach Jerry Holmes. “You cannot win the game with turnovers, but it is a part of game. The most important thing it that we are still undefeated in conference play.”

 

Despite the turnovers, the Pirates were still able to get some things moving on offense, as they scored 10 points in the second quarter alone. The Pirates first got on the board off of a 27-yard field goal by kicker Carlo Turavani and then Bynes connected to Justin Brown on a 62-yard bullet for Hampton’s second score of the half. 

 

The Pirates came out in the second half ready to play. After forcing two three-and-outs by the Salukis the Pirates scored a touchdown on each possession. The first came when Bynes connected with Brown for yet another TD pass, but this time for 85 yards, and the other was a one yard run by Bynes for his first career TD to make the score 24-27 in favor of SIU.

 

SIU was not to be outdone, as it mounted a comeback drive that ended in an interception by senior defensive back Jackie Bates in the endzone. Although the drive didn’t end in a score for the Pirates, they were able to take some time off the clock.

 

The Salukis would come back and score another touchdown. With 11:47 left in the game Mike McElroy caught a questionable interception that the Salukis though would be the game-winning drive, but the Pirates defense held their stand at the goal line to stop SIU from scoring. The Pirates would get on the board once more, when Bynes threw his third touchdown pass of the night to Kevin Teel.

 

On the night, Bynes threw three touchdowns for a total of 403 yards. Brown led in receptions with five for 163 yards and two touchdowns on the night. Jonathan Wade was the go-to guy on defense, as he collected 11 total tackles on the night.

 

Larry Warner was the go-to guy for the Salukis as he carried the ball 19 times for 154 yards and a score on the night.

 

The Pirates will be back in action next week as they have their home opener against the Bison of Howard University. Game time is set to start at 6:00 pm at Armstrong Stadium and for more information on the Pirates, go to www.hamptonpirates.com or contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5811.