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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hampton University football team claimed the Battle of the Real HU yet again by defeating Howard 31-21 in front of a crowd of just over 7,000 at William H. Greene Stadium on Saturday.

The Pirates improved to 1-1 on the season and 1-0 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play, while the Bison dropped to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in the MEAC.

“I am impressed overall with the job that we did today,” Pirates head coach Donovan Rose said. “The offense put up 31 points today and the defense did well also, but there are a few things that we need to work on.”

The Bison would get on the board first when Casey Council capped a nine-play, 64-yard drive with a 15-yard run to put Howard up 7-0. The Pirates responded on their first drive, when Steve Robinson ran in from one yard out to end a 17-play, 80-yard drive which took 8:32 off the clock.

The Bison scored again late in the first half when Terrence Leffall ran in from two yards out to give Howard a 14-7 lead. But Hampton's offense, under the direction of quarterback David Legree, would take just five plays to drive 60 yards in 1:13 before Legree connected with Dyrii McCain from 28 yards out to tie the game at 14-14 heading into the half.

The Pirates would open things up in the second half, as they scored on the opening drive of the third quarter. Javaris Brown would give the Pirates their first lead of the game when he ran in from four yards out to cap an 8-play, 75-yard drive to put Hampton up 21-14.

The Pirates defense would make their presence felt, holding the Bison to a three-and-out on the next possession. Hampton would score yet again on the next drive after Legree completed a pass to Donte Davis from eight yards out as the Pirates extended their lead to 28-14.

The Pirates defense, led by Preseason All-American Kenrick Ellis, was in full force as they forced two punts, two interceptions, a fumble, a turnover on downs, and a missed field goal in the second half alone.

“It was great to have Ellis out here today,” Rose said, “because he made his presence known to everyone.”

Hampton would score once more when kicker Rodrigo Hernandez nailed a 36-yard field goal to put the Pirates up 31-14. The Bison get back on the board once more when quarterback Terry Bradden took it in from a yard out.

The Pirates finished the game with 341 yards of total offense, with 208 of those yards coming on the ground. Legree led the offense, throwing for 133 yards and two touchdowns and running for 62 yards. Ellis led the defense with a career-high 16 tackles and two sacks.

The Pirates defense forced four turnovers.

The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 18, as they hold their home opener again the Aggies of North Carolina A&T. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.