Final Stats

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University's defense proved to be the deciding factor on Saturday at Armstrong Stadium, as the Pirates held off a strong second-half surge from Princeton to take a 28-23 win.
 
The Pirates (3-2) had to fight on defense, all the way into the closing seconds.
 
Following a short punt by Jordan Stovall, the Tigers (1-3) got the ball back at the Pirates' 29-yard line. Following two failed passes, Tommy Wornham would finally connect with Matt Costello for a 20-yard strike to make it 1^st and goal for the Tigers at the 9-yard line.
 
Chuck Dibilio ran for three yards on the play to get the clock moving for the Tigers. The Pirates defense would get really tight the next four plays, as Micah Pellerin and Delbert Tyler broke up potential game-winning touchdown passes.
 
“I am happy we got the win…not the way I would have written the script, but I am proud of the way we fought,” said Pirates head coach Don Rose. “When we look at the film, it will be real sloppy, but it's a win and I will take that.”
 
The Pirates got on the board first, when running back Antwon Chisholm rushed from six yards out for his third touchdown of the season to give Hampton the lead at 7-0 late in the first half. The Tigers would match Hampton's drive with one of their own following an interception by Chance Cross by going 40 yards in just 2:13 to tie the score at 7-7.
 
The Pirates would score two more touchdowns in the half, when Legree connected with wide receiver Dyrri McCain for a 57-yard strike to put the Pirates up 14-7, and when running back Jeremiah Schwartz ran in from 26 yards out for his first rushing touchdown of the season.
 
Princeton would also get on the board with a 23-yard field goal by Patrick to give Hampton a 21-10 lead at the half.
 
The Tigers opened the second half by scoring 10 unanswered points in fewer than six minutes. Princeton kicked a field goal after recovering a Hampton fumble inside the Pirates' red zone on the 19-yard line. The Pirates next two possessions would end in safeties: one due to a bad snap on a punt in the Pirates' end zone, and the other due to a holding call on Hampton in the end zone.
 
Princeton would then go 48 yards in 10 plays before the Pirates defense held the Tigers to just a field goal  to help Hampton keep the lead, 21-20, heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Hampton mounted what ended up being the game-winning touchdown drive, when Legree connected with McCain for their second touchdown of the game from one yard out to make put Hampton up 28-20.
 
Princeton would get a 22-yard field goal to make the final score 28-23.
 
Hampton finished the game with 396 yards of total offense, with 302 of those yards coming in the air. Legree threw for his first 300-yard game at Hampton, while McCain finished with a season-high 123 receiving yards.
 
Scott Williams led both teams with 17 total tackles on the night.
 
The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday, as they cross the James River to face the Spartans of Norfolk State University in the State Farm Battle of the Bay. The game is set for a 4 p.m. kickoff at Dick Price Stadium.
 
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.