Final Stats

CHICAGO, Ill. – In the end, the Pirates special teams that came through when it mattered most.

 

With less than five seconds left in the game, Alabama A&M's Chance Wilson was set to kick a game-winning 34-yard field goal, but Ian Davidson (Washington, D.C.) had something different in mind, as he blocked the kick and Hampton held off Alabama A&M 21-20 to win the Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field.

 

The Pirates scored 21 points in the second half, battling back from 17 points down at the half.

 

“I am proud of the team because they never gave up,” said head coach Donovan Rose. “They could have come in at the half and just gave up after being down by 17 points, but they didn't and that says a lot about the team as a unit.”

 

The first half belonged to the Bulldogs of Alabama A&M, as they scored the first 17 points. The Bulldogs scored first off a 15-yard run by Deaunte Mason, which capped a three-play, 80-yard drive; and Wilson followed with a 41-yard field goal to make the score 10-0 in favor of the Bulldogs.

 

Kaderius Lacey would get the final score of the half when he ran in from five yards out to make the score 17-0 Alabama A&M at the half.

 

The Pirates came ready to play in the second half. Following a three-and-out by the Bulldogs, the Pirates, under direction of quarterback David Legree (Brooklyn, N.Y.), went to work. Hampton scored on its first drive of the second half when Legree connected with receiver Jarvis Brown from 22 yards out to put the Pirates on the board.

 

The Pirates defense would get back to action and force a turnover by the Bulldogs on a fourth-and-four fake punt that the Pirates recovered. Hampton then drove 30 yards in five plays when Legree scored from eight yards out to cut Alabama A&M's lead to 17-14.

 

The Bulldogs would not be done when Wilson kicked a 34 yard field goal to extend their lead to six points early in the fourth quarter with the score 20-14.

 

Hampton would answer a Bulldogs field goal with a score of their own, when running back Antwon Chisholm (Belle Glade, Fla.) scored from four years out to give the Pirates a 21-20 lead.

 

“Overall, I saw some good thing and some things that we need to work before Thursday night,” said Rose. “But we are going to take this hard-fought win and enjoy it, but as soon as we land (in Hampton), we have to get to work of Florida A&M.”

 

Despite their slow start, the Pirates were able to finish the game with 347 yards of total office; 262 of those yards came on the ground. Chisholm rushed for 141 yards and a score.

 

The defense was not going to be outdone, as they had five sacks on the night. James Butts (Norfolk, Va.) tied a game high 10 tackles on the night.

 

The Pirates will be back in action on Thursday night, as they host Florida A&M at 7:30 p.m. live on ESPNU. Check your local listings in your area for channels.

 

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.