HAMPTON, Va. (Aug. 28, 2024) … Hampton opens its 123rd season of football when the Pirates host longtime rival Morgan State at Armstrong Stadium on Aug, 31.
A lot has happened in the previous 122 seasons. Hampton has won seven HBCU national titles (1922, 1985, 1994, 1997, 2004, 2005, and 2006) and claimed 19 conference crowns (CIAA and MEAC). Hampton has been a member of four leagues (CIAA, MEAC, Big South, and the CAA).
Trent Boykin takes over as interim head coach after four years on the staff as running backs and as special teams coach. Boykin, a veteran of 28 years in the coaching profession, played wide receiver for legendary coach Jim Tressel at Youngstown State and helped lead the Penguins to I-AA national titles in 1991, 1993, and 1994.
But some things have stayed the same. Several of Hampton's oldest rivals remain on the schedule even today. Hampton and Morgan State have tangled 65 times since 1922 and are Hampton's fourth oldest rival.
The 2024 schedule also includes games with traditional rivals Virginia Union (83 meetings since the series began in 1906), Howard (97 meetings since 1908), and North Carolina A&T (48 meetings since 1909).
The Game
There was a changing of the guard at Hampton following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
On April 30, 2024, Hampton assistant coach
Trent Boykin, was named interim head coach for the 2024 campaign. Boykin has nearly 28 years of collegiate coaching experience. Since 2020, he has served as Hampton's running backs coach and special teams coordinator.
The staff has been revamped with
Kentwan Balmer (assistant head coach, defensive line), Joe Dailey (quarterbacks, passing game coordinator), Howard Feggins (running backs and special teams coordinator), and Darren Jackson II (defensive backs). Troy Williams is the new director of football sports performance.
Key members of the potent Hampton offense return.
Elijah Burris finished second in the conference, averaging 114.7 yards per game on the ground. That's more than Morgan State averaged as a team (112.7 ypg).
Quarterback
Chris Zellous emerged as a top-notch quarterback, rushing for 559 yards and nine TDs and passing for 1,497 yards and 13 scorers --- more yards than Morgan State amassed through the air as a team (1,381). Malcom Mays, the 2022 starting quarterback, has impressed in the fall drills.
The Bear's offense averaged 16.1 points and 250.8 yards, both last in the MEAC. The Bears had a -12 turnover ratio and converted 29.4 percent on third down.
Morgan State and Hampton had three common 2023 opponents. Both Hampton (31-14) and Morgan State (17-10) beat the Spiders. Hampton lost 31-28 to Norfolk State and the Bears won 30-28. The Pirates beat Howard 35-34 and Morgan State lost 14-7.
Hampton won four of five games decided by seven of fewer points in 2023. The Bears were 4-4 in close games decided by seven or fewer points.
