By Nicole Hutchison, Sports Staff Writer
Posted 9:15 PM EST, Fri., Sept. 30, 2016
On Saturday, Sept. 24, the Howard University Bison football team looked to gain their first win against the Morgan State Bears. They fell just short losing 28-24 in the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference game at Earl Banks Field at Hughes Stadium.
The Bison had a slow start and struggled to adjust to the Bears’ quick offense. The Bears went for a long 44-yard touchdown, which gave them control of the game 6-0. However, Kalen Johnson and the offense responded with a 70-yard drive. William Parker finished the play with a successful extra point giving the Bison a 7-6 lead.
In four quick plays, Morgan State took back control of the scoreboard after wide receiver Ladarious Spearman scored, concluding a 67-yard drive. The Bears attempted a two-point conversion and succeeded making the score 14-7.
Morgan would then take a 21-7 lead after quarterback Chris Andrews and wide receiver Ricky Fisk teamed up for a 32-yard touchdown.
The Bison made it their responsibility to score before the half. Jordan Griggs, a walk on from the soccer team, knocked throw a 34-yard field goal, the first of his career, bring the score to 10-21 at halftime.
The Bison had a strong start in the second half. Elijah Anglin picked off the Bears during the third quarter, which allowed Da’Vaun Johnson to cap off a 33-yard drive and add more points on the scoreboard.
Down by a few points, Howard’s offense moved further up the field with the help of Carlton Rainey and Johnson. Kalen Johnson, a redshirt sophomore, orchestrated a 77-yard drive that allowed Griggs’ to follow with a 22-yard field goal that tied the score 21-21.
Howard continued to make the best out of the Bears’ mistakes. Griggs completed a 45-yard field goal kick, the longest of his career, making the score 24-21.
As the game clock ran down, the Bears did not give in. They came out of their scoring slump, when Eric Harrell scored a touchdown in the closing moments of the fourth quarter.
Despite the tough loss to Morgan State, the Bison showed their potential.
The Bison face the Norfolk State Spartans in Norfolk, VA on Saturday.
