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Delaware State rallies late to stun VMI, 17-10

Chris Graham

Quarterback Nick Elko posted a four-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds remaining, breaking a 10-10 tie and sending the Delaware State Hornets to a 17-10 win over the VMI Keydets in non-conference football action, contested Saturday in Dover, Del. The contest was the season opener for both schools.

The Keydets (0-1) had tied the game in the fourth quarter with a 17-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by a Jeff Sexton field goal, but the Hornets (1-0) returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 45. A two-yard run on fourth-and-one gave them a first down in VMI territory, and one play later, the Keydets were hit with a personal foul penalty, giving DSU the ball at the VMI 26.

Four plays later, the home team had a first-and-goal with under a minute remaining. The Keydet defense held on first down, but Elko converted the second down rushing attempt for the game-winner, and Marshall Ward added the point after to account for the final margin. VMI did get the ball into DSU territory in the final seconds, but a last-second Eric Kordenbrock deep pass was intercepted in the endzone to seal the game’s result.

David Turner led the way for the Keydets in Saturday’s game, rushing for a career-high 101 yards on 23 carries. He also had seven catches for 83 yards receiving, giving him 184 all-purpose yards. That is the highest all-purpose yardage for a Keydet since Tracy Hairston had 212 yards last season against Richmond.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].