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.
Share
Contributors
