Hornets Sting Wildcats handing them fifth loss of the season
Dayton Beach, FL – Bethune Cookman Wildcats were looking to get their first win of the season after a heartbreaking loss against Clark Atlanta University last week 38-37, losing on a last-second Panthers field goal with time running off the clock. Bethune Cookman Head Coach Woodie was hoping his Wildcats offense was able to generate early success on offense against the Hornets as they did last week against Clark Atlanta University. Coach Eddie Robinson’s Hornets’ football team made sure that didn’t happen. The Alabama State defense started the game determined to prevent the Wildcats Quarterback Cam Ransom from duplicating his scoring magic against this Hornets as he did against Clark Atlanta scoring four consecutive times building a 28-7 lead in the first quarter.
The Hornet’s attention to detail on defense forced a fumble and interception by Bethune Cookman on back-to-back drives giving Alabama State additional opportunities to score points early in the first quarter of the game. Bethune Cookman threw an interception that was returned for 95 yards and was called back due to a holding penalty. The Hornets defensive pressure on the Wildcats allowed them to increase their lead to 10 points in the second quarter of the game. The Wildcats inability to sustain drives due to penalties was unsuccessful converting fourth down opportunities allowed the Hornets defense to pin their ears back keeping pressure on the Wildcats offense.
The Wildcats defense found themselves under heavy pressure trying to slow down the Hornets multiple rushers in their rushing attack led by Jamarie Hostclaw with 15 carries for 120 yards helping his team stick to their ground and pound rushing attack rushing the ball 55 times for 308 yards averaging 5.6 yards per carry as a team. The Hornets ability to run multiple running back help extend their lead 26-7 on a pair of field goals and a touchdown pass from Zach Sims to Ajai Harrell.
Cam Ransom threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Omari Stewart cutting the Hornets lead to 3-points. The Hornets offense was able to drive down the field kicking a 28-yard field goal increasing the lead to 6 points. The Hornets scored 16 unanswered points extending their lead 26-7 in the third quarter on a pair of field goals and a touchdown pass from Zach Sims to Ajai Harrell.
Bethune Cookman Cam Ransom tried to generate some magic for the team by rushing for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 12 points. The Hornets fumbled the ensuing kick-off to the Wildcats who were able to score on a rushing touchdown by Courtney Reese cutting the lead to 5 points. Bethune Cookman was able to get one last opportunity to make a comeback in the game and was unable to successfully convert on 4th and 9 turning the ball over on downs to the Hornets who ran out the clock securing the win.
The Hornets defensive play led by DeMarkus Cunningham, Rico Dozier, and Armon Scarbrough was pivotal in this game allowing the freshman quarterback Zach Sims to relax and manage the game. Sims on the day threw the ball 12 times completing 8 for 78 yards and 1 touchdown in this win and will look to play Florida A&M next week for homecoming.