RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 5) – Saint Augustine’s University nearly rallied from an early 20-point deficit, but the comeback fell just short in a 27-17 CIAA football loss to Elizabeth City State University at the George Williams Athletic Complex on Saturday.
The Falcons trailed 20-0 in the first quarter, but closed within 20-17 in the fourth quarter on a 37-yard pass from D’Ontre Gilliard (Fr./Holly Hill, SC) to Aakiel Greer (Jr./Kosciuso, MS). Andre Labat (Fr./Miami, FL) booted the extra point.
The Vikings scored on the ensuing drive for the final margin. After a long kickoff return to SAU territory, the Vikings capped an 11-play drive with a short touchdown run on fourth down with 19 seconds left. The drive shaved 6:50 off the clock.
Gilliard tossed two touchdown passes for the Falcons, including a seven-yard scoring throw to Joe Baker (So./Goldsboro, NC) in the second quarter for their first score. Labat kicked the extra point, and later added a 34-yard field goal to pull SAU within 20-10 at halftime.
Both teams committed numerous miscues in the contest. The Falcons had five turnovers and nine penalties, and the Vikings were flagged eight times to go with three turnovers. But two SAU fumbles led to 14 points for the Vikings, who won time of possession 38:51 to 21:09.
DeAndre Conley (So./Miami, FL) caught six passes for 49 yards and linebackers Joseph Harris (So./Jacksonville, FL) and Durrell Nash (Jr./Memphis, TN) both totaled 11 tackles. Linebacker Brandon Long (Jr./Jacksonville, FL) added 10 tackles.
For the Vikings (1-1 CIAA North, 1-4 overall), Kendrick Patterson tossed two touchdown passes and added a scoring run. Dajaun Greene grabbed seven receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.
The Falcons (0-2 CIAA South, 0-5 overall) return home next Saturday (Oct. 12) to host Livingstone College. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at the George Williams Athletic Complex.
— Office of Sports Information
