Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley has a special place in his heart for the far end zone at Howard’s Green Stadium in Washington, D.C.
“That’s the end zone of prayer,” he said with a laugh. “It’s been working in our favor the past few years.”
On Saturday, Howard kicker Patrick Wolff missed an extra point in that end zone, lifting the Bears to a 31-30 victory in double overtime. It was the third consecutive overtime victory by Morgan State (4-3, 2-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) over the Bison (1-5, 0-3). In 2006, with Howard just a yard away from victory with first-and-goal on the 1-yard line, linebacker Jerrell Guyton scooped up a fumble and lateralled to defensive back Everette Baker, who raced down the sideline for the winning score, 18-12.
But Hill-Eley would rather not rely on last-second miscues to beat Delaware State (3-3, 3-1) on homecoming on Saturday afternoon at 1 at Hughes Stadium. The Bears will have no problem focusing on their matchup with the Hornets, as several controversial calls led to a 25-17 loss in Dover that ended any chance of a MEAC title.
“All those kids remember what happened last year,” Hill-Eley said. “But the good thing about it is it’s a calendar year later, and the same things are at stake again.”
If the Bears are to beat the Hornets for the first time in four years, they will need to crack a defense that is yielding 20.7 points and 321.7 yards per game. That means Morgan State can’t afford to turn the ball over four times, like it did on Saturday to raise its season total to 21.
Quarterbacks Carlton Jackson, Jeremy Glover and Mario Melton each played against the Bison, as Hill-Eley continues his search for a consistent leader.
But the team’s most consistent player — junior running back Devan James — lines up about five yards behind the quarterback.
He ran for a career-high 219 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries against Howard and has rushed for 875 yards and five touchdowns on 174 carries this season. His average of 125 yards per game is eighth in the 118-team Football Championship Subdivision.
“I just kept thinking as the game wore on that I had to keep fighting and put the team on my back,” James said. “I got a little fatigued, so I just dug down deep and kept pushing myself.”
Up next
Morgan State (4-3, 2-1) vs. Delaware State (3-3, 3-1)
When » Saturday, 1 p.m.
Where » Hughes Stadium
Radio » 88.9 FM
Tickets » Available
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