Norfolk State 28, Hampton 20

An exciting contest that came down to the final seconds, saw the Pirates come up short as HU quarterback Ataveus Cash's pass fell incomplete from the NSU two-yard line to seal the victory for the Spartans.

The Pirates, who had not lost to the Spartans since 1996, dropped to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the MEAC, while the Spartans increase their overall record to 3-2 and gain their first conference victory of the season (1-2 MEAC).

The Spartans defense, ranked 11th in NCAA D-IAA statistics, smothered the Pirates offense by blitzing and halting opportunities to score off turnovers. NSU's defense prevented 16 third down conversions and subtracted 87 yards from the Pirates 118 yards rushing.

After a strong showing by both defensive units in the first quarter, the Spartans got on the scoring board first in the second quarter. Freshman Quarterback Dontrell Leonard capped off a seven-play 58-yard drive, with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Glenn Thomas with 5:03 left to go in the second quarter. Will Smith plunged in from 2yards out with 37 seconds left, before halftime to give NSU a 14-0 lead.

The Pirates' offense, charged by the Spartans second score, completed four plays for 63-yards in 28 seconds, only to turn the ball over to the Spartans on the NSU one-yard line following a interception by Alton Perkins.

Third quarter play sparked the Pirates offense, beginning their drive with 13:17 on the clock. After six plays and 40 yards from running backs Carlton Morant and Travis Hailes, the Pirates sliced the lead by half on a three-yard rush by Hailes, 14-7.

The lead was further cut when HU safety, Dirul Diabb, who led the Pirates defense with 8.5 tackles, two for a loss of four yards, three interceptions for 32 yards, and three pass breaks, picked off his second interception of the night, returning it for a 32 yard touchdown. Bolden's successful PAT tied the score at 14.

The Spartans regained the lead only three plays into the fourth quarter, ending a 5-play, 69-yard drive in 2:21. William Smith, who finished with 30 carries for 70 yards and two touchdowns, scored his second touchdown on a 5 yard run.

Leonard would connect with Thomas again on a 27yard touchdown, with 5:54 left in the game to put NSU ahead 28-14. Hampton would not go away quietly, as Ataveus Cash hooked up with Zuriel Smith on a 35 yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to eight, with 2:27 left in the game. The point after was no good and Norfolk State led 28-20.

The Pirates defense, which held the Spartans to 189 yards total offense, came through once again, ending a 4 play, 5-yard drive in 1:37. With 1:20 on the clock, the Pirates marched down field, in a sequence of passes from Cash to three separate receivers. With 18 seconds on the clock, the Pirates were stopped on the NSU two-yard line, surrendering Hampton Coach Joe Taylor's second loss to the Spartans in the past eight years of play.

Pirates' junior wide receiver, Z. Smith, was selected as the Classic's Most Valuable Player for the Pirates. Smith, who also was selected as MVP in the 2001 New York Urban League Classic, finished with six catches for 93 yards and one touchdown. He also accumulated 55 yards on five punt return attempts.

The Pirates, who have lost their last two contests, return home to take on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State University in the 2001 homecoming celebration. Kick off time is set for 2:00 p.m.

The Spartans take to the road next week as they travel to Florida A&M. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.

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