Bethune-Cookman 34, Elizabeth City State 7

September 3, 2005

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) A defensive unit that was supposed to be a question mark proved to be an exclamation point to Bethune-Cookman College's 34-7 victory over visiting Elizabeth City State University before a season-opening crowd of 5,752 at Municipal Stadium on Saturday evening.

With 10 new starters, the Wildcat defense forced six Viking turnovers and registered a pair of fourth quarter scores that turned the tide back toward Bethune-Cookman and helped head coach Alvin Wyatt remain unbeaten (9-0) on opening day.

Bobbie Williams registered three interceptions, while Travis Roland and Taurean Charles had 12 and 10 tackles, respectively, to pace the Wildcat defense which also set up 10 B-CC points in the third quarter.

Trailing 20-7, the Vikings moved inside the Wildcat red zone and were threatening to score, when Rodney Hughes' thunderous tackle forced a fumble that James Monds scooped up and returned for a school-record 90 yards to put B-CC ahead, 27-7 late in the third quarter.

On the next possession, lineman Dennis King snagged an interception for an easy 9-yard return with 7:25 to play.

Quarterback Lawrence McCloud, a sixth-year senior rushed for 149 yards while P.J. Smith registered 105 yards and two scores to pace the Wildcat offense to a 20-0 lead.

Smith's first score, a 2-yarder with 6:54 remaining in the opening quarter, capped off a 64-yard drive.

Jesus Cortez was successful on all four point-after-attempts, as well as two field goals of 29 and 35 yards.

B-CC will host the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff next Saturday for “Church and Community Day” at Municipal Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.