Shaw 22, Bowie State 20

October 1, 2005

(BOWIE, MARYLAND) It is often said, in order to be the champion, you must first beat the champion. Well, that was never more apparent, than in today’s CIAA Eastern Division clash between Bowie State and Shaw. In the end, Shaw University escaped Bowie State University with a 22-20, come from behind victory. With the win Shaw (3-3 / 2-1 in the CIAA) put themselves right back into the championship race picture.

After a scoreless first quarter, Shaw’s Chester Charles capped off a 10 play – 45 yard drive with a 42-yard field goal with 11:18 left in the second quarter, giving the guest a 3-0 advantage. The Bulldogs of Bowie State gained the lead at the 3:08 mark of the second period on a 1-yard touchdown run by Olayinka Adeboyeku. However, the extra point by Ronald Walls was blocked by the Bears’ Walter Wells and Torrance Nunnally returned it for a two points, making the score 6-5 Bulldogs. Bowie State missed a scoring opportunity just before the end of the first half when Lamar Manigo’s pass to Glenn Thomas was picked off in the Shaw end zone by Alvin Daniel. “Today, it’s almost like a broken record, five turnovers and it still comes down to the last play to have a chance … we have to find a way to get rid of those demons and right now we haven’t done that.” said a dejected Bowie State Head Coach Mike Lynn.

Bowie State senior Alonzo Corbett recorded his second interception of the season with 3:07 remaining in the third quarter and returned it 47-yards for a touchdown. The Manigo/Thomas tandem made the two-point conversion, making the count 14-5 Bowie State. Shaw trimmed the BSU lead to 14-12 with 27 seconds left in the third when Dion McIver (199 yards on 26 carries) pounded his way into the Bulldogs end zone, capping off an 8 play – 55 yard drive.

The Bears regained the lead at 15-14 with 2:58 left in the fourth quarter on a 24-yard field goal by Charles. On Bowie State’s next possession, the Bulldogs’ Richard Armstrong orchestrated an outstanding 10 play – 60 yard drive which started at the Bowie State 34 yard line. After two incomplete passes, Armstrong rushed for 18 yards to the Bears 48-yard line before stepping out of bounds. Faced with a third and eight from the Shaw 46, Armstrong flipped a screen pass to Nathaniel Queen, picking up nine yards and a Bulldogs first down. Bowie State called its final timeout with 54 ticks on the game clock, avoiding a delay of game penalty. After the timeout, BSU’s Rashad Henry hauled in a 25-yard pass from Armstrong, putting the ball at the Shaw 11 yard line. David Coleman of the Bears was penalized half the distance to the goal for helmet-to-helmet contact on Armstrong, giving the Bulldogs the perfect opportunity to capture a much needed win. Unfortunately, Armstrong’s next pass was intercepted by Devin Chatman and retuned 94 yards for a touchdown and a 22-14 Shaw U lead. Bowie State’s Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff to the Bulldogs 39 yard line with 19 seconds left in the game. Following a Shaw timeout, Armstrong rushed for 23 yards down to the Bears 38 yard line before stepping out of bounds with 7 seconds remaining on the Bulldogs scoreboard, setting up the dramatic finish. Bowie State’s Glenn Thomas (98 yards on 3 receptions) made a diving 38 yard touchdown catch from Armstrong as time expired. But it was not to be for the Bulldogs as Armstrong’s two point conversion fell helplessly to the ground in the BSU backfield. “Coach Clark and the defending Bears of Shaw did a great job coming prepared like we know they would and our hats are off to his staff and team,” said Lynn.

Bowie State was led on offense by Queen (120 yards on 15 carries) and Armstrong with a season high 114 yards. BSU’s Terrence Stafford led both teams in tackles with 15 followed by Devin Williams with 9.

The Bulldogs travel to Elizabeth City (NC) State University next Saturday (10/8) to take on the Vikings at 1:30 p.m.