Saint Augustine's 21, Virginia State 14

September 9, 2006

PETERSBURG, Va. ­ Saint Augustine’s College gained a big win Saturday even though the season is still early.

The Falcons defeated Virginia State University 21-14 for their first victory of the season. The win dulled the pain of last week’s tough loss to Lane College and gives the Falcons momentum heading into their showdown against NCAA Division II powerhouse Carson-Newman next week.

“We needed it,” Falcons’ coach Michael Costa said. “Especially since it is a conference win. We needed a good win heading into the Carson-Newman game.” The Falcons rode the arm of reserve quarterback Brandon Franklin and an opportunistic defense to equal their record at 1-1 overall and 1-0 in the CIAA. Franklin came off the bench and rallied the Falcons from a 14-3 second-quarter deficit. He threw two touchdown passes including a high-arcing 52-yard bomb to freshman wide receiver Richard Boone that put the Falcons in front for good 15-14 early in the third quarter.

Senior linebacker Kevin Jones then scored on a 34-yard fumble return on VSU’s next possession to make the score 21-14. Freshman defensive end Marcus Crump tipped the ball from VSU quarterback Thomas Boyd as Boyd dropped back to pass which set up Jones’ score.

Virginia State (0-2 overall, 0-1 CIAA) threatened to score after falling behind but Crump forced another Thomas fumble in the third quarter which linebacker Kente Blount recovered inside the Falcons’ 20-yard line.

On the Trojans’ final possession of the game, Falcons’ defensive back Marsean Chestnut completed a terrific performance with what appeared to be a 97-yard interception return. An official ruled, however, that Chestnut stepped out of bounds at the Falcons’ 29 but the interception sealed the win.

Overall, the Falcons held VSU to 157 total offensive yards including 48 rushing yards. VSU also lost four fumbles and threw two interceptions.

“Our secondary stepped up and Kevin Jones was a good leader out there,” a jubilant Costa said afterward. Jones led the Falcons with 10 tackles in addition to scoring on a fumble return.

Franklin showed poise as he completed 9 of 13 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. His 15-yard scoring pass to Andre McGlone in the second quarter was the first of 18 Falcons’ unanswered points after VSU scored on a fumble recovery for a 14-3 lead.

After blowing a halftime lead last week, the Falcons switched roles this week as they overcame an early deficit.

Next week, the Falcons host Carson-Newman after coming off a victory.

“Now we know we can win,” Costa said. “We needed this.