NORFOLK, Va. – The 2016 Hampton University football season opened and fell to Old Dominion University 54-21 on Sunday afternoon in front of 20,118 at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Each team scored on their first possessions as Hampton answered ODU’s opening score with Yahkee Johnson scoring on a two-yard run to cap a five-play, 71-yard drive to even the game at 7-all. Jaylian Williamson connected with Rashawn Proctor on the first play of the year for the Pirates with a 47-yard completion down to the ODU 24 to help set up the drive. [easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”y” identifier=”B01HNYLA04″ locale=”US” tag=”hbcusports-20″]
The Monarchs responded with 24 straight points as a Chris Kirtley 21-yard field goal with 1:38 left in the half put the hosts up 31-7.
Hampton’s defense forced a turnover late in the second quarter as Devin Vandyke recovered a Blake Larussa fumble at midfield. The Pirates were believed to have been held at the four-yard line after a two-yard run from Williamson to close the half, but the officials said Hampton called a timeout with one second left. That was enough for Williamson to find Shakim Alonzo in the back of the end zone for a four-yard scoring pass to close the half with Hampton trailing 31-14.
The Pirates opened the second half with possession and marched on a 72-yard, 13-play drive as Dwayne Garrett finished with a two-yard run to bring Hampton to 31-21 with 8:47 left in the third quarter.
From there, the Monarchs scored the final 23 points on a passing touchdown from David Washington, an interception return, a touchdown run and a safety.
PIRATE NOTES
– Senior Rashawn Proctor set career highs in receptions (9) and yards (161) to lead the receivers.
– Williamson threw for 200 yards going 16-of-37 with one touchdown and one interception.
– Johnson ran for 59 yards to lead the Pirates on the ground.
– Hampton was out-gained 464-308 in total offense, despite a 13-minute time of possession advantage (36:30 to 23:30)
– Vandyke was the leading tackler for Hampton with 10 and JaMari Cord added nine.
NEXT UP
Hampton will open its home schedule on September 10 facing the Tribe of William & Mary in a 6 pm start at Armstrong Stadium.
Courtesy: Hampton Athletics
