WASHINGTON — With less than four minutes remaining, the Bethune-Cookman (B-CU) Wildcats had a chance to run out the clock; however, the Howard Bison refused to go away.
B-CU had a 4th-and-2 situation at their own 44-yard line with the opportunity to seal the deal, but the Bison defense made their stands and provided the offensive with great field position.
With the clock dwindling, freshman quarterback Caylin Newton marched the squad down and ran a 5-yard touchdown for the go-ahead score with less than a minute remaining.
Bethune-Cookman had another opportunity to win, but HU’s defense rose to the occasion with four straight incomplete passes.
With the victory, Howard snapped its six-game skid against the Wildcats while winning the first time versus B-CU in D.C. since 1996.
Offensively, the club racked up 500 total yards with 343 on the ground. Four Bison had 50 or more rushing yards, led by Newton and Anthony Philyaw. Newton finished with 140 rushing yards and two TDs while Philyaw, MEAC Preseason Player of the Year, added 93 yards in the victory.
B-CU jumped out to an early 7-0 advantage after a 20-yard run from Larry Brihm.
Moments into the second, Guy Lemonier Jr. recovered a fumble in the end zone and tied the contest, 7-7.
Next possession, the Wildcats went down and reclaimed the lead with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Brihm to Frank Brown, 14-7.
With halftime approaching, Howard tied the game at 14 after a 5-yard TD pass from Newton to Philyaw.
Opening drive after intermission, the Bison capped off a 9-play, 74-yard drive with a 1-yard QB sneak from Newton and took their first lead of the game, 20-14.
Bethune-Cookman responded with an opening drive in the third quarter and regained the advantage, thanks to an extra point, 21-20.
Midway through the third, B-CU increased their lead with a 42-yard field goal, 24-20.
Dezmond Wortham racked up 129 all-purpose yards, including 78 receiving.
Defensively, Leon Fields II had a team-high 5.5 tackles, including one for loss. Freshman Tye Freeland added three tackles, a forced fumble, and pass breakup in the victory.
For B-CU (1-3), they amassed 384 total offense. Michael Jones led the way with 112 on the ground while Brown provided 84 receiving yards and a TD in the loss.
After the bye, HU (2-2) hosts reigning MEAC Champion North Carolina Central. Game-time is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Greene Stadium.
Courtesy: Howard Athletics
