MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Moments after missing a 54-yard field goal to win the game up in regulation, Alabama State kicker Cosmin Diaconu lined up 34 yards closer and knocked home the game-winning extra point in overtime to lead the Hornets to a 14-13 victory over Miles in the Labor Day Classic.
Diaconu got the opportunity following a Miles (0-1) touchdown to begin the overtime period before Christian Clark blocked the extra point to keep the game at 13-6. The Hornets took over and started the series with a quarterback draw from Myles Crawley before Ryan Nettles hit Jeremiah Hixon for a nine-yard gain.
After a 10-run yard by Nettles down to the Miles’ one-yard line, Jacory Merritt dove over the top to tie the game at 13-all and set the stage for Diaconu.
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The two teams battled throughout the contest, with Alabama State (1-0) scoring on their first drive of the game, marching 70 yards in ten plays to take the lead, 7-0. The drive was highlighted by a 28-yard run by Ezra Gray (Lynn Haven, Fla.) before it culminated with a one-yard sneak by Nettles, using 5:20 off the clock.
Alabama State kept Miles in check for most of the game until an eight-play, 88-yard drive ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone to Marcus Lodge to tie the game up with 3:44 remaining in the contest.
Courtesy: Alabama State athletics
