Norfolk State fought back Saturday against FCS independent Sacred Heart, only to see a chance at overtime sail away.
Evan Helfrich’s 42-yard field goal attempt at the buzzer went wide right and the Pioneers (3-1) survived to take a 31-28 win over the Spartans.
Sacred Heart’s run-first offense was the story of the day, collecting 295 yards on the ground. Freshman running back Mitchell Summers led the charge with 119 yards on 26 carries. Quarterback Jack Snyder added 79 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns. Snyder’s second run from seven yards away opened up a 31-21 Pioneer advantage early in the fourth quarter.
Otto Kuhns rallied Norfolk State downfield quickly, firing a 29-yard touchdown pass to receiver DreSean Kendrick. After a stop on defense, the Spartan offense got close enough for Helfrich to attempt the tying field goal from the right hash mark with one second left. The kick never got close to the upright, resulting in the third loss in four games for Norfolk State.
Norfolk State actually outgained Scared Heart in total yardage, 550-390.
Kuhns completed 27 of 41 passes for 341 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kevon King scored a 57-yard rushing touchdown for the Spartans while J.J. Evans (7 catches, 113 yards) and Kam’Ryn Thomas (8 catches, 112 yards) each went over the 100-yard receiving mark.
