The DeSean Jackson era at Delaware State now can claim its biggest win.
The Hornets (5-3, 1-0) stunned North Carolina Central (5-3, 0-1) with a 35-26 win Saturday, spoiling the Eagles homecoming and getting an early edge in the race for the MEAC championship.
The win was monumental for two reasons.
This was DSU’s first MEAC win since a 27-24 win at South Carolina State on Nov. 5, 2022.
It was also the first time the Hornets won at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium since a 23-0 shutout on Oct. 15, 1977.
Here is how Delaware State grabbed a share of first place in the MEAC.
The run game ran it up
While it was below their FCS-leading average, the Hornets still blasted away at the NCCU front seven, collecting 241 yards, compared to just 93 for the Eagles.
Grad student RB Marquis Gillis added another 100-yard day to his season total, carrying 21 times for 108 yards and scoring two fourth quarter touchdowns – 32 and 2 yards each – to put DSU ahead to stay.
First State football players were key
While many of DSU’s players come from all areas of the country, three Delaware kids played major roles in the win.
Gillis (from Milford High in Milford) had an outstanding day and Newark native NyGhee Lolley (Hodgson Vo Tech) broke out of a season-long slump with five receptions for 124 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, lineman Jaydon Mifflin (Lincoln, DE/Sussex Tech) intercepted a tipped pass to end a North Carolina Central drive.
Sting and don’t get stung
While Walker Harris (23-for-34, 354 yards and two touchdowns) had a banner day passing the ball, the Delaware State defense and special teams made the plays they had to. A blocked field goal to end the second quarter kept the score close at 10-7 Central and prior to that, Mario Keanon batted a pass that accounted for Mifflin’s interception.
Keanon also recovered a Chris Mosley fumble that was forced by Anthony Hebert with 40 seconds left to end Central’s comeback hopes.
With a milestone win safely tucked away, the Hornets now prepare for a short week and a short road trip – a bus ride to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where they’ll face Jackson’s old Eagles teammate Michael Vick and Norfolk State.
