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Savannah State University Athletics

1
0
Edward Waters EWU 3-7 , 0-0
24
Winner Savannah State SSU 8-2 , 5-1
Edward Waters EWU
3-7 , 0-0
0
Final
24
Savannah State SSU
8-2 , 5-1
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
EWU Edward Waters 0 0 0 0 0
SSU Savannah State 7 3 0 14 24

Game Recap: Football | | By Donald Heath

Despite Delays Tigers Find A Way To Close Regular Season With Win No. 8

Savannah, Ga. – It took a while but, with the help of an unexpected source, Savannah State finally recorded a win it desperately needed, defeating Edward Waters University 24-0 late Saturday night at Memorial Stadium.

A day of rain led to problems with standing water on the artificial turf at Theodore A. Wright Stadium. After the 5 p.m. start was delayed for nearly two hours, the turf was deemed unplayable.

That's when Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis, a Savannah State graduate in attendance, came to the rescue and helped open the doors to Memorial Stadium, a municipal stadium about five miles away which wasn't being used. Staff and equipment were moved to the new venue and busses transporting players followed.

At 9:26 p.m., the game kicked off.

"I felt like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone," SSU coach Shawn Quinn said. "I'm thankful to Chester Ellis and the commission and people in the city."

Canceling the non-conference game wasn't an option Quinn wanted to considered because the Tigers were trying to build a resume worthy of earning an NCAA Division II playoff berth after being ranked No. 9 in the NCAA Super Region Two polls last week.

And eight wins is better than seven.

With the victory, SSU raised its record to 8-2 overall (5-1 SIAC)—the first eight-win season for the Tigers since 1994. Their nine-game conference win streak this season (dating back to the 5-0 2019 season), set a school record.

"We'll take 24-0 in a rainstorm after a delay," said Quinn about a game that finally ended at 11:55 p.m. "When I write a book about my life, (this game) will get a chapter."

SSU honored 16 seniors on Senior Night and a couple were instrumental in the victory. Quarterback D'Vonn Gibbons threw for a touchdown and ran for another while piling up 188 yards of total offense—127 on the ground and 61 through the air—and running back D'Angelo Durham rushed for 102 yards and a score.

And the underclassmen assisted. Sophomore Einaj Carter caught the touchdown pass from Gibbons and freshman Kenneth Lockhart kicked a 42-yard field goal and three PAT's.

The defense, ranked 11th nationally in total defense in Division II, applied pressure all night while registering the school's second shutout (during the COVID-shortened two-game spring SSU routed Middle Georgia State, 85-0) since 2004 when they blanked Allen 34-0.

Against EWU, the defense tallied 11 tackles for losses and surrendered just 109 yards. Freshman defensive end Jamaal McKinney led the way with three sacks.

Edward Waters (3-7) made a key mistake late in the first quarter to set up the Tigers' first touchdown. EWU punter Angel Sevier couldn't handle a bounced snap. In desperation, while the ball was on the ground, Sevier kicked it. Officials whistled the punter for an illegal touch, ultimately resulting in a loss of down, giving SSU possession at the 7.Three plays later, Gibbons found Carter for a 7-yard TD pass and a 7-0 lead.

Lockhart booted a 42-yard field goal against a strong wind in the second quarter to make it 10-0.

Durham scored on a 34-yard run during the first minute of the fourth quarter and Gibbons had a 53-yard TD jaunt midway the quarter to end the scoring.

"It was a big win and we'll see if we get in the playoffs," Quinn said. "We're sitting on 'G' waiting on 'O' I think we have a good enough body of work to get in. Hopefully, we'll have a chance to keep playing some football."

Selections for the Division II playoff field will be announced Sunday, Nov. 14.
 
 
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