Delta State University (3-0) came into Rice-Totten Stadium and walked out with a 28-17 win over Mississippi Valley State University (0-3) Saturday night.
The win brings Delta to a 5-1 series lead over Valley in the Delta Classic.
MVSU started the game on the wrong foot. A high snap led to a safety early in the first quarter, giving Delta a 2-0 lead.
Delta then put together a solid drive. The Statesmen marched into red zone territory, but Valley’s defense held on and forced a field goal. Delta’s Nick Herber stepped up and drilled a 22-yard field goal, putting the Statesmen up 5-0 with 47 seconds left in the first quarter.
Valley, on its next drive, got into some offensive rhythm. Running back Caleb Johnson got some positive gains on the ground and brought the Devils within striking distance, but another high snap caused a fumble recovered by Delta State. The Statesmen took the good field position and quarterback Patrick Shegog ran in for a three-yard touchdown, expanding the lead 12-0.
Valley couldn’t get anything going late into the second quarter and was forced to punt. Delta slowly marched down the field and kicked a field goal to go up 15-0.
Valley was unable to respond on its next drive and turned the ball over on the 50-yard line after four tries. Six plays later, Delta kicked a 26-yard field goal and took a 18-0 lead into half time.
Valley came out of the half with energy and its defense forced a punt on Delta’s first drive of the half. Valley fielded the punt on the Statesman 38-yard line, and took a 10-play drive to set up a 23-yard field goal attempt. Kicker Orlando Fernandez drilled it. Valley got on the board with 9:15 left in the third quarter.
Delta didn’t let MVSU celebrate for long. Shegog hit receiver Tremell Withrow for a 53-yard touchdown.
Valley followed up by putting together its best drive. Quarterback Jamari Jones and Johnson helped carry the load and got Valley into the red zone. Johnson pummeled his way in for a touchdown, bringing the score 25-10.
In the fourth quarter, MVSU’s defense began to stand tall and Jones found open targets down the field. After forcing a turnover on downs, Jones got into a passing groove. He marched Valley down the field and capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown pass to Sylvester Campbell, Valley’s final score of the game.
DSU took the ball down the field and after eight plays, kicked a 32-yard field goal, bringing the score to 28-17.
MVSU head coach Vincent Dancy gave all his quarterbacks time behind center. Jones had the best outing and Dancy kept him for most of the game. Jones completed 17 of his 25 pass attempts for 181 yards and one touchdown. Johnson was the leading rusher with 81 yards on 17 carries. Jones picked up 45 yards rushing, as well.
MVSU heads to Jackson to face Jackson State University at 2 p.m. Saturday.
-Contact Jared Conerly at 662-581-7237 or jconerly@gwcommonwealth.com.
