Bears Athletics - Bears Beat Bethune-Cookman 20-6

Shaw Defense Recovers Six Bethune-Cookman Fumbles, Wins 20-6

(Daytona Beach, FL) – On a sloppy field that slowed both offenses, Shaw University’s defense took over the game, recovering six fumbles and helping the NCAA Division II Bears beat home standing Bethune-Cookman of the Division I-FCS, 20-6.

“It was a big test for us, and the weather certainly played to their strength with their running game,” said Shaw Head Coach Darrell Asberry. He continued, “I’m really proud of the way the defense went after them, and of how the offense kept its head and managed the ball.”

The game started 25 minutes late because of a powerful storm that ripped through the area just before game time, leaving the field a quagmire, making playing conditions difficult for both teams. Neither team managed to reach 300 yards on offense.

The Wildcats, though, seemed to find their legs in the rushing game, with 248 yards, but six of their drives ended with lost fumbles, which directly led to 13 of the Bears’ 20 points.

The very first drive had a hint of what was to come when a long snap sailed over quarterback Travis Robinson’s head. He managed to fall on the ball, keeping possession for the Bears. But it was only the first of many balls to wind up in the muddy field.

Only three plays later, BCU suffered their first fumble when James Duplessis knocked the ball out of Antonio Cox’s hands after a successful pass. On the very next play, Robinson hit Jayson Royal for a 60-yard touchdown pass.

From there, it became a ground-control game, as well as a challenge to see which team could hold onto the ball better.

The beginning of the third quarter epitomized the game. BCU started their opening drive on the Shaw 43. After seven plays, the Wildcats had only gone nine yards and were facing fourth and 13. They went for it, and Matthew Johnson’s pass was intercepted by Gerald Kennedy.

Two plays and three yards later, Robinson was picked off by Joe Morris. Two plays later, Brian Sumlar’s fumble was recovered by Isaiah Thomas.

The Bears then managed a six-play 49-yard drive that ended with a 49-yard Vinny Pacifico punt. One play later, Callahan Bright recovered an Androse Bell fumble.

Nearly ten minutes gone in the quarter and four of five drives ended with turnovers. The only score in the third was a 23-yard Caleb Reid field goal with just under three minutes to go in the quarter.

Shaw’s only other touchdown came on a Raymond Williams 16-yard rush in the second quarter. Lyncon Shepherd’s 46-yard field goal rounded out the Shaw scoring. The Shaw defense held the Wildcats scoreless until the fourth quarter, when Sumlar rushed for 12 yards; the extra point failed.

DeMarcus Roberson, last week’s CIAA Defensive Lineman of the Week, turned in another outstanding performance with two fumble recoveries, four solo tackles, four assists and one half sack.

Fred Sparkman, last week’s CIAA Linebacker of the Week, led the Bears with seven solo tackles and three assists.

Williams led the Bears in rushing with 69 yards, one for a touchdown. He also had 40 yards on kickoff returns.

Shaw’s next game is Saturday, September 12 when they host Concordia of Selma, AL at Millbrook High School Stadium at 6:00 p.m.

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