SHAW’S VEHICLE OF SUCCESS DELAYED AT FAYETTEVILLE

October 20, 2007 – Fayetteville, NC – The Shaw University Bears visited their western division foe; the Broncos of Fayetteville State University. The first place Bears were only nine points away from re-writing CIAA history to win their division at an earlier week than any divisional winner. Sadly, Shaw was upset with a loss to FSU 24 – 16. Shaw remains as the first place team in the western division with a record of 5 – 3 Overall, 4 – 1 CIAA, and 2 – 1 Division.
 

The Shaw University scholastic and athletic team captains were successful in selecting the correct surface during the coin toss. The Bears chose to defer reception of the kickoff until the second half. As Shaw #39 Ryan Powell’s (Kicker / Sophomore / Recreation) opening kickoff rolled across the FSU 30 yard line, it was not a Bronco, but the Bears’ #46 George Horton (Defensive Back / Freshman / Undecided) that blasted downfield to fall onto the unclaimed pigskin. Three plays and 32 yards later, Shaw tallied their first six points on the scoreboard via a 21 yard touchdown pass from #4 Travis Robinson (Quarterback / Freshman / Biology) to #8 DeAndre Okanji (Wide Receiver / Junior / Recreation). The Bears led 6 – 0 despite Powell’s unsuccessful point after touchdown attempt. A great deal of time did not tick off the clock before the Bears would receive their second possession. Defensive End & Linebacker #45 Keir Moore (Freshman / History) sacked FSU’s quarterback #2 Bryan Hardy on a third and short conversion. Nevertheless, the Broncos quickly reversed the possession arrow with an interception by free safety #13 Jeff Gowdy. FSU jumped ahead for a 7 – 6 lead after Hardy hit wide receiver #89 Tyrone Bolden for a 21 yard touchdown. A dark cloud seemed to hover over the Bears’ offensive front as their third offensive possession was abruptly brought to a conclusion when Robinson was picked off for the second time by the Broncos’ Gowdy on the FSU five yard line. Then, Shaw’s fourth possession ended with a misfired long-snap that placed FSU on the Bears’ 22 yard line. The Broncos’ Hardy scrambled to the right and then back to the left to take sight of a congregation of Bronco blockers that protected him for a 20 yard run down to the two yard line. Running back #22 Richard Medlin put the Broncos up 14 – 6 with a two yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter.

Shaw struck back at the top of the second quarter to trail by one point (14 – 13 FSU) after #34 Alan Atwater (Fullback / Junior / Mass Communication) carried the ball six times for 22 yards on their initial possession of the quarter. His seventh rushing attempt was a one-yard touchdown run. Moments later, the Bears’ defense put the football back in the hands of the offense when #24 Robbie Henson (Cornerback / Senior / Business Administration) robbed Hardy of an attempted pass at the Shaw 10 yard line. However, near the two minute mark, FSU reappeared in the end zone for their second rushing touchdown. Running back #20 Eddie Agans’ one yard touchdown run capped their drive of five plays for 58 yards drive. The Broncos led 21 – 13 at the intermission.

In the second half of play, Shaw stepped closer to tie the contest with a 28 yard field goal by Powell. That is until FSU responded with their 47 yard field goal by kicker #16 Eric Lamoureux. Shaw maintained a steady offensive flow of offense, but was assumingly one or two plays away from shortening the gap between them and their opponents. FSU’s Gowdy sealed the victory by picking off his third interception of the game.

The Shaw University Bears offense was led by #34 Alan Atwater (Fullback / Junior / Mass Communications) as he rushed with 17 carries for 112. On the defensive side of the ball, Shaw piloted by #42 Tiquan Collins (Inside Linebacker / Junior / Recreation) as he totaled nine total tackles (six solo and six assists - three for 12 yards loss).

The Bears’ mishap will only make the journey to the championship circle a little tougher, but rest assured their hearts are still full of Shaw pride and their spirits still sail high. Support YOUR Shaw University Bears as they head to Bowie, Maryland to play eastern division competitor, the Bowie State University Bulldogs. The game is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m.