Shaw Spoils Bowie’s Homecoming Bash

October 27, 2007 – Bowie, MD – The western division’s number two seeded Shaw University Bears bussed to Bulldog Stadium to battle the eastern division’s fourth seeded Bowie State University Bulldogs. Despite being assessed 12 penalties for 141 yards loss, Shaw succeeded in the Bear-Bulldog brawl for a 16 – 14 triumph. Shaw’s record advances to 6 – 3 Overall, 5 – 1 CIAA, and 3 – 1 Division.
 

The Bears won the coin toss and elected to defer reception of the kickoff until the second half. Shaw’s electrifying defense skillfully maneuvered through the mud-covered terrain to apply penetrating pressure to BSU’s offense on their first possession. The efforts of the HIGH VOLTAGE defense resulted in a punt on fourth and long. Shortly thereafter #1 Robert Brown (Wide Receiver / Sophomore / Public Administration), the nation’s top ranked Division II punt returner, sped downfield with the punt for a 69 yard return and place the Bears on the Bulldog 11 yard line. Shaw was unable to tally points to the scoreboard on the first three downs of the drive, but #39 Ryne Powell (Kicker / Sophomore / Recreation) trotted in on fourth down to successful kick a 24 yard field goal. Shaw quickly received their second possession of the game after BSU bobbled the football and SU’s #47 Marcus Jenkins (Linebacker / Sophomore / Business Administration) recovered it. Unfortunately, the hand of bad luck slapped the football out of the hands of #34 Alan Atwater (Fullback / Junior / Mass Communications). The loose possession rolled into the end zone as the Bulldogs’ #9 Terence Peete, Jr. fell on top of it for the touchback. Nevertheless, the first quarter ended with the Bears in the forefront 3 – 0. BSU would catch their first break of the contest when a Shaw defender slipped during coverage to allow BSU’s #3 Jason Scott to connect with #88 Anthony Howe, Jr. for a 74 yard touchdown. Five minutes later, Shaw snatched back the lead with a subbed in #12 Omari Avant (Quarterback / Junior / Computer Science) as he followed a forceful offensive line across the goal line. The one-yard touchdown positioned the Bears with a 10 – 7 lead at the intermission.
 

The second half of play did not start as Shaw suspected after a fumble placed BSU near the middle of the field. Two plays later, the Bulldogs’ #20 Isaac Redman ran around and hurdled tacklers to rush for a 48 yard touchdown (14 – 10 BSU). Shaw shook off their opponent’s offensive surge to motor into BSU territory. Once again, Powell was given the green light to attempt the field goal. For the second time of the day, Brown Summit, NC native split the uprights for 36 yards and bring the Bears within one of the Bulldogs, 14 – 13. Inside the 10 minute mark of the final quarter, Shaw’s defense forced BSU to punt yet once more. The offense promptly progressed downfield, but their offensive motor stalled at the BSU 15 yard line. Who else to save the day, but sophomore sensation Powell?  Head Coach Darrell Asberry gave him a tap on the shoulder and word of encouragement in his ear. Traveling Shaw supporters erupted out of their seats as Powell hit his third consecutive field goal of the day for 25 yards. The Bears led 16 – 14, but there was still eight minutes remaining in the game. Fortunately, Shaw’s defense stood tough and tall to put a chokehold on BSU’s offense for their last two possessions.
 

The Shaw University Bears were led in offense by #12 Omari Avant (Quarterback / Junior / Computer Science) and #34 Alan Atwater (Fullback / Junior / Mass Communications). Avant accumulated 133 yards completing 11 of 14 pass attempts where as Atwater bruised the Bulldog defense for 133 rushing yards on 24 attempts. The top Shaw receiver was #9 Lenell King (Wide Receiver / Junior / Business Management) as he totaled a team high 54 yards with six catches. On the defensive side of the ball, the pioneer was #42 Tiquan Collins (Inside Linebacker / Junior / Recreation) as he finished the game with a team high eight tackles and one forced fumble.