Hampton Falls in a tough one vs. Delaware 35-3, losing first game of the season (9-23-22)

By: Lamonte Thomas

Headline Photo Credit: Delaware Online

Hampton entered its first-ever CAA conference game against the ranked Delaware Blue Hens at Delaware Stadium. The Blue Hens came into the game fresh off a 600-yard performance against Rhode Island, and Hampton has been praising their defensive coach staff for their 3-0 start.

Quarterback Nolan Henderson led Delaware’s spread offense to a two-touchdown lead at the half, tossing two scoring passes to Thyrick Pitts. Hampton would be down two scores, but the Pirates were putting up a fight against a high-powered, top-ten offense.

Delaware blew the lead wide open in the second half. Senior Jourdan Townsend scored on the game’s longest play, a 36-yard touchdown pass from Henderson. Pitts and Henderson completed the hat trick on a seven-yard pitch and catch. Later Marcus Yarns, the Junior from Salisbury, Maryland added another touchdown on a three-yard strike from the Blue Hens quarterback- marking a career-high five touchdown passes for Nolan Henderson.

Hampton’s Axel Perez managed to knock in a 20-yard field goal, rounding out the final score to 35-3, Delaware over Hampton. Malcolm Mays had 94 yards passing, 44 of them to Jadakis Bonds. Ali Shockley had an interception for the Pirates, and Deandre Faulk made 14 tackles for a defense that did not give up a big play, save the 36-yard touchdown.

Hampton (3-1) will have a week off and will host Maine (0-3) on October 8th, while Delaware (4-0) will host Towson (2-2) next Saturday.