Hampton Wins Season Opener, Defeats Grambling State 35-31 (9-2-23)
By: Lamonte Thomas
Headline Photo Credit: Hampton Pirates Twitter
The energy for Hampton vs. Grambling State football was through the roof at Red Bull arena in Harrison, New Jersey @ 3 PM when the Inaugural Brick City Classic kicked off. Hampton quarterback Christopher Zellous had a complete game with two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns to lead the Pirates in their 35-31 victory against the Tigers. He also tossed two interceptions, one of which was a jump ball that was snatched from the receiver.
Hampton totaled 279 yards rushing as Senior Darran Butts (Suffolk, Va) rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown of his own. Grambling State Junior Quarterback Myles Crawley (Lithonia, Georgia) had a connection with senior Lyndon Rash (Baton Rouge, LA) as they hooked up for 8 receptions, 90 yards, and a touchdown. Crawley finished 25-38 on passing attempts for 311 yards & two touchdowns.
Sophomore running back Chance Williams (Baton Rouge, LA) scampered into the endzone to bring Grambling State within four points with 57 seconds remaining, but the onside kick wasn’t successful.
Grambling State will play LSU at Tiger Stadium on September 9th, while Hampton will battle Norfolk State in Armstrong Stadium.
