WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard used some big plays to take control before registering a 35-17 homecoming win over Delaware State in MEAC football on Saturday afternoon.

The Bison spotted Delaware State an early field goal before scoring 28 unanswered points to snap snapped a two-game winning streak for the Hornets (1-1 MEAC, 4-3 overall). The Bison ended a two-game slide to improve to 1-0 MEAC, 2-5 overall.

Howard racked up 376 total yards, including scoring runs of 75 and 74 yards. The Hornets totaled 275 yards, 151 passing and 124 on the ground.

Delaware State opened the scoring when Jonathan Cardoza-Chicas nailed a 51-yard field goal on the opening possession of the game. It was his second 50-plus field goal this season.

Howard grabbed the lead for good on the ensuing possession when Quinton Williams connected with Nah’Shawn Hezekiah on a six-yard touchdown pass to cap off a 10-play, 65-yard drive.

On Howard’s next possession, Kasey Hawthorne ran 75 yards for a touchdown as the Bison led 14-3 at halftime.

Howard pulled ahead 21-3 on the opening possession of the second half when Williams hit Matthew McDonald on a 14-yard touchdown pass and capped off its 28-point run on a six-yard touchdown run by Williams with 6:38 to go in the third quarter.

Delaware State broke the Howard run early in the fourth quarter when Marquis Gillis (Milford) scored on a 31-yard scamper on fourth-and-three to cap off a nine-play, 63-yard drive.

Gillis has scored a rushing touchdown in each of the last three games to give him a team-high five this season.

Howard needed just two plays to answer the Delaware State score when Jarrett Hunter dashed to the end zone from 74 yards out for a touchdown on the ensuing possession.

Delaware State closed out the scoring on a two-yard touchdown run by Thomas Bertrand-Hudon to cap off an 11-play, 94-yard drive in the final moments of the game.

Delaware State quarterback C.J. Henry started his third game this season. He completed 15-of-29 passes for 144 yards, but was sacked four times.
Gillis rushed for a team-high 87 yards on just eight carries, including a 41-yard run.

Linebacker Aiden Webber had a team-high seven tackles (five solo), while Isaiah Williams and Brooks Parker recorded sacks for the Hornets.

The Hornets host North Carolina Central for homecoming next Saturday at 2 p.m.