By Tim Mastro

WASHINGTON — When the Delaware State University football defeated Howard earlier this season it was led by its defense.

This time, it was the offense’s turn.

Senior wide receiver Trey Gross caught three touchdown passes to lift the Hornets to a 37-28 road victory over Howard on Saturday. Delaware State improved to 2-1 overall and in the MEAC during its abbreviated five-game spring season.

“Our offense really stepped up for our defense while in the past our defense has stepped up for our offense,” said DSU coach Rod Milstead by phone. “We’re coming together. When we finally put a complete game together, we’re going to be really fun to watch.”

Gross had five receptions for 123 yards to pace the Hornet offense. Freshman running back Sy’veon Wilkerson rushed for 112 yards on 22 carries and added a touchdown, and sophomore quarterback Jared Lewis was 10-of-19 on his passing attempts for 173 yards and the three touchdowns to Gross.

Delaware State opened its season against Howard on Feb. 27 and won 17-10 in a game where neither team was able to find the end zone until the fourth quarter.

The Hornets were then held to nine points in their second game March 13 at South Carolina State before Saturday’s outburst.
“We just matured a little slower than the defense and it started to come together,” Milstead said. “We started off with the running game which opened up the passing game. Some guys had some really good games like Trey Gross and Sy’veon Wilkerson.”

The rematch at Howard was originally scheduled for March 27 but was pushed back to Saturday. It meant the Hornets went three weeks between contests.

“It’s tough but our guys have been through so much this spring season,” Milstead said. “Whatever happens they’re just like, ‘Coach, we just want to play football.’”

Howard scored first on a 14-yard TD reception by Jarett Hunter but Delaware State responded with 17 unanswered points. Gross’ first touchdown came with 3:37 left in the first quarter on a 42-yard pass by Lewis for a 7-6 lead.

Jose Romo-Martinez added a 43-yard field goal to close out the first quarter before Wilkerson scored the first touchdown of his DSU career on a one-yard rush. Gross added touchdowns of nine and 56 yards in the second half.

Romo-Martinez finished with three field goals, including one from 46 yards — three yards shy of his career-high.