CHARLESTON, W.Va. – University of Charleston rattled off 26 consecutive points as the Golden Eagle defense stymied the Yellow Jacket offense for over three quarters to run away with the 3
rd annual Kanawha Classic, 26-7, over West Virginia State University.
Charleston was forced to resort to their ground attack after Mason Olszewski was out of the lineup for the second consecutive week. The Golden Eagles pounded the Jackets for 298 yards on the ground, led by
Tevion Cappe's 185 yards on 19 carries and two scores.
Marvin Elam added 20 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown of his own. UC attempted just 15 passes over the 60 minutes, connecting on six for just 78 yards.
Kahzin Daniels was a monster on defense for Charleston totaling seven tackles with four for loss including three sacks. The Golden Eagles were able to force three turnovers and were on the plus side of that category for the first time all season. UC allowed a first quarter TD but held the Jackets scoreless for the remaining 55 minutes of the contest.
Charleston punter/kicker
Brett Benes got the scoring started with a 50-yard field goal that crept over the cross bar, narrowing the Jacket lead to four, 7-3. Tevion Cappe scored the first of his two touchdowns with a 36-yard burst that closed out the first quarter and gave UC the lead for good at 10-7.
Cappe was at it again late in the second quarter, this time sprinting through the Jacket defense for a 66-yard score that put UC in front 16-7 heading into the half. It wasn't the 1:27 mark of the third quarter before Charleston struck again, as Elam found a crease and ran a touchdown in from 22 yards out. The score followed a botched field goal attempt where
Blaine Stewart hit Benes with a floating pass that Benes made a highlight worthy grab that gave UC another first down.
Benes finished out the scoring with a 27-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter, giving UC the Kanawha Classic trophy for the third consecutive year with a 26-7 over their rival West Virginia State University.
