Box Score September 17, 2016 – ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – The Maroon Tigers jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but failed to hold on and fell to the Elizabeth City State University Vikings, 35-30.
The loss, in the Down East Viking Football Classic, was the first this season and dropped the Tigers to 2-1. Elizabeth City improved to 1-2.
After running back Keenan Parker plowed two yards across the goal line, late in the first quarter, and Lance McGuffie hauled in a 17-yard pass from Monqavious Johnson, early in the second quarter, it looked like an easy day for the Maroon Tigers.
But Johnson aggravated an injury suffered in the season opener and the Vikings struck back with 28 unanswered points.
All of the Vikings' scores came by way of the pass from two quarterbacks to three different receivers, who scored on receptions of 1, 3, 21, 24 and 25 yards. Two of the touchdowns came via a Morehouse fumble and interception.
Morehouse went scoreless in the third quarter, but scored two touchdowns and a safety in the fourth. One of the touchdowns was a 35-yard reception to Tamarick Vanover Jr. from quarterback Kivon Taylor, who took over for Johnson. The other touchdown was a 30-yard run by Taylor, with under 10 seconds remaining. Morehouse tried an onside kick on the next play, but the Vikings recovered the ball and ran out the clock.
Despite out-gaining the Vikings (353 yards-316 yards), Morehouse failed to convert on any of its 12 third-down conversion attempts.
Johnson completed 9 of 15 passes for 145 yards and had one interception. He was sacked four times. Taylor completed 5 of 22 passes for 101 yards, with one interception. He rushed four times for 45 yards.
For the third straight game, David Smith led the Tigers in tackles, with nine stops. He also posted a sack and three tackles for loss.
Keith Anderson collected six tackles and Austin Benton, Rashay March and Lynd Parrish had five tackles each.
Ryan Edwards hauled in six receptions for 124 yards and Lance McGuffie caught two passes for 39 yards.
The Maroon Tigers return home to face the Miles Golden Bears, Saturday at 2 p.m.
