With the win, Davidson improves to 2-0, while with the loss Chowan falls to 0-2.
The Wildcats totaled 469 yards of offense, 426 of those on the ground. The Davidson backfield rushed 58 times and averaged 7.3 yards per carry.
After allowing the Hawks to march down the field on the opening drive of the game, going 8-plays and 68 yards for the score, the Wildcats responded with 28 straight points.
Powered by three touchdowns from William Wicks and a receiving grab from junior Hunter Louthan, the ‘Cats raced out to a commanding 28-7 lead. Wicks broke away for scoring scampers of 60, 38 and 5 yards, racking up 122 first-half yards on the ground.
Junior Wesley Dugger got in on the first half scoring action following the Hawks second TD of the game. The Henrico, Va., native gained 42 of his 130 first-half yards on his second touchdown of the season to put the ‘Cats up, 35-13.
Davidson ended the half with a blocked field, scoop and score from senior Corey Coppola for his first career touchdown. The defensive tackle burst down the field on a 78-yard return, the first returned blocked kick since 1999. The ‘Cats headed to the locker room with 318 total yards, 297 of those on the ground.
Following a scoreless third, the Hawks cut the deficit in half with a Bryce Witt scoring throw to Sha’Von Harkless and a successful two-point conversion made it 42-21. Each team then traded touchdowns including James Story’s first of the year, a 2-yard rushing score.
Dugger recorded his second consecutive 100-yard game on the ground, rushing16 times for 153 yards and the score. Wicks’ finished with 132 yards on 9 carries and the 3 touchdowns.
The ‘Cats defense wreaked havoc on the Hawks, sacking Chowan quarterbacks five times. Davidson picked off a pair of Chowan passes with Dreylan Hines second of the young season and Rayshawn McCall’s first. Junior linebacker Tony Collins led the team with 7 tackles and a sack.
Davidson also did not register a punt on the stat sheet. The lone attempt ended with a Chowan penalty and the ‘Cats regaining possession with a fresh set of downs.
The Wildcats wrap up their season-opening homestand Saturday, Sep. 15 when Guilford comes to Richardson Stadium. Chowan travels to take on another North Carolina team as the Hawks face Shaw to open CIAA conference action.
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