Missed chances haunt Hawks

Published 5:53 pm Sunday, October 29, 2023

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MURFREESBORO – Missed opportunities came back to haunt Chowan here Saturday as the Hawks failed to score in the redzone during a 14-6 setback vs. West Alabama in Gulf South Conference action.

Senior quarterback Rashad McKee avoids the rush as he looks for an open receiver. Despite Saturday’s loss, McKee turned in his best effort of the season, completing 23 passes for 342 yards. Staff Photo by Cal Bryant

The loss dropped Chowan to 0-9 overall and 0-7 in league play.

Chowan came up short three times inside the redzone, including their first possession of the game where a fourth down run was stopped six inches from the goal line.

While the ground game was ineffective against the visitors, Chowan relied on senior quarterback Rashad McKee, playing for the final time at Garrison Stadium. McKee turned in his best effort of the season, completing 23 passes for 342 yards.

Freshman defensive back Jordan Johnson (#32) swats a pass away from West Alabama receiver Dearrius Nelson during Saturday’s home finale for Chowan. Staff Photo by Cal Bryant

However, the Hawks failed to finish drives. In addition to being stopped at West Alabama’s six-inch line, Chowan saw drives end at their opponent’s 23 (2nd quarter), 17 (2nd quarter – missed field goal), 20 (3rd quarter – made field goal), and 6 yardlines (4th quarter – made field goal).

Demetrius Moore (6 receptions for 137 yards), Tyree Holloway (2-65), Noah Toster (4-51), and Ireal Hills (4-40) were McKee’s top targets.

Traevon Mitchell led Chowan with seven tackles, including 2.5 TFLs. Kamari Matthews also posted seven tackles.

West Alabama (4-4 overall; 3-3 in the conference) scored all of their points in the first half on runs of six yards by Brayden Jenkins and three yards by Bry Webb. Elijah Guyton tacked on both PATs.

Jose Colunga booted two field goals (37 and 22 yards) in the fourth quarter for Chowan.

Chowan has this week off before heading to Pensacola, Fla. to take on nationally-ranked West Florida on Nov. 11 Kick-off is slated for 2 pm.