DOVER, Del. — Former NFL star turned HBCU coach DeSean Jackson earned his first profession victory as head coach of the Delaware State Hornets, guiding his group to a dramatic 37–32 win over Albany in a recreation that lasted greater than seven hours as a consequence of a number of lightning delays. The victory not solely gave Jackson his long-awaited breakthrough as a frontrunner but additionally set the tone for what might be a brand new period of vitality and resilience for Delaware State soccer.
A Marathon Sport With a Storybook Ending
Delaware State followers had been handled to one of many wildest video games in latest reminiscence. The Hornets trailed late after Albany quarterback Jack Shields discovered tight finish Steven Mahar Jr. for a landing that gave the Nice Danes a 32–31 lead with slightly below 5 minutes to play.
Then got here the chaos. Lightning strikes compelled a 40-minute delay, adopted by one other delay of almost three hours. The prolonged stoppage examined each groups’ psychological toughness and compelled gamers to reset their momentum a number of instances all through the night time.
However when play lastly resumed, Delaware State seized the second. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett, a switch identified for his dual-threat capacity, delivered the play of the sport. With solely 34 seconds remaining, Bennett scrambled 27 yards for the go-ahead landing, diving throughout the pylon to safe the Hornets’ first win of the season — and Jackson’s first as an HBCU head coach.
Jackson’s Management Shines By means of
The win was about extra than simply numbers on a scoreboard. For Delaware State, it was a testomony to the tradition shift taking place beneath Jackson. Identified throughout his NFL profession for game-changing performs and explosive pace, Jackson has introduced that very same hearth to the sidelines. His management fashion emphasizes resilience, accountability, and swagger — qualities that confirmed up when his group refused to fold regardless of a number of delays and momentum swings.
This milestone second wasn’t only a private achievement for Jackson; it was additionally a much-needed spark for a Hornets program desirous to climb the ranks within the MEAC and set up itself as a drive in HBCU soccer.
What This Means for Delaware State
The Hornets are actually 1–1 on the season, however this victory feels larger than a single recreation. It sends a transparent message that Delaware State can compete on an enormous stage, overcome adversity, and shut out tight contests. It additionally reveals that Jackson has the flexibility to translate his NFL pedigree right into a profitable teaching profession within the faculty ranks.
For Albany, the loss drops them to 0–2 and leaves them trying to find solutions after letting a late lead slip away. However for Delaware State, this win is a constructing block — one that would outline their season and encourage confidence all through this system.
Why It Issues for HBCU Soccer
For the broader HBCU neighborhood, Jackson’s success issues. His title brings nationwide consideration, and his first win proves that HBCU packages can appeal to high expertise not simply on the sphere however on the sidelines as effectively. Delaware State’s marathon victory showcased the guts, drama, and resilience that makes HBCU soccer some of the thrilling experiences in faculty sports activities.
Trying Forward
With their first win of the season secured, Delaware State will look to construct on this momentum as they put together for MEAC play. For Jackson, the journey has simply begun, however this victory marks the beginning of what might be a historic chapter for each him and the Hornets.
