Delaware State notched a robust victory, rolling previous DII HBCU Bowie State 36–14 in Dover. The Hornets flashed offensive firepower, with Kaiden Bennett throwing for 179 yards and two touchdowns whereas including a 24-yard speeding rating. Phillippe Wesley hauled in a 64-yard landing strike and NyGhee Lolley ripped off a 58-yard speeding TD.
However DeSean Jackson, in his third sport as head coach, refused to let the scoreboard inform the complete story.
“We’re not enjoying complementary soccer. We’re not enjoying disciplined soccer… we are able to’t proceed to make these errors.”DeSean Jackson Press convention
The Hornets piled up 472 yards of offense but have been penalized 16 instances for 153 yards. Jackson stated the dearth of self-discipline may price them when more durable opponents arrive.
“I really feel like we must always have scored 50 factors within the first half.”DeSean Jackson Press convention
A New Period, However Accountability Comes First
The win pushes Delaware State to 2–1, marking progress for a program Jackson promised to rebuild rapidly. Followers and alumni are already calling it a “new period.” Jackson embraced that vitality whereas making clear that outcomes will solely come if everybody raises their stage.
“The brand new period is actual. However everybody — coaches, gamers, followers — has to uphold the usual.”DeSean Jackson Press convention
Jackson additionally pointed to the ambiance at Alumni Stadium. Official attendance was 2,205, with a robust Hornet presence. The coach, although, didn’t just like the optics.
“We will’t have an opponent coming in our territory and have a greater crowd than us.”DeSean Jackson Press convention
A college consultant later clarified that Delaware State really outdrew Bowie State, however the scholar part was moved this 12 months to seats behind the visiting bench. That shift made the gang seem smaller on the house aspect, although DSU followers turned out in higher numbers total.
Defensive Sparks with Room to Develop
Delaware State’s protection had its moments. Jadarrius Perkins recorded a security and a fumble restoration, whereas Na’Shawn Biggs added a sack. Defensive again Allen Smith broke up two passes because the Hornets compelled Bowie State into lengthy drives.
Nonetheless, Bowie State’s Micah Robinson gashed the Hornets with 92 speeding yards, together with a 52-yard burst. Jackson stated cleansing up errors — psychological and emotional — is as crucial as any stat.
“You bought guys which are or making errors within the sport… and as a head coach, I can’t enable that.”DeSean Jackson Press convention
Why This HBCU Recreation Issues
For Delaware State, the win is one other step in proving Jackson’s rent was greater than a headline. The Hornets confirmed explosive playmaking and a fan base looking forward to a winner. For Bowie State, the sport strengthened the necessity for clear soccer in MEAC battles, with 12 penalties for 102 yards killing momentum.
Delaware State’s steadiness of spotlight performs and harsh self-reflection is precisely the stress of a program attempting to shift from surviving to contending within the HBCU soccer panorama.
