By Jerome Bailey, Staff Writer
During last season’s meeting, the James Madison Dukes demolished the Hofstra Pride, 56-0, and the loss was personal for many of the Pride players — definitely for senior quarterback Cory Christopher.
“Last season, that type of game makes us think, Why we are playing football?’ “said Christopher.
Despite the fact that Christopher and his teammates had vengeance on their minds coming into Saturday’s game, it seemed unlikely that a victory was possible. After all, the Pride hadn’t defeated the Dukes in 10 seasons.
But, as the clock hit double zeros, it was not a joke, and the Hofstra Pride had seriously pulled off a major upset by defeating the James Madison Dukes, 24-17, on Saturday. The victory is the Pride’s (3-2) (1-1) first over the Dukes in 10 seasons. The Pride fans and coaching staff were elated as soon as time expired — coaches were hugging the players and fans were cheering at James Shaurrt Stadium.
“The fact that we came out today, and won is an amazing feeling right now,” said Christopher.
The victory also marks the first top ten Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) victory for the Pride since, defeating the University of Massachusetts, 21-10, in 2005.
“We are extremely excited to beat a team of this caliber, and definitely happier because of the last result against the Dukes,” said Hofstra Head Coach Dave Cohen.
The Pride never trailed in this game, and the offense fired on all cylinders. Several times throughout the game, the Pride rotated quarterbacks Christopher and sophomore Steve Probst. Together, the two ran and threw the ball well against the sometimes nonexistent Dukes defense.
On a play in the second quarter, Probst found redshirt tight-end freshman Dave Wilson wide-open in the end zone, without a Duke defender within five yards of him. For Wilson, that was his first collegiate touchdown.
“Coach put me in positions to make plays, and I made them,” said Wilson after the game.
Throughout the first half, rain was a factor in this game, causing fumbles and an eventual 30- minute game delay. With the Pride leading, 14-3, and the Dukes (2-2) (0-1) in Hofstra territory, Dukes freshman quarterback Justin Thorpe was scrambling, trying to make a play when he fumbled the ball. The Pride took over and went deep into Dukes territory with 1:23 left before halftime– only to have the officials notice lighting, and stopped game play for 30 minutes.
The rain delay did not take away the Pride’s momentum. Following the delay, the Pride came out and Christopher connected with Wilson for a four-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown reception was Wilson’s second of the day. The Pride now led 21-10.
The Pride’s defense was causing problems all day long, as they had four sacks, one interception and held the Dukes to 192 yards of offense. The Dukes also rotated quarterbacks throughout the game, between Thorpe and junior Drew Dudzik. The Pride defense limited the two to 56 passing yards. However, Thorpe rushed for 127 yards.
In the fourth quarter, with the Dukes attempting a comeback, Dudzik tried to go deep; however, he was hit while throwing the ball, and it ended up in the hands of Pride freshman safety Jordan Dangerfield. Dangerfield’s interception made all of his coaches and teammates proud. Dangerfield, sadly, lost his father before the season started.
“I am proud of Jordan. He lost his father weeks before the season started. So, for him to get an interception is something special,” said Cohen.
The Pride looks to continue its winning ways next weekend against the University of Maine Black Bears. The Bears last season posted a (8-5) (5-3) record. In the last meeting between the teams, the Bears squeaked out a 41-40 overtime victory. The Pride trailed 13-0 in that game; however, they came roaring back to force overtime. The Pride leads the all-time series, 10-7. The Black Bears (2-3) (1-1) are coming off a 23-13 defeat against Delaware.
(Stephen Cooney/The Chronicle)
(Stephen Cooney/The Chronicle)
(Stephen Cooney/The Chronicle)