The Howard Bison opened their season with a nail-biting 31-24 win over their HBCU counterpart, Alabama A&M. Representing the MEAC in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff, the Bison took an early 13-0 lead and had control for most of the game.
The team’s largest lead was 20-7, with fifth-year senior quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins throwing two touchdowns in the first half. Scroggins led the way for the Bison, finishing with three passing touchdowns and 315 passing yards. The quarterback has stayed loyal to Howard throughout his career, serving as the team’s backup before being named starter just before kickoff.
Despite the big lead, the Bulldogs started to mount a comeback before the half with a late score. The game came down to the wire in the fourth quarter when both teams scored touchdowns. Ultimately, Howard sealed the game when Scroggins connected with senior wide receiver Se’Quan Osborne for the game-winning touchdown.
This victory marks the Bison’s second straight season-opening win, but more importantly, a great start for first-year head coach Ted White.
Both Teams Trade Blows in the First Half.
After a three-and-out from the Bison defense on the opening drive, Scroggins and the offense took full advantage of the early stop — the senior quarterback connected on all three of his passes before leading his team deep into Bulldog territory. On 2nd-and-goal, Scroggins threw a bootleg pass to his offensive lineman, Markus Hopson, for the first touchdown of the game.
Howard’s defense forced two straight three-and-outs and a turnover on downs. Meanwhile, their kicker, Matt Conord, knocked down two field goals to increase their lead to 13-0.
After a Bison punt, Alabama A&M’s eight-year senior quarterback, Cornelious Brown IV, finally led his offense to their first score of the night. Junior receiver Jarel Williams secured a fade pass from a rolling Brown with an amazing toe-drag in the back of the end zone for the touchdown.
Both teams’ quarterbacks traded back-to-back touchdown passes to end the second quarter, making the score 20-14 at the half.
Scroggins Secures Bison Win with Back-to-Back Throws.
In the third quarter, both teams struggled offensively against strong defenses. Bulldogs senior defensive lineman Kylon Roberts strip-sacked Scroggins to give the offense the ball. However, Bison senior linebacker Rodney Roane responded by intercepting Brown’s pass for a 20-yard return.
Howard ended the quarter with a field goal of their own, going into the final 15 minutes with a 23-14 lead.
Brown and the Bulldogs opened the fourth quarter with a huge 80-yard drive. The eight-year QB ended the drive using his feet for a 4-yard rushing touchdown. The Bison still led 23-21.
After a three-and-out from the Bison offense, the Bulldogs capitalized with a field goal from kicker David Faulk to capture a 24-23 lead.
Both teams traded back-to-back three-and-outs, giving Howard the ball in the final five minutes.
Desperately needing a score to win their season opener, Scroggins didn’t take long to make a play. On 4th-and-2 from their own 36-yard line, he picked up the first down with a 13-yard scramble. On the very next play, Scroggins threaded the needle to connect with Osborne on a slant. The receiver outran the Bulldogs’ secondary to cash in a 51-yard touchdown! Scroggins made another play on the following two-point conversion with a completion to his senior tight end, Nathanial Clark.
On the next Bulldogs drive, Washington, D.C. native and Gonzaga High School alumnus Aiden Foster forced a fumble to ensure the Bison’s 31-24 win.
Following this amazing win, Howard will face off against the Richmond Spiders next Saturday. The Bison look to go 2-0 for the first time since 1993. Hopefully, this win can propel them to another victory next week.
