Totaling 563 yards of offense, the Kennesaw State football team broke a school record for points scored in a 62-13 victory over Alabama State University on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Despite facing their second consecutive weather delay Saturday night, the Owls had no delay in their play, getting off to a much quicker start than last week’s victory over Tennessee Tech.
“It’s very pleasing to see,” quarterback Chandler Burks said. “When you lose leadership guys from last year, you come into a new year and you have to build your identity. I think the 2018 Kennesaw State Owls are starting to let everybody know our standard, and we’re not even close to doing it at all phases yet, but we’re getting there.”
Darnell Holland led the team in rushing with 136 yards largely due to two explosive runs. Burks, along with backup quarterbacks Daniel David and Tommy Bryant, combined for 197 yards and four touchdowns.
In the midst of his 58-yard run, Holland took his eyes off of the end-zone and set them on the TV screen, causing him to trip and fall before he was able to score. His stumble would eventually set up Burks’ third rushing touchdown of the night, pushing his career total to 33 and elevating him to 5th all-time in Big South Conference rushing touchdown history.
“Glory to God,” Burks said, referring to whom he gives credit. “I couldn’t do it without my teammates. I also couldn’t do it without Darnell tripping at times.”
Holland would soon have his time to shine. On the following drive, Holland found himself in the open field once again, this time finishing the 70-yard run with a touchdown.
“I won’t hear the end of it,” Holland said. “That’s the beauty of football. I love football because the next play is always the best play.”
The team may have made history in multiple ways offensively, but the defense and special teams put them in position to do so. Two out of its first three touchdowns were set up by turnovers.
Overall, the defense forced three turnovers and allowed the Hornets only three chances in the red zone.
Isaac Foster took advantage of his time on the field with a breakout-day at special teams. Foster took off for a 100-yard kick-off return, the longest return in program history. He also contributed with four tackles.
“I caught the ball on the right side of the field,” Foster said. “We had a left sideline call, so I’m headed to the left side of the field. I see it just split open, the middle of the field, I just tried to hit it as hard as I could and that was it.”
With the victory, the Owls extended their winning streak at home to 10 games.
“Ultimately we won at home. That’s something we’ve preached since day one — protect the nest,” head coach Brian Bohannon said. “Last time we lost here was October 15, 2016, and it’s important. It’s important to keep that alive. I’m proud of the win.”
The Owls stay at home for their next game as they face Clark Atlanta University on Saturday, September 22 at 6 p.m.
