ELIZABETH CITY, Nc. — Bowie State (1-3) defeated Elizabeth City State (0-4) 34-23 on Saturday Sept. 26, earning their first win of the 2026 Season.
The Bulldogs leaned on the ground game, finishing with 254 rushing yards on 46 carries and 16 rushing first downs, while Maximus Jones carried 23 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns. BSU had 25 first downs overall, went 1-for-1 on fourth down and possessed the ball for 30:15. Defensively, the Bulldogs recorded five sacks for 44 yards, held ECSU to 228 total yards and 3.7 yards per play, and limited the Vikings to 4-of-14 on third down.
After ECSU went in front 7-0, the Bulldogs answered with an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that tied the game late in the first quarter. BSU put together another long scoring possession before halftime, covering 67 yards in 10 plays, including a fourth-down conversion at the Vikings' 21, to move ahead 14-10. When ECSU later held a 23-21 edge, John Thompson changed the score on special teams with a 48-yard punt return touchdown that gave the Bulldogs a 27-23 lead. BSU added a late defensive stop, turning away the Vikings' fourth-down attempt at the BSU 49.
The Bulldogs controlled possession for 9:38 in the first quarter and produced seven first downs, using 73 rushing yards and 23 passing yards to offset an early lost fumble. BSU finished an 11-play, 75-yard drive with Jones' 2-yard touchdown run and Peter Lipscombe's kick, tying the game 7-7 after the first quarter.
BSU produced eight first downs in the second quarter, rushing for 50 yards and passing for 55, and its scoring came on a 10-play, 67-yard drive finished by Joshuah Keith's 21-yard touchdown pass to Devean Byrd on fourth down. ECSU answered with 10 points in the quarter, while the Bulldogs' defense recorded three sacks for 31 yards, and the hosts carried a 17-14 lead into halftime.
The Bulldogs outscored the Vikings 13-6 in the third quarter, using an opening-kickoff fumble recovery to set up Keith's 3-yard touchdown run and John Thompson's 48-yard punt return touchdown to finish the quarter ahead 27-23. ECSU held the ball for 8:15 and went 2-for-4 on third down, but BSU limited it to 54 yards and produced tackles for loss totaling 18 yards, including a Chase Francis sack.
BSU closed the game with a run-only fourth quarter, rushing 12 times for 85 yards and all five of its first downs while holding the Vikings scoreless in a 34-23 win. Jones' 29-yard touchdown run and Lipscombe's PAT accounted for the quarter's only points, and the defense added a Dalan Johnson sack, a Santino Howard blocked punt and a fourth-down stop at the BSU 49.
Ameil Braswell rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Josef Manley completed 16 of 28 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns and added 22 rushing yards. Terrance Holland caught four passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. John Earley recorded 12 tackles on defense.
Up next, the Bulldogs will host Shaw University for their first home contest of the season on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.
The game will celebrate Bowie State faculty and staff, with fans encouraged to wear black in support of the Bulldogs. The contest will also honor the legacy of Dr. Clyde Doughty, Jr. through an in-game tribute and social media storytelling highlighting his lasting impact on Bowie State Athletics.
As part of the celebration, a commemorative "Cool Mac Day" towel will be distributed to fans as a keepsake honoring his enduring legacy and contributions to the Bowie State community.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, please visit bsubulldogs.com.
