CLEVELAND, Miss. – The 6th-ranked Delta State Statemen showed why they were the defending Gulf South Conference Champions last season. The reigning GSC Champions played a fast and physical game, and the Shorter Hawks were unable to keep up with the attack. Shorter Head Football Coach, Zach Morrison stated, "There were positives to promote on all sides of the games, but there were also some major issues that need to be addressed going into the rest of the season. We knew Delta State was going to be a tough opponent, their QB is the reigning GSC Offensive Player of the Year, and they returned 9 out of 11 starters on defense. I was still proud of team as they fought to the last second of the game." The Hawks finished the day with just under 400 yards of offense with 218 yards on the ground. The Hawks offense was able to find the endzone three times, but Coach Morrison stated, "we left points on the field with a couple of missed assignments and dropped balls." Defensively the Hawks knew they would be up to a challenge with All-Conference QB Patrick Shegog returning to Delta State for his senior season and leading the experienced offense.

Quarterback Josh Brown was able to spark the offense with an explosive rushing touchdown. The red shirt freshman quarterback finished the night with 8 carries for 65 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns as well as going 21/32 for 159 through the air.

Leading the receiving group was Devon Lewis with 5 receptions for 51 yards and Trevon Dirden with 3 catches for 25 yards. Justus Durant was also able to play some plays catching 4 passes for 23 yards. One of the positives from the game was the 25 first downs, showing that even on a top ranked defense that they Hawks can move the ball on anyone. Offensive Coordinator Blake Robles said of the Shorter Hawks offense, "It was good to see our guys play at a high level and see where we were in order to gauge how much work we have to do in order to play our remaining schedule."

The Shorter Offensive Line really helped open some holes for the running backs with Alan Herron fishing with the highest grade from the game, but the whole unit playing well! Coach Morrison said of the OL, "It was great to see the big guys finishing blocks and never giving up! I am proud of the unit for the long drives and protection they were able to give Josh." The offensive line unit includes Jagger Jones, Price Campbell, Clay Baker, Demetri Singleton, and Carson Carpenter. The OL were able to create some great movement for leading rusher Justus Durant who finished the day with 16 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively there were a few standouts in the game with Ryan Richardson and Tony Bethea on the Defensive Line. Defensive Coordinator, Harlen Jacobs said of the game, "We didn't give offense a chance, I am going to need the guys on defense to step up this week. I am interested to see how we will respond and prepare for Mississippi College." The Hawks will regroup for another conference game next week against Mississippi College. The Hawks

play in Rome, GA at Historic Barron Stadium on Sept. 30 in a 12 p.m.