Box Score MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Shorter football team battled until the final whistle on Saturday afternoon but ultimately came up short in a 23-20 defeat to Chowan at Garrison Field. The loss drops the Hawks to 3-7 overall and 2-5 in conference play.
 
 
The hosts came out firing, scoring on their opening two possessions to take an early 13-0 lead. After another Shorter three-and-out, Hugh Barbee III provided a much-needed spark for the Hawks, coming away with an interception inside the Chowan 25-yard line to put Shorter in prime scoring position. The Hawks capitalized on the turnover, as Jeb Walls connected with David Hill for a 17-yard touchdown reception to cut into the deficit as the opening quarter came to a close.
 
 
Shorter carried that momentum into the second quarter, as Hill broke free for a 32-yard rushing touchdown to even the score at 13-13. Both defenses settled in over the next several possessions, forcing multiple stops to keep the contest deadlocked. However, Chowan managed to break through just before halftime, finding the end zone to reclaim a 20-13 advantage heading into the break.
 
 
The Hawks struggled to find their rhythm offensively coming out of halftime, as several possessions stalled throughout the third quarter. Chowan took advantage, connecting on a 23-yard field goal midway through the period to extend its lead to 23-13. Shorter began to find its footing late in the quarter, with Hill leading the charge on several strong runs to move the Hawks into the red zone heading into the final 15 minutes.
 
 
Hill continued his impressive afternoon to open the fourth quarter, finding the end zone for the third time to bring Shorter within a field goal at 23-20. Defensively, the Hawks rose to the occasion, limiting Chowan's offensive opportunities and keeping the contest within reach. However, the hosts' defensive pressure proved difficult to overcome, as multiple sacks disrupted Shorter's attempts to put together a go-ahead drive. The Hawks regained possession with under two minutes remaining, but were unable to generate a final scoring opportunity, ultimately falling in a hard-fought 23-20 contest.
 
 
Hill delivered a standout performance for the Hawks, carrying the ball 28 times for 182 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding a receiving score to account for all three of Shorter's touchdowns. Defensively, Andrew Waldrep led the way with six tackles, while DJ Walker and Brandon Watson each finished with five. Barbee III also made his presence felt with a key first-quarter interception.
 
 
UP NEXT
The Hawks return home to Rome next weekend for their season finale, where they will host an opponent from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
 
 
FOLLOW THE HAWKS
For complete coverage of Shorter football, follow the Hawks on X and Instagram at @ShorterUFB or visit the official home of Shorter Athletics at goshorterhawks.com.
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