Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Morgan State Bears 24, Bethune Cookman Wildcats 13


· 'Cats better, but still 0-4

DAYTONA BEACH -- After every game so far this season, Bethune-Cookman announced its season would start anew the following week. Four straight losses will do that to team -- make it want to forget about the past and look ahead to a brighter future. But with the calendar now turned to October, there was something in the air Saturday at Municipal Stadium, and it wasn't a chill. It was the slightest hint of optimism.
Once again mistakes kept B-CU winless as Morgan State held off the Wildcats for a 24-13 victory in front of 3,428 mostly disappointed fans.

"You hate to take positives from losing," B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt. "But I think our kids have improved from game to game." Saturday's stats will certainly support that statement. The Wildcats (0-4, 0-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) came into the game with a rushing total of 255 yards and an average of 111.7 yards of offense per game. Against the Bears (3-1, 1-0), they rolled up 343 yards on offense, including 283 on the ground. They had three more first downs than Morgan State, and they held the ball for 6 1/2 minutes longer than the visitors. But two wide kicks and one dropped ball made a huge difference.

Photo Gallery: Bear Shots

Bears Hand Bethune-Cookman Fourth-Straight Loss, 24-13

DAYTONA, Fla. – Morgan State had its best scoring output of the season and the defense held when it counted most to help the Bears improve to a three-game winning streak and extend Bethune-Cookman’s rough season with a 24-13 win Saturday at Daytona Municipal Stadium. The Bears captured its first conference win of the season, and hold a 3-1 overall record for the first time since 1996. MSU held a 17-7 lead at the break, but the Wildcats came out with renewed energy in the second half.

Starting on its own 4 yardline, Francois opened the drive with an option pitch to Fred McCaskill for a 60-yard gain to help setup an 11-yard TD run by Courtney Keith with 4:07 remaining in the third quarter. Kory Kowalski’s point extra attempt was blocked by defensive tackle James Cole. It was senior’s second extra point block of the season. The Bears quickly countered on its next possession. Carlton Jackson guided the Bears 60 yards in six plays and connected with junior wideout Edwin Baptiste for a 19 yard touchdown pass to lift the Bears to a 24-13 advantage.

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