Sept. 20, 2008

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Daytona Beach, Fla.  Freshman quarterback Maurice Francois (Palm Bay, Fla./Bayside HS), playing in his first collegiate game for B-CU, led a dominant Wildcat offense with the team gaining 412 yards on the ground in a 34-9 win over Savannah State University Saturday at Municipal Stadium.

Francois rushed 20 times for 121 yards and led the Wildcats on two long scoring drives in the first half to put B-CU ahead 14-3 at halftime.  With top two QBs McKinson Souverain and Matthew Johnson not at full strength, B-CU coach Alvin Wyatt turned to Francois for the start. Soph.  RB Brian Sumlar rushed for 91 yards and two TDs, Soph. RB Androse Bell ran 13 times for 90 yards and a score, and Phillip Kirkland (60 yards and a TD) and Fred McCaskill (34 yards and a touchdown) all contributed to the season-high 412 yards rushing attack.

B-CU's defense held Savannah State (2-2) to only 43 yards rushing on 24 carries and 210 yards of total offense in the non-conference victory. DB Brent Davis had an interception and registered 5 tackles for the Wildcats (2-1, 0-1, MEAC).  Sr. Safety Travis Roland led the defense with 8 tackles (4 solo) and had two tackles for losses.

Bethune-Cookman scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to open up a 27-3 margin after three quarters in a game played with first half rains and cloudy skies throughout.

B-CU dominated the time of possession controlling the ball with 76 offensive plays to 46 for the Tigers of SSU and a 38:18 to 21:42 margin in the contest. The Wildcats passed the ball only 6 times, completing one pass for -2 yards.

MEAC play returns next for B-CU (2-1,0-1, MEAC) hosting Norfolk State, Saturday at 4 p.m.