Sept. 5, 2009
Final Stats
Contact B-CU SID Mark Johnson (386) 481-2206 -
Daytona Beach, Florida -
B-CU Loses Season Opener For Only The Second Time Since 1996
In the 2009 season opener, Shaw University beat the Wildcats 20-6 at Municipal Stadium. Turnovers hurt B-CU's chances losing six fumbles and one interception in the home loss to the Bears. "We were not ready for the challenge," said B-CU Head Coach Alvin B. Wyatt. "They are the two-time defending champion in the CIAA and we had too many turnovers to beat any team today. We had the ball inside the five yard line twice and fumbled the ball and you can't do that and be successful." The Wildcats are now 11-2 in season openers under Coach Wyatt with the only other loss being a 30-29 loss vs. Southern University in the Gateway Classic in Jacksonville (Sept. 2, 2006).
Shaw University Goes To 2-0 With Impressive Win Over 'Cats
The Bears won for the second straight week limiting the B-CU ground attack for most of the game to take a 20-0 lead into the fourth quarter. Bethune-Cookman's junior RB Brian Sumlar scored on a 12-yard run with 13:31 to play in the game to make the score 20-6 and showed life for the offense. The Wildcats' freshman kicker Kory Kowalski missed the extra point attempt and B-CU was back knocking on the door again midway through the fourth quarter but a fumble inside the five yard gave the ball back to the Bears and they held on for the 20-6 road win.
"We paid the price dearly with costly turnovers," said Coach Wyatt. "Everything is up in the open (with regards to starting quarterback Matthew Johnson). We will go with the person at running back or quarterback or x-receiver who will make things happen for us."
Defending champion South Carolina State Next For the Wildcats
The opponent next week is South Carolina State, the defending MEAC champion. B-CU stays at home hosting the Bulldogs, 4 pm, September 12 at Municipal Stadium. "We have to put this game behind us," said Coach Wyatt. "This was a good game for us to evaluate and to see where we are and we have to move forward and get ready to play the defending MEAC champions."
