DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Frank Brown hauled in an 82-yard touchdown from quarterback Larry Brihm with 50 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, and Michael D. Jones added the two-point conversion around the right side, to give the Gold team a 29-28 come-from-behind win over the Maroon team in the fifth annual Spring Showcase at Municipal Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The game was played with a 12-minute first quarter, followed by three (3) 15-minute quarters. All but the final stanza used a running clock.
The Gold team led 21-14 heading into what would become a wild fourth quarter at “The Cage”.
Quentin Williams, quarterbacking the Maroon squad, orchestrated a five-play, 52-yard drive midway through the fourth quarter to bring his team to within 21-20.
DeVonte Washington caught a pass that was placed right in his hands from Williams, allowing him to walk into the end zone on the score from 31 yards out. The two-point conversion attempt from Williams on a fade route was knocked away by Vontavian Blocker.
After the Maroon team forced the Gold team to punt on its next possession that included a trio of incomplete passes, Williams was back to work on his team's next drive.
Williams connected with Jawill Davis on three-straight plays, with the final strike being good for a 30-yard touchdown. Following the two-point conversion run from Jamaruz Thompkins, the Maroon had seemingly completed the comeback win as they led, 28-21.
However, the clock had just over a minute remaining for Brihm to try a come-from-behind win of his own.
Brihm was sacked on the first play for the Gold team, only to come back on the next for the big hookup between Brihm and Brown for the score that led to Jones' two-point conversion winning score.
The score was almost reminiscent of Brown's long touchdown reception at Municipal Stadium in the fall, completing a comeback win for the Wildcats over Division II upstart Florida Tech.
It was the Gold team taking the lead to begin the contest.
Running back Anthony Jordan powered his way 10 yards on the game's opening drive, putting his team on top 7-0, following the extra point from Jonathan Cagle.
The Maroon squad answered on its opening possession, driving 75 yards on 10 plays, using 8:52 off the clock. The drive was capped by Jaime Wilson's 25-yard touchdown reception from Williams. Hillman Tabi added the extra point to knot the game at 7-all.
Tight end Tyler Gildner put the Gold team back on top with a seven-yard reception as he went flying into the end zone, allowing Gold a 14-7 advantage. The Gold drive went 75 yards on 11 plays, using 7:23 off the play clock.
Jawill Davis added the first of his two touchdown catches on the afternoon to knot the game at the half, 14-14. He took a pass from Williams for a 67-yard strike – one of seven passing touchdowns from both teams combined in the game.
Frank Brown hauled in his first touchdown of the day just before the close of the third quarter, putting the Gold team up, 21-20.
Jordan led the Gold team in rushing with 33 yards on six carries and adding a score on the ground. Brihm tallied 24 yards rushing, while passing for 260 yards and three scores through the air on 16-of-29 attempts. Brown finished with 159 yards receiving on five catches and adding two scores.
Thompkins led the Maroon team in rushing with 23 yards on four carries. Williams finished with a game-high 347 yards passing, connecting on 19-of-26 attempts, adding four touchdown strikes and an interception to end the game.
Davis led all receivers in the game with 189 yards and a pair of scores on nine receptions.
Robert Way led the Gold defense with 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks (3.5 tackles for loss). Deonte Mayo added five stops.
Jearren Davis paced the Maroon defense with five tackles, including a quarterback sack. Marquis Drayton added four tackles.
The 2015 schedule features 11 games, including seven of those contests being played in the Sunshine State. The Wildcats open the 2015 slate on September 5, traveling to FBS opponent Miami at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The home-opener for the Wildcats is September 19, against Lane at 4 p.m. Homecoming is set for October 24 (vs. Norfolk State), while the Florida Blue Florida Classic will be held November 21, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
Season tickets for the 2015 season will be on sale soon at the B-CU Box Office, and may be purchased by calling (386) 481-2465. They can also be purchased through Ticketmaster, as well as online by clicking here.
For the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow us on Twitter, @BCUGridIron. For the most accurate and up to date information delivered to your phone, download the official Bethune-Cookman Wildcats app for your Droid or iPhone.
-www.BCUathletics.com-
