Pioneers Topple Spartans 31-14

Saturday, October 1

Fairfield, Conn.

1:00 PM

Sacred Heart

3-2 , 1-0

Norfolk State University

0-5 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Norfolk St.	7	7	0	0	14
Sacred Heart	7	10	7	7	31

10/1/2022 6:08:00 PM | Football

Box Score

SHU shuts out Norfolk State in second half.

FAIRFIELD, CONN. – A stellar second half performance from the Sacred Heart University defense led the football team to victory on Saturday. The Pioneers beat Norfolk State, 31-14, at Campus Field.

Records:
Sacred Heart: 3-2
Norfolk State: 0-5

Statistical Leaders:
Malik Grant: 132 yards, 24 carries, 1 TD
Marquez McCray: 176 yards (17-of-27), 1 TD
Robert O'Donnell: 10 tackles, 1 INT

Up Next:
Sacred Heart has the week off before facing Stonehill on October 15 at 1 p.m.

Of Note:
Sacred Heart scored 17 unanswered points, starting with a field goal at the end of the first half. The Pioneers added a Malik Grant touchdown in the third quarter as well as a defensive touchdown as Robert O'Donnell returned an interception in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

The Pioneers took the opening kickoff and marched 50 yards to produce the first score. Quarterback Marquez McCray connected with Kenneth Womack for the seven-yard touchdown.

McCray called his own number at the start of the second quarter as his one-yard run put SHU up 14-7.

Sacred Heart's ability to move the ball through the air was the difference in the game. McCray was 17-of-27 for 176 yards and the one score. The Spartans were limited to 118 yards and SHU came through with a pair of interceptions.

Grant rushed for a season-high 132 yards on 24 carries and the score. Womack pulled in five catches and his first touchdown of the season.

In addition to his first career interception, O'Donnell produced a personal-best 10 stops. Also snagging his first collegiate pick was safety Marques Mason.