Coppin State Football wins debut at home

by Keith Henry

Before last Saturday, very few had heard about Coppin State University fielding a club football team. As of now, everyone on campus, including George Mason was made a believer as the Eagles won their very first football game ever with a 35-27 result over the George Mason Patriots at the PEC football field in front of a good turnout of fans and students.

The Eagles had to hold on to dear life towards the end of the game as George Mason mounted a late drive and advanced to the Coppin State six yard line. But the Coppin State (1-0) defense held off four GMU throwing attempts into the end zone and turned the Patriots over on downs with six seconds left to secure the victory. out

Coppin State head coach Joseph Gardner said about that defensive stand, "That's what football is all about. Fourth down play with 10 seconds left on the clock. That's what these young guys live for. These guys have been here since August 15th. Thanks to Mr.Seedman, Dr. Avery, Dr. Simmons and all of those individuals that are responsible for planning this event."

Coppin State sophomore OLB Kevin Gamble II said about the last play, "I had to make the play. Last play, they came out and ran a web and we let them go. So I guess they've seen that and came back and ran it again. So I just threw my hands up and pushed the receiver out of bounds. The referee said it was incomplete."

Offensively, the Eagles had a good day. Freshman quarterback Antoine Goodson completed 12 of 14 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas Carter, Jordan Ford and Reginald Ford recorded a touchdown reception each while freshman running back Tavia Gambrill rushed 18 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns.

The offense will have to learn from their mistakes for future games. Coppin State turned the ball over four times in the game.
The Wright State game was changed to an intrasquad game this Saturday in which the Blue team defeated the White team 28-14. Their next game occurs next Saturday at Hampton Roads before they come back to the Physical Education Complex to host UVA-Lynchburg on October 1st and Longwood October 8th.