Game Notes

HAMPTON, Va. – The Pirates of Hampton University (2-1, 1-0 MEAC) will be back at home after being on the road for the past two weeks, as they play host to the Hornets of Delaware State University (0-2, 0-1 MEAC). The game will take place at Armstrong Stadium with a kick-off time of 6 p.m.

 

“Delaware State's record is misleading, because they have played two great teams like Florida A&M, who is picked pretty high to finish the conference, and University Delaware, who won the FCS Championship a few years ago,” said Pirates head coach Donovan Rose.

 

Coming into the game this weekend, the Pirates are off a tough 24-14 win on the road against North Carolina A&T, while the Hornets are coming off a 27-17 loss to the Blue Hens of the University of Delaware.

Saturday's match-up will be the 35th meeting between the Pirates and the Hornets, with Hampton holding a 22-12 advantage in the series. The rivalry dates back to 1945, when the Hornets defeated the Pirates 14-0. Following that contest, the series was back-and-forth for 19 years, rekindling in 1995 after the Pirates made a bid to join the MEAC. That year, Hampton defeated Delaware State by a score of 51-21. Since then, Hampton has a 12-2 lead in the series, which includes the Pirates' nine-year winning streak.

 

“We are going to give them all the respect that they deserve, because they are a well-coached team,” Rose said. “(Head coach Al) Lavan has done a great job since he has been at Delaware State … they won the MEAC in 2007. Lavan has a lot of experience as a coach because he has coached in the NFL and they have a great staff at DSU as well.”

 

Delaware State defeated Hampton 24-17 in 2007 at Armstrong Stadium, when the Hornets made their run for the MEAC crown. There have been 11 shutouts in the series and Hampton's largest win was a 41-9 decision in 2002. The Hornets' largest victory was a 46-6 rout over the Pirates in 1956.

 

The Pirates hold a 12-6 advantage in the series when playing at Armstrong Stadium.

This game will be the 101^st game the Pirates have played since joining the MEAC; they are 75-26 all-time in conference play.

 

“We are going to just do what we have to do to get ready for the game on Saturday and don't underestimate Delaware State, because they are going to be ready to play,” said Rose.

 

Fans that cannot be at the game can follow a live statistical broadcast of the game, utilizing Internet Consulting Service's live statistical software, which will be available on the official website of Hampton athletics at www.hamptonpirates.com. Fans may access the live stats by visiting the Hampton football home page and clicking on the “Live Stats” link.

 

For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.