DUNBAR, W.Va. – The Monroe University football team fell to West Virginia State University, 48-14, on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs scored once in the first quarter and added a defensive touchdown in the fourth, but West Virginia State built a 31-7 halftime advantage and maintained control throughout the contest.
HOW IT HAPPENED
West Virginia State opened the scoring with an 80-yard touchdown pass before Monroe answered with a 12-play, 80-yard drive. Running back Lasean Sharp capped the possession with a four-yard touchdown run, and Dmitri Grieb added the extra point to even the score at 7-7.
The Yellow Jackets responded with a touchdown late in the first quarter to regain the lead, then added a field goal and two more touchdown passes in the second quarter to take a 31-7 advantage into halftime.
West Virginia State extended its lead with another touchdown pass in the third quarter and a field goal early in the fourth.
Monroe's defense provided the Mustangs' final touchdown when Da'Vaine Cushnie returned a fumble 60 yards for a score with 9:50 remaining. Grieb converted the extra point to make it 41-14.
West Virginia State added a 32-yard punt return touchdown later in the fourth quarter to account for the final margin.
MUSTANG STANDOUTS
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Lasean Sharp: Led Monroe on the ground with 56 yards on 11 carries and scored the Mustangs' first-quarter touchdown.
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Jamal Abdal-Khallaq: Led Monroe with five receptions for 42 yards.
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Lawson Richberg: Added two catches for 30 yards.
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Da'Vaine Cushnie: Returned a fumble 60 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown and recorded a fumble recovery.
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Makel Parker: Finished with three solo tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
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Brandon Wilson: Recorded five tackles, including two for loss, and a sack.
STATS & NOTES
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Monroe totaled 198 yards of offense, including 95 rushing yards and 103 passing yards.
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The Mustangs recorded 15 first downs and possessed the ball for 30:40.
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Monroe's defense recorded three fumble recoveries and two sacks.
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West Virginia State finished with 413 total yards, including 269 passing yards and five passing touchdowns.
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The Mustangs were assessed 14 penalties for 143 yards.
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Saturday's game was played in sunny conditions before an attendance of 237.
UP NEXT
Monroe returns to action on Saturday, October 31 when they travel to face Keystone College. Game-time is set for 1:00 p.m.
