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ELIZABETH CITY – Chowan University rallied in the second half but a missed field goal as time expired left the Hawks with a 12-9 setback in their season opener here Saturday vs. non-conference rival Elizabeth City State University.

The Hawks trailed 9-0 at halftime as the Vikings scored on a 38-yard field goal (first quarter) and a 53-yard TD run by Damarcus Creecy (second quarter).

Chowan got on the scoreboard at the 5:02 mark of the third quarter where Jalen Razor capped a drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Matthew Conord booted the PAT to trim Chowan’s deficit to 9-7.

Riley Higgins answered for ECSU at the 10:10 mark of the fourth quarter where his 23-yard field goal ended a short drive that allowed the Vikings to stretch their lead to 12-7.

After the ensuing kickoff, the Hawks used positive running plays from Razor and Jamison Davis combined with a pair of passes from Maurice Smith to Jokobe Lane totaling 33 yards to drive to the Vikings 12 yardline. But Chowan failed on a fourth down attempt and turned the ball over on loss of downs.

The Hawks forced a safety with 30 seconds left in the game and trailed by only three points at 12-9. Chowan returned the ensuing free kick to the Vikings 45 yard line. Back to back pass completions set up a 37-yard field goal attempt by Conord with three seconds remaining, but his effort to send the game into overtime just missed wide right.

Offensively, Chowan generated 164 total yards. Smith led the Hawks with 63 passing yards (8-of-14 with no interceptions) and also added 33 rushing yards on nine carries. Lane finished with four receptions for 54 yards.

Samuel Tagg and Omari Kinsler led Chowan defensively with 12 and 11 total tackles respectively.

Creecy was ECSU’s main offensive weapon as he rushed for a game high 66 net yards on 10 carries while passing for 65 yards (8-of-13 with no interceptions).

Chowan will continue with non-conference play with a home match up against Barton College at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 at James G. Garrison Stadium in Murfreesboro.