Delaware wins first ever '1st State Cup,' defeats Delaware State 27-17

After 82 years co-existing as Division I football programs in the same state, and months of hype, speculation, and excitement, Delaware played Delaware State in their first regular season matchup ever Saturday, defeating the Hornets 27-17.

While it was dubbed a "rivalry", the Hens were supreme favorites to handily take the First State Cup. However, the close score did not come as a surprise to either head coach.

"They were a much better football team than they were in '07 (the last time the Hens played the Hornets in the first round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs)," Hens head coach KC Keeler said. "I have so much respect for Al (Lavan) and his program."

Posting a line of 23 for 40 completions and throwing for 208 yards on the day, Delaware State's QB Anthony Glaud led the Hornets within striking distance of the Hens. Although the Hornets were close, they could never quite catch KC Keeler's squad.

"Preparing throughout the week, we knew we would have the opportunity to score the football," Glaud said. "It was no surprise for us because that's what we prepare for."

While Delaware scored early in the first quarter on a 15 play, 63 yard drive capped by a Pat Devlin QB sneak into the end zone, they were stagnant for the rest of the half.

Expecting to score late in the half, Delaware found themselves 4^th and 1 on the one yard line as the clock was winding down. On a run up the middle, Leon Jackson was stuffed by Delaware State LB Kevin Green, sending the Hens into the locker room leading 7-3 rather than 14-3.

"I guess I just kind of read it," Green said. "I saw the motion and shot it. The game was about momentum. We stopped it, so I felt like the momentum went right to us."

The Hornets were unable to capitalize, however, and could not score throughout the third quarter.

"We simply couldn't make enough big plays to get some scoring done," Hornets head coach Al Lavan said. "There were opportunities there and we just fell a little short being consistent in our play."

The Hens offense was unable to kick into gear until a 38 yard reception from Devlin to WR Tommy Crosby late in the third quarter. Crosby's reception set up Devlin's second rushing touchdown of the day, giving the Hens their second set of points on the board and a 14-3 lead heading into the final quarter of play.

Delaware didn't slow down after their third quarter drive. After recovering a fumble forced by Saddiq Haynes at the beginning of the final quarter, Devlin and the Hens drove six plays and 59 yards capped by a 17 yard touchdown pass from Devlin to Freshman WR Rob Jones to make the score 21-3.

"Getting Pat in an empty set and letting him control the game made it a different game in the second half," Keeler said.

Delaware State answered with an interception shortly after. Jorome Strumms intercepted a Devlin pass intended for Hens WR Mark Mackey, returning it 71 yards for a touchdown.

The Hornets' high didn't last long, however. Jerry Butler returned the kickoff inside the Delaware State 30 yard line, setting up a three yard touchdown run by Leon Jackson shortly after to make the score 27-10.

Although Delaware State scored their second touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a 74 yard drive to make the score 27-17, it wasn't enough to catch the Hens.

"At the very end, we finished the drive but before that we didn't finish," Lavan said. "That's the point. I'm very proud of our guys. We never stopped fighting."

Hens' QB Pat Devlin finished the day with 228 yards passing, with two rushing and one throwing touchdown. With Delaware State behind them, Devlin and the Hens head to William and Mary next week.

As for the First State Cup, it will stay in Newark until next fall.

"The trophy is huge," Keeler said. "Al (Lavan) and I are going to have to go on a lifting program to carry it off the field."

Check Managing Sports Editor Matthew Waters' live game blog on the Chicken Scratch Blog .