Bobcats Seize 34-7 Win Against Rowan in Home Opener

On Saturday, Sept. 22, the Frostburg State University (FSU) football team managed a 34-7 win in their home opener against Rowan. Last Saturday was supposed to be the Bobcats’ first home game of the season against Christopher Newport. However, due to complications from Hurricane Florence, the game was cancelled.

Now, a week later, senior quarterback Connor Cox led the Bobcats to their win over Rowan by contributing a total of four touchdowns. Cox threw two touchdown passes and ran for the other two, later being named New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Offensive Player of the Week on Sunday.

Prior to Saturday’s game, FSU’s head football coach DeLane Fitzgerald remarked, “Rowan is undefeated at 3-0 and they are going to be ready to play tomorrow. Our coaches and players know that we are going to get Rowan’s best, so we need to go out and be our best selves as well.”

Although the game started out questionable, the Bobcats quickly gained their redemption.

FSU scored first with junior wide receiver, Malik Morris, catching a 68 yard touchdown pass thrown by Cox with 6:24 left in the first. However, kicker Jeremy Harrison missed the extra point, leaving the team with a score of 6 nearing the end of the quarter.

Soon after, Rowan’s Riley Giles threw a 60 yard pass to Elijah Rehm, scoring their only touchdown of the game and gaining an early 7-6 lead at the end of the first.

Senior running back, Jamaal Morant, rushed for 10 yards on first and 10 in the first quarter. Thanks to his first down carry, Morant became the seventh player in FSU football history to rush for 2,000 career yards.

Early in the second quarter, senior wide receiver Sergio Andino completed a 14-yard touchdown pass thrown by Cox, giving the Bobcats a 13-7 lead over Rowan (13:23).

With 5:58 left before halftime, Morris blocked Rowan’s punt and picked it up in the end zone, scoring FSU’s third touchdown of the game (20-7).

Starting off the third quarter, sophomore wide receiver Lincoln Ikwubuo completed a 20-yard pass thrown by Cox on first and 10. With that pass, Cox now holds the most passing yards in FSU football history.

At 10:21 in the third, Cox completed a 2-yard rushing touchdown, leaving the score at 27-7.

FSU’s defense remained strong throughout the duration of the game, discouraging Rowan from climbing up the scoreboard.

With 5:40 left in the fourth, Cox managed a 4-yard rushing touchdown, putting the final score at 34-7.

FSU’s junior linebacker Wayne Palmer locked in 10 tackles, with first-year defensive back Zachary Willet posing 6 tackles.

After their win, Cox mentioned, “I thought we played well on all phases of the ball. It was nice to finally play at home in front of our fans again. Offensively, we played well, managing four touchdowns and over 400 yards of offense against a good Rowan defense. Defensively, we held a 3-0 Rowan team to only 7 points, and we added in a special team touchdown.”

The Bobcats will take the road for their upcoming away game against Wesley on Saturday, Oct. 6.

Fans will be charged $5.00 per person at the Bobcat Stadium for all home games this season. FSU faculty, students, and staff with a university ID will be allowed free admission with one guest free of charge. Children ages 17 and under will be allowed free of charge as well. Profits made through this new policy are aimed to enhance future athletic department plans.