WASHINGTON (September 9, 2023) - A rain delay at the start of the game failed to "dampen" the Howard University football team, which scored early and often, amassing over 600 yards of total offense en route to a 65-19 win over Morehouse in a nonconference game in the home opener at Greene Stadium.
 
Senior All-MEAC running back Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.) got the Bison rolling, scoring the game's first two touchdowns as the Bison bolted out to the early 14-0 lead. Howard (1-1) went on to score six of its first seven possessions.
 
Senior dual threat Kasey Hawthorne (Sebring, Fla.) then got into the act with the first of his two TDs in the game. The versatile Hawthorne played quarterback in the Bison's Wildcat package and sometimes receiver and running back.
 
The Maroon Tigers (0-2) then scored on a one-yard plunge by quarterback Derrach West at the end of the first quarter to make it 22-7.
 
The Bison offense continued to roll, reeling off three straight second quarter touchdowns to widen the bulge, 41-7.
 
Junior wide receiver Richie Ilarraza (Clearwater, Fla.) caught a 26-yard pass from graduate quarterback Quinton Williams (Upper Marlboro, Md.), graduate running back Ian Wheeler (Houston) scored on a 50-yard jaunt and redshirt freshman wide receiver Breylin Smith (Winter Haven, Fla.) caught the first of two touchdown passes.
 
"Tonight, we came out and played the way we talk about all the time," said Howard Head Coach Larry Scott. "We can't play up or down to the caliber of who we are playing. We came out and did that. That is who we are."
 
Scott was alluding to the season opening 33-23 loss at Eastern Michigan in which the Bison gave up big first half plays on special teams to trail 30-9 at the half. Then, a new team hit the field in the second half and cut the deficit to a one-game possession, 30-23, with time to tie or win.
 
"That second half is who we are," declared Scott. "We have to make sure that there is a continuation of what we did in the second half. We preach all the time about not having a letdown."
 
For the second straight week, Hawthorne had a great performance, this time rushing for a career-high 110 yards. He now has four TDs in the first two game.
 
Hunter added 64 yards on just nine carries and the two scores. Wheeler chipped in with 48 yards on only three carries, good for two touchdowns.
 
It must be noted that Howard played without its leading rusher entering the contest, sophomore standout running back Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), who sat out with an injury after leading the team with 96 yards on nine carries in the opener.
 
Howard has now rushed almost 600 yards in its first two games.
 
Smith had a career day, grabbing eight passes for 91 yards and two scores.
 
Williams had another efficient day, completing 15-of-24 for 176 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. He added 52 yards on four carries.
 
"We wanted to start fast offensively and were able to do that," explained Hawthorne. "The defense played solid and continued to give us opportunities, which we capitalized on. Now, we have to get ready for Hampton."
 
The Howard defense limited Morehouse to 126 yards passing and forced them into 10-of-26 passing on the night.
 
Senior defensive back Carson Hinton (Detroit) led the team with nine tackles, six unassisted.  The Bison went deep into their bench and a number of players were able to get significant playing time.
 
NEXT UP: Howard plays rival Hampton University in the Truth and Service Classic at Audi Field in D.C. Saturday (Sept. 16). Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.