Norfolk State 2-0 for First Time Since 1991. Johnson Named "MEAC Rookie of the Week"

Norfolk, Va.— Norfolk, VA-Norfolk State University will be looking for its third straight victory of the 2002 season when the Spartans travel to Daytona Beach, Florida on Saturday to face Bethune-Cookman. Game time is set for 5:00p.m.

NSU defeated Savannah State 35-6 last week to open up the season 2-0 for the first time since 1991. Senior William Smith (Washington, DC/Riverdale Baptist) and freshmen Terrell Johnson (Newport News, VA/Warwick HS) both rushed for over a 100 yards in the victory.

Smith had 138 yards on 26 carries and three touchdowns, while Johnson contributed 111 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Johnson's efforts were good enough to earn him MEAC "Rookie of the Week" honors this week. Johnson (98.5 yds/per game) and Smith (96.0yds/per game) are ranked third and fourth in the MEAC in rushing. Smith is leading the MEAC in touchdowns scored (4) and is tied is for fourth in scoring (12.00) in NCAA Division I-AA.

NSU fell to Bethune-Cookman 32-7 last season in Norfolk, VA. This will be the 13th meeting between the two teams with Bethune-Cookman leading the series 7-5.

The Wildcats are currently undefeated at 3-0 and defeated Morris Brown 42-7 last week. Bethune-Cookman was picked to finish fourth in the MEAC this season and feature the MEAC Preseason "Offensive Player of the Year" in quarterback Allen Suber. Currently, BCC is averaging 385.0 yards of total offense and are allowing opponents only 199.0 yards per game.

Sophomore quarterback Dontrell Leonard (Newport News, VA/Warwick HS) has completed 22-of-34 passes for 317 yards and one touchdown in two games. He is currently ranked #15 in passing efficiency (152.73) in NCAA Division I-AA rankings.

Junior college transfer Anthony Owens (Sun Rise, FL/Pasadena JC) is proving to be the gem of the NSU recruiting class. Owens leads the team in punt returns (5-101yards) kickoff returns (3-86 yards), interceptions returns (one-22 yards), all-purpose yardage (209 yards) in two games. He is currently ranked #8 in punt returns (20.20/per return) and 13th in kickoff returns (28.67) in NCAA Division I-AA. Additionally, he is second in the MEAC in punt returns and third in kickoff returns.

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