Morgan’s record day helps Cavaliers out duel Bulldogs, 59-42

By Cody Dalton
TriCitiesSports.com
September 23, 2006

Wise, VA – The University of Virginia’s College at Wise celebrated their annual homecoming with a huge win over Cumberland University, 59-42, at Carl Smith Stadium on Saturday.

“It is great to get a win, especially at homecoming,” said Cavs running back Ra’Shad Morgan. “It was great to have our alumni come back and see us do well.”

The game started out rough for the Cavaliers, who fell into an early 14-0 hole. The Cavaliers would rebound, however, and score two consecutive touchdowns. The game would be tied, 14-14.

“We came out a little too excited,” said Cavs coach Bruce Wasem. “We got everything back together and it worked for us.”

The second quarter would be the highest scoring of the game for UVA-Wise. After a Cumberland score, UVA-Wise would mount a huge rally, scoring on three huge plays.

“We knew we had to keep plugging away at them,” said Morgan. “It was nice to get the rhythm going offensively. That is all it took.”

Ra’Shad Morgan rushed for a long touchdown, Ray Damm kicked a field goal and Randy Hippeard connected with Aric Evans for a long touchdown pass. UVA-Wise would take a 31-21 lead into the locker room for halftime.

Both the Bulldogs and Cavaliers came out of the locker room, ready to deliver. Each team had an answer for the other team’s score. The second half would be a competitive and a close scoring affair. As a result, the Cavaliers picked up the win, 59-42.

Morgan, who rushed for 289 yards and four touchdowns, set a Cavaliers rushing record for yards in a game on Saturday.

“Everyone did an outstanding job blocking,” said Morgan. “Our line did a great job. Our receivers also did a great job. I owe them all the credit.”

UVA-Wise, who are now 4-0 for the first time since 1996, will play next Saturday on the road against #4 NAIA ranked Georgetown (KY), while Cumberland (TN) will host Lambuth University next Saturday in Mid-South Conference play.



1 2 3 4 FINAL
Cumberland (TN) 14 7 14 7 42
UVA-Wise 6 25 14 14 59

Cumberland (TN) – Eads, 2-yard run (Diaz kick)
Cumberland (TN) – Matt Eads 80-yard pass to Glen McKnight (Diaz kick)
UVA-Wise – Ra’Shad Morgan 51-yard run (kick failed)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 52-yard pass to Aric Evans (two point conversion)
Cumberland (TN) – Travis Carter 93-yard kickoff return (Diaz kick)
UVA-Wise – Ra’Shad Morgan 36-yard run (Damm kick)
UVA-Wise – Ray Damm 23-yard field goal
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 57-yard pass to Aric Evans (Damm kick)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 1-yard run (Damm kick)
Cumberland (TN) – Brandon Howard 1-yard run (Diaz kick)
UVA-Wise – Ra’Shad Morgan 4-yard run (Damm kick)
Cumberland (TN) – Matt Eads 50-yard pass to Travis Carter (Diaz kick)
UVA-Wise – Ra’Shad Morgan 12-yard run (Damm kick)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 32-yard pass to Herb Watson (Damm kick)
Cumberland (TN) – Travis Carter 84-yard kickoff return (Diaz kick)


UVA-Wise Cumberland
First Downs 31 16
Rushing Att-Yards 45-337 37-183
Passes Comp-Att-Int 15-24-0 7-13-1
Passing Yards 354 189
Total Offense 691 372
Punting 2-27.5 4-39.2
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 3-2
Penalties 7-70 6-26

Individual Stats

RUSHING
Cumberland – Howard, 15-102, 1 TD; Carter, 5-43; Boga, 7-14; Eads, 8-14, 1 TD; Stallins, 2-10.
UVA-Wise – Morgan, 34-289, 4 TDs; Laws, 5-22; Lovett, 3-13; Robbins, 1-7; Terry, 1-5; Hippeard, 1-1, 1 TD.

PASSING
Cumberland – Eads, 7-13-1, 189, 2 TDs.
UVA-Wise – Hippeard, 15-24-0, 354, 3 TDs.

RECEIVING
Cumberland– McKnight, 2-80, 1 TD; Carter, 2-63, 1 TD; Brown, 1-20; Richardson, 1-19; Boga, 1-7.
UVA-Wise – Watson, 4-72, 1 TD; Evans, 3-119, 2 TDs; Barbour, 3-51; Ra’Shad Morgan, 2-19; Thompson, 1-41; Doe, 1-32; Payne, 1-20.