Monmouth Football continued rolling in CAA play on Saturday, as they took down the Hampton Pirates in commanding fashion. It was the sixth win for Monmouth in as many games against Hampton all time, and the last five victories for the Hawks have all come by 18 or more points.
The game started off slow initially for the Hawks, as they had one of their sloppiest first quarters of the season. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Hawks turned the ball over on downs after getting into Hampton territory. The defense was able to force a three and out, but Monmouth again turned the ball over on downs, this time getting stuffed on 4th & 1 in the Hampton redzone.
After a Hampton punt that pinned the Hawks at their own one-yard line, the offense finally got going on an extremely methodical 18 play, 99-yard touchdown drive that was topped off by an 11-yard touchdown catch by running back Kenny Smith Jr.. The drive also ate almost eight minutes off the clock, and Monmouth had a 7-0 lead just under five minutes into the second quarter.
Monmouth’s defense cracked for the first time in the game on Hampton’s next drive. On the second play, Hampton running back Donovan Shepard found an opening and ran for 76 yards down to the Monmouth one-yard line. Two plays later, the Pirates punched it in to tie the game at seven apiece.
The two defenses exchanged three and outs, and then on Monmouth’s next drive, they took the lead back thanks to a goal line touchdown run by Nazir Treadwell. Treadwell had a strong game for Monmouth, carrying the ball 11 times for 39 yards and the touchdown. The score gave Monmouth a 14-7 lead.
Treadwell’s touchdown drive was the first of six consecutive Monmouth touchdown drives to end the game.
In the third quarter, Hampton got the ball three times, and each time Monmouth’s defense forced a three and out. That combined with the offense continually scoring touchdowns blew this game open. Tra Neal scored the first touchdown of the half for the Hawks on an eight-yard pass from Frankie Weaver, and that was followed up by Ocean Township product Shane Garrett scoring a touchdown in his second consecutive game on a five-yard pass from Weaver.
In the fourth quarter with a 28-7 lead, the Hawks offense added three more touchdowns. Elijah Jennings joined the party with a one-yard touchdown run, then Smith Jr. had his longest run of the season, breaking free for a 70-yard score to put the game to bed. Greg Randall capped off six straight touchdown drives with his first career touchdown, and Monmouth walked away with a 49-13 win.
Weaver passed for 234 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Smith Jr. had his best game as a Hawk, carrying the ball 19 times for 163 yards and a touchdown. He also caught three passes for 13 yards and another touchdown. He was named CAA Rookie of the Week for the second week in a row. Weaver spread the ball out this game, as leading receiver Gavin Nelson only had 60 yards receiving.
Although there were no turnovers in this game by either team, they had three sacks. Senior Jake Davis had his first sack as a Hawk, along with Jahide Lesaine Jr. and Bryce Rooks getting sacks of their own.
Monmouth is now 6-2 overall this season and 5-0 in CAA play. The only other undefeated team in the CAA is Campbell, who Monmouth plays in their final regular season game. The Hawks will host Bryant on Saturday for parent’s weekend. The Bulldogs are right behind Monmouth in the CAA standings, as they are one of three one-loss CAA teams.
As for Hampton, their rough season continued as they fell to 1-7 with the loss. They are being outscored 159-57 in CAA play this season. They go on the road on Saturday to face Towson, who is currently 0-8 and looking for their first win of the year.
