Hampton makes Norfolk State walk the plank in Battle of the Bay

NORFOLK, Va. — The annual Battle of the Bay saw Hampton University impose their will on Norfolk State, delivering a resounding 37-7 victory on Saturday . Hampton quarterback Chris Zellous and running back Tymere Robinson were the stars of the show, each contributing two rushing touchdowns as the Pirates improved to 2-1 on the season.

Zellous and the Pirates’ Offense Dominate in the Battle of the Bay

Zellous showcased his versatility throughout the contest, completing 20 of 25 passes for 185 yards while adding 60 rushing yards on just seven carries. The dual-threat quarterback was in full command of the offense, leading Hampton on a methodical 20-play, 75-yard drive to start the game. Though that drive ended with a 22-yard field goal by Brian Csehoski, it set the tone for a dominant afternoon for Hampton.

Robinson complemented Zellous’ performance by grinding out tough yards and finishing key drives. He carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards and found the end zone twice, scoring on 2-yard runs in both the second and third quarters.

After a roughing-the-passer penalty wiped out a potential interception by Hampton, Norfolk State managed to get on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jalen Daniels connected with Jahee Blake on a 26-yard touchdown pass, but it was too little, too late for the Spartans, who fell to 1-3 on the season.

Pirates Defense Stifles Spartans

Hampton’s defense was impenetrable for most of the afternoon, limiting Norfolk State to just 106 total yards and holding their running game in check. Norfolk State managed only 58 rushing yards on 30 attempts, an average of 1.9 yards per carry, with their leading rusher, Kevon King, totaling just 22 yards on 11 carries.

The Spartans’ passing attack was equally ineffective. Daniels completed 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards, with the lone bright spot coming on his touchdown pass to Blake. Aside from that score, Norfolk State struggled to generate any offensive momentum, punting the ball seven times, with punter Noah Tracey averaging 39.6 yards per punt.

Hampton’s Ground Game in Full Control

Hampton’s rushing attack was relentless, amassing 227 yards on the ground. In addition to Zellous and Robinson, Elijah Burris chipped in with 77 yards on 23 carries, while Amaad Fosten and Ja’Quan Snipes added solid contributions. The Pirates averaged 4.6 yards per carry, wearing down the Norfolk State defense as the game progressed.

The Pirates’ dominance on the ground was balanced by an efficient passing game. Zellous was highly accurate, spreading the ball around to multiple receivers, with Brennan Ridley leading the way with 53 yards on three catches. Backup quarterback Malcolm Mays also got in on the action, completing all five of his passes for 54 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown strike to Christian Greenlaw late in the fourth quarter.

Special Teams and Takeaways

Hampton’s special teams also played a key role in the victory. Despite a missed extra point by Csehoski, the Pirates capitalized on favorable field position throughout the game, including a 17-yard punt by Norfolk State that set up their first touchdown. Hampton’s Brett Starling punted twice, pinning Norfolk State inside their 20-yard line both times.

Norfolk State’s Grandin Willcox made his lone extra point attempt, but the Spartans did not attempt a field goal. Norfolk State’s only fumble of the game came from Kiron Benjamin, and the Pirates were quick to recover, further stalling any potential Spartan momentum.

Looking Ahead

With this victory in the Battle of the Bay, Hampton moves to 2-1 and will look to continue building momentum in next weekend’s Battle of the Real HU with Howard University. Meanwhile, Norfolk State, now 1-3, will need to regroup and find answers on both sides of the ball as they prepare for next weekend’s game at VMI.

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