Stevenson Football Wins Program's First Game at Mustang Stadium Opener

Sometime shortly before 11 p.m., C.J. Hopson calmly avoided the pass rush, rolled to his right and did what he did so often for three hours Saturday night: found a semi-open receiver for a big gain and a score. 

In this case, the score was also a game-winner, as Hopson’s 16-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Jeromie Miller secured a 46-43 win, in a game that went into double overtime.

The win was the first in Mustang football’s two-game history and allowed the team to win its home opener in brand-new Mustang Stadium.

Afterward, Hopson said the game-winner was “kind of a busted play,” where he was forced to scramble and then throw a ball up to Miller, who was supposed to stay short but broke downfield when he saw Hopson flow out of the pocket.

“Sometimes when stuff breaks down you’ve just got to go on instinct,” said Hopson, a former Division I quarterback at Bucknell. 

Miller, a 2007 Franklin High School graduate, said the team practices situations just like that every day.

“Our chemistry had a lot to do with it,” Miller said.

Hopson finished 19-of-37 for 284 yards, five touchdowns and one interception to go along with 91 rushing yards on 11 carries. Miller finished with eight grabs for 105 yards and two scores. Jae DeShields had three catches for 93 yards and Anthony Reid brought in four passes for 72 yards.

The running game finally got going for the first time this season, too, as Emmanuel Paul gained 98 yards on 17 carries, a 4.7 yards per carry average, a change Stevenson coach Ed Hottle attributed to the improved play of the offensive line.

“These offensive linemen are growing up right in front of our eyes,” Hottle said. 

The gaudy offensive numbers – 472 total yards – would not have mattered had the Mustang defense not slowed the roll of the powerful Christopher Newport running game in the third quarter.

Though the Captains still gained 272 yards on the ground and also finished with 472 yards of total offense, four straight possessions that ended in a punt in the second half allowed Stevenson to build a 30-21 lead.

“We just had to shuffle, read the cutback,” said inside linebacker Donnell Brown, who led the team with 17 tackles. “As the game went on, [we got better].”

But it was Hopson who was the hero of the day, as he endeared himself to a sellout crowd of 3,500 with electrifying scrambles and a near-reckless abandon throwing downfield.

“He’s very, very good,” said Christopher Newport coach Matt Kelchner. “He was the best player on the field tonight.”

Added Hottle: “He’s a pretty polished quarterback…C.J.’s got an ability to extend plays.” 

He did so Saturday night, all the way to the first win in Stevenson football history.

“I think it put a big exclamation point on a pretty big day for the university,” Hottle said.

***

(FINAL: 10:51 p.m.) Stevenson has just won its first game in program history.

C.J. Hopson's 16-yard touchdown pass on a roll out to the right found a well-covered Jeromie Miller, who went up, caught the ball, and fell into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown in the team's home opener at Mustang Stadium.

Final score: Stevenson 46, Christopher Newport, 43 in double overtime.

I'll meet with coach Ed Hottle and a few of the game's heroes -- including Hopson -- once the celebration in Owings Mills concludes.

Maybe sometime next week.

(UPDATE: 10:47 p.m.) On third and 2 from the 2-yard line, quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais's desperation pitch to a running back was caught but not advanced, forcing a 21-yard field goal that gave the Captains a 43-40 lead.

If Stevenson is able to score a touchdown on the next possession, the Mustangs will have earned their first victory as a program. It's first and 10 from the 25-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:45 p.m.) On third and 1, Stovall was able to run for 6-yard gain. After another run, it's second and 5 from the 6-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:43 p.m.) Christopher Newport has the ball to start the second overtime period.

(UPDATE: 10:41 p.m.) Captains quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais knifed his way into the end zone, and with a good extra point, we're tied back up at 40-40 heading into the second overtime period at Mustang Stadium.

(UPDATE: 10:39 p.m.) On an incomplete pass on third and 11, Stevenson was called for pass interference. After a run into the line by Stovall, it's second and goal for Christopher Newport from the 3-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:35 p.m.) After the Stevenson defense bottled up Captains running back Markeese Stovall for a 2-yard loss, it's third and 11 from the 13-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:35 p.m.) Big facemask penalty called on Stevenson linebacker Jerel Williams. Christopher Newport has first down at the 12-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:35 p.m.) Mustangs running back Marcus Holley was upended at the 1-yard line, but flew into the endzone nontheless, giving Stevenson a 40-33 lead after one possession in overtime.

Under college rules, Christopher Newport will now have an opportunity to score from the Mustang 25-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:34 p.m.) Hopson's first pass is complete to Jeromie Miller, who gained 21-yards on the catch-and-run.

After a run to the goal line and an attempted quarterback sneak, it's third and 1 from the 1-inch line.

(UPDATE: 10:32 p.m.) Stevenson has possession first in overtime, from the 25-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:28 p.m.) Garrett Perau hit a 37-yard field goal to tie the game 33-33 as time in regulation expired, sending the first-ever football game in Mustang Stadium history to overtime.

(UPDATE: 10:26 p.m.) After an incompletion in the end zone, Stevenson lines up for the field goal to tie.

Christopher Newport has called time out to ice Stevenson kicker Garrett Perau.

Only one second remains on the clock at Mustang Stadium. This will be the game's final play, unless Perau converts.

(UPDATE: 10:25 p.m.) Hopson has completed two straight passes to Anthony Reid, driving Stevenson down to the 20-yard line with 10 seconds to play.

(UPDATE: 10:24 p.m.) With 34 seconds remaining, it's third and 10 after two straight Hopson incompletions.

(UPDATE: 10:22 p.m.) Ken Harris returned the kickoff to the 35-yard line.

(UPDATE: 10:21 p.m.) Stephen Denuel's 19-yard field goal with 1:01 on the clock in the fourth quarter has backed Stevenson up against the wall.

Christopher Newport leads, 33-30.

(UPDATE: 10:20 p.m.) Captains quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais was stopped after a gain of one yard on a designed quarterback run, bringing up fourth and goal.

Christopher Newport is lining up to kick.

(UPDATE: 10:20 p.m.) Christopher Newport has third and goal from the 3-yard line with just 1:19 on the clock.

(UPDATE: 10:16 p.m.) Jamell Randolph's punt attempt was blocked by Christopher Newport and recovered at the 15-yard line by Akeem Parker.

The Stevenson offense failed to gain a single yard in three offensive plays before the punt.

(UPDATE: 10:13 p.m.) On fourth down and four, Woelfel-Monsivais faked and then ran untouched until he reached the goal line, tying the score 30-30.

But the Christopher Newport holder couldn't corral a snap and his ensuing pass was intercepted by Chris Conley, keeping the score tied with four minutes to play.

(UPDATE: 10:11 p.m.) After no-gain, Christopher Newport will go for it on fourth down.

(UPDATE: 10:10 p.m.) After an incomplete pass and a 6-yard run, it's third and 4 from the 8-yard line for the Captains.

(UPDATE: 10:07 p.m.) Woelfel-Monsivais completed his pass to David Pearce for a first down on fourth and 11.

Christopher Newport has a first and 10 from the 14-yard line, and has burned its second time out of the half with 5:44 to play, down 30-24.

(UPDATE: 10:04 p.m.) On third and 21, Christopher Newport quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais completed a 10-yard pass to the Stevenson 26-yard line, bringing up a pivotal fourth and 11.

The Captains have called timeout, but appear to be keeping their offense on the field. They'll try to convert with 6:18 to play.

(UPDATE: 10 p.m.) Christopher Newport forced a fumble following a Paul Barbour reception and receovered that fumble at the Stevenson 25-yard line.

It's now second and 21 after two plays and a penalty.

(UPDATE: 9:58 p.m.) A 31-yard field goal has gotten Christopher Newport back within a score, 30-24, with 8:46 left in the fourth quarter.

It was another big stop by the Stevenson defense, which hurried Captains quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais into an incompletion on third down.

(UPDATE: 9:55 p.m.) Big play by Christopher Newport, as quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais hit tight end Justin Reidelbach down the middle of the field for a 33-yard gain.

It's third and eight from the 14-yard line.

(UPDATE: 9:50 p.m.) It started as an end around, looked like a reverse and ultimately became a flea-flicker, as C.J. Hopson got the football back and tossed up a pass -- into double coverage -- that Jae DeShields went up for, caught and then outran defenders to the end zone.

The 67-yard throw-and-catch gave the Mustangs a 30-21 lead in their first-ever home game. The extra point was missed.

The play was the second-longest in the team's two-game history. The longest was a 75-yard touchdown pass from Hopson to DeShields last week versus Shenandoah.

(UPDATE: 9:46 p.m.) And it continues, as Christopher Newport was forced to punt for the fourth time this half.

(UPDATE: 9:44 p.m.) After three quarters, Stevenson leads 24-21.

After gaining 277 total yards in the first half, Christopher Newport has had its offense ground to a comparative hault by the Mustangs. The Captains have managed only 70 yards in this second half.

(UPDATE: 9:40 p.m.) Mustangs kicker Garret Perau just gave Stevenson its second lead of the evening, 24-21, with a 26-yard field goal. Ten seconds are on the clock in this third quarter.

(UPDATE: 9:39 p.m.) The Stevenson defense has forced two punts this quarter.

At the same time, the Mustang offensive line finally appears to be getting some push, allowing Stevenson to run the ball after a first half in which the team was forced to live by the pass.

Emmanuel Paul just ran for 17 yards to give the Mustangs a first and goal from the 9-yard line.

(UPDATE: 9:30 p.m.) C.J. Hopson's daring down the field had paid off thus far, but the quarterback's last pass was intercepted at the 31-yard line, after he badly underthrew his intended receiver.

Derek Britt intercepted Hopson's pass.

(UPDATE: 9:28 p.m.) Emmanuel Paul is starting to inject some life into the Stevenson running game, starting off this drive with a 19-yard run. He began the last drive with a 26-yard scamper.

(UPDATE: 9:24 p.m.) Big stop by the Stevenson defense after it turned the ball over off a fake-punt attempt.

On third and two, the Mustangs bottled up Captains running back Markeese Stovall. After a 39-yard punt, Stevenson will begin their next drive at their own 23-yard line.

(UPDATE: 9:15 p.m.) After allowing a pair of big gains on the ground, the Stevenson defense again stopped Christopher Newport in their own territory, forcing a punt.

On the first play of the ensuing possession, running back Emmanuel Paul gained 26 yards on the first run from scrimmage.

A pass interference call has moved the Mustangs to the Captains' 37-yard line.

(UPDATE: 9:09 p.m.) Christopher Newport starts the third quarter with the ball at the 26-yard line.

(HALFTIME: 9 p.m.) At halftime, Stevenson and Christopher Newport are tied, 21-21.

Despite allowing 277 total yards -- including 158 on the ground -- the Mustang defense have made big plays in the red zone, coming up with stops that have kept the game within striking distance for the Stevenson offense.

Quarterback C.J. Hopson has been electrifying, combining for nearly 200 total yards passing and running in the first half.

But, just like last weekend, designed running plays have been ineffective. Mustang running backs have gained just 13 yards on nine carries.

The Captains, meanwhile, are gashing Stevenson on the ground between the 20s. Markeese Stovall (12 carries, 91 yards) and Evan Moog (nine carries, 45 yards) have had large holes to run through at the point of attack, and have been difficult to bring down in the open field.

Christopher Newport receiver Kentel Noels has 101 yards on four receptions, highlighted by a 70-yard catch-and-run that set up Moog's touchdown.

(UPDATE: 8:45 p.m.) With 45 seconds remaining in the first half, C.J. Hopson found Jeromie Miller -- who was covered well -- on a delayed slant pattern in the end zone.

It was Miller's fifth catch of the game and first touchdown. C.J. Hopson has been tremendous in the team's home opener, going 10-of-16 for 124 yards and three touchdowns. He has also rushed seven times for 60 yards.

The game is tied 21-21.

(UPDATE: 8:36 p.m.) A short reception on a drag pass pattern by  Kentel Noel turned into a 70-yard gain after a number of missed tackles by the Stevenson defense.

Shane Clough finally tracked Noel down, but the Captains scored on the very next play when Evan Moog ran for a 7-yard touchdown.

Christopher Newport leads 21-14 after a successful 2-point conversion following the score. We're under three minutes to play in the first half.

(UPDATE: 8:30 p.m.) Hopson and the Stevenson receiving corps is showing this team is capable of striking quickly.

A quick throw to wide receiver Jae DeShields in the left flat became an 18-yard touchdown pass when the freshman shook one would-be tackler and ran into the end zone otherwise untouched.

Stevenson leads 14-13 -- their first-ever lead in a football game.

(UPDATE: 8:28 p.m.) And Hopson again evaded the pass rush and, with help from a fine downfield block by running back Emmanuel Paul, streaked 16 yards down the field.

The Mustangs have a first down at the 18-yard line.

(UPDATE: 8:28 p.m.) C.J. Hopson just rifled a pass 33 yards down the field to wide receiver Anthony Reid, who caught the pass while falling down as a defender trailed a step behind.

Stevenson has a first-and-10 from the 35-yard line.

(UPDATE: 8:27 p.m.) Captains kicker Stephen Denuel's 31-yard field goal gives Christopher Newport a 13-7 lead with 6:09 remaining in the second quarter.

The Captains went on an 11 play, 65-yard drive that led to Denuel's second field goal of the evening.

The Mustangs have been tough defensively in the end zone, but have had no answer for Christopher Newport's running game between the 20s.

(UPDATE: 8:24 p.m.) Christopher Newport quarterback Christian Woelfel-Monsivais just completed an 18-yard pass on third-and-8 to get the Captains down to the Stevenson 20 yard line.

Woelfel-Monsivais hasn't had to drop back and throw often, but when he has, he has been successful, going 4-of-5 for 45 yards.

(UPDATE: 8:12 p.m.) Christopher Newport's Stephen Denuel just drilled a 34-yard field goal, and the Captains now lead 10-7 with 12:46 remaining in the second quarter.

Christopher Newport is gashing Stevenson on the ground, having already accumulated 106 yards rushing.

(UPDATE: 8:05 p.m.) At the end of the first quarter, Stevenson and Christopher Newport are tied, 7-7.

The Captains, following a 41-yard kickoff return, are driving in Mustang territory but face a third and 1 from the 33.

(UPDATE: 7:59 p.m.) C.J. Hopson just hooked up with running back Marcus Holley on a 5-yard touchdown pass, the first-ever scored by Stevenson at Mustang Stadium.

Hopson's pass was caught by Holley, who was covered closely, near the line of scrimmage. But the running back twisted out of an attempted tackle and stretched into the endzone.

We're tied, 7-7, with under two minutes to play in the first quarter.

(UPDATE: 7:58 p.m.) Absolutely electrifying run by quarterback C.J. Hopson, who managed 18 yards while breaking three tackles, including two near the line of scrimmage.

Hopson's not off to a bad start endearing himself to the home crowd.

(UPDATE: 7:53 p.m.) Nice toss and grab from C.J. Hopson to Jeromie Miller, who was led perfectly down the right sideline and caught the ball with outstretched arms to secure a first down for Stevenson.

The Mustangs have second and 8 from the Christopher Newport 41 yard line after a Hopson two yard run.

(UPDATE: 7:48 p.m.) We have the first-ever score at Mustang Stadium. And it's not for the good guys.

Kentel Noel's 15-yard run around right end gave Christopher Newport a 7-0 lead after the extra point.

A 14 yard punt by Stevenson's Jamell Randolph, kicking from the back of his own endzone after the Mustangs couldn't move a single yard after forcing a fumble, set up the score.

Less than six minutes remain in the first quarter.

(UPDATE: 7:47 p.m.) Christopher Newport's Markeese Stovall just fumbled at the two yard line, as Mustangs linebacker Jerel Williams forced the ball loose.

A Captains score seemed all but certain before the ball was stripped. Biggest play of the night for either team thus far.

But Stevenson failed to move the ball a single yard on the ensuing possession, and are being forced to punt from the back of their own end zone.

(UPDATE: 7:44 p.m.) Christopher Newport is beating up on the Mustang defense.

The Captains' running game is gashing Stevenson, with the defensive line struggling to clog holes and linebackers failing to come off of blocks.

Christopher Newport is kncoking on the door of the first-ever score at Mustang Stadium, with second and goal from the Mustangs' seven yard line.

(UPDATE: 7:37 p.m.) Stevenson's first drive: Six plays, one first down. Team lining up to punt.

Mustang quarterback C.J. Hopson tried to get the game started off with a bang by going deep down the middle of the field to a wide-open Paul Barbour. But Hopson's pass was overthrown by five yards.

(UPDATE: 7:34 p.m.) First-ever pass completion at Mustang Stadium goes to wide receiver Jeromie Miller from Hopson for an eight yard gain.

(UPDATE: 7:31 p.m.) Anthony Reid returned the opening kickoff 29 yards. Stevenson takes possession at the 35 yard line.

(UPDATE: 7:30 p.m.) Mustang quarterback C.J. Hopson and inside linebacker Donnell Brown are taking the first-ever coin toss at Mustang Stadium. Christopher Newport won the toss and chose to defer. Stevenson will defend the closed south endzone.

(UPDATE: 7:25 p.m.) Jonathan Ogden, Tom Matte and O.J. Brigance -- representing the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Colts and the Baltimore Stallions, the last three football teams to use the grounds now occupied by Mustang Stadium -- have just come to midfield during pregame ceremonies.

Stevenson had made a point to honor the football past of this space. A mural on the concourse level also honors all three teams.

(UPDATE: 7:24 p.m.) Two skydivers, the first with a trailing American flag and the second witha  trailing Stevenson University MUstangs, just landed in the stadium, skidding gracefully along the turf field as they came to a stop.

We're less than six minutes away from football. Christopher Newport has just taken the field to a chorus of boos from the sellout crowd of 3,500.

(UPDATE: 7:15 p.m.) The Stevenson football team just took the field at Mustang Stadium for the first-time ever to Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls," as green firewrosk burst from behind the home sideline Now a moment of silence for the anniversary of 9/11.

(UPDATE: 7:08 p.m.) The Stevenson University Marching Band is taking the field at Mustang Stadium for the first time.

(UPDATE: 7:03 p.m.) Stan "The Fan" Charles is emceeing pregame ceremonies at Mustang Stadium. Kickoff still 26 minutes away.

***

The Stevenson football team plays its first-ever home game versus Christopher Newport University tonight, with kickoff anticipated at 7:30 p.m.

The Mustangs lost their inaugural game on the road to Shenandoah University 49-21 last weekend.

Just before 7 p.m., stands already appeared mostly full in brand-new Mustang Stadium.