Burris runs for four TDs, rallies Pirates to road win
ORONO, Maine — Elijah Burris ran for 173 yards and four touchdowns Saturday as Hampton University moved over .500 with a scintillating 42-35 victory at Maine.
His final two touchdowns came in the fourth quarter as the Pirates (5-4, 3-3 Coastal Athletic Association) overcame a 14-point deficit. Darran Butts (five carries for 72 yards) and quarterback Chris Zellous (10 rushes for 67 yards and a touchdown) played supporting roles for HU’s offense.
Zellous completed 7 of 16 for 86 yards, but a couple of those were critical fourth-quarter throws.
“The assistant coaches and the players did a great job today. All credit goes to Him! God is good,” HU coach Robert Prunty said.
The Black Bears (2-8, 1-6), who emphasize passing despite a northern climate sometimes not suited to it, scored all five of their touchdowns on throws by Derek Robertson. He completed 28 of 46 for 349 yards, including three scores to Rohan Jones. Jamie Lamson had one touchdown among his eight grabs for 180 yards.
Burris’ 80-yard TD run to open the second half changed the momentum and cut the Black Bears’ lead, but Jones’ 9-yard touchdown catch with 9:51 left in the third quarter made it 35-21.
Zellous’ 40-yard touchdown throw to Romon Copeland with 51 seconds left in the third quarter brought HU to 35-28.
The Pirates soon drove 80 yards
on seven plays, pulling even at 35 on Burris’ 7-yard run.
Hampton defender Tre Stafford then recovered a Maine fumble at the Black Bears’ 38, setting up a winning eight-play drive that took 4:01 off the clock. HU converted two third downs on the possession.
On a last-ditch drive, Maine got two first downs before the Pirates forced four consecutive incompletions to ensure the triumph.
The Pirates will carry momentum into their home date against William & Mary next Saturday.