Valley, Ala. |  Traveling on the road for the first time, the Night Hawks drop a close contest to the Point Skyhawks 20-17 in Valley, AL.  While the Night Hawks won most of the statistical battle, Thomas could not prevail in the most important category, the score.  The Night Hawks had the ball at the end of the 4th quarter, with an opportunity to tie the score, or take the lead, but a turn over with 00:28 remaining in the game ended all hopes of a come-from-behind victory.

Point took the lead on their first drive of the day by going 64 yards in 10 plays and consuming 5:02 of the clock.  It took Thomas until the 2nd quarter to get on the scoreboard.  A 10 play, 50 yard drive was capped off by a James Amaker 3-yard touchdown run (Braxton Crawford kick) to tie the score.  

Point answered on their next drive.  After trading possessions, the Night Hawks drove 63 yards in nine plays to tie the score once again.  A six yard pass from Chris Carter to Emarje Grace allowed TU to hit pay dirt (Crawford kick) to tie the score at 14 each.  Point added a critical field goal to close out the half at 17-14.

The Night Hawks tied the score, once again, early in the 4th quarter when Braxton Crawford connected from 26 yards for his first field goal of the season.  Point would respond with a field goal of their own, on the subsequent drive, to retake the lead, and ultimately win the game, 20-17.  

The Night Hawks had an opportunity to tie the score, or take the lead, when they began their last drive at their own 18 yard line with 3:40 remaining in the game.  Thomas would drive the ball to the Point 29 yard line, with 00:33 remaining in the game.  On the 3rd-and-6 play, the Night Hawks would throw an interception at the Point 2 yard line to end any opportunity for victory.  A kneel down by Point would conclude the game.

NOTEWORTHY

• The Night Hawks totaled 21 first downs, compared to the Skyhawks 13.
• Thomas accumulated 208 yards on the ground while only allowing 10.
• TU ran 76 plays for 375 yards while PU ran 48 plays for 277 yards.
• Thomas committed six penalties for 65 yards.  Point committed seven penalties for 56 yards.
• Thomas won the time-of-possession battle, 31:01 to 28:59.
• The Night Hawks were 8 of 17 on 3rd down.  The Skyhawks were 2 of 9 on 3rd downs.
• The Night Hawks were a perfect 3/3 in the red zone.
• QB Chris Carter contributed 236 yards of total offense (158 passing and 78 rushing).
• James Amaker just missed the century mark in rushing.  He ran 24 times for 99 yards.
• Cameron Bailey was the big play receiver with five receptions for 91 yards.  Tremal Hall added four receptions for 34 yards.
• Kaliq Jordan led the defense with five tackles, followed by Corey Williams with four tackles.
• DeAnte Reed had the team's only sack.
• Jarek Foster had a kickoff return for 49 yards.

FROM COACH MITJANS

Coach Orlando Mitjans mentioned after the game that Night Hawks were close to the victory today, but their inability to play a clean game cost them ultimately.  He stated that they team continues to improve and is looking forward to the bye week so that the team can continue to work through their mistakes.  Mitjans also said that he was pleased to see the number of fans that traveled with the team and wanted to thank the supporters.  

UP NEXT

The Night Hawks will have a week off before traveling to McKenzie, TN to face #8 Bethel University (TN).    The Wildcats defeated Point, in week zero, 51-13.  They will face Bluefield (VA) this week before taking on the Night Hawks next week.

For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU Football team by following them via X (formerly know as Twitter) at @NightHawksMFB.