After a scoreless first quarter, No. 18 Delta State’s offense exploded for 47 points to take down Mars Hill in Thursday night’s season opener.
The Statesmen, coming into the year with question marks at quarterback after the graduation of program legend Patrick Shegog, went with Cole Kirk behind center. The senior started rocky with an interception on the first drive of the game.
As the Delta State defense stood strong, Kirk began to find a groove leading two scoring drives in the second quarter to make for a 10-0 lead. Following another interception toward the end of the half, a two-minute drill touchdown by Mars Hill made it 10-7 going into intermission.
Whatever head coach Todd Cooley told his team during the break seemed to work as the Statesmen wasted no time running up and down the scoreboard in the second half. Kirk connected with Jaylen Green on a seven-yard pass to make it 17-7. After a Mars Hill field goal, a second rushing touchdown by Qualon Farrar put Delta State up 24-10 heading into the final quarter of play.
The fourth quarter started with another Kirk interception but was all Statesmen afterward with running back Kelvin Smith getting in on the action to extend the lead to 31-10 on a six-yard run. Mars Hill battled back with a score of their own, but an interception on the two-point conversion resulted in Marlon Windham taking it 100 yards to the opposite end zone.
HE GONE!
Not many could keep up with Marlon Windham on this 100-yard PAT return in @DeltaStateFB‘s season opening win. pic.twitter.com/KYgY2ZF3hm
— Gulf South Conference (@GulfSouth) August 30, 2024
With the score at 33-16, Kirk found Green again for their second touchdown of the day. Backup quarterback and Southern Miss transfer Jake Lange then stepped in with a 21-yard insurance touchdown to Marlon Palmer, solidifying a final score of 47-16.
Kirk finished his first start in over two seasons with 260 yards on 16 of 30 passing with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He added 56 yards on the ground. Smith led all rushers with 65 yards on eight attempts, while Green was the team’s leading receiver with 88 yards on five catches.
The Statesmen’s defense was anchored by Chris Bonner’s three sacks while Tye Holsey and Ahmir Taylor each finished with eight tackles apiece. Windham had six tackles, one for loss, on top of the highlight-reel PAT return.
Nick Herber went perfect on six PAT attempts plus a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Delta State, looking to make the Division II playoffs for the third consecutive season, will host Missouri S&T in the home opener on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. CT.
