Third Time Not the Charm

Freshman, Michael Lyle and Brian Hicks

Hampton University Pirates fall short to ODU, again.

The Hampton University football team lost 45-7 to Old Dominion University in its home opener at Armstrong Stadium this past Saturday.

In a sell-out game with over 17,000 pairs of eager eyes hovering, Old Dominion’s passing attack led by standout quarterback, Taylor Heinicke proved to be too much for the Hampton Pirates.

ODU struck early and often, and by the midway point, they were in complete control leading 28-7. After a great halftime performance by the Blue Thunder, many Hampton students who were engulfed with energy and excitement in the beginning were discontent with the teams play and were pouring out of the stadium.  

“The beginning of the game was live, but it wasn’t too fun watching the other team score,” said HU senior, Jennifer Jackson. Nevertheless, the match went on and nothing seemed to change.

This year HU looked to finally actualize a possible rivalry between themselves and ODU by commanding a win in their 2012 home opener. An enthusiastic campus lined up to witness sophomore quarterback, Travis Champion lead the Hampton to a possible victory. There were six students parading in blue body suits as chants rang throughout the stadium. 

The game ended early due to lightning with ODU on top. The two teams had only played twice since ODU reignited their football program in 2009 after 69 years of absence. 

Though ODU’s team had the best two-year start in FCS history, Hampton played them fairly tough in their first two meetings. In 2010 ODU won 28-14, and in 2011 ODU won in shootout form 45-42. The third time proved to not be the charm for the Hampton Pirates, but students are still hopeful for better performances in the near future. 

“I wasn’t too happy with the outcome, but hopefully students keep coming out to the games. The more we show up and show love to the team, the better they play out on the field.” Sophomore hip hop artist, Jamaal Grant said. “As an entertainer I know how crowd energy can translate into a better performance.”