Box Score
ITTA BENA, Miss. – The Todd Cooley era began successfully on a sweltering Saturday afternoon as the Delta State University Statesmen (1-0) battled the Delta Devils (0-2) of Mississippi Valley State University, coming away with a 24-14 victory at Rice-Totten Stadium to open the 2013-2014 football season.

The first half saw stellar defense by the Statesmen, holding the Delta Devils to 118 yards of total offense and forcing five punts. The Delta State offense was able to move the ball effectively, gaining 175 yards and 12 first downs on 39 plays but were plagued by turnovers as they were picked off three times during the half.

The Statesmen opened the game with stifling defense, forcing quick punts on the first three MVSU possessions, but were unable to take advantage after turning the ball over on their first three possessions.

DSU struck first on its fourth possession, putting together a 15-play, 78-yard drive culminating in a 21-yard field goal by freshman Vince Sciorratta giving the Statesmen a 3-0 lead with 12:25 remaining in the second quarter.

The Statesmen and Delta Devils exchanged punts before MVSU's Devon Jones had his second interception as he picked off Champion's pass on 3rd-and-9 returning it to the MVSU 41.

On the ensuing play, MVSU's Julian Stafford gained 42 yards on a reverse to the Statesmen 9-yard line.  From there the Delta Devils drove for their first touchdown on a 7-yard run by running back Cortez Frizell taking the lead 7-3 with 4:18 left in the second quarter. Neither team was able to move the ball and the half ended with with MVSU leading 7-3.

Delta State was unable to move the ball on its next possession, punting to the Delta Devils who took over on their own 24 yard line with 2:29 remaining in the half. From there the Delta Devils were able to pick up three first downs before punting the ball to the Statesmen who ran out the remaining five seconds and went into halftime trailing 7-3.

DSU and Valley each punted on their opening possession of the second half. Delta State took possession at its own 24 yard line with 7:28 to go in the third quarter. The Statesmen went to the running game and drove the MVSU 33 on carries by freshman D'Juan Bellair and Foy. On fourth and four Champion connected with Osborne on a ? yard gain the Delta Devil 16. On third and five, Champion again found Osborne open over the middle for the touchdown.  The PAT from Sciorrotta gave the Statesmen a 10-7 lead with 3:17 remaining in the third.

The two teams exchanged possessions before DSU's Champion found Osborne open over the middle again to the MVSU-47. Foy then took the handoff and drove to the Valley 28.  Richard Freelon took a screen and scampered into the end zone but the touchdown was brought back on a holding call. Undeterred, the Statesmen drove to the MVSU-9 before Champion again found Osborne across the middle for his second touchdown of the quarter and the Statesmen led 17-10 with 12:04 remaining.

The Delta Devils took the ensuing kickoff and returned it to their own 44.  Julian Stafford then took a flat pass and sprinted to the DSU 32. Valley then drove the ball to the Delta State 15 on a quarterback draw by Collins. On second and goal from the four, Collins found wide out Richard Drake open in the end zone cutting the DSU lead to 17-14 with 8:58 remaining.

Again, the teams exchanged punts before the Statesmen took over at their own 25 yard line with 5:48 remaining. Bellair took the handoff to the right side and rushed to the Valley 49. Champion then connected with Justin Leavy to the MVSU 37-yard line

Junior wide receiver Jerome Stewart grabbed a quick pass from Champion and scampered to the 12. Following a 5- yard illegal participation penalty against MVSU, Foy punched it for the score and the Statesmen led 24-14 with 4:04 left in the game.

The Delta Devils managed to pick up first downs driving into Delta State territory at the 36, but, as it had all day, the Delta State defense rose to the challenge as junior rover Richard Nash (5-9, 185) picked off a Collins pass and returned to the MVSU 27-yard line preserving a 24-14 victory for the Statesmen.

On the day, the Delta State defense held Valley to 279 yards on 74 plays, including 124 yards rushing and 155 yards passing on 30-of-50 attempts. 

The Statesmen amassed 431 yards on 84 plays, including 225 yards passing by Champion.  The junior from Moreno Valley, Calif., finished with two touchdowns after throwing two first half interceptions. 

DSU also rushed for 206 yards led by the 84 yards of Richard Freelon.  Freshmen Timothy Foy and D'Juan Bellaire accounted for 137 combined yards and a score as well.

Osborne paced the Statesmen with eight grabs for 90 yards and a pair of scores. 

Island and Nash finished the game tied for the team lead in tackles with seven. 

Delta State returns to action on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5 p.m. at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington,Texas to face Texas A&M Commerce in the Lone Star Conference Kickoff Classic. Pregame on the Statesmen Sports Network will begin at 4 p.m.