Pembroke, N.C. – The Delta State University Football Team (2-1, 0-0 GSC) fell on the road to UNC Pembroke 25-21 Saturday afternoon at Grace P. Johnson Stadium in Pembroke, N.C.

The Statesmen scored with a quick response after a UNCP field goal as Quarterback Cole Kirk found Matt Rozier for a 26-yard touchdown strike late in the first quarter, putting DSU in front 7-3.

The Green-and-White extended the lead just before halftime with a determined 11-play, 86-yard march capped by Nick Clark's 8-yard touchdown run, sending the Statesmen into halftime up 14-3.

Delta State's defense held strong throughout, forcing two interceptions and recovering a fumble. Senior defensive back Taylon Doss picked off a pass and returned it 13 yards, while Tye Holsey added another interception as part of his team-high 12 tackles. Fellow senior William Carter was a force in the secondary, tallying 10 tackles and scooping up a fumble return for 12 yards.

In the fourth quarter, the Statesmen struck again when redshirt freshman quarterback Garrett Ames connected with Curtis Rearden on a 25-yard scoring pass, reestablishing a two-possession lead at 21-10. Delta State's special teams also shined, with Cade Mangum going a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points and punter Price Nixon pinning two kicks inside the 20.

Offensively, Kirk and Ames combined for 224 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Matt Rozier led all receivers with five catches for 68 yards and a score. Lawrence Armstrong and Nick Clark provided balance, contributing 48 receiving yards and 52 total yards, respectively.

Delta State (2-1) will look to bounce back next weekend as they will head to Fort Valley, Ga., to take on the Wildcats from Fort Valley State University. Next week's kickoff will be at 2:00 p.m. (EST) 2:00 p.m. (CDT)