CLEVELAND — Last week, Leland native and South Delta High School alum Garrett Williams was named Delta State’s Male Student-Athlete of the Week after racking up 15 tackles in the Statesmen’s 32-17 season-opening loss to in-state rival Jackson State.
It’s a good chance, the 5-foot-9 defensive back — who plays the nitro position — will claim that award again after intercepting two second half Arkansas Tech passes Thursday night to help DSU seal a 27-25 victory over the Wonder Boys on national television.
Plus, Matt Dean’s career-long 48-yard field with over six minutes remaining proved to be the finishing touch for DSU (1-1).
“We played with great intesity in the second half and (Williams) made two key interceptions late that killed rives for ATU,” said DSU coach Ron Roberts. “(Dean) also handled the adversity of a penalty well and drilled that 48-yarder to win it for us.”
DSU quarterback, who came into Thursday’s game as one of the Gulf South Conference’s top passers after throwing for 365 yards last week, went 10-of-18 for 117 yards to go with a touchdown and an interception.
After being held to 36 rushing yards last week, All-American running back Trevar Deed broke out for 132 yards and a touchdown — including a 69-yard third quarter scamper for a score that put the Statesmen up 21-12.
Just a year removed from being a full-time receiver, Deed has adjusted well to his new position, Roberts said during his postgame television interview.
“He’s a special running back. We’ve got to be able to get him out in space a little bit more,” he said.
University of Houston transfer L.J. Castille caught Davis’ lone touchdown pass in the first quarter from 26 yards out. University of Wisconsin transfer Maurice Moore led DSU with four catches for 60 yards.
After allowing JSU quarterback Casey Therriault to throw for 404 yards last week in his SWAC debut, the Statesmen defense stepped to the plate this week. ATU quarterback Robert Sagerian was picked off three times while going 15-of-29 for 158 yards and two touchdowns. He was also benched on the Wonder Boys’ final drive of the game.
DSU outgained ATU 299 to 257 in total yards. Redshirt freshman and Hillsboro native Xavier Triplett finished with a career-high 13 tackles and his first career interception for DSU.
Joe Marshall, a junior from Clearwater, Fla., added two sacks for the Statesmen.
The game was marred by penalties. There were 30 total flags thrown — and DSU accounted for 20 of those, which resulted in 148 lost yards.
“It wasn’t a good, clean ball game,” said Roberts. “We made a ton of mistakes, the penalties were outrageous. It was a very sloppy ball game all the way around. We gotta play better than that. But you always have to cherish the (win).”
DSU is scheduled to travel to Valdosta State on Saturday, Sept. 18.
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