KENNESAW, Ga. – Energized by a raucous crowd that had long anticipated football at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Kennesaw State (2-0) gave its fans plenty to cheer about during its sold out home opener against Edward Waters on Saturday.
Before the crowd of 9,506 had a chance to settle into its seats, a charged-up defense scored the first points at Fifth Third Bank Stadium when senior defensive end Mason Harris forced a fumble that sophomore linebacker Izzy Sam scooped up and returned 11 yards for a touchdown that gave KSU a 7-0 lead.
That was the beginning of a 35-point first quarter that gave fans an early introduction to the Kennesaw State fight song as The Marching Owls Band was kept busy during a 58-7 victory over Edward Waters.
Sam’s touchdown was one of two scored by the defense as freshman defensive tackle McKenzie Billingslea returned a fumble 18 yards for a score midway into the second quarter.
A stout Owls’ defense held Edward Waters without a first down until midway through the fourth quarter in a second half that was cut to two 10-minute quarters with the consent of both coaches.
The Kennesaw State offense rolled up 377 yards of offense and limited Edward Waters to 199 yards, most of which came late in the second when the game well-decided.
For the second week in a row, junior quarterback Trey White and freshman wide receiver Justin Sumpter connected on a big play through the air as the two combined on a 55-yard touchdown on the Owls’ first play from scrimmage.
White also scored three rushing touchdowns on two 1-yard runs and a 21-yard scamper.
Freshman running back Darnell Holland found the end zone for the second week in a row, scoring on an 8-yard run with 4:24 remaining in the second quarter that gave the Owls a 52-0 halftime lead.
