Coastal Carolina Takes the Battle at Brooks Field Vs. Army
The Chanticleers played the Army Black Knights for the first time resulting in a 38-28 victory, marking Coastal’s first win in its 20th season as a program, as well as its 150th overall win.
In this season opener for both teams, scoring went back and forth for the entirety of the first three quarters.
Grayson McCall, redshirt junior quarterback, gave a record-breaking crowd of 21,165 a promising performance, completing 12 of 17 passes for 174 yards and three touchdowns while additionally rushing six times for 27 yards and a touchdown.
The Chanticleers provided a proficient run game as well, rushing for a total of 263 yards. Senior running back, Reese White, performed 21 carries for 133 yards and a score as well as two catches for 20 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back, CJ Beasley, rushed 19 times for 91 yards.
With the exception of a 54-yard and a 73-yard touchdown on blown coverages, the Chanticleer defense showed strength as well. The “Black Swarm” allowed just 11 first downs, 344 yards, and even forced a turnover on downs in the fourth quarter.
“People are still underestimating us, but we continue to show our ability to overcome adversity,” said Payton Ebersole, CCU junior and softball player. “I think it’s going to be a really great season because nobody has more fun than the Chants.”
Students were generally pleased and excited about the outcome of the game, Ebersole said.
“Finally being able to see Brooks Stadium packed was super fun. Not only was it packed, but it was packed the entire game. Big difference from my freshman year,” she said.
Graduate student, Matt Howe, also appreciated the night game environment.
“I thought the atmosphere was electric. All the students were psyched for the game,” Howe said. “This game set the expectation moving forward. The Chants came out hot and finished on top. I’m hoping for an undefeated season.”
The Chanticleers play next on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6:00 p.m. at home against Gardner-Webb.
