ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Oct. 24, 2026) — South Carolina State opened Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play in impressive fashion Saturday, using a strong defensive performance and two rushing touchdowns from
Mason Pickett-Hicks to defeat Norfolk State 22-7 during Homecoming at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on Willie Jeffries Field.
The victory improved the Bulldogs to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Norfolk State dropped to 4-4 and 0-1 in the MEAC.
Third-year head coach
Chennis Berry and the defending MEAC champions set the tone early, building a commanding 19-0 halftime advantage before relying on their defense to secure the conference-opening victory.
Pickett-Hicks powered the Bulldog offense, rushing for 52 yards on nine carries and scoring both SC State touchdowns. The standout running back also added four receptions for 34 yards, finishing with 86 all-purpose yards.
Quarterback Keely Watson completed 21 of 38 passes for 215 yards without an interception, while
DJ Maultsby led the receiving corps with five catches for 57 yards. Malaqhi Jones contributed two receptions for 54 yards, including a 35-yard completion.
SC State wasted little time establishing momentum, marching 80 yards on 13 plays during its opening possession. Pickett-Hicks capped the drive with a 21-yard touchdown run at the 9:19 mark of the first quarter, giving the Bulldogs an early 7-0 advantage.
Kicker Jett Jackson extended the lead to 10-0 with a 28-yard field goal with 3:23 remaining in the opening period.
The Bulldogs continued to capitalize on defensive opportunities in the second quarter.
Following an interception that gave SC State possession at the Norfolk State 34-yard line, Pickett-Hicks scored his second touchdown on a 7-yard run with 5:36 remaining before halftime. The extra-point attempt failed, leaving the Bulldogs ahead 16-0.
Another Norfolk State interception set up Jackson's 46-yard field goal with 4:15 remaining in the half, sending SC State into the locker room with a 19-0 advantage.
Norfolk State managed its only points of the contest in the third quarter when Jason Wonodi returned a punt 47 yards for a touchdown at the 9:28 mark, cutting the deficit to 19-7.
SC State answered in the fourth quarter with an eight-play, 57-yard scoring drive capped by Jackson's 34-yard field goal with 7:56 remaining to secure the 22-7 victory.
Jackson finished a perfect 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts, connecting from 28, 46 and 34 yards.
Defensively, the Bulldogs delivered one of their most important performances of the afternoon, forcing three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble recovery, while holding the Spartans without an offensive touchdown.
Kwantre Harry led SC State with six tackles, while Jadin Jones added five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Jaiden Kimble contributed three tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
Kenneth Brown Jr. recorded a key interception and returned it 51 yards, while Mike Evans added another interception. Myles Dixon recovered a fumble as the Bulldogs consistently disrupted Norfolk State's offensive rhythm.
SC State finished with seven tackles for loss, two sacks and 10 quarterback hurries.
The Bulldogs totaled 321 yards of offense, including 215 through the air and 106 on the ground. SC State also recorded 19 first downs and converted 8 of 18 third-down opportunities.
Norfolk State finished with 279 total yards, including 162 passing and 117 rushing. Spartans quarterback DaJean Golmond completed 17 of 35 passes for 162 yards with two interceptions, while Brevin Caldwell led the receiving attack with six catches for 80 yards.
The Bulldogs also capitalized on Norfolk State's mistakes, producing nine points off turnovers while committing no turnovers of their own.
The victory gives SC State an important early advantage in conference play as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of a third consecutive MEAC championship.
Game Highlights
- Final score: South Carolina State 22, Norfolk State 7
- Records: SC State 6-2 (1-0 MEAC); Norfolk State 4-4 (0-1 MEAC)
- Mason Pickett-Hicks: Nine carries, 52 rushing yards, two touchdowns and four receptions for 34 yards
- Keely Watson: 21-of-38 passing for 215 yards
- DJ Maultsby: Five receptions for 57 yards
- Malaqhi Jones: Two receptions for 54 yards
- Jett Jackson: Three field goals, including a 46-yarder
- Kwantre Harry: Team-high six tackles
- Jadin Jones: Five tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack
- Kenneth Brown Jr.: One interception returned 51 yards
- SC State defense: Three takeaways, seven tackles for loss and two sacks
UP NEXT: South Carolina State continues MEAC play Thursday, Oct. 29, against Morgan State.
For more information on SC State Athletics, visit www.scsuathletics.com.
— SC STATE ATHLETICS —
