WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The William & Mary football team opened its home slate with a 22-15 victory against Delaware State at Zable Stadium on Saturday evening.
After jumping out to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter, W&M (2-0) extended the margin to 22-0 early in the fourth quarter and held off a late charge by the Hornets (1-1) to secure its second-consecutive win to begin the 2026 campaign.
Exceptional defense and strong special teams play helped propel the Tribe to victory, as it forced six turnovers, two of which led to scores, and blocked a punt that set up a short scoring drive that resulted in a touchdown. Additionally, kicker
Max Lipinski connected on three field goals, including a career-long 51-yard kick during the fourth quarter.
W&M built the early lead by scoring on its first three possessions during the first quarter, coming on a 25-yard field goal by Lipinski and a pair of touchdown runs by
Andrew King.
King's first touchdown, a 14-yard run, came just two plays after linebacker
Declan Ta'amai's blocked punt gave W&M starting field position inside the red zone. King's second score punctuated another short drive that covered just 26 yards and came after safety
Jaden Ratliff forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker
Elijah Rainer.
A pair of fourth quarter touchdown runs by DSU quarterback
Noah Brannock, coming at 9:59 and 3:04, drew the Hornets within a score.
DSU had one final possession in the closing minutes and moved to near midfield, but it turned the ball over on downs after cornerback
Brendan Robinson broke up a short pass from Brannock intended for wideout Terrence Rone with 1:06 remaining.
Cornerback
Trevon Cannon, linebacker
Xavier Dillard and safety
David Roulley all recorded interceptions for the Tribe, as Dillard return his pick 67 yards late in the third quarter.
Defensive lineman
Nathaniel McDonald posted a pair of sacks, a forced fumble and a PBU, while Ratliff finished with six tackles and a forced fumble.
Defensive lineman
Ty Gordon recovered a fumble he forced to go with a PBU, while defensive lineman
Davin Dzidzienyo added a sack and a fumble recovery.
Linebacker
Harrison Johnson finished with a game-high 11 tackles and a PBU.
In addition to his two touchdowns, King rushed for a team-high 73 yards on 15 carries.
Wideout
Khylil Johnson led W&M's receiving corps with four catches for 83 yards, highlighted by a 63-yard reception during the Tribe's opening drive.
With its impressive defensive effort, W&M has now forced 10 turnovers through the first two games.
W&M will return to action when it plays at No. 10 Lehigh next Saturday at 2 p.m.
