Trailing 21-6 in the third quarter, Delta State needed contributions from all three phases to keep its winning streak alive. The Statesmen delivered, rallying past Frostburg State 22-21 on October 31 for their fifth consecutive victory.
The finish pushed Delta State to 5-3 and highlighted players executing under pressure. Emile Picarella protected the football, his receivers converted critical opportunities, and the defense kept Frostburg State from pulling away.
One of the biggest plays belonged to Omareon Finch. Facing third-and-11 on the eventual winning possession, Picarella found Finch for 35 yards, moving Delta State to the Frostburg State 9-yard line.
That connection created the opportunity for Price Nixon’s 23-yard field goal with 55 seconds remaining, giving the Statesmen their first lead.
Picarella started the comeback with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Lawrence Armstrong in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 21-13. Delta State followed with an 11-play, 76-yard drive that ended with Picarella finding Troy Griffin for a 16-yard touchdown with 14:47 remaining.
The two-point conversion failed, leaving the Statesmen behind 21-19. The defense kept Frostburg State scoreless in the fourth quarter, giving the offense another chance to take the lead.
Picarella completed 19 of 32 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Griffin finished with five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, while Armstrong added five receptions for 71 yards and a score.
Nixon’s contribution stretched beyond the winning kick. He connected from 34 and 29 yards earlier in the game, supplying Delta State’s first six points before completing his three-field-goal performance.
Meanwhile, the defense kept the comeback within reach. Delta State did not allow an offensive touchdown in the second half; Frostburg State’s third-quarter touchdown came on a punt return.
Jordan Bradley intercepted two passes, helping limit Frostburg State to 106 passing yards. The Statesmen secured the victory when Jordan McKnight forced a fumble that Barrett Newman recovered on the Bobcats’ final possession.
Bradley and Nixon subsequently earned Gulf South Conference Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week honors, respectively.
Five straight wins have given Delta State momentum. Against Frostburg State, the difference was a quarterback who protected the ball, receivers who extended possessions and a defense that finished the job.
Following an open week, Delta State hosts Valdosta State for Senior Day on November 14 at 1 p.m. CT.