CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Chavon Wright scored six rushing touchdowns to lead second-seeded Charleston to a 52-44 opening round win over New Haven in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Division II Football Playoffs at UC Stadium on Saturday. Charleston led 45-21 after three quarters of play and held off a late rally to defeat the Chargers.
 
With the win, Charleston advances to the second round against third-seeded Kutztown next Saturday. The game will be played at UC Stadium (Kickoff time TBA).
 
The Golden Bears advanced to the second round with a 38-14 win over Virginia Union on Saturday afternoon.
 
In the remaining game from Super Region 1 on Saturday, fourth-seeded Slippery Rock rolled past East Stroudsburg, 45-14. In the top half of the Super Region 1 bracket, SRU will travel to top-seeded Tiffin next Saturday.
 
Wright, the 2023 Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year, finished Saturday’s game with 34 carries for 163 yards and six rushing touchdowns. Alex Brink also carried the ball 14 times for 57 yards for UC.
 
In the passing game, Javonte Howard completed 14-of-22 passes for 246 yards. He had one interception. Howard’s top target was Tae Marrero with five receptions for 114 yards. Marquan Herron was on the receiving end of three passes for 61 yards.
 
In addition to Marrero’s big day on offense, he also returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
 
Willie Floyd recorded eight tackles to lead the UC defense. Thaxton Gallagher also chipped in three solo stops, one sack and one forced fumble.
 
Charleston outgained New Haven 493-347 in the game. Charleston had 247 yards on the ground.
 
New Haven quarterback Daelen Menard completed 20-of-34 passes for 278 yards and five touchdowns. However, three of the touchdowns came in the fourth quarter during New Haven’s attempted comeback.
 
Dev Holmes was Menard’s favorite target with eight receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
 
The New Haven ground attack was led by Christopher Ais with 17 carries for 59 yards and one score. As a team, New Haven managed just 69 yards on the ground.