D2-CFB Game Preview: Chowan Hawks (1-2) vs. Shorter Hawks (1-3)

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Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Barron Stadium, Rome, Georgia
Forecast: Sunny with a high of 72°F, light northwest winds at 6–8 mph, 0% chance of precipitation

Team Overview & Recent Form

Chowan Hawks

Record: 1–2 overall

Last 3 Games (2025):

W vs. Elizabeth City State (28–14)

L vs. West Alabama (28–38)

L vs. Valdosta State (3–56)

Points For / Against: 59 PF / 108 PA

Streak: L2

Conference: Conference Carolinas

Standing: Mid-tier

Offensive Highlights:

RB Khalon Simmons: 4 rushing TDs in first 3 games

WR Holt Egan: 100+ yards vs. West Alabama

Defensive Concerns:

Allowed 38+ points in back-to-back losses

Secondary exposed by deep-ball threats

Shorter Hawks

Record: 1–3 overall

Last 4 Games (2025):

W vs. Virginia Lynchburg (57–20)

L vs. West Florida (20–42)

L vs. Savannah State (0–13)

L vs. Anderson (SC) (34–7)

Points For / Against: 114 PF / 132 PA

Streak: L1

Conference: Gulf South Conference

Standing: Lower tier

Offensive Highlights:

QB play has been inconsistent but showed flashes vs. Virginia Lynchburg

WR unit has speed but lacks separation against top defenses

Defensive Highlights:

Run defense improving; held Savannah State to 3.1 yards/carry

Pass rush generated 4 sacks vs. Virginia Lynchburg

Series History

2024: Chowan 31, Shorter 27

2023: Shorter 57, Chowan 20

Recent Trend: 1–1 split over last two seasons

Historical Edge: Even matchup with alternating wins

Injury Report

Chowan: No major injuries reported; full roster expected

Shorter: LB1 questionable (ankle); RB2 probable after limited practice

Key Matchups to Watch

Chowan RB Khalon Simmons vs. Shorter Front Seven:
Simmons is averaging 5.2 yards/carry. Shorter’s run defense has tightened recently, allowing just 110 rushing yards last week.

Shorter QB vs. Chowan Secondary:
Chowan’s secondary gave up 300+ passing yards to Valdosta State. Shorter’s QB has struggled with accuracy but may find opportunities deep.

Third-Down Efficiency:
Chowan converts at 38%, while Shorter allows conversions on 42% of defensive third downs. This battle could decide possession dominance.

Betting Trends:

Chowan is 2–1 ATS in last 3 games

Shorter is 1–3 ATS in last 4 games

Over has hit in 2 of Chowan’s last 3 games

Both teams have alternated wins in recent matchups

Historical Betting Results

Oct 12, 2024: Chowan 31, Shorter 27

Spread: Chowan -2.5 → Covered

Total: 52.0 → Over hit

Sep 16, 2023: Shorter 57, Chowan 20

Spread: Shorter -3.5 → Covered

Total: 60.0 → Over hit

Game Odds

Chowan Hawks                 – 1.5

Shorter Hawks                  44.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025

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