East Carolina vs Old Dominion
A second-quarter surge and a second-half reversal in Norfolk
I was back at S.B. Ballard Stadium on Saturday, September 19, to photograph East Carolina taking on Old Dominion. Two weeks after the Norfolk State season opener, the Monarchs were home again for another regional matchup. This time, a strong second quarter gave ODU the lead before East Carolina turned the game around after halftime and left Norfolk with a 20-17 win.
The evening was part of ODU’s Family Weekend and its Blue Out to Beat Prostate Cancer. The photographs carry that color throughout: ODU’s light blue uniforms against East Carolina’s white jerseys and purple pants, with the cheerleaders adding another part of the game-day scene.
East Carolina struck first after a mishandled ODU punt snap created a short field. Receiver Jason Dickerson threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Keith Hamilton for a 7-0 lead. The Monarchs answered with 17 straight points in the second quarter: Nathanial Eichner’s 38-yard field goal, Daevon Iles’ 23-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and an 18-yard scoring run by Quinn Henicle. Devin Roche helped set up Henicle’s touchdown with a 38-yard punt return. A late ECU field goal made it 17-10 at the break. ODU’s game recap traces that stretch when the Monarchs took control.
The biggest swing came early in the third quarter. Ayden Duncanson intercepted Henicle and returned the ball 67 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 17. Another ODU turnover later gave the Pirates a chance to build the deciding drive. ECU went 77 yards in 12 plays, and Noah Perez finished it with a 24-yard field goal with 9:39 remaining. The Monarchs couldn’t find an answer, and East Carolina’s defense completed a scoreless second half. ECU’s recap details the comeback that gave the Pirates their first win of the season.
It was another close finish between these programs, following the ECU–ODU game I photographed in 2024. This year’s gallery brings together the action and the game-day details, from the line of scrimmage to the spirit on the sideline. You can find more of my work in the sports portfolio.
See the full 28-photo gallery on Flickr:
