Johnson throws 3 TDs as Bethune-Cookman takes care of Norfolk State 21-7

Bethune-Cookman beats Norfolk State 21-7

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Matt Johnson passed for three first-half touchdowns and the Bethune-Cookman defense made it stand up in a 21-7 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Norfolk State on Saturday.

Johnson, who completed 17 of 27 passes for 225 yards, gave Bethune-Cookman (3-0, 1-0) the lead by directing a 69-yard, eight-play drive on the opening possession. The points came on a 16-yard pass to Tony Wilson with 12:15 left in the first quarter.

Johnson added touchdown passes of 42 yards to Eddie Poole and 11 yards to Randy James before the end of the first half.

The Spartans (2-2, 1-1) got on the board with a 1-yard run by Takeem Hedgeman early in the fourth quarter.

Norfolk State quarterback Chris Walley led his club offensively by completing 22 of 42 passes for 196 yards. Victor Hairston caught eight of those passes for 83 yards.