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On Saturday, Old Dominion hosted James Madison University in the Royal rivalry at S.B. Ballard Stadium in Norfolk. Former standouts from Suffolk, George Pettaway and Chris Shearin, returned to the 757 to face off against the Monarchs. Both helped lead the Dukes to a 35-32 win.

Pettaway, a product of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, the ball 19 times for 82 yards for JMU. On the other side of the ball, Shearin, a former King’s Fork High School standout, recorded six tackles, including one tackle for loss, and one interception. 

The Monarchs took a 24-21 lead into heading into halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. The Dukes defense, stepped up big in the third quarter, limiting ODU to a just 67 yards before their final scoring drive. JMU’s quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, ignited the Dukes’ offense with a 68-yard touchdown pass to Yamir Knight, putting JMU back in the lead. 

Pettaway gained 36 of his team-high 82 rushing yards in the final quarter as he helped pave the way for Barnett III’s 8-yard rushing touchdown, which ultimately sealed the victory for the Dukes.  

Monarch quarterback Colton Joseph rushed for three touchdowns and threw for 189 yards on nine completions. Aaron Young rushed for a career high 117 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown, while Isaiah Paige hauled in three receptions for 77 yards for ODU. 

The Dukes’ improve to 8-2 overall and 4-2 in the Sun Belt Conference. This win kept their hopes alive in the Sun Belt East Division race, and will travel to Boone, North Carolina to face 4-5 App State.

The loss dropped the Monarchs to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Monarchs play host to Marshall in its final home game of the season. ODU needs to win out against Marshall and Arkansas State in order to become bowl eligible.