Dukes Hold Court Against the Monarchs

Written by Chelsea Eaves

A royal rivalry came to a head Saturday night in Norfolk as the James Madison University Dukes entered the realm of the Old Dominion University Monarchs. With the Dukes’ well-established dynasty of excellence dating back to their first I-AA National Championship in 2004, the Monarchs’ rise since their modern-era inaugural season in 2009, and a contest for the crown within the Commonwealth, this duel was one to watch.

Entering the night, JMU held a 4-2 all-time advantage over ODU and carried a 3-0 record into its Sun Belt opener. By the final whistle, the Dukes had extended both marks, improving to 5-2 all time against the Monarchs and 4-0 on the season.

The Dukes came out firing, establishing control early. With 11:04 remaining in the first quarter, quarterback Camden Coleman connected with tight end Cole Keller for a 3-yard touchdown to put JMU on the board. Not long after, Coleman found Michael Scott for a 20-yard touchdown strike to extend the Dukes’ lead. ODU answered with just minutes to go in the first quarter when Ryan Huff found Leon Haughton Jr. for a 23-yard touchdown, making the game at 14-7.

JMU then continued to capitalize on its opportunities, with placekicker Morgan Suarez connecting on a 28-yard field goal before Coleman found Jeremiah Harrison for a 13-yard touchdown. After the failed two-point conversion attempt, JMU held a 23-7 advantage.

Coleman struck again just seconds later, finding Corey Scott for an 18-yard touchdown to push the lead to 30-7. ODU answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Maurki James and a 49-yard field goal from Nathanial Eichner to bring the Monarchs within striking distance at 30-17 heading into halftime. 

The second half became a tale of Duke domination through the uprights.

Suarez opened the second-half scoring with a 36-yard field goal, followed by a 27-yarder later in the third quarter to extend JMU’s advantage to 36-17. ODU managed to cut into the deficit with another Eichner field goal, this one from 35 yards, making it 36-20.

But the Dukes continued to control the game.

Suarez drilled his fourth field goal of the evening, a 26-yard attempt, before JMU capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run from Seth Cromwell with 2:55 remaining. The Dukes outscored the Monarchs 16-3 after halftime to secure the 46-20 victory. Suarez finished a perfect 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts, while his four made field goals marked a career high.

The Dukes’ tale of domination extended well beyond the end zone and uprights. Commonwealth native and Nanesmond Suffolk Academy alumni George Pettaway led JMU’s ground attack with 16 carries for 110 yards, including a 35-yard run. Through the air, Braeden Wisloski led the Dukes with five receptions for 49 yards, while Jeremiah Harrison added four catches for 53 yards plus a touchdown and Corey Scott recorded four receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Coleman finished the night with four touchdown passes as JMU piled up 405 yards of total offense. The Dukes’ defense was equally disruptive, recording nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss while forcing ODU to fight for every yard.

On the other side of the ball, the Monarchs were led by quarterback Ryan Huff, who made his first career start and completed 20 of 39 passes for 261 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Receiver TJ Johnson turned in a standout performance with five receptions for 105 yards, marking the first 100-yard receiving game of his career. Leon Haughton Jr. added four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

The Monarchs struggled to keep pace with the Dukes’ offensive efficiency, while JMU’s defense consistently pressured Huff and disrupted ODU’s offensive rhythm. Brandon Crutchfield intercepted Coleman in the second quarter to give the Monarchs a chance, but ODU could not turn the momentum into enough points to overcome the early deficit. 

While the Dukes claimed the crown, the Monarchs fought to defend their den until the final whistle.

How do the Dukes feel about their crowning moment?

Pettaway said it best: “Great win back at home. We own this state!”

Purple reigns once again.

Final score: JMU 46, ODU 20