Delaware St. 24, VMI 21

Published Sep. 4, 2011 1:32 a.m. ET

foxsports

Kermit Blount won his first game as Delaware State's coach, leading the Hornets past Virginia Military Institute 24-21 on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Prior to his arrival at Delaware State, Blount spent 17 seasons at Winston-Salem State, where he was the winningest football coach in school history - posting a 91-87-3 record.

The game was tied 14-14 at halftime when lightning delayed the start of the third quarter. Play resumed after a 68-minute delay.

Nick Elko passed for 232 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Hornets. Justin Wilson had 110 yards receiving and two touchdown catches. Wilson's second score put the Hornets ahead for good 21-14 with 5:46 to play in the third quarter.

Delaware State forced three turnovers, including intercepting VMI quarterback Eric Kordenbrock twice.

Chaz Jones scored three rushing touchdowns for VMI, which had won its past six home openers.