Old Dominion players will sport a sticker on the back of each helmet with "OR" on it this season in honor of Osric Robinson. In December, while returning to his home in Alma, Ga., after the fall semester, Robinson was killed in a car accident.
Robinson, who walked on to the team last September, had transferred to ODU from Ferrum College and was expected to contribute at linebacker.
An empty locker in the Monarchs' locker room also honors Robinson.
Seven of Robinson's family members were on hand for Saturday's game.
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ODU's Porter causes problems for Chowan
Old Dominion middle linebacker Mateus Porter had a huge night, intercepting one pass and having a hand in another Monarchs interception.
Porter picked off a C.J. Westler pass late in the first half, then shined again on Chowan's first possession of the second half.
With the Hawks driving in ODU territory, Porter sprinted up the middle and caused Westler to throw an off-balance, wobbling pass that was picked off by Craig Wilkins and returned for what appeared to be a 95-yard touchdown.
Alas, Porter was called for blocking Westler in the back on the return, negating most of the return yardage. Porter was credited with seven tackles on the night.
Teammates Mychael McJunkins and Donald Smith led the Monarchs with eight total tackles apiece.
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QB duties shared, but not equally
While the Monarchs used both Thomas DeMarco and Bobby Cooper at quarterback, it was DeMarco who got the larger chunk of playing time.
The redshirt sophomore completed 11 of 20 passes for 123 yards and hit Marquel Thomas for a 50-yard scoring play on a fly route down the right sideline on ODU's second possession.
Cooper, meanwhile, attempted just two passes, completing one for 22 yards. He also rushed six times for 17 yards.
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Student tickets taken for Virginia Union
ODU officials report that no student tickets remain for next Saturday's game against Virginia Union. The only tickets that could go on sale would come from Virginia Union if the visitors don't use their allotment.
Officials will know by Wednesday night if Virginia Union will return any tickets.
Any that are available at that point will go on sale Thursday morning.
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Nichols misses start with hand injury
Five Monarchs were held out of Saturday's game, including Ricky Nichols, the first guy to commit to ODU.
Nichols, a defensive back, has a hand injury, and the Maury High graduate was a late scratch from the starting lineup.
Starting in his place was Donald Smith, redshirt freshman walk-on from Indian River High.
Backups Nick Mayers, Desmond Williams, Michael R. Williams and Michael Colbert were benched for "conduct unbecoming a Monarch," according to ODU officials.
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Etc....
Running back Jamar Parham ran for 105 yards on 13 carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.... ODU punter Jonathan Plisco averaged 51 yards on four punts.... Lineman Brandon Carr delivered an unexpected ice bath to coach Bobby Wilder as the final seconds ticked off the clock.... Reid Evans led the Monarchs in receiving, with six receptions for 93 yards.
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