Hillary shines in 1st start

Coastal Carolina junior quarterback Aramis Hillary was named the Big South Offensive Player of the Week by the league’s office as well as being the Big South Player of the Week by CollegeSportsMadness.com, for his play in the Chanticleers 30-23 season-opening win over Furman. 

Hillary, who was making his first career start, was Coastal Carolina’s leading rusher and passer as the Chanticleers rolled up 426 yards of total offense. He rushed 16 times for 61 yards with two scores, including the game-winner with 1:32 left, and completed 10-of-13 passes for 130 yards with no interceptions. 

Hillary gave Coastal a 7-0 lead in the first quarter as he directed a 15-play, 79-yard drive in which he had rushes of 5, 7, 4, 13 and 4 yards. Facing 3rd-and-6 on the 17, Hillary rushed 13 yards for a first down, then, on the next play, scored from four yards out. 

With the game tied 16-16 in the third quarter, Hillary had a 39-yard completion to Matt Hazel that set up a Coastal touchdown two plays later. 

With the game tied yet again in the fourth quarter at 23-23, Hillary led the Chants on a nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive to secure the win. He was 2-of-2 passing for 24 yards and capped the drive with the go-ahead 3-yard score. 

Coastal Carolina will remain at home to host the Catawba Indians this Saturday (Sep. 10). Kickoff at Brooks Stadium is set for 6 pm.