Turner's 2 scores slide VMI past Chowan 24-17

LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) Backed by two touchdown catches from Jabari Turner, Virginia Military Institute held off Chowan 24-17 on Saturday.

Turner's second touchdown catch proved the difference, as his 45-yard scoring grab with 8:29 left helped VMI (1-1) evade Chowan's (0-2) come-from-behind effort.

VMI's defense aided in building a 14-0 lead by forcing a pair of punts from deep in Chowan territory to open the game. VMI scored touchdowns off both field-position gifts -- including a 28-yard touchdown catch by Turner.

Devahn Murphy's interception return for a touchdown started Chowan's comeback, which was capped by a field goal and a 17-yard scoring pass from Cameron Stover to Antjuan Randall to open the third quarter.

Turner's second score spoiled the comeback bid, with the running back grabbing four passes for 89 yards as Eric Kordenbrock went 19 for 37 for 275 yards passing.

For Chowan, Damian Ellis caught eight passes for 77 yards.

Updated September 8, 2012