ECSU Vikings Host “Smoke on the River”

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina – Excitement lurks over the Elizabeth City State University football team as the Jones Era begins Saturday afternoon in Roebuck Stadium, hosting Central State University (OH) for its season opener and 1st Annual Smoke on the River First Responders Appreciation game day.

Game time is slated for 1 p.m. and can be followed via live stats at https://ecsuvikings.com/sidearmstats/football/summary and can be heard live hear http://www.ecsu.edu/about/communications-and-marketing/radio-and-tv-service/listen-live.html

Anthony Jones was hired back in the spring 2018 as head coach of the Vikings and has been going in full throttle every day since; awaiting opening weekend.

"We're excited about our first game. It's going to be our first opportunity to compete against someone," stated Jones. "We're just hoping that our community will come out to support us. The guys have worked extremely hard for us throughout camp. We're just hoping that the guys play well, with this being a new experience for them, being under my leadership. We're excited about facing Central State on Saturday and again, hope that the community comes out to support."

Last season, ECSU came out victorious with the 34-23 victory after a rough first half in McPherson Memorial Stadium. The Vikings rushed for over 141 yards on 19 carries and passed for over 260 yards, netting 406 yards of total offense for the game.

Junior running back Gregory Bryan led the charge with over 100 yards on four carries; while defensively, defensive back Brian Harrington hauled in a career-high three interceptions. Receiver Deon Yarborough tallied six catches for 78 yards.

Chick-Fil-A of Elizabeth City is a proud community partner/sponsor of Elizabeth City State University Athletics. On ALL home game days, Chick-Fil-A of EC will host "Mobile App Spirit Night", right after the game for 2 hours, from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Place an order on the Chick-Fil-A Mobile App and post #VIKINGPRIDE in the Special Instructions section https://one.chick-fil-a.com/ . This is a fundraiser for ECSU Department of Athletics after EVERY home game.

Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at: www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre and post-game stories and updates. Like us on Facebook at: ECSU Athletics and follow us on twitter at: @ECSUVikings