N.C. Central Eagles looking forward to MEAC membership

DURHAM, N.C. -- N.C. Central men's basketball coach Levelle Moton was welcomed into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday when the league held its preseason coaches' teleconference.

Moton said he was glad the Eagles have found another home in the MEAC after three seasons of barnstorming the country playing games. NCCU still is in transition to full NCAA Division I membership and full participation in the MEAC, but the Eagles will be competing against more teams from the conference this season.

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Fourth-quarter burst lifts Hampton past NC Central 27-13

DURHAM, N.C. – Hampton scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and rallied beat North Carolina Central for the second straight year. The Pirates prevailed 27-13 thanks to a 19-yard touchdown reception by Javaris Brown and interception returns of 55 yards by Matt Davis and 68 yards by Ricardo Silva all in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Hampton won its fourth straight game this season and seventh straight over the Eagles in the series that was renewed last season with NCCU's acceptance into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. A year ago, Hampton scored the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter to beat the Eagles. Next season with NCCU gaining full conference membership, the game will count in the MEAC standings.



Hampton rallies for win over NCCU

DURHAM, N.C. -- Hampton's Matt Davis and Ricardo Silva scored on long interception returns as the Pirates rallied with 20 fourth-quarter points for a 27-13 win over N.C. Central on Saturday.

Hampton (4-1) trailed 13-0 with 10:56 left in the first half before Isiah Thomas scored on a 6-yard run to make it 13-7. The Eagles (2-3) missed a 27-yard field-goal attempt early in the fourth quarter.

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Attendance: 8,791

NCCU Eagles vs. Hampton Pirates

NCCU Eagles return to MEAC with win over NC A&T Aggies

DURHAM, N.C. -- Based on the recent history of the series, N.C. Central's 27-16 win over North Carolina A&T might count as a blowout in favor of the Eagles. Thanks to seven turnovers by the Aggies, NCCU was able to wrap up its biggest win over its biggest rival since winning 15-2 in 1988.

The past five game went down to the wire, with each settled on the final possession. A year ago, the Aggies took a 23-17 win in double overtime to break a three-game winning streak by NCCU. Now the Eagles (2-2) can claim four wins in five years over N.C. A T (0-4). After the game, NCCU coach Mose Rison was doused by his players with a cooler full of water as they all celebrated in front of the student section and band.

The crowd of 15,173 at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium was the largest in school history, with more than 5,000 standing-room tickets being sold as festival admission at the track adjoining the stadium. The overflow crowd was on hand to watch the first game in Durham between the teams since 1992, which A T won 49-7.

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North Carolina Central Eagles host North Carolina A&T Aggies

Complete Game Notes            Ticket Information

THE GAME 
North Carolina A&T State Univ. “Aggies” vs. North Carolina Central Univ. “Eagles”

THE KICKOFF 
Saturday, September 25, 2010 – Kickoff at 6:00 p.m.

THE SITE 
O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium (10,000 capacity / Mondoturf) - Durham, N.C.

2010 RECORDS 
North Carolina A&T (0-3); North Carolina Central (1-2 overall) 

MEDIA COVERAGE 
Audio: NCCU Sports Network - flagship station WRJD 1410 AM (Durham), WHNC 890 AM (Henderson), WELS 1010 AM (Kinston), WYRN 1480 AM (Louisburg), WCBQ 1340 AM (Oxford), WEED 1390 AM (Rocky Mount), WXKL 1290 AM (Sanford); NCCUEaglePride.com. Starts at 5:30 p.m.

Video: NCCUEaglePride.com features GameCentral by Stretch Internet ($8.95). Starts at 5:45 p.m. 

WSSU Rams improve to 3-0 with win over NCCU Eagles

DURHAM, N.C. - In a game of big plays, Rashaun Jones made the biggest for Winston-Salem State. Jones had a big interception with 1:59 left to help the Rams win 34-27 over the N.C. Central Eagles last night at sold-out (9,711) O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

With the game tied at 27 and the Eagles driving quarterback Michael Johnson tried to hit Geovonie Irvine on a fly pattern but Jones made a leaping interception in the end zone for the Rams first interception of the season. Not content with that, the Rams then went 80 yards for the game winning touchdown when Tehyvn Brantley caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kameron Smith with 1:34 left.

"Coach just told us to stay calm and focused because we'd have to win it on the back end," said Jones, who transferred to WSSU from Miami last spring. "I'm just glad I could help the team win the game."

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NCCU Eagles overwhelm JCSU Golden Bulls in season-opener

DURHAM, N.C. -- It had been 44 years since N.C. Central hosted a Thursday night game. It’s not likely the Eagles will wait that long again, considering the overwhelming performance they summoned under lights against Johnson C. Smith in their season-opener.

Relying on a sturdy offensive line and a thumping defense, the Eagles hammered the Golden Bulls in a 59-0 rout at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium before an announced crowd of 9,257. From the first drive, they controlled the game with a mix of power running and short yardage passing, handing coach Mose Rison his first season-opening victory in four seasons as head coach.

A five-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Keon Williams to fullback Justin Manning with nine minutes remaining in the first half stamped the Eagles’ dominance and essentially put the contest out of reach.





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Rison sees big things for North Carolina Central Eagles

DURHAM, N.C. -- Mose Rison's poker face is pretty good considering the confidence that appears to be brimming inside the fourth-year N.C. Central football coach. Rison held his last press conference on Tuesday before the Eagles take the field for real for the first time in 2010 against Johnson C. Smith (7 p.m., Thursday night at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium).

The hand Rison is holding looks pretty good for a breakout season for the Eagles, who are in their final year of transition up to NCAA Division I and full membership into the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. NCCU has 17 returning starters, including junior quarterback Michael Johnson and a defense stacked with players like linebacker Donald Laster and defensive lineman Teryl White.

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NCCU Eagles ready to take flight

DURHAM, N.C. -- N.C. Central coach Mose Rison spoke succinctly about his football team's record the last two seasons, accepting any criticism thrown his way."We're not going to make any excuses: 4-7 has not been good enough," he said.

Heading into his fourth season at N.C. Central, Rison knows there's a hunger for more wins. He has been credited with guiding a proud football program through its transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, but ultimately he knows judgment comes on the field. With seven home games this season, starting with Thursday's opener against Johnson C. Smith, Rison's program has a great opportunity to prove it's headed in the right direction.

When N.C. Central left the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2007 to begin playing as an independent in the NCAA's Football...



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NCCU: Saturday's scrimmage shows progress

An eager crowd of devoted fans braved 90-degree heat to "Meet the Eagles" on Saturday as the NCCU football team made its public debut. The 85-member team signed autographs and chatted with fans before entertaining the crowd with a 61-play scrimmage at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham.

Coach Mose Rison said he is pleased with the progress of the team. "I think it's been a good fall camp, and I know come the second of September it'll be a good turnout," Rison said of the Eagles' season-opener against Johnson C. Smith.

In limited action under center, junior quarterback Michael Johnson completed 2 of 7 passes for 70 yards. Winston-Salem State transfer Jordan Reid took a majority of the snaps, collecting 176 yards on 8-of-16 passing. Junior Keon Johnson was 3-for-8 with 56 yards passing and 22 yards rushing.

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Rison's NCCU Eagles ready to soar‎

Mose Rison has made no secret of the fact that he believes 2010 is the year of the Eagle. Rison, entering his fourth year as N.C. Central's head football coach, has been bubbling over with enthusiasm since spring football.

Redshirt junior quarterback Michael Johnson says Rison's confidence is genuine. For the first time since the university left the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association - after back-to-back conference championships - NCCU is starting to see the light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. "The atmosphere is great, and it's going good right now just for the simple fact that we have a lot of guys returning this year," said Johnson, a Tulsa transfer and Hillside High graduate.



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Rison has great expectations for NCCU Eagles

Coach Mose Rison has high expectations for NCCU Eagles‎

DURHAM, N.C. -- After a week of practice, N.C. Central football coach Mose Rison thinks he's got a team that can be pretty good. "For the first time since I've been here we're not going to be outmanned at any position in any game," Rison said.

"I expect us to turn it up and be ready to play. If we play good early, we have a chance to be ranked in the top-25."

Rison's confidence is boosted by a roster that returns 17 starters. The Eagles got off to a rough beginning a year ago, with six losses to start the season, but rallied to win four of their last five. And after what Rison called a tremendous off-season program, he thinks this squad is in the best shape they have been in since he arrived.

The Eagles certainly appeared loose and confident Sunday during their annual media and photo day. NCCU opens its season on Sept. 2 at home against Johnson C. Smith, a former rival in the CIAA. Since leaving that conference, NCCU has been preparing for play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Eagles have five games scheduled against MEAC opponents this season before playing a full slate next year.

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The NCCU Marching Sound Machine wants you to support the NCCU Marching Sound Machine on Their Road to the 2011 Annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

BUY A $20 RAFFLE TICKET TO WIN A 2010 Nissan Versa!!!

Make Your Donation Today! Tickets Will soon be available for purchase: • From any NCCU Sound Machine Musician or The Exquisite Ladies of the eClipse Auxiliary Squad • Student Affairs • Campus Bookstore • Student Union • Michael Jordan Nissan • Sound Machine Booster Club and Alumni Band Members.

NCCU Eagles get a jump on the competition

DURHAM, NC -- After a tough start to the 2009 football season, when N.C. Central let several winnable games slip away late, the Eagles hope strength in numbers will make a difference in 2010. NCCU coach Mose Rison welcomed 88 players to the first practice on Monday night at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium as the Eagles tried to beat the heat. Rison said he didn't know what to expect with the weather to open camp after going through an oppressive July.

"It was really nice," Rison said. "We didn't have to worry about the heat. It was a good first practice." The Eagles open the 2010 season, their first in the MEAC at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision level, at home against Johnson C. Smith on Sept 2 at 7 p.m. Rison said there were about 30 players out on the field horsing around and playing catch 45 minutes before practice was scheduled to start.

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Eagles are ready to Soar! Watchout MEAC!

2010 NCCU Football Season Preview

For the past three years, the North Carolina Central University football program has undergone a transformation, from back-to-back conference champions and NCAA Division II playoff participants to new Division I-FCS members experiencing the harsh realities of a team in transition. Heading into their fourth year as a Division I competitor, the fledgling Eagles, who have endured thousands of miles of travel to road contests against nationally-ranked opposition, are now battle-tested, mature, experienced and ready to soar.

The 2010 edition of the gridiron Eagles welcomes back 61 returning letterwinners, including 17 starters (9 offense, 8 defense), consisting of 10 seniors, six juniors and one sophomore. “It’s going to be different,” NCCU head coach Mose Rison said about the upcoming campaign, his fourth as the program’s head mentor. “We have been a team in transition. We have played a lot of road games, and played with a lot of youth. Now we have seven home games and we are going to have experienced depth.”

NCCU Offense Looking to Regain Scoring Output from 2006 Championship Season

During the first three season of the Division I reclassification process, NCCU averaged 18.3 points per game against Division I opposition, compiling a 7-16 record in those contests. With nine returning starters, Rison sees the potential for the 2010 offensive lineup to return to the form of the 2006 squad that scored at a school record pace of 30.9 points per game under his direction as offensive coordinator.

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NCCU Adds Seventh Home Football Game‎ to 2010 Gridiron Slate

NCCU Eagles Tim Shankle scored TD against Duke Blue Devils in historic 2009 Bull City Classic game. The 2010 slate will be even more exciting with Appalachian State, North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Hampton and newcomers - Georgia State and Old Dominion.

Durham, N.C. - The 2010 North Carolina Central University football schedule features seven home contests, including a Thursday night season-opener and the return of rival North Carolina A&T to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, along with four games against MEAC conference foes, as NCCU announced its updated gridiron slate on Saturday.

The seventh home contest has the Eagles hosting second year NCAA FCS Division I program, Old Dominion University Monarchs at 2 p.m., November 20. In what qualifies as one of the most successful season-ticket launches of a football team in NCAA history, the 2009 Monarchs sold over 14,859 season tickets and sold out each home game in Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium, which seats 19,782 for football. The Eagles will get a first-hand chance to see how the Monarchs travel to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. In 2011, Old Dominion will become a member of the Colonial Athletic Association for football.

The Monarchs were 9-2 in their inaugural season and is currently negotiating a buy-out with Presbyterian College in order to play the more competitive NCCU Eagles. Both winless Presbyterian and Georgetown University have been dropped from ODU 2010 schedule. Georgetown was replaced with an ODU road trip on October 30 to traditional MEAC power, Hampton University.

In each of the prior three seasons since moving to NCAA Division I competition, NCCU had only four home contests. This marks the first time in school history that NCCU hosts seven regular-season home games. The Eagles also have an entertaining road schedule, facing powerhouse Appalachian State at Boone, N.C., newcomer Georgia State in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, Delaware State and Savannah State.

The 2010 NCCU schedule also includes the continued series with rival Winston-Salem State, the first home contest against Hampton in 19 years, a game inside the Georgia Dome, and Bethune-Cookman's first visit to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. "It's a very competitive schedule," said Mose Rison, entering his fourth season as head football coach at NCCU. "We play seven games on our campus, which is a big plus. Our kids enjoy playing in front of our student body and our fans.

"Without a question, this is a great home schedule, with the likes of Winston-Salem State, North Carolina A&T, Hampton, Old Dominion and Bethune-Cookman coming to Durham. Plus, the return of former CIAA opponent Johnson C. Smith and Edward Waters for Homecoming," Rison added. "We're excited." NCCU will become members of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) on July 1, 2010, but will not be eligible for the conference championship during the upcoming season.

No doubt, this will be an exciting season for Eagle fans and the MEAC.

2010 North Carolina Central University Eagles Football Schedule
Date Opponent

9/2 JOHNSON C. SMITH, DURHAM, N.C. 7:00 PM
9/11 WINSTON-SALEM STATE, DURHAM, N.C. 6:00 PM
9/18 at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C. TBA
9/25 NORTH CAROLINA A&T, DURHAM, N.C. 6:00 PM
10/9 HAMPTON, DURHAM, N.C. 4:00 PM
10/16 at Georgia State, Atlanta, GA TBA , Georgia Dome
10/23 BETHUNE-COOKMAN, DURHAM, N.C. 2:00 PM
10/30 EDWARD WATERS, DURHAM, N.C. 2:00 PM, “Homecoming"
11/6 at Delaware State, Dover, Del. TBA
11/13 at Savannah State, Savannah, Ga. TBA
11/20 OLD DOMINION, DURHAM, N.C. 2 PM

Defense shines in NCCU Maroon-Gray game

DURHAM, N.C. - North Carolina Central University Coach Mose Rison put his N.C. Central football team on display for the public in its annual Maroon & Gray game, and the defense probably won. But the big news of the day was the addition of another game for this fall. The Eagles have added an 11th game — and a seventh home game — on Nov. 20 against Old Dominion, a team that is in its second season of football. NCCU, which has gone 4-7 each of the past two seasons as it transitions into NCAA Division I, has never played seven home games in the same season. NCCU was one of the better teams on the schedule last season for the Monarchs (9-2), who won their first meeting in Norfolk 42-28. “This is huge for this football program,” Rison said. “Our kids really enjoy playing in front of our fans and we play well at home.”

Incumbent starting quarterback Michael Johnson completed six of 15 passes for 74 yards and led one touchdown drive, which ended in a 1-yard scoring plunge by Justin Campbell. “We were just starting to click toward the end of spring ball, so I wish it had gone on a little bit longer,” Johnson said. “Overall it was pretty good. I’m more comfortable coming to the line and seeing everything. Last year I knew my plays and what everyone had to do, but I had no clue what the defense was doing. Now my thought process is much better and I’m seeing the field way better.”

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Signing Tidewater recruits is a big step for North Carolina Central football program

Rison Signing Tidewater recruits is a big step ...

DURHAM, N.C. - The needs were few for N.C. Central, but the haul of players signed on Wednesday exceeded the expectations of Coach Mose Rison. "We're upgrading at every position," Rison said. "We're recruiting Division I kids now. We need to recruit those types of players because we're playing against those types of players." With NCCU's move to the MEAC, Rison was able to open a recruiting front in the Tidewater area of Virginia by signing two players.

"For us to break into the Tidewater are was big," Rison said. "It's a tremendous accomplishment. The area has such a rich tradition of producing football players. Going into the MEAC helped make us attactive." The Eagles only have to replace five departed seniors from the 2009 squad that posted a 4-7 record. The recruiting class Rison is bringing in consists of 14 players. Most of the newcomers were recruited for offense, including three linemen, three receivers, two tailbacks and a fullback.



NCCU ANNOUNCES 15 AMONG 2010 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

1. Dennis Alleyne, WR, 6-3, 180, Winston-Salem, N.C., Parkland H.S. - Selected All-Conference. Recorded 48 catches for 872 yards in 2009. Lettered in three sports (football, basketball, track).
2. Ty Brown, FS, 6-3, 215, Claremont, N.C., Newton-Conover H.S. - Selected Associated Press First-Team All-State, First-Team All-Western Region and All-Conference. Collected 83 tackles, eight interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), seven pass break-ups and three forced fumbles.
3. Dajuan Calloway, OL, 6-4, 320, Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville H.S. - Named 2009 Associated Press Northeast Lakes All-District First Team. Three-year starter. As a senior, graded out at 86 percent blocking efficiency with 12 pancake blocks.
4. Andre Clarke, RB, 5-10, 220, Mauldin, S.C., Mauldin H.S. - Chosen 4A All-State, All-Region, All-County. All-time leading rusher at Mauldin High School. As a senior, ran for 1,685 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry. Team posted a 10-3 record.
5. Ryker Goodell, LB, 6-1, 220, Woodstock, Ga., Etowah H.S. - Selected as the 2009 Cherokee County co-Defensive Player of the Year. Amassed 101 tackles with six sacks as a senior.
6. Shaun Millien, OL, 6-8, 350, Roslindale, Mass., Dean College, Catholic Memorial H.S. - Transfer from Dean College in Franklin, Mass. Two-year starter at Dean, where team won back-to-back conference championships. Selected All-Northeast Conference. All-Conference honoree at Catholic Memorial High School. Starter on both sides of the ball.
7. Darren Moore, OL, 6-5, 315, Fayetteville, N.C., Westover H.S. - Selected to 2009 Mid-Southeastern 4A All-Conference Team. Also lettered in track & field.
8. Fred Ominde, DB, 6-0, 180, Rochester, Minn., Rochester Community & Technical College, Bloomington Kennedy H.S. - Selected All-Division and All-Conference (Minnesota College Athletic Conference) Second Team. As a sophomore in 2009, recorded 47 tackles (37 solo) with 13 pass break-ups, two interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. As a freshman in 2008, collected 36 tackles (27 solo) with 12 pass break-ups, five interceptions and a sack. Named 2008 All-MCAC Honorable Mention.
9. Rasheen Person, LB, 6-3, 250, Newport News, Va., Heritage H.S. - As a senior, topped team with 94 tackles, including 12 hits for a loss with eight sacks, along with two interceptions. Scored three touchdowns and five 2-point conversions as a short-yardage back.
10. Demontray Ryland, LB, 6-1, 230, Portsmouth, Va., Norcom H.S. - Two-time First-Team All-Tidewater and All-District selection. Named 2008 Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year. 2009 All-Region honoree.
11. Duval Smith, RB, 5-10, 185, Roswell, Ga., Roswell H.S. - Rushed for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
12. Shavarez Smith, WR, 6-2, 180, McDonough, Ga., Henry County H.S. - Named 2009 Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention, First-Team All-Region, First-Team All-County, Henry County Player of the Year. Selected to the North/South All-Star Game. Collected 32 receptions for 834 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 26 yards per catch.
13. Jordan Toomer, FB, 6-2, 235, Gastonia, N.C., Ashbrook H.S. - Selected 2009 All-Big South 3A Conference Team. Averaged more than four yards per carry.
14. Chase Tripp, DL, 6-2, 245, Chocowinity, N.C., Winston-Salem State University, Washington H.S. - Transfer from Winston-Salem State University. Played in six games for WSSU in 2009, recording five tackles and a pass break-up as a freshman. Two-time All-Area First Team pick as a defensive end at Washington High School. Topped team in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.
15. Lamar Whidbee, WR, 6-3, 180, Hertford, N.C., Winston-Salem State University, Perquimans County H.S. - Transfer from Winston-Salem State University. Started in all 11 games for WSSU in 2009 as a redshirt freshman. Caught 16 passes for 208 yards on the season. Earned All-Conference and All-Region honors in both junior and senior seasons (2006, 2007) as a wide receiver at Perquimans County High School. Three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track) in high school.

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NCCU Eagles' young defense prepares for tough schedule

DURHAM -- N.C. Central has been used to moving the football and putting up points for the past four years, and the Eagles should be just as good at it this year. Although Mose Rison's club will face a much tougher schedule than did last season's 6-4 team, with seven returning starters including proven quarterback Stadford Brown, the offense should be in very good shape. And new defensive coordinator Jake Cabell's biggest challenge is simply to make sure his less experienced unit isn't on the field very much.

The first test is just 13 days away, as the Eagles will open their season on Aug. 31 at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium against former CIAA rival Fayetteville State. "We get to work against a very good, proven offense every day in practice," said Cabell, a one-time star at Nebraska who will also be position coach for the Eagles' defensive backs. "We want to have them on the field as much as possible, so our motto is 'Get the ball back.'"

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Veteran offense has NCCU coaching staff confident

DURHAM -- Mose Rison already was optimistic about his N.C. Central football team before he directed the Eagles' first open preseason practice. And after Tuesday's two-hour workout -- on a hot afternoon during which the Eagles were happy to see a few clouds -- the second-year head coach seemed even happier.

The enthusiasm seems contagious around a program that is coming off its fourth straight winning season. "I was talking to the coaches before last night's [9:30 p.m.] workout, and we thought the guys would probably show up a little early," said Rison, who has 90 players including 57 scholarship players in camp. "But at 8:40, the whole team was there. "The kids showed a whole lot of energy today. It was just outstanding. We've got a ways to go, but right now there are a lot of things we can build on."

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