Virginia Union Panthers Lasso Broncos of Fayetteville State

Richmond, Virginia - It was Senior Day at Virginia Union University (VUU) and the last game of the 2011 football season as the Panthers took the field against the Broncos of Fayetteville State University (FSU).

It was also VUU's final opportunity to salvage at least a .500 season in what can only be referred to as another disappointing season. The crimson and steel began the season in rather stellar fashion as they rolled up a 4-2 record before the wheels began to fall off its high-octane offense. The Panthers have lost their last three outings including a heart-breaking loss to what can be considered as its cross-town rival, Virginia State University by a score of 34-19.

Fayetteville States' Broncos by contrast have been on a winning streak having won their last four games after opening the season horrendously by losing its first 4 games.

Both teams had identical conference records at kick-off time at VUUs' Hovey Field (4-5) so fireworks were anticipated as each team set out to finish the season on a winning note.

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Velasquez's Field Goal Lifts Panthers on Senior Day

Virginia Union University's Stephen Velasquez hit a 25-yard field goal with 9:51 left in the fourth quarter to lift the Panthers to a 17-14 win over Fayetteville State University in VUU's season finale on November 5 in Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.

VUU's Richard Rodwell rushed 75 yards and a touchdown while teammate Terrence Malone also rushed for a score. Senior quarterback Cheston Hickman completed nine of 17 passes for 137 yards. Fellow senior Raymond Mack caught five passes for 90 yards.

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Fayetteville State lets big lead slip away in overtime loss to Shaw

Fayetteville, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State had a commanding lead and seemed to end its homecoming week on a high note until a second-half aerial attack by Shaw grounded those plans.

Quinshon Odom connected with James Pettiway for a 17-yard touchdown in overtime, and the defense forced a fumble by Colon Bailey to give Shaw a stunning 35-29 win over Fayetteville State on Saturday.

Odom threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns as the Bears (2-5, 2-2) scored the final 28 points of the game to overcome a 22-point deficit and end the Broncos' two-game winning streak. Odom did most of his damage after halftime with 249 yards passing.

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Blocked kick saves FSU Broncos' win over Saint Augustine's

Fayetteville, North Carolina - Fayetteville State's Austin Turner kicked the go-ahead field goal and the special teams blocked Saint Augustine's ensuing 25-yard attempt Saturday night. That's what it took for the Broncos to claim their first win of the season, a 31-28 overtime thriller at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium.

"Under all of the adversity that we faced tonight, I told my players they had no idea how much they accomplished tonight," Broncos coach Kenny Phillips said. "They didn't complain about mistakes and just played football."

The Broncos (1-4, 1-1 CIAA) overcame an early 14-point deficit and six turnovers for the victory.
"It doesn't matter where you start the game, but how you end it," Turner said.

Saint Augustine's (2-3, 1-1) scored on the third play of the game when Teddy Bacote connected with Jamian Smith for a 62-yard touchdown.



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Winston Salem Rams roll past FSU Broncos to stay unbeaten

Winston Salem, NC - In case nobody was paying attention, Winston-Salem State also has a pretty good running game. Led by fifth-year senior Nic Cooper, the Rams plowed through the Fayetteville State Broncos 56-20 on Saturday night in front of about 9,000 at Bowman Gray Stadium. Cooper had a career-high 257 yards on 16 carries and also scored a career-high four touchdowns.

"Some of those holes you could drive a tractor-trailer through," Cooper said of his offensive line that once again dominated an opponent. "It's a credit to the O-line and it's nothing I did."

The Rams had won their previous two games by relying mostly on quarterback Kameron Smith as they rolled up 122 points. But on Saturday night it was Cooper right, Cooper left or Cooper up the middle. "Nic Cooper busted out today and hit them with some big plays," said coach Connell Maynor of the Rams. "They were kind of overloading to one side and we were able to cut it back a few times."

Coach Kenny Phillips of the Broncos, whose team fell to 0-4, heaped praise on Cooper.

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WSSU's offensive line playing extremely well

Winston Salem, NC - "The Block Squad" wanted to look its best for the big moment.

That's why all members of the group — Winston-Salem State's starting offensive linemen — showed up Wednesday at coach Connell Maynor's media conference well dressed and wearing ties. Keenly aware that offensive linemen rarely get exposure, they also were ready to talk.

The Rams are 3-0 and averaging 503 yards a game, and production like that requires more than just talent at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. It also requires talent on the line.

Starters Winston Hill, Markus Lawrence, Darrell Billiott, Devan Gray and Terrence Thomas — and reserves Chris Beardon and Corey Morris — acknowledge that playing in the trenches isn't glamorous.

"I've been playing offensive line since I was 13," said Lawrence, the center. "I would love to score touchdowns and all of that, but you just have to love it when your running back scores or your quarterback throws for a touchdown."

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WSSU needs plenty of support at home games

The powerful Bill Hayes, who is WSSU’s energetic athletics director, can control a lot of things as a top-flight administrator. But the one thing he can’t control is the weather, and he’ll be watching the forecast with keen interest for Saturday’s 6 p.m. home game at Bowman Gray Stadium against Fayetteville State (0-3).

The Rams fans have traveled in bunches for their first three road games. They traveled so well, in fact, that I estimate the Rams had more fans in the stands at all three games at Elizabeth City State, Virginia Union and Chowan.

Hayes made sure to seek me out last week to let me know that for the program to truly be successful seats have to be occupied at home games. That’s one of the ways the athletics program generates money and it’s a big resource.

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Miami Dolphins Sign Running Back Richard Medlin to Practice Squad

Miami, Florida - The Miami Dolphins found running back Larry Johnson expendable, releasing him yesterday. But the team has apparently opted to keep five running backs in house by signing undrafted free agent Richard Medlin to the practice squad.

Medlin joined fellow undrafted rookie Nic Grigsby as one of two running backs on the team's eight-man practice squad. He replaces seventh-round rookie nose tackle Frank Kearse, who was signed to the Carolina Panthers' active roster Monday.



As a member of the practice squad, Medlin will make roughly $5,700 a week. He will not be eligible to play in games but will participate in practice and team meetings. He can be signed to the Dolphins' active roster if they choose, or he can sign to another NFL team's active roster at any time just as Kearse did.

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Turnovers a backbreaker for Fayetteville State against Elizabeth City State

Fayetteville, NC - Cedrick Snead hugged freshman quarterback Chauncey Concepcion as they jogged together toward the Fayetteville State sideline, and benched starter Brandon Blumears-Cluff gave Concepcion a congratulatory slap on the helmet.

Concepcion capped his first series with a crowd-pleasing touchdown pass, but the honeymoon period quickly turned into a painful indoctrination.

Elizabeth City State forced three costly turnovers and scored two defensive touchdowns in a 42-21 victory against the Broncos on Saturday night.



Concepcion entered the lineup after ECSU's William Davis returned a first-quarter interception 56 yards for a score, and Fayetteville State (0-3) pulled within 14-7 when Antonio Allen caught a 35-yard TD pass on the next possession. The Vikings (2-2) dominated the last 10 minutes of the second quarter, sacking Concepcion three times and posting a trio of touchdowns in rapid succession to claim a 35-7 lead.

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UNC-Pembroke tops Fayetteville State, 33-27, to claim 3rd straight Two Rivers Classic

Fayetteville, NC - UNC-Pembroke senior linebacker Fred Williams weaved through a maze of bodies and located the Two Rivers Classic trophy, which was hoisted above the heads of several teammates.

Williams, a Terry Sanford High School graduate, couldn't resist the urge. With a 33-27 victory against Fayetteville State in hand, he applied his lips to the coveted hardware.

"This rivalry means a lot to me," Williams said. "Just to win it three years in a row, it's something special, so I had to get that kiss in at the end."

UNC-Pembroke improved to 3-0 in the brief series, going ahead for good on a 15-yard touchdown run by Travis Daniels with ...

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Fayetteville State drum major Sharmila Lever rules the band, field for 8 minutes

Fayetteville, NC - Sharmila Lever can finally take a moment to relax. With the halftime show finished and Fayetteville State's Marching Bronco Express band back in the bleachers at Nick Jeralds Stadium, Lever removes her oversized drum major hat and raises a full bottle of water to her lips.

Sweat is covering her cheeks and seeping through her white headband, the remnants of a taxing eight-minute performance. "It's the longest eight minutes of your life," she says. As the head drum major at Fayetteville State, Lever oversees those eight minutes. And actively participates in them.

A 23-year-old Pine Forest High School graduate, she has one semester remaining to earn an elementary education degree, one football season left to serve as an extension of FSU band director Alfred Davis.

SLIDE SHOW:

UNC-Pembroke vs. Fayetteville State photos

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Two Rivers Classic: Fayetteville State, UNC-Pembroke prepare for Saturday's rivalry game

Fayetteville, NC - Fayetteville State safety Andre Lyles has been trained well. It's easy to see that. For when asked Monday to describe his emotions heading into Saturday's Two Rivers Classic against UNC-Pembroke, Lyles shrugged and played the "just another game" card.

"This rivalry doesn't necessarily flip a switch for me," he said. "It's just another football game. We try to win and we treat every game the same. So the rivalry won't be a big issue."

Don't, however, take that sentiment at face value. Ed McLean, Fayetteville State's athletic director, certainly didn't. McLean knows full well that no matter how composed Lyles seemed at Monday's press conference, his adrenaline will inevitably spike Saturday when the Broncos storm onto the turf at Nick Jeralds Stadium to square off against UNCP for the third straight season.




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CIAA Preview

J.C. SMITH
2010 record: 2-8.

Players to watch

Offense: WR Avius Capers (Independence High) caught 21 passes for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns as a freshman.

Defense: DE Derrick Johnson (Hopewell High) led the Golden Bulls with 4.5 sacks as a sophomore in addition to 29 tackles.

Biggest question of the season: Will the defense show marked improvement from last season's 39 points allowed average?

Number to live by: Three freshmen (one redshirt) are competing for the starting quarterback position.

2011 schedule: Sept. 3 West Virginia State; S10 at Brevard; S17 Virginia State; S24 at Davidson; Oct. 1 at Winston-Salem State; O8 at Shaw; O15 Virginia Union; O22 at St. Augustine's; O29 Fayetteville State; N5 vs. Livingstone



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Fayetteville State's Larry McDonald shows physical strength and mental toughness

Offensive star
If Fayetteville State can find reliable playmakers at tailback and receiver, quarterback Brandon Cluff, a transfer from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College, has a chance to open some eyes with his arm strength.

Defensive star
All-CIAA safety Andre Lyles had 70 tackles, six interceptions and 15 passes defended last season.

Extra points
Linebacker Marcos Esquivel, who led the CIAA in tackles in 2009, returns after a one-year hiatus to finish his eligibility. ... Coach Kenny Phillips believes sophomores Anthony Council and Colon Bailey plus junior Anthony Williams can all be factors in the Broncos' running game.

Board Drill.
It's a daily staple at Fayetteville State football practices, a test of strength and determination that calls for Broncos linemen to battle one another with vigor.

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Former Fayetteville State running back Richard Medlin scores twice in NFL debut

Foxboro, MA - Well, color us impressed.

Richard Medlin, who spent his last four seasons as a running back at Fayetteville State, experienced the rush of a lifetime last Thursday night. Playing for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, Medlin scored two touchdowns in his NFL debut, contributing nicely to a 47-12 Patriots win over Jacksonville at Gillette Stadium.

Sure, both of Medlin's scores were from 2 yards out. And sure both came late in the fourth quarter of an exhbition opener. But that does little to diminish Medlin's eye-opening achievement. Don't forget, back in 2007, Medlin arrived at Fayetteville State out of Garner High School as a walk-on. He eventually used his athleticism, toughness and persistence to become a standout for the Broncos. Medlin was the 2008 Special Teams Player of the Year in the CIAA and played a key role the next season in sparking FSU's run to the conference title. Then, he followed by leading the Broncos in rushing during his senior season.



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Fayetteville State University Champions Gridiron Gala Fundraiser

Fayetteville, N.C. - Robert E. Wilson, a 1976 graduate of Fayetteville State University and the North Carolina Assistant Secretary of State, will headline the Inaugural FSU Champions Gridiron Gala on Sept. 2.

Wilson has been in positions of increasing responsibility with the Secretary of State’s Office for the State of North Carolina since March of 1993. He has also held supervisory positions with the N.C. Department of Corrections and with the Community College system.

“It’s very exciting for me,” Wilson said. “It’s an opportunity to come back home and give back to the University after they’ve given me so much.”

Wilson was the first member of his family to attend college when he left his home town of Wilson, N.C., to enter Fayetteville State University in 1972. He graduated in 1976 with a BA in History. He has also continued his studies at North Carolina State University and Wilson County Technical Institute.

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FSU announces football ticket package

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Perhaps the most appealing games on the Fayetteville State Broncos 2011 football schedule this season will be the ones right at home in Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.

And now that Fayetteville State has released its 2011 football season ticket package, the Broncos’ most faithful fans can reserve their place at those games as the Broncos prepare to make a run at their fourth CIAA Championship in the last nine years.

Fayetteville State is offering a wide variety of season ticket packages for the five home football games this season.

The Family Package includes general seating tickets for two adults and two children for $200, which gives the buyer a savings of $100. The Half Family Package costs $175 for the full season (a savings of $65), and can be purchased as one adult and two children tickets or two adults and one child tickets in general seating.

Fayetteville State also is offering the Reserve Adult Package...

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Fayetteville State coach Kenny Phillips not buying preseason predictions for his Broncos

Fayetteville, N.C. - Perhaps it was unintentional. But Fayetteville State football coach Kenny Phillips stole a page right out of Yogi Berra's book.

Thursday during CIAA Media Day festivities at Virginia State. Asked about the upcoming season, with his Broncos pegged in the preseason poll to finish fourth in the league's Southern Division, Phillips delivered a calm, if somewhat confusing, aphorism.

"If the prediction goes as the predictions go, they never do," he said.

Phillips has recent firsthand experience with the unreliability of preseason polls. Last season, for example, his Broncos were picked to win the CIAA, yet they sputtered to a disappointing 5-5 season and a fourth-place finish in their division.

"Where you're picked at is where you start," Phillips said. "But it's where you finish at (that matters)." So will FSU exceed expectations this season?

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The Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-CIAA team are being formally announced. To see a list of those, go here and here.

Fayetteville State to play Carson-Newman in Football on Sept. 8

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - For the first time since the 2004 NCAA Division-II playoffs, the Fayetteville State Broncos will play perennial powerhouse Carson-Newman in football in 2011.

And a win could mean a potential playoff berth for the Broncos.

Fayetteville State announced on Thursday it will travel to play the Eagles at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 in Jefferson City, Tenn. The Broncos were originally slated to play St. Paul's on the road in the second week of the season, but St. Paul's College announced earlier this month that it would not field athletic teams next season.

The opportunity to play Carson-Newman gives Fayetteville State 10 football games for the 2011 season -- the number needed to qualify for a playoff berth.

"We are fortunate Carson-Newman had an opening on its schedule and we were able to make a game," says Broncos football coach Kenny Phillips. "It goes for our 10th game, and if we're fortunate enough to have a good season, we'd be eligible for the playoffs."

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FSU adds pair of Raleigh-area players to men's basketball team

Fayetteville State coach Alphonza Kee had great success tapping into the Raleigh-area talent last year when he signed forward Tyrell Tate. Tate, a graduate of Raleigh's Millbrook High School, earned Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Rookie team status as a freshman when he averaged 9.6 points and 4.3 rebounds off the bench.

Four other players on FSU's roster also hail from the Raleigh area. Now, Kee has returned to the area around the capital city to secure his latest recruits.

The Broncos added a wing forward and a point guard to their roster for 2011-2012 last week by signing Quentin Underwood from Holly Springs High School and Anthony Shelton from Cary to national letters of intent.

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Spring Football Report: Fayetteville State

Following up a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship season with a 5-5 record in 2010 wasn't a shock to Fayetteville State coach Kenny Phillips.

"I knew we'd struggle to start out with so many players getting acclimated to becoming starters,'' Phillips said. "But I think down the stretch our players realized what it takes to win football games, and that's one of the things we brought into spring practice."

The Broncos won four of their final five games last season, including the final three by a whopping 167-39 margin. The momentum established during that stretch proved ...



BRONCOS CAP SUCCESSFUL SEASON OF SPRING WORKOUTS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Before Larry McDonald is done with his football career, there's a good chance he will have started more games than any other player under Fayetteville State head coach Kenny Phillips.

He may hold the record for participation in the most practices, too. And that includes the ones during the spring.

McDonald, an All-CIAA offensive lineman who will play either guard or center during the 2011 football season, will begin that season penciled in to start from Day 1 for the fourth straight year when the Broncos host UNC Pembroke on Sept. 3 in the third Two Rivers Classic at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium.

In a sense, though, the new season has already begun.

The Mebane, NC, native has already played in 32 games in his Fayetteville State career and was a key component on a line that helped the Broncos win the 2009 CIAA championship.

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Fayetteville State Releases 2011 Football Schedule

Fayetteville, NC – Football season never feels like it is too far away, and it feels even closer for Fayetteville State Broncos fans as the tentative 2011 football schedule has been released.

Fayetteville State will open its 2011 season with the Third Two Rivers Classic against UNC Pembroke at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3. The game will be played at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium as the two programs clash to open their respective grid seasons for the third consecutive year.

The Broncos, who finished the season 5-5 a year ago to complete a season at .500 or better for the eighth time in head coach Kenny Phillips’ 11 years at the helm, are then scheduled to travel to play St. Paul’s for their first road game of the season on Sept. 10.

After that, Fayetteville State will begin a stretch of four home dates in a span of five games, kicking off with a 6 p.m. game against Elizabeth City State on Sept. 17 before traveling to rival Winston-Salem State on Sept. 24 to open CIAA play. Fayetteville State will then host St. Augustine’s (Oct. 1, 6 p.m.) and Virginia State (Oct. 8, 6 p.m.).

Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 15 against Shaw. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.

Fayetteville State will close its regular season with three games on the road: at Livingstone (Oct. 22, 1:30 p.m.), Johnson C. Smith (Oct. 29, 4 p.m.) and Virginia Union (Nov. 5, 1 p.m.).

FSU Broncos 2011 Football Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location Result

09/03/11 vs. UNC Pembroke Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.

09/10/11 at St. Paul's TBA TBA

09/17/11 vs. Elizabeth City State Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.

09/24/11 at Winston-Salem State * Winston-Salem, NC TBA

10/01/11 vs. Saint Augustine's * Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.

10/08/11 vs. Virginia State * Fayetteville, NC 6:00 p.m.

   BRONCO HOMECOMING

10/15/11 vs. Shaw * Fayetteville, NC 2:00 p.m.

10/22/11 at Livingstone * Salisbury, NC 1:30 p.m.

10/29/11 at Johnson C. Smith * Charlotte, NC 4:00 p.m.

11/05/11 at Virginia Union * Richmond, VA 1:00 p.m.

* CIAA Conference Game

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