Shaw Bears hold on to pick off St. Aug's Falcons

DURHAM, North Carolina -- On paper, Shaw and St. Augustine's are out of the CIAA title race, but that's just paper. When these two teams get together - in any sport - fireworks are sure to spark.

Saturday was no different as the Bears scored the only touchdown in the second half for a 20-16 come-from-behind win. But that's just part of the story. After the game, the two coaches - St. Augustine's Michael Costa and Darrell Asberry - had to be separated, and St. Aug's President Dianne Boardley Suber and Asberry also had words.

The Falcons (4-6) were frustrated after being intercepted seven times between their two quarterbacks. Still, Shaw needed a last-minute defensive stop to seal the win.

Leading 20-14 with 7 minutes, 15 seconds left in the game after an interception by Shaw safety Rico Brown, St. Aug's got a safety after a holding penalty call on the Bears in the end zone. But the Falcons couldn't capitalize any further.



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St. Aug's christens new complex with win; JCSU 15, SAC 34

RALEIGH, North Carolina -- Saint Augustine's College couldn't have wished for a better day to open its George Williams Athletic Complex. Not even a 15-minute delay waiting for the paramedics to arrive - a must-have for any college sporting event - could spoil the festivities.

And, like any good homecoming host, the Falcons sent the guest crowd away happy with a 34-15 win over Johnson C. Smith Saturday before an overflow crowd of 5,100.

"The president [Dianne Boardley Suber] stressed to us that it was on us today," St. Aug's quarterback Teddy Bacote said. "This was big. We knew we would play a very good team, and we needed to finish out and play 60 minutes."  Bacote did his part, completing 21 of 39 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns. And so did the offensive line, which didn't allow a sack.

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St. Aug's Falcons to host Johnson C. Smith in historic game

Raleigh, North Carolina -- For the first time in over 40 years, Saint Augustine’s College will host a home football game on its campus.

History will be made Saturday (Oct. 22) when the Falcons face Johnson C. Smith University in the first game at the George Williams Athletic Complex. The CIAA contest, starting at 2 p.m., is the centerpiece of homecoming weekend, which started Oct. 20.

The stadium features a FieldTurf playing surface in addition to a state-of-the-art scoreboard and track surface befitting the person the stadium is named after – George Williams, the school’s athletic director and iconic track and field coach.

The 2004 U.S. Olympic Head Coach, Williams has led his track and field teams to 31 NCAA Division II championships and approximately 150 CIAA titles in his 35 years as St. Aug head coach.

“It is a great thing that we can play on our own campus,” Williams said. “Our students can come out of their residence halls and see the game. Give praise to our president – Dr. [Dianne Boardley] Suber - for this. We give all those involved a big round of thanks, and hope it will be an everlasting relationship between the community, the city of Raleigh and the college.”

After playing the previous three home games in Durham, N.C., Head Football Coach Michael Costa is certainly looking forward to this moment. His Falcon teams have played at various off-campus sites in Raleigh, N.C., since football was re-instituted at St. Aug in 2002.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Costa said. “We have been waiting 10 seasons for this. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our talents to our fans and our alumni and finally have that home field advantage.”

Football Game Notes vs. Johnson C. Smith

University of West Georgia 23, Saint Augustine's 21

Carrollton, Georgia -- Davis Brackett didn’t exactly have the ideal start to his Saturday afternoon. The University of West Georgia junior place-kicker missed two of his first three field-goal attempts during the Wolves’ showdown with St. Augustine’s College at University Stadium, something that can put a specialist in a fragile state of mind should his number be called upon again.

And in this case, it most definitely would. But Brackett got his redemption by nailing a game-winning, 35-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Wolves to a thrilling, 23-21 victory over the Falcons — marking his second field goal of the fourth quarter after the shaky start for the Harrison High School product.

St. Augustine coach Michael Costa tried to ice Brackett before he booted the decisive kick through, something the Marietta native actually studied up on recently.

“It’s funny. Just a couple of weeks ago I read an article based off of opposing teams calling a timeout before kicking in hopes to ice the kicker. After reading that and kind of knowing what those stats were, you just realize that you practice all the time throughout the week,” Brackett said.



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WSSU turns back St. Aug's, stays undefeated

DURHAM, N.C. -- Winston-Salem State took St. Augustine's best shot Saturday and survived 35-28. The Rams, ranked No. 16 in the Division II coaches poll, improved to 6-0 (5-0 CIAA) and took another step toward the CIAA's Southern Division title, in part because they tightened up on defense in the second half.

"We played a little more man in the second half," coach Connell Maynor of the Rams said. "We played a lot of zone in the first half, and they found a lot of holes, but in the second half we played pretty much straight man, and we protected the ball a little more."

The Rams were cruising along, leading 21-7, but the Falcons (2-4, 1-3) intercepted a Kameron Smith pass and scored two quick touchdowns to tie the score right before halftime. When Tehvyn Brantley fumbled the kickoff after ...



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WSSU tries to remain unbeaten at Saint Augustine's

Winston Salem, NC -- Winston-Salem State will try to move another step closer to the CIAA's Southern Division title today. The Rams (5-0, 4-0 CIAA) will hit the road to play the St. Augustine's Falcons (2-3, 1-2) at 1:30 at N.C. Central's O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

Last season WSSU was cruising along at 6-0, but St. Aug's came to Bowman Gray Stadium and pulled a 40-35 upset. Quarterback Kameron Smith struggled in that game, and the Rams had six turnovers.
Coach Connell Maynor of WSSU said turnovers most likely will be a factor again today.

"We have to do a better job of taking care of the football, and if we can do that, we feel we can win every football game that we play," Maynor said. "We still feel that way, so we have to execute."

WSSU didn't exactly roll over Johnson C. Smith last week at Bowman Gray Stadium. It won 28-10, overcoming three turnovers, but the outcome wasn't as decisive as some thought it would be.



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Saint Augustine's, UNH have something in common

New Haven, CT - Saturday's meeting between Saint Augustine's College and the University of New Haven (1 p.m., DellaCamera Stadium in West Haven) is the first between the schools, although the two teams have something in common: Both have recently reinstated their football programs. In 2002, Saint Augustine's revived football, while the Chargers did the same in 2009 as a varsity sport. Both schools also finished 8-2 last season, barely missing NCAA bids.

Junior quarterback Ryan Osiecki will lead the Chargers after sparking their 35-32, season-opening win over West Chester last Saturday. Osiecki went 16-for-27 and threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns, including the clincher in OT. Saint Augustine's (1-1, 0-1 CIAA) defeated Catawba 30-5 last weekend.

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Virginia Union weathers storm, Saint Augustine's in opener

Richmond, Virginia - The wind gusted violently from north to south, shaking the bleachers and whistling across the field. The sideways rain felt like pushpins against the skin. The American flag flapped mercilessly from side to side and looked as if it would rip from its pole. And yet, a football game was played at Virginia Union.

What was billed as "The only game in town" became maybe the only game on the East Coast, which was hit Saturday by Hurricane Irene. Despite some of the worst conditions imaginable, the game went on, and Virginia Union defeated Saint Augustine's 12-0 at Hovey Field.

"We knew there'd be rain," VUU coach Michael Bailey said. "But you don't stop football for rain. You stop it for lightning and tornadoes. That wasn't in the picture, so we felt like we could get it in. This wasn't the first time we've played in rain."

Bailey, who also serves as Union's athletic director, said he made a joint decision with VUU President Claude Perkins to proceed with the game. Saint Augustine's coach Michael Costa didn't object.

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Div. II schools scoff in Irene’s general direction, open 2011 season

Richmond, VA - What, you thought a lil’ ol’ hurricane that’s already claimed the lives of at least eight people as of this posting was going to stop a pair of schools in its path from getting their season-opening football on?

Rain-soaked, wind-swept child please.

Just as the leading edge of Hurricane Irene was making its way into the state of Virginia early Saturday afternoon, Div. II schools Virginia Union and Saint Augustine’s were scheduled to kick off their 2011 season. And, of course, they decided to go ahead and play the opener as scheduled.

And, of course, the game was slightly affected by the weather conditions.

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Saint Augustine's College goes for smaller stadium

RALEIGH, N.C. -- This season, for the first time in more than 50 years, the football team at Saint Augustine's College may fulfill its dream of playing home games on campus. But a new stadium will be smaller than school leaders had hoped.

The college has scaled back plans for a 5,000-seat venue after opposition from neighbors upset at the prospect of noisy crowds and game-day traffic. Instead, Saint Augustine's will seek permission for 2,500 seats - a capacity that won support from Raleigh City Council members in previous negotiations.



The revised proposal, which could go before the council Sept. 6, marks a setback for college officials who wanted more seats to attract recruits and compete for upper-tier NCAA track competitions.

The complex is named in honor of George "Pup" Williams, the longtime track coach who has led his athletes to 31 NCAA Division II track championships.

"To me, it's a slap in the face," said Williams, also the school's athletic director. "Sometimes I wonder how it would have been with Mike Krzyzewski or Dean Smith (pushing for the stadium).

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Saint Augustine's Walter Sanders signs with Baltimore Ravens

"This is a dream come true,” Sanders said. “I proved to the non-believers I can make it happen.  I accomplished my goal - I am in the NFL from Division II."

Baltimore, MD - At about 11 a.m., Walter Sanders was watching the NFL Network in his East Baltimore home with his 2-year-old daughter, Makenzii, when his agent, Jason Sklar, called. That’s when the Baltimore native learned the Ravens planned to sign him.

“It’s a tremendous honor to sign with the Baltimore Ravens,” Sanders said. “It’s been my dream all my life to play in the National Football League, but not only the National Football League, but, in particular, with the Baltimore Ravens.“  “What more can you ask for than to play for your hometown team?”



At Mervo High, Sanders excelled in basketball and football and became a regional champion in the hurdles during spring track. The 5’10’, 227-pound back decided to continue his football career at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C.

Despite the Division-II level of competition he faced, the blazing back, who most recently clocked a 40 time of 4.39 seconds, still managed to attract attention from NFL scouts. Last year, Sanders finished his senior campaign with the first 1,000-yard rushing season for the Falcons in the modern era of college football.

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Saint Augustine's College stadium plan renews old spat

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The yard lines are painted, the goal posts are up, and a video scoreboard stands ready to flash the first Falcons touchdown. But one thing is missing from the new sports complex at Saint Augustine's College, and it's not referees, offensive linemen or a drum line. The stadium has no bleachers.

Saint Augustine's finished work this spring on a turf field and nine-lane track, marking progress on the long-awaited George Williams Athletic Complex. But the school put off installing bleachers while it worked to resolve conflicts with neighbors aghast at the prospect of noisy crowds and game-day traffic.



At issue is the seating capacity for the stadium, nestled in a quiet residential area off Oakwood Avenue. In 2004, after several rounds of talks between neighbors and school leaders, the City Council approved a 2,500-seat stadium under a compromise brokered by Mayor Charles Meeker. But the school never acted on the plan. Now, college officials are convinced they need more seats to attract recruits and compete for upper-tier NCAA track competitions.

"At 5,000 seats, we will be one of the smallest stadiums of any institution we play," President Dianne Boardley Suber told a group of concerned neighbors last week. "I don't expect this to be an easy decision for you. ... There is nothing in our history to suggest we're going to be anything other than good neighbors."



The George Williams Athletic Complex is a special tribute to the contributions of distinguished alumnus and Athletic Director George "Pup" Williams. Coach Williams has earned thirty-one (31) NCAA Division II Track Championships, produced nine Olympians including 2008 Bronze medalist Bershawn Jackson, and served as head coach of the 2004 gold medal-winning United States Olympic Men's Track and Field Team.

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Former Saint Augustine's Bershawn 'Batman' Jackson makes 400M hurdles IAAF World Championships

EUGENE, Ore. – Jeshua Anderson hardly could have cut it closer Sunday afternoon. Still wearing his Washington State uniform after concluding his collegiate career two weeks ago, Anderson took the first big step in the transition to his professional career by winning the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. track championships – in the narrowest fashion.

Leading off Sunday’s national telecast on NBC, Anderson held off four-time national champion Bershawn Jackson (Saint Augustine's College, 2006/Miami Central H.S., Miami, Fla. 2002) and two-time Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor in the final 25 meters to win his first USA title.

“This is something I’ve been working toward for a long time,” Anderson said. “I’ve been preparing to run my best race at the USAs. I gave it my all. I’m so thankful to have won.” The 22-year-old from Woodland Hills, Calif., was timed in a WSU-record 47.93 seconds – the same as Jackson – with the electronic timer showing Anderson just .009 ahead. Taylor was third in 47.94. Johnny Dutch, the hurdler who kept Anderson from sweeping four NCAA titles as a Cougar by beating him in 2010, was fifth.



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Saint Augustine's Rashaad Ingram Selected By San Diego Padres In MLB First-Year Player Draft

Raleigh, N.C. - Star shortstop Rashaad Ingram (Savannah, Ga.) of Saint Augustine's College was drafted Tuesday by the San Diego Padres on the second day of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Ingram was taken by the Padres in the 28th round with the 863rd pick. He becomes the second Saint Augustine's College player in three seasons to be drafted. Anthione Shaw, also a shortstop for the Falcons, was picked by the Oakland Athletics in 2009.

Ingram was drafted after a remarkable senior season in 2011. He captured national, regional and conference honors after leading the Falcons to a modern school record of 36 wins. The NCAA Division II leader in steals (80) and stolen bases per game (1.48), Ingram was named Daktronics Third Team All-American, Daktronics First Team All-Atlantic Region, All-CIAA first team and CIAA player of the year. He was one of 36 players nationally who was named to the College Baseball Lineup DII All-Star Team. Ingram led the Falcons in batting average (.390), hits (67), runs (72) and doubles (15) as a senior.

Ingram, tied for third in Division II in runs, finished his four-year career as one of the most decorated baseball players ever at Saint Augustine's College. He was part of a senior group that sparked a resurgence in the baseball program after four straight losing seasons including six wins the year before Ingram arrived.

The Falcons amassed 119 wins in four years. The baseball team won two CIAA regular-season titles, one CIAA Tournament crown, and made four consecutive CIAA Tournament finals appearances during that period.

By Saint Augustine's College Sports Information

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Saint Augustine's Men Win Track Title Again

Saint Augustine's Coach George Williams

For the 14th straight season, and 28th time in the past 29 years, St. Augustine's won the CIAA men's outdoor track and field championship on Sunday.

At Petersburg, Va., the Falcons men accumulated 176.5 points over the two-day event. Johnson C. Smith finished in second place with 119 points. Winston-Salem State was third with 106. On the women's side, Johnson C. Smith (153 points) won its first CIAA title. Winston-Salem State (129) was second and St. Aug's (105.5) third.

The Falcons dominated the jumping and sprinting events, leading to the victory. Men's field MVP Orlando Duffus won the long jump (7.44 meters) and the triple jump (14.98 meters), and Christopher Copeland took the high jump (2.16 meters).

Falcons Take Home 14th Straight CIAA Men's Outdoor Track Crown

PETERSBURG, Va. - Defending NCAA Division II champion Saint Augustine's College took home its 14th straight CIAA men's outdoor track and field title Saturday on the campus of Virginia State.

The Falcons have won the men's outdoor crown 31 of the last 33 years under legendary head coach George Williams. They won this year's championship behind CIAA Field MVP Orolando Duffus (Sr./St. Catherine, Jamaica.), who won the long jump and triple jump in addition to placing fourth in the high jump.

Duffus, the 2010 CIAA male scholar-athlete of the year, scored 25 points for the Falcons, who finished first with 176.50 points. Johnson C. Smith was second with 119 points and Winston-Salem State was third with 106 points.

The Falcons perform traditionally well in the sprints and jumps, and this year was no different. Ramon Gittens (Sr./St. Thomas, Barbados) won the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, and Jason Boyd (Jr./Waycross, Ga.) won the 110-meter hurdles Saturday. The Falcons were first in the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays. On Friday, Christopher Copeland (Jr./Suffolk, Va.) was the high jump winner.

Led by Gittens, the Falcons placed four sprinters in the top seven in the 100. Sean Stuart (Soph./Miramir, Fla.) was third, Marquis White was fifth and Julius West (Soph./Washington, D.C.) was seventh. In the 400, Josh Edmonds (Fr./Jacksonville, Fla.) was second, Kelly Fisher (Jr./Tinton Falls, N.J.) was fifth and James Quarles (Fr./Washington, D.C.) sixth.

Results

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Saint Augustine’s College Recovery and Restoration Fund

A tornado ravaged Saint Augustine’s College’s campus, leaving in its wake a significant amount of damage and changing the face of the historic grounds. But, in true Falcon spirit, we worked to restore a sense of normalcy in a matter of days after the storm.

There is still much work left to do. Your gift to the recovery fund will provide assistance in restoring the campus to its historic beauty.

Make your gift to the Saint Augustine’s College Recovery and Restoration Fund c/o North State Bank, 4270 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh, NC 27609.

You can also mail your gift to Saint Augustine’s College Office of Institutional Advancement and Development, 1315 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27610.

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CIAA Tournament: McCaffity steps up for Saint Augustine's Falcons

Falcons 6-2 Freshman F/C Umeka Benson

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Saint Augustine's College has relied on seniors Allison Sikes and Le'Kiesha White all season, but it was another senior who helped the Falcons win their first-round game in the CIAA women's basketball tournament Monday afternoon.

Crystal McCaffity scored 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the 3-point line, in a 69-53 victory over Virginia Union at Time Warner Cable Arena. Freshman forward Umeka Benson, the CIAA rookie of the year, added 13 points and 13 rebounds. Benson, who came off the bench, was named Food Lion MVP of the game.

The victory sends the Lady Falcons (18-10 overall), the No. 4 Southern Division seed, to Tuesday's quarterfinal round. They face Elizabeth City State, the top Northern Division seed, at 7 p.m. The Lady Falcons defeated the Lady Vikings in their only matchup 69-64 on Jan. 20 in Elizabeth City, N.C.

Saint Augustine’s College beats Virginia Union in CIAA first round

Senior guard Crystal McCaffity from Havelock, NC led the Lady Falcons of Saint Augustine’s College over Virginia Union University 69-53 in the first round of the CIAA Tournament. McCaffity scored 14 points to lead the Lady Falcons.

Saint Augustine’s College maintained control of the game and only trailed once to Virginia Union University in the game. The Lady Falcons led at halftime 32-20.

Charlotte native and CIAA Rookie of the Year, Umeka Benson added 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Lady Falcons in their victory. Her efforts won Benson the Food Lion MVP of the Game honor.

Photo Gallery: 2011 CIAA Basketball: Opening Day 

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Livingstone Blue Bear Women Down St. Augustine's 84-80 In Rollercoaster Affair

Lady Blue Bear Coach Angelyne Brown

SALISBURY, NC – The Livingstone women’s basketball team battled hard Monday evening to overcome a pesky St. Augustine’s team and grab an 84-80 victory.

Livingstone (12-4, 7-2, 2-1) was led by Brittany Wright who recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 23 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out of the game. Cassaundra Rhodes also added 16 points while Jasmine Murray scored 10.

Livingstone got off to another slow start as the Falcons (11-8, 5-4, 0-3) jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead, but the Blue Bears battled back on a 7-0 run to grab a 9-8 lead with 15:20 left in the opening half. Over the next three minutes the lead changed hands four times. Livingstone found itself down two with 12:16 to go, but went on a 7-0 run to go up 18-13 with 10:28 left.

Blue Bear Coach James Stinson

Livingstone Overcomes 14-Point Deficit to Upend St. Augustine's 75-74 In Overtime

SALISBURY, NC – The Livingstone men’s basketball team erased a 14-point, second-half deficit Monday evening and defeated the St. Augustine’s Falcons 75-74 in overtime.

The Blue Bears trailed the Falcons by 14 points with 7:35 to go in game and less than four minutes later the Blue Bears had clawed their way within four with 3:59 to play. St. Augustine’s briefly regained a seven-point edge before Livingstone went on a 5-0 run to get within two with 2:44 left in regulation.

The Falcons went back up by four with 2:12 to go, before Darius Cox hit a jumper with 1:42 left and was fouled. Cox converted the free throw to bring Livingstone within one. St. Augustine’s continued to hit clutch shots down the stretch and went back up by three with 1:25 remaining. Livingstone had multiple opportunities on its next possession to score, but couldn’t. The Blue Bears fouled St. Augustine’s Darrell Glass to proceeded to miss both free throws.

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Saint Augustine's Falcons win Pioneer Bowl

COLUMBUS, GA -- Saint Augustine’s survived a conversion returned for a touchdown in the first half and the absence of standout Walter Sanders to score 14 second-half points and knock off Fort Valley State 20-9 on Saturday afternoon in the Pioneer Bowl. The Falcons ended their season at 9-2 while the Wildcats concluded at 8-3, losing their second game in a month at A.J. McClung Stadium.

Saint Augustine’s Jone’ Jones was named the offensive and game MVP for his three receptions for 54 yards, two going for touchdowns. FVSU’s Ricky Johnson was the defensive MVP. Deonte Toliver rushed for 70 yards on 17 carries for the Falcons, who got 220 yards passing from Joaquin Green and Teddy Bacote.

Wildcats stumble to finish

COLUMBUS, Ga. -- At least this time, Ricky Johnson had a positive momento. But being named the defensive MVP of the Pioneer Bowl didn’t help. “We had this nasty taste in our mouths here (four) weeks ago,” the senior from Fort Valley State said. “It came back.”

FVSU’s sudden quarterback problems were too much to overcome and a struggling offense was the roadblock as the Wildcats fell 20-9 on Saturday to St. Augustine’s in the Pioneer Bowl. A crowd of about 1,500 watched the bowl game between the SIAC and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, the site of the Fountain City Classic between FVSU and Albany State.



FVSU Ends Year With Loss in Pioneer Bowl

On Saturday the Fort Valley St. Wildcats made their first postseason visit since 1999. Don Pittman's team entered the Pioneer Bowl shorthanded thanks to the arrest and suspension of standout quarterback Eugene Smith, and the departure of backup Nick Stephens, who decided to leave the team for personal reasons.

Behind center for FVSU was freshman Chris Broomfield, getting his first start. A year ago Broomfiel as the team equiptment manager.

ATTENDANCE: 1,500

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Pioneer Bowl: FVSU Wildcats look to rebound from missing playoffs

FORT VALLEY, Ga. -- Not being included in the NCAA Division II playoffs was obviously disappointing for Fort Valley State. But getting three more weeks of practice and getting to play in one of three Division II bowl games and having the chance to end the season on a winning note is a pretty good consolation prize.

It took a little while for the Wildcats to realize it after getting over a loss to end the regular season that kept them out of the playoffs. “You saw some pep in their step,” FVSU head coach Donald Pittman said of recent practices. “Everybody’s about back.”

FVSU takes on St. Augustine’s at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Pioneer Bowl at Columbus’ A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, home to the Fountain City Classic between FVSU and Albany State.

Former Huss standout hoping to help St. Aug's to school record

GASTONIA – Stedman Gardner says his St. Augustine’s College football coaches haven’t talked about the Falcons’ opportunity at history in Saturday’s 1 p.m. Pioneer Bowl at McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga. “They’re just trying to keep us focused on what’s ahead,” said Gardner, a 2008 Hunter Huss High graduate. “But it would feel great to get in the record book.”

St. Augustine’s (8-2) missed its first opportunity at history when it dropped its regular-season finale to crosstown rival Shaw 10-6 in its Nov. 6 regular-season finale. Then, the Falcons could’ve taken a school-record 9th victory while also advancing to the CIAA championship game for the first time. St. Augustine’s, which restarted its football program in 2002 after a 35-year absence, had previously won eight games in 1950, 1965 and 2005. The 1950 team has a school-best 8-1 record.

The Pioneer Bowl appearance against Fort Valley State (8-2) gives the Falcons a second chance to win their 9th game of the season. The contest is in its 12th season and pits a CIAA team against a SIAC team.

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St. Aug's will have new coach, new look

RALEIGH -- St. Augustine's men's basketball team will look a little different this season.

"Way different," said senior Shaun Washum, who is one of seven returners from a squad that last season won its first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association conference tournament since 1997, setting a school record for wins.

A lot has happened since the Falcons reached the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in 13 years and finished with a 27-5 record. After coach Lonnie Blow Jr. and his staff were praised by university president Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber for turning the program around with an emphasize on discipline and defense, Blow later resigned in July to accept an assistant coaching job at Old Dominion, a Division I program.

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Videographer: NexMillenia

Shaw Bears will play for CIAA title

RALEIGH, N.C. -- For the third time in four years, the Shaw Bears are returning to the 'ship. The CIAA championship game, that is. In a game that didn't live up to its billing until the fourth quarter, Shaw defeated neighboring rival St. Augustine's 10-6 on Saturday at Broughton High School.

The win gives the Bears (8-2, 7-0 CIAA) the CIAA Southern Division title and a chance to meet Virginia State, winner of the Northern Division, at 1 p.m. next Saturday at Durham County Stadium.

St. Augustine's Fumbles Away CIAA Title Berth to Shaw

Rico Brown recovered a fumble and Raymond Williams took advantage with a 35-yard touchdown run as Shaw upset nationally-ranked St. Augustine's, 10-6, at Broughton High School in Raleigh Saturday. The victory gave the Bears (8-2, 7-0) the CIAA southern division title and, more importantly, a berth in the CIAA championship next Saturday in Durham against Virginia State. Shaw will make its third appearance in the conference title game in four years.

The no. 19 Falcons (8-2, 6-1), meanwhile, had their seven-game winning streak snapped and will wait to see if they can get an at-large berth in the Division II playoffs.

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