FAMU Rattlers Lose Soundly 59-7 to Troy Trojans

TROY, Alabama -- The last time the Florida A&M Rattlers (1-1) 0-0 MEAC) met the then Troy State Trojans (1-1), the Rattlers came out on top with a 17-10 victory in 1999. At that time, both schools were in NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS). Since then, the Trojans have moved up to football's highest division, FBS, and it was a different mountain for the Rattlers to climb.

Nineteen years later, the Rattlers would be on the opposite end of the spectrum losing 59-7. A first quarter filled with penalties would give the Rattlers an advantage in the stat book; however, they were unable to capitalize on allowing the score to quickly creep up to 21-0 with the Trojans leading.



Rattler turnovers and penalties allowed the Trojans to score quickly and often. The TU converted all eight of their red-zone opportunities as opposed to the Rattlers who would only convert one of their two opportunities.

“We didn’t play a clean game. Too many penalties too many self-inflicted wounds 4 turnovers, you’re not going to beat a good team when you play like that. That loss is on us as coaches. It is our job to get these guys fundamentally ready to play. We did a poor job this week obviously. So we’ll lick our wounds tonight and get back tomorrow and make our corrections. I still think we have a chance to be a really good football team, but we have to play better fundamentally,” said head coach Willie Simmons.

A missed 25-yard field goal from Yahia Aly with 10:35 left in the quarter would take away the Rattlers’ opportunity to get on the board early.

The Trojans’ defense would take away the run game from the Rattlers forcing redshirt junior quarterback, Ryan Stanley to become one dimensional for a span of the game. The Rattlers would suffer a huge momentum changer after a completed 36-yard pass from Stanley to redshirt freshman Xavier Smith would be called back after a pass interference call on Smith at the FAMU 43 yard line.

A blocked punt and return by redshirt freshman, Shon Spralling, would place the Trojans on the Rattler two yard-line.

A two-yard rush by junior Trojan quarterback, Kaleb Barker would give the Trojans their first touchdown of the game and after a successful PAT from sophomore kicker, Tyler Sumpter, the Trojans would go up on the Rattlers 7-0 with 5:23 left in the first quarter.

Less than three minutes later, the Trojans would score their second touchdown of the game. Another two yard reception from Barker to senior Damion Willis and a successful PAT from Sumpter would put the Trojans up 14 – 0.

The Trojans would close out the first quarter with a third touchdown with 55 seconds remaining in the quarter off of a 13-yard pass from Barker to Willis and successful kick from Sumpter.

The Rattlers would close out the first quarter with a total of 92 offensive yards and 24 offensive plays compared to the Trojans’ 99 offensive yards and 12 offensive plays.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Rattlers would come out and score their first and only touchdown of the game with 10:59 remaining in the half. Bishop Bonnett scored on a short run for his first touchdown of the season.

The Trojans would respond by scoring three more times in the first half bringing the score to 7 – 38 at the half.

Aly would miss another field goal attempt – this time from 48 yards away with 6:27 remaining in the third.

After not allowing any 50-yard plays last season, the Rattlers were able to successfully complete two against the Trojans with the second coming midway through the third quarter.

The third quarter would close out with two additional touchdowns from the Trojans – a 19-yard pass from Barker to senior wide receiver, Sidney Davis and a 53-yard interception return by junior linebacker, Tron Folsom. The pass from Stanley, intended for redshirt junior Marcus Williams, was tipped and landed into the hands of Folsom resulting in a touchdown with 9:05 remaining in the third bringing the score to 52-7.

The final touchdown by the Trojans would come in the fourth quarter with 13:32 remaining in the game after a 16- yard pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback Sawyer Smith to sophomore wide receiver Tray Eafford. A successful PAT from Sumpter would bring the score to 59-7.

The Rattlers would close the game with a total of 287 offensive yards compared to the Trojans 477 and 219 passing yards compared to the Trojans’ 185. The Trojans were able to outrun the Rattlers finishing the game with a total of 292 rushing yards compared to the Rattlers’ 68.

The Rattlers plan to focus on their fundamentals this upcoming week as they prepare to take on the Tigers of Jackson State University at home.

“It’s all about getting back to our 7 F’s. It’s about having faith. We just got beat. We got beat pretty soundly, so we have to continue to believe in the process and believe in what we’re doing. We have to play with great fundamentals. We have to clean up the mistakes. We made too many mistakes to win a football game of this caliber or in MEAC play. We’ve got to pick-up our tempo.,” Simmons concluded.

By Morgan Culler/FAMU Sports Information
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Whitfield, Lowe Push Langston Lions Past Ottawa (Az.) 63-56

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- The first conference matchup in the Sooner Athletic Conference history was one to remember as the No. 14 ranked Langston Lions outlasted the Ottawa-Arizona Spirit 63-56 Saturday afternoon at W.E. Anderson Stadium.

Tied at 56-56, the Lions took control for good when Tim Whitfield (SO/Meeker, Okla.) barreled his way into the end zone on a one-yard score to put Langston up 63-56 with 22 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession from the Spirit's 35-yard line, the Lions defense stood tall allowing only five yards to end the game.

Collectively, the Lions amassed 584 yards of total offense with 288 coming courtesy of the ground attack. Whitfield answered the call the entire afternoon with 155 rushing yards on 19 carries and five rushing touchdowns. Langston quarterback Jaylen Lowe (SR/Collinsville, Okla.) finished 28-of-42 with 296 passing yards and two touchdowns while tacking on 112 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Langston (1-0, 1-0 SAC) travels to Baton Rouge, La. to square off against Southern (La.) University at 6 p.m.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION

Strong Second Half Helps Edward Waters Football Snap 12 Game Skid With Road Win

VALLEY, Alabama -- After spotting the home standing Point Skyhawks the first 10 points of the game, Edward Waters used all three phases of the team to score the final 17 points of the game to earn a 17-10 victory Saturday afternoon at Ram Stadium. With the victory, Edward Waters (1-0) snaps a 12 game losing streak and a nine game skid on the road.

Point (0-3) opened the scoring with a five play, 75 yard drive on their opening possession, culminating in a 15 yard touchdown from Derek Bellard to Chase Turner to give the Skyhawks an early 7-0 lead.

The Skyhawks added to their advantage in the late stages of the first quarter with a 22 yard field goal from Wes Rubiera, giving Point a 10-0 lead.

Edward Waters cracked the scoreboard at the 6:54 mark of the second quarter with a 13 play, 77 yard drive ended by a 36 yard field goal from Christioni Robinson making the score 10-3 in favor of Point.

The Tigers tried to cut even further into the lead at halftime but, another Christioni Robinson field goal attempt went wide right, keeping the score at 10-3 going into the locker room.

On their second drive of the third quarter, Point appeared poised to extend their lead back to 10, but a Rubiera field goal was blocked by Christian Hayes, then picked up by Alfredrick Tyson and advanced down the left sideline to the EWC 30-yard line.

EWC used the momentum to go on a seven play, 70 yard drive ended by a 12-yard TD pass from QB Derrick Jones to WR Isaiah Johnson to tie the contest at 10-10 with 6:09 left the third quarter.

Going into the fourth quarter, EWC took their opening possession 88 yards on eight plays as Jones took it in from 10 yards out for a touchdown to give the Purple & Orange their first lead of the day at 17-10 with 13:13 remaining in the ball game.

Point fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Kaleel Lewis recovered, allowing the Tigers to run some more time off of the clock.

After consecutive three & outs from both teams on the next two series, EWC took over possession at their own 21-yard line with 4:25 remaining in the game. Edward Waters took the ball down to their own 35 yard line and being faced with a key 3rd & 7, Jones found WR Kamaree Noble on an out route for what would be the game-clinching first down.

Edward Waters put up 386 yards of total offense, dominated time of possession (41:37 to 18:23) and forced three Skyhawk turnovers during the game.

Jones finished the day 17-26 passing for 197 yards and one touchdown, while leading the team in rushing with 10 carries for 101 yards and one rushing touchdown.

RB Corey Hammett had a solid day on the ground for EWC with 16 carries for 69 yards and some key first downs late in the fourth quarter to seal the game for EWC.

WR David Beeks led the Tigers in receiving with five catches for 69 yards, Kamaree Noble chipped in with four snags for 28 yards, and Tyler Gilbert chipped in with two catches for 60 yards.

Defensively for EWC, LB Elijah Spivey led the Tigers with seven total tackles including 1.5 for loss and a half sack. DB Rurel Allen picked up his first interception of the 2018 season.

BOX SCORE

Edward Waters will take next weekend off with a bye week and will return to the gridiron on Saturday, September 22nd on the road against the Phoenix of Cumberland University. Kickoff from Lebanon, Tennessee is set for 1:30 pm.

Follow the Tigers
For complete coverage of Edward Waters College Athletics, follow the Tigers on social media @EWCAthletics (Twitter), /EWCSports (Facebook) and @EWCAthletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Edward Waters athletics at EWCTigerPride.com.

EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU’s Air Attack and Defense Too Much for SAU

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University beat Saint Augustine's 51-14 on Saturday behind five passing touchdowns from a pair of quarterbacks.
 
The game started off as a defensive battle, until NCCU junior quarterback Naiil Ramadan, starting for the first time in his college career, threw touchdown passes to sophomore wide receiver E.J. Hicks and redshirt freshman tight end Sherman McLeod late in the first quarter.
 
In the second quarter, the Ramadan to McLeod connection added another touchdown to make the score 20-0 with 11:13 left before intermission.
 
Saint Augustine's quarterback D.J. Johnson threw a touchdown to running back Jeremiah Miller at the 4:17 mark, before the Eagles responded with an Adam Lippy 36-yard field goal before the half making the score 23-7.
 
The second half was all defense for the Eagles. Junior safety Anthony Sherrill intercepted a SAU pass and ran it back 38 yards for an Eagle touchdown. NCCU's defense only allowed seven points in the half.
 
The passing game seemed to be a point of emphasis for the Eagles this week. Ramadan ended the contest throwing for 169 yards on 15 for 28 attempts with three passing touchdowns and no interceptions.


Quarterback Chauncey Caldwell provided some offense for the Eagles in the second half, passing for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a team-high 62 yards on the ground.
 
McLeod was a big target for the Eagles' red zone offense, catching three passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
 
NCCU junior wide receiver Xavier McKoy caught four passes for 67 yards. Freshman Tyler Barnes had 4 catches and 64 yards for the Eagles, including a 48-yard touchdown.
 
The night was capped by a pair of NCCU touchdowns with sophomore receiver Nique Martin catching a 24-yard pass from Caldwell and junior running back Tyquan Watson finding the end zone from two yards out.
 
The Eagles' defense was led by sophomore cornerback Marcus Martin with six tackles. The unit also managed to get four sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and forced two turnovers. Senior lineman Darius Royster contributed three takedowns behind the line of scrimmage with a sack, bringing his two-game total to 9.0 tackles for a loss.
 
For the Falcons' offense, Johnson finished the game with 145 yards passing on 12 for 26 attempts, two touchdowns, and one interception. Miller rushed for 66 yards on 14 carries. He also added two receptions and one touchdown for SAU. The Falcons leading receiver was Deandre Conley, who had four catches for 58 yards.
 
NCCU (1-1) travels to South Carolina State next Saturday (Sept. 15) for its first conference game. SAU (0-2) hosts Virginia State on Saturday.

BOX SCORE

 Written by Jailen Leach, NCCU 2021
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY EAGLE SPORTS INFORMATION

Winston-Salem State Rams Stifled in 34-7 Loss to Catawba

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina – The Winston-Salem State Rams (1-1) could not overcome their own miscues in a 34-7 loss to the Catawba Indians (1-1), Saturday evening. The Rams turned the ball over four times and managed just seven points in a tough home loss to the Indians.

The Rams were stifled offensively in the game. As a team, the Rams managed 265 yards of total offense, but the team could not turn them into points in the loss. WSSU senior quarterback Rod Tinsley, Jr. led the WSSU offense, completing 11-of-22 passes for 101 yards while senior quarterback Emiere Scaife added eight-of-15 passes for 79 yards. WSSU sophomore running back Antwoin Pittman led the WSSU rushing attack with nine carries for 59 yards in the game. Senior running back Kerrion Moore had the sole touchdown for the Rams with 12 carries for 57 yards and a four-yard touchdown run.

The game was a defensive battle early, but the Rams had some misfortune early. The Rams' sole score allowed early came on a WSSU fumble in the endzone that was recovered by the Indians to leave the team trailing, 0-7. A missed coverage on the next Catawba drive led to the Indians taking a 14-0 lead over the Rams at the end of the first quarter.

PHOTO GALLERY
BOX SCORE

The Rams were able to recover in the second quarter. It was Moore who took a four-yard touchdown run against the Indians. The run capped a five-play 53-yard drive by the Rams and cut the WSSU deficit in half. The Rams stayed to within a touchdown of the Indians until the final minute of the half, when Catawba scored on a 45-yard touchdown pass with 26 seconds left in the second quarter. The missed PAT kick left the Rams trailing, 20-6 heading into the locker room at halftime.

The second half was not kind to the Rams. The team could not score for the remainder of the game, but the team held the Indians scoreless for the entire third quarter. It was in the fourth quarter that the game got away from the Rams with Catawba mounting a pair of scoring drives to take the 34-7 loss.

Defensively, the Rams gave a great effort in spite of the final score. WSSU senior lineback Patrick Greene had a great day with seven total tackles (none solo) as well as a tackle for a loss. Senior defensive lineman Jack Nimmons added a five total tackles (three solo) along with a seven-yard sack. Senior defensive back De'Andre Blevins recorded an interception as well as junior free safety Daryus Skinner.

With the loss, the Rams fall to 1-1 on the season. The team will return to action next Saturday when they head to Rocky Mount, N.C. to take on the Elizabeth City State Vikings in the Down East Vikings Classic. For more information on Rams football, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY RAMS SPORTS INFORMATION

BCU GridIron Tops Virginia University of Lynchburg

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- Bethune-Cookman scored the most points the Wildcats have amassed since 1925, as BCU Football got back on the winning track Saturday afternoon with a 79-16 defeat of Virginia University of Lynchburg at Daytona Stadium.
 
Bethune-Cookman (1-1) opened the game with a 30-point first quarter. It was the most points in a quarter for the Maroon and Gold since scoring 28 in a come-from-behind win at Grambling State in 2015.
 
The Wildcats took just 1:25 off the clock and marched 61 yards down the field on five plays, capped off by a David Israel connection to Jonathon Thomas through the air for 23 yards to score the first touchdown of the 2018 campaign. That allowed BCU to claim a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game, following a Uriel Hernandez point-after attempt.
 
On its next possession, Bethune-Cookman took just 14 seconds to score when Que'shaun Byrdstepped underneath an Akevious Williams pass to scamper 70 yards for the second score of the game.

BOX SCORE

For redshirt junior quarterback Akevious Williams, he would finish the night 12-of-13 passing for 297 yards and four touchdowns – all career-highs for the Madison, Florida native. Williams would add another touchdown via the ground.
 
As for Israel, the transfer from West Virginia would complete his home debut 6-for-11 passing for 150 yards and two scores.
 
Already leading 14-0 in the first quarter, Tydarius Peter stepped in front of a Chameron Stevenson pass, picking it off and returning it 38 yards for the touchdown. It was the first interception returned for a touchdown by the Maroon and Gold since Diquan Richardson at North Texas in 2016.
 
The Cats would add a safety to end the quarter's scoring, leaving BCU up, 30-0.
 
Israel rushed up the middle for an eight-yard run to increase the BCU lead, 37-0.
 
Virginia University of Lynchburg (1-1) countered with nine unanswered points to begin the second quarter, cutting into the lead at 37-9.
 
After a safety on the Cats when the ball went through the back of the end zone on a fumble, VUL's Elijah Stewart rushed in from seven yards out to give the Dragons their first touchdown of the afternoon.
 
However, BCU would counter with a pair of long scoring plays before the end of the half.
 
Malique Jackson was on the receiving end of a 77-yard strike from Israel, while Jimmie Robinsoncaught a 51-yard scoring pass Akevious Williams.
 
Hernandez, a senior kicker from Homestead, Florida, finished the contest a perfect 11-of-11 in extra-point attempts.
 
In the third quarter, Que'shaun Byrd returned a kickoff from the Dragons 88 yards for the first kickoff return for touchdown since Eddie Poole in 2010. That allowed the Cats to hold a 65-16 advantage.
 
BCU's Byrd would add another one-yard score after Jackson added a 58-yard receiving touchdown from Williams.
 
Jackson would end the contest with a game-high162 yards receiving on just four catches, adding a pair of touchdowns in the process.
 
Bethune-Cookman had nine different receivers catch a pass in the contest, as well as 14 different players rush at least once. LaDerrien Wilson led the BCU rushing attack with 25 yards on two carries.
 
The Cats defense was headlined by Marquis Hendrix with eight tackles, (six assists), adding 1.5 tackles for loss. Marques Ford pulled in five tackles, as well as 1.5 quarterback sacks. In all, the defensive unit for the Cats accumulated five sacks in the game.
 
Bethune-Cookman returns to action Saturday, Sept. 15, when the Wildcats travel to Boca Raton for a meeting with Florida Atlantic at 6 p.m.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Football on Twitter (@BCUGridIron) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).




BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Chowan Second Half Surge Not Enough Against Davidson Wildcats

DAVIDSON, North Carolina – The Chowan Football team was unable to capitalize on four takeaways to start the second half as Division I Davidson raced past the Hawks 49-28 on Saturday evening.

THE BASICS

FINAL | Chowan 28, Davidson 49

RECORDS | Chowan 0-2, Davidson 2-0

LOCATION | Davidson, N.C. (Richardson Stadium)

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

The Chowan defense forced four turnovers led by Antwuan Hicks.  Hicks had eight tackles and two forced fumbles and a fumble return for 29-yds in the loss.  Dre Terry would pick off a pass and Aaron Bullock recorded a fumble recovery.

Josh Berry, David Harden, and Tyler Bembry tallied seven tackles each.

Tyrell Freeman posted his first 100-yd rushing outing of the season with 109 yards on 16 carries.   Freeman would find the endzone in the contest on the opening drive.

Torry Baker hauled in 10 catches for 134 yards and two scores to pace the receivers.  Baker would also catch a two-point conversion.  Imeek Watkins caught five passes for 66 yards.  Sha'Von Harkless grabbed a touchdown pass.

Bryce Witt completed 23-35 passes for 302 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Quarter:

The opening drive of the game started off quickly for the Hawks as Chowan marched down the field on eight plays for a touchdown.  Bryce Witt completed 3-3 passes for 47 yards.  Witt added 12 yards rushing before Tyrell Freeman punched it in on a 4-yd plunge.

Davidson would answer on their opening drive going two plays for 62 yards on two rushes to even the game 7-all just 4:02 into the game.

Chowan would move the ball down the field on their next drive but a tipped pass led to an interception. Davidson used three plays on the drive to take a 14-7 lead.

The Wildcats would force a punt on the next drive and then rush the ball down the field for another rushing touchdown to lead 21-7.

Tyrell Freeman would open the next drive breaking off a 35-yd run.  Bryce Witt would connect with Imeek Watkinsfor a 15-yd pass to end the quarter.

Second Quarter:

On the first play of the quarter, Bryce Witt's pass would be intercepted.  Chowan would slow down the Wildcat attack as Davidson needed 11 plays to go 61 yards for the score.

On the ensuing kick-off, Kyeem Perry would take the kick to the Davidson 30 with a 58-yd return.  A penalty would push the drive to the 15.  Bryce Witt found Torry Baker on a 9-yd pitch-and-catch for the score to close the gap to 28-13 after the failed PAT.

Another long run by the 'Cats pushed the score to 35-13 with 5:51 remaining in the quarter.  The next drive for the Hawks moved into Davidson territory.  Bryce Witt started the drive with a 14-yd pass to Imeek Watkins.  Tyrell Freeman would rush the ball down to the Davidson 13-yd line on an eight yard run.  The drive would stall.  The field goal attempt would get blocked and returned for a touchdown.

On the final drive of the half for the Hawks with under a minute to play, the Hawks would just run the clock out with a 15-yd run by Tyrell Freeman.

Third Quarter:

The Hawks would force a fumble on the opening drive of the third quarter as Antwuan Hicks forced the fumble.  The drive would end for the Hawks with two sacks and a blocked punt.

Antwuan Hicks would step up again for the Hawks forcing another fumble, this time taking it 29 yards on the return to put Chowan in enemy territory.

Bryce Witt connected with Paul Gooden to move the chains on a 15-yd reception.  Adrian McNeil was unable to haul in the catch in the endzone as the drive stalled in the redzone.

Chowan's defense was able to force another turnover as Dre Terry picked off a pass near midfield.  Bryce Wittfound Imeek Watkins and Torry Baker for a pair of first downs.  Watkins reached for a pass on fourth down but the Hawks were unable to convert in the redzone.

Fourth Quarter:

Aaron Bullock would recover a fumble to start the fourth quarter for the Hawks' fourth straight takeaway.

Bryce Witt connected with Imeek Watkins on a fourth down conversion to keep the drive alive.  Two plays later, Witt found Sha'Von Harkless out of the backfield for a 21-yd touchdown reception.  Torry Baker would be on the receiving end of the 2-pt conversion to cut the deficit in half, 42-21, with 11:59 remaining.

Davidson would take 5:34 off the clock on an 11 play 75 yard drive.  The Wildcats would keep the ball on the ground to extend the lead to 49-21 with 6:25 remaining in the contest.

Bryce Witt founds Torry Baker for a 26-yd reception and a 25-yd reception by Brandon Hughes to push the ball deep into Davidson territory.  Baker would haul in a 23 yard pass from Witt for a score to cut the deficit to 49-28.

On the ensuing kick-off, Keandre' Randerson recovered the onside kick.  The Hawks would back up on the drive with a penalty and a sack.  The defense would hold for the Hawks to force a punt, but a roughing the punter penalty allowed the drive to continue for the Wildcats.  Davidson would run the clock out to end the contest.

UP NEXT

Chowan takes on Shaw (1-1) on September 15 in CIAA action in Raleigh, N.C.  Kick-off is slated for 1pm.

CHOWAN UNIVERSITY HAWKS SPORTS INFORMATION

Transfers Are impactful In A&T's 15th Straight Win

EAST GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T football believes in developing players over a four or five-year period into the system. Therefore, the coaching staff is selective when choosing to sign transfers from a step above on the FBS level.

But when the coaching staff does bring in FBS talent, they do it well. University of South Carolina transfer Antoine Wilder had a key interception and was all over the place defensively and Coastal Carolina transfer Jah-Maine Martin rushed for a career-high 93 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries to lead the Aggies to a 45-6 win over Gardner-Webb Saturday night at BB&T Stadium.



N.C. A&T (3-0), the sixth-ranked team in the nation (fifth in media poll) has now won 18 out of their last 19 at home including 11 straight. The Aggies extended Division I-FCS’s longest current winning streak to 15. The Aggies closed out their home and home series with GWU the past two seasons by outscoring the Runnin’ Bulldogs 90-9 while not allowing a touchdown in either game. Saturday marked the 18thtime in the past 80 games the Aggies have prevented an opponent from getting in the end zone. No team has rushed for 100 yards against the Aggies this season as the GWU produced just 14 yards on the ground.

It was Martin’s 28-yard touchdown run that got the Aggies going offensively as he scored with the game a little more than two minutes old. The Aggies took a 14-3 lead on their second special teams touchdown of the season as junior Kashon Baker ran back a punt 78 yards for a touchdown to follow-up on Malik Wilson’s 98-yard kickoff return in Week 1 against Jacksonville State.

The Bulldogs (1-1) were able to keep the game close early. GWU quarterback Jordan Smith connected with Kyle Horton for a 33-yard completion which was followed by a 15-yard run Jayln Cagle to set up a 40-yard field goal from Tre Jackson to get the Bulldogs to within eight at 14-6 in the second quarter. But for the second straight week, N.C. A&T put together an impressive end-of-the first-half drive.



Last week at East Carolina, it resulted in a confidence-building touchdown that led the Aggies to the upset. This week, it was a 13-play, 50-yard drive that ended with sophomore kicker Noel Ruiz lifting his confidence and his teammates’ spirits as he booted a career-high 43-yard field goal that cleared the upright with ease.

On the opening drive of the second half, the Aggies started to put GWU away as junior defensive end Darryl Johnson got his hands on Smith and forced him into a hurried pass that landed in the hands of Wilder at the GWU 28-yard line. He returned the INT six yards to give the Aggies a 1st-and-10 from the 22. Four plays later, Senior quarterback Lamar Raynard found senior fullback William Hollingsworth open for a 5-yard TD pass.

“He fills so many roles,” said N.C. A&T coach Sam Washington about Wilder. “He’s been a joy to work with, coach and watch develop. He came in with the right attitude. He told me, ‘Coach, I’m going to make your team better. He’s done just that.’"

When Washington came to N.C. A&T under former head coach Rod Broadway, the two veteran coaches did not want N.C. A&T to be a destination for multiple transfers like other FCS programs because they wanted to develop their players under their way of doing football life at N.C. A&T. Wilder came to N.C. A&T through a recommendation from Jamari Smith who played running back for the Aggies last season as a graduate transfer out of South Carolina.



“When you look at some of the top programs on this level, they average close to 20 transfers a year. We’re not anywhere close to that,” said Washington. “We are developers around here. But I can say, we have had some success with transfers and they have been successful here. We maybe take three a year, but we’ve been able to plug them in with the guys we already have here and have done well.”

Cornerback Ayodeji Olatoye who played in a Super Bowl and tight end Trey Young are just a few of the successful transfers who come to mind. Rutgers transfer Sam Blue and Wilder are the only two transfer starters on the Aggies defense while the Aggies have one junior college transfer, Macquel Hardy and one graduate transfer Breontae Matthews along their offensive line. Martin, who knew he wanted to come to Aggieland as soon as he got his release from Coastal, scored his second touchdown of the day on a 42-yard run to open the fourth quarter to give the Aggies a commanding 38-6 lead.

BOX SCORE

“I’m just doing what I’m told to do,” said Martin. “If they want me to come off the bench, then that’s what I’ll do. I just want to win.”

As for the Aggies who came to N.C. A&T through the high school ranks, senior running back and High Point Andrews graduate Marquell Cartwright had 119 yards on 15 carries. Junior and Southern Guilford alum Ron Hunt had a career night with seven catches for 90 yards.

N.C. A&T will get a week off from competition before playing fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference school Morgan State, 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22 at BB&T Stadium. The game will not count toward conference play because each school is playing seven conference games instead of eight this season because of the departure of Hampton University.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hunt Breaks School Record, Bears Claim First Win of 2018 With 27-9 Victory at Mars Hill

MARS HILL, North Carolina -- Junior linebacker Devon Hunt (Hamlet, NC) became the programs all-time leader in total tackles as the Shaw University football team earned its first win of 2018 with a convincing 27-9 victory on the road against Mars Hill University Saturday afternoon.

The win puts Shaw 1-1 on the year while the Lions fall drop to 0-2.

Hunt needed just six tackles to tie the program record of 197, he would finish with 14 total tackles to go along with two tackle for loss, one sack, one breakup and a quarterback hurry to lead the Bears defense. Hunt surpasses former record holder Torrance Nunnelly with now a total of 205 tackles for his career and a new program record.

Sophomore Jaleel Scroggins (Raleigh, NC) added 11 tackles and four tackle for loss while both sophomore Kevin Sherman (Powder Springs, GA) and Senior Andrew Cash (Samora, NC) contributed seven tackles each.

BOX SCORE

Senior quarterback Keon Marsh (Queens, NY) had a much better performance offensively Saturday, completing 25-of-33 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Daniel Bender (Jacksonville, FL) caught 12 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns while senior running back Dorrel McClain (Raleigh, NC) finished with 56 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.

The Bears took a 14-0 lead at halftime thanks to a five yard rushing touchdown from McClain in the second quarter with 7:12 left. Shaw then closed out the first half with a seven play drive for 63 yards as Marsh connected with Bender for a 13 yard score that gave the Bears great momentum heading into intermission.

In the third quarter, the Lions scored on a team safety and then followed up with a 15 yard run from Austin Brown to cut the Bears deficit 14-9 but the Bears responded with Benders second touchdown of the day on a 12 yard pass from Marsh to go ahead 21-9 with 12:47 left in the contest.

Shaw' defense put the clamp on the Lions offense, including an 80 yard fumble recovery from sophomore Anthony Carter, Jr. (Fayetteville, NC) that would put the Bears on top 27-9 in convincing fashion.

For the contest, Shaw tallied 344 total offensive yards, including 265 on through the air and 79 on the ground. As for MHU, the Lions finished with 422 total offense (315 passing, 107 rushing) led by Brown who went 27-49 in pass completions for 244 yards, a rushing touchdown and an interception while Craig Rucker caught eight passes for 79 yards and Elijah Jett collected 68 yards on 12 carries.

Shaw will return to action for its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 15 when the Bears host Chowan for "Bring a Kid to the Game" at Durham County Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw football and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit www.shawbears.com.

SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS SPORTS INFORMATION

Morgan State Bears Lose to Akron, 41-7

AKRON, Ohio – Sophomore quarterback Kato Nelson, threw for 232 yards and three TDs to lead Akron (1-0) to a 41-0 win over visiting Morgan State Saturday at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field. The win was the first of the season for the Zips, whose game last week against Nebraska was cancelled as a result of severe weather.

With the win, the Zips improved its series record against Morgan State to 3-0, once again beating the Bears by a sizeable margin. MSU lost 41-0 in the first meeting between the teams in 2009, followed by a 66-6 loss suffered in 2012.

Van Edwards complimented Nelson's efforts with a game-high 109 rushing yards to go with two scores. Jonah Morris (4 rec, 94 yds) and Andre Williams(4 rec, 46 yds) both added receiving touchdowns in the game.

Nelson, who completed 16 of 26 pass attempts in the game, excited the ballgame after the Zips extended to a 41-0 lead at the end of the third quarter. Redshirt freshman Alex Ramart subbed in to close out the ballgame. 

BOX SCORE


The Zips totaled 437 yards of total offense with a balanced 237 yards through the air and 200 on the ground. 

Morgan State (0-2) got off to a rocky start in the early going as they were limited to just 6 total yards and one first down in the entire first quarter.

The Bears' quarterbacks had a rough day in the office as well. Junior DeAndre Harris threw for 73 yards and completed 7-of-14 passes, while DJ Golatt Jr. didn't have it any easier. The redshirt-freshman was held to 5 yards passing (1 of 8). Both quarterbacks tossed an interception apiece.

One bright spot for the Bears was in the running game. Morgan State gained 114 yards on the ground and was led by juniorJordan Riggins who had 16 carries for 55 yards (3.4 avg). Joshua Chase added 33 yards (3.3 avg).

On 3rdand 8 from the 10, Harris attempted to connect with Mannaseh Bailey, who drew a pass interference call to give  the Bears 1stand goal from the 2.  Two plays later, Harris plowed into the endzone for a score with 11 seconds remaining to avoid the shutout. It was the first touchdown of the season for the Bears offense.

Morgan State is back in action at home Sept. 15 vs. UAlbany. The non-conference contest is slated for a 7 p.m. Kickoff and will be televised on ESPN+.

NOTES:
LB Damare' Whitaker led the Bears with 11 tackles, while LB Ian McBorrough added 10 stops.

CB Dominick Trigg and S Darius Johnson each recorded interceptions

DL Colby Warrior was ejected from the game for targeting in the third quarter.
 
R-Freshman Demerius Goodwin [Cleveland, Ohio | Ginn Academy] saw his first bit of collegiate action ... finished with 6 carries for 15 yards.

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BEARS ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Nuggets 2-0 on final day of UMobile Invitational

MOBILE, Alabama — Sophomore Angele McClain capped a scintillating Saturday of hitting with 10 kills and a .429 percentage to help Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball defeat William Carey 19-25, 25-19, 27-25, 25-17 in the University of Mobile Invitational.
     
The Gold Nuggets (8-4) won both their matches on the final day of the tournament. They defeated Life in four sets in the earlier match. Next will be a three-match home stand against city rivals: 6 p.m. Tuesday against Loyola, 1 p.m. Saturday against Dillard — XULA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opener — and 6 p.m. Sept. 17 against SUNO.
     
McClain hit .462 Saturday, and her 10 kills and five blocks against William Carey were career highs. McClain is in her first season at XULA after transferring from NCAA Division II Spring Hill.
     
McClain accounted for XULA's final two kills of the third set, which the Gold Nuggets won after trailing 22-19.
    
Kayla Black had 18 kills for XULA, and Taylor Ducros had a career-high 19 digs. Eva Le Guillouproduced her seventh double-double this season, 41 assists and 11 digs. Beatrice Formilan had 15 digs, and Jaida Dowd had seven kills and a season-high 14 digs.
     
Christine Kugelmann had 13 kills and Jordan Stephens 12 for the Lady Crusaders (4-8), who have lost six of their last seven matches.
     
McClain was the only Gold Nugget to hit better .167. XULA hit a season-low .105 but limited William Carey to .099. The teams combined for 93 errors, 53 by Carey. It was the Nuggets' lowest hitting percentage in a victory since Aug. 29, 2011.
     
It was the third consecutive Saturday that XULA went 2-0. In two years under coach Pat Kendrick, the Gold Nuggets are 13-0 in regular-season matches played on Saturdays.
     
"I thought both Life and William Carey challenged us, and we fought back," Kendrick said. "Angele provided a great spark off the bench against William Carey."

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Morgan State Volleyball Sweeps Host New Orleans, 3-0

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- The Morgan State volleyball team bounced back from a tough five-set loss earlier in the morning, to sweep host New Orleans, 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-16) in the finale of the New Orleans Invitational at the Human Performance Center.

Zoe McBride tallied 18 kills to go with seven digs, two blocks and three service aces, as Morgan State closed out the weekend going 3-1 and improved to 1-2 all-time against the Privateers.

Cristen Coryatt totaled 16 kills and had eight digs, while Kalysia Bates totaled 13 kills and finished with a match-high .611 hitting percentage. Roi Wallace finished with a match-high 40 assists and Jasmin Hubbard collected a match-high 17 digs.

New Orleans (6-5) was led by Kaitlyn Grice, who had eight kills, and Brianna Vega had seven kills. Blessing Dunn led the team with 10 digs and Sarah Thomas finished with 20 assists.

BOX SCORE

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS