In a stunning display of offense and defense, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) overwhelmed North Carolina A&T (NCAT) with a commanding 66-24 victory in their highly anticipated college football matchup. This game marked a major statement for the Eagles as they outpaced their long-time rivals in almost every aspect of play.
First Quarter: A Competitive Start
The game began with a bang as NCAT’s Aaron Harris electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown just 13 seconds into the game. However, the Aggies’ missed PAT would leave them with a 6-0 lead. NCCU wasted no time responding, with quarterback Walker Harris connecting with Joaquin Davis for a 14-yard touchdown pass, giving the Eagles a 7-6 advantage after Juan Velarde’s successful PAT.
NCAT managed to retake the lead briefly with a 27-yard field goal from Andrew Brown, making it 9-7. However, NCCU’s J’Mari Taylor exploded for a 66-yard touchdown run on the following possession, putting the Eagles up 14-9. Harris then found Markell Quick for a 60-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 20-9 by the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter: NCCU Pulls Away
NCCU’s special teams joined the scoring when Trey Goodridge blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown early in the second quarter. This set the tone for a dominant period. J’Mari Taylor added a 5-yard rushing touchdown, capping a 71-yard drive to make it 34-9. NCAT managed another field goal to cut the deficit to 34-12, but NCCU responded with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Walker Harris, extending the lead to 40-12 before halftime.
Third Quarter: Eagles Continue to Soar
NCCU’s offensive momentum carried into the third quarter. Harris found Chauncey Spikes for a 6-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 46-12. While NCAT’s Justin Fomby punched in a 3-yard rushing touchdown to make it 46-18, NCCU’s defense delivered the next blow. Malcolm Reed recovered a fumble and returned it 11 yards for another Eagles touchdown. The next offensive possession saw backup quarterback Javion Martin connect with Mehki Wall for a 46-yard touchdown strike, pushing the lead to 59-18.
| Statistics | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
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Fourth Quarter: Closing It Out
Though the Aggies scored on a 1-yard rush by Shimique Blizzard early in the fourth quarter, making it 59-24, NCCU’s Joshua Jones capped off the victory with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Aleni Mageo, sealing the game at 66-24.
Quarterback Comparison: NCCU’s Precision vs NCAT’s Struggles
NCCU’s passing game was led by Walker Harris, who completed 15 of 21 passes for 244 yards and 3 touchdowns. Backup quarterbacks Joshua Jones and Javion Martin added to the tally with one touchdown pass each. In total, NCCU quarterbacks threw for 344 yards and five touchdowns, with no interceptions…