Byron ParisDefending HBCU football national champs N.C. Central never trailed against Winston-Salem State Saturday, kicking the Rams out of O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium 47-21 in front of 9,330 fans.
“My job is to put good product on the field and we come home with the victory,” NCCU Head Coach Trei Oliver said.
The Eagles’ offense was unfazed by the WSSU defense, scoring on their first two drives. Building a 37-0 lead at half-time, the Eagles were able to score six touchdowns on the Rams defense and 448 of total offense.
The two big plays were a 81 yard punt return by Brandon Codrington and an 86 pass catch by Quentin McCall.
Running back Latrell Collier had a great day at the office running behind his offensive line. Collier led the team with 75 rushing yards on 16 carries.
“Once I get going and I’m feeling good, I’m rolling,” Collier said after the game.
Quarterback Davius Richard, had over half of the total yards on offense with 278 yards. While throwing for 3 touchdowns with a 68 percent completion rate. Rightfully earning the games Most Valuable Player award.
Defensively the team looks like they are in mid-season shape. Only allowing the Ram’s two first downs in the front half, 15 total for the game. The Eagles were able to shut down the run and pass in the game.
Sophomore linebacker, Jayden Flaker, led the team on defense. Finishing the game with 9 total tackles and the team’s only sack.
The Eagle’s start the season off 1-0 with their next game in Greensboro against archival N.C Agricultural and Technical State Aggies next Saturday Sep, 9 at 7 P.M. But, the team is not fazed by this rivalry game.
“We’re going to prepare for it just like it was Winston (Salem State) or UCLA,” Oliver said.
“It’s a hostile environment, but at the end of the day we look at it as if we can go into there and do what we can do and control what we can control, you know the rest will take care of itself,” Codrington said.
