Once upon a time, Norfolk State and Elizabeth City State were big rivals in the CIAA. Separated by about an hour and just about 50 miles, the two schools met ever year in a game called “The Fish Bowl Classic.”
The two teams haven’t met on the football field since Norfolk jumped to Division I and moved to the MEAC in 1997, but they will renew acquaintances on Saturday in the re-birth of The Labor Day Classic. Traditionally played against in-state rival Virginia State, NSU’s classic is back after a two-year hiatus.
The game is expected to bring a significant crowd to Dick Price Stadium, thanks to a heavy alumni presence of both schools in the Tidewater area.
Elizabeth City will be looking to kick off a new era under former Savannah State coach Ernest Wilson, who took over for long-time head coach Waverly Tillar in the offseason. ECSU will be looking to improve on a 4-5 finish last season.
Norfolk State is also coming off a four-win season in its first year under coach Latrell Scott. The team will have to make up for the loss of Buck Buchanan Award winner Deon King, but figures to have an improved offense under quarterback Greg Hankerson.
Check out what second-year Scott had to say about renewing acquaintances with ECSU.