CIAA football kicked off in Durham on Saturday with Shaw University claiming a hard-fought 17-13 victory over Elizabeth City State, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a solid defensive effort.
Game Recap: Shaw took control early, with quarterback Christian Peters finding Jon Barnes for a 16-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. Benjamin Turner added the extra point to give Shaw a 7-0 lead. They extended their advantage to 10-0 with a 25-yard field goal by Turner just before halftime, following an 11-play, 68-yard drive.
In the third quarter, Shaw pushed their lead to 17-0 after Jerry Eaton rushed for a 5-yard touchdown. Elizabeth City State responded with two touchdowns of their own, one late in the third quarter and another early in the fourth, but Shaw’s defense stood firm, securing the win.
Offensive Breakdown:
- Passing: Quarterback Christian Peters led Shaw’s passing attack, completing 14 of 26 attempts for 152 yards, including a touchdown. He recorded a QBR of 115.6 and was only sacked once. Maceo Wingate led all receivers with 61 yards on two receptions.
- Rushing: Shaw’s ground game was led by standout running back Travon Tensley, who carried the ball 20 times for 121 net yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry, with a long run of 34 yards. Jerry Eaton contributed with a crucial 5-yard rushing touchdown, while Jaden Fields added 17 net yards on 4 attempts, with a long of 13 yards.
Receiving: Alongside Wingate and Barnes, the Bears spread the ball effectively. Key contributions came from Kyree McLean, who caught 2 passes for 10 yards, and Troy Smith, who added 9 yards on 2 receptions.
Defensive Performance: Shaw’s defense played a pivotal role in the victory, particularly in the second half when Elizabeth City State mounted a comeback. The Bears managed to limit the Vikings to just 13 points and shut them out in the first half, capitalizing on strong defensive execution and timely stops.
With a balanced offensive attack and a staunch defense, Shaw University gets off to a solid start to begin the 2024 CIAA football season.