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.
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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.
On the other side, NCAT struggled with turnovers. Their trio of quarterbacks—Justin Fomby, Braxton Thomas, and Kevin White—combined for 17 completions on 38 attempts, totaling 208 yards but throwing three interceptions.
NCCU’s Rushing Attack
NCCU also dominated on the ground. J’Mari Taylor led the charge with 126 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, highlighted by his 66-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Eagles’ ground game kept the pressure on the Aggies, amassing 147 rushing yards and three touchdowns overall.
NCAT’s Missed Opportunities
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, like Harris’ opening kickoff return, NCAT’s offense struggled with consistency. Their rushing game gained 119 yards on 31 carries, with Shimique Blizzard and Justin Fomby both adding rushing touchdowns. However, their inability to find rhythm in the passing game, coupled with critical turnovers, proved costly.
Defensive and Special Teams Impact
NCCU’s defense shined, forcing three interceptions—one each from Mekhi Bigelow, Jaylen Bowden, and Cameron Williams. In addition, their special teams unit blocked a punt for a touchdown and recovered a fumble for another score. NCAT’s defense couldn’t contain NCCU’s explosive plays, as the Eagles averaged 12.7 yards per pass attempt.
Conclusion
North Carolina Central’s 66-24 win over North Carolina A&T showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, particularly with their efficient passing attack and opportunistic defense. This decisive victory will bolster NCCU’s standing in the rivalry and in their overall season, while NCAT will look to regroup after a tough loss filled with missed opportunities.