LAURINBURG – St. Andrews University has announced the hiring of Matt Quinn as the new head coach of the Knights football team. Quinn, a veteran high school coach with a strong track record of success, takes the helm after leading Chesterfield High School (S.C.) to a 6-5 season in 2024.  

“We are happy to welcome Coach Matt Quinn to St. Andrews,” said Elizabeth Burris, the university’s Director of Athletics. “His leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in his student-athletes aligns perfectly with our mission.”  

Quinn has built a reputation for developing competitive teams and mentoring young athletes both on and off the field. His coaching experience includes head coaching roles at Union Pines (N.C.), North Augusta (S.C.), and Westwood (S.C.), where he earned region coach of the year honors.  

His former mentor, South Carolina coaching legend Bobby Bentley, praised Quinn’s leadership. “Matt is a committed and purpose-driven coach who cares deeply about his players,” Bentley said. “He knows the blueprint for success and will build a championship program at St. Andrews.”  

Quinn, who holds degrees from Presbyterian College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University, emphasized his excitement for the opportunity. “I am honored to join St. Andrews University and lead the Knights football program,” he said. “I look forward to working with our student-athletes, faculty, staff, and the entire St. Andrews community to build a program that we can all be proud of.”  

With Quinn at the helm, St. Andrews looks to usher in a new era for its football program.  

RALEIGH – Shaw University has appointed Lamar Manigo as its new head football coach, marking a homecoming for the former Bears offensive coordinator. The announcement comes just days after previous head coach selection Greg Ruffin stepped aside due to health concerns.

Manigo, who served as Shaw's offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2021, returns to the Bears after a successful stint at Virginia State University, where he demonstrated his offensive prowess as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Under his guidance, the Trojans emerged as an offensive powerhouse in the CIAA, averaging 30.4 points per game this past season en route to a conference championship appearance.

"We are happy to welcome Coach Lamar Manigo back to Shaw University," said George Knox, Director of Athletics. "His passion for the game, dedication to mentoring student-athletes, and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision for the football program."

Manigo's football roots in the CIAA run deep. As a quarterback at Bowie State from 2003-06, he led the Bulldogs to the 2005 conference title game and departed as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. His coaching career includes successful stops at Prairie View A&M, North Carolina Central, and Norfolk State.

During his previous tenure at Shaw, Manigo's offenses set numerous program records. The 2019 Bears averaged over 360 yards per game, and in 2021, his unit led the CIAA in rushing with 184.6 yards per game.

"This is a homecoming for me," said Manigo. "I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes to build a program that makes our university and alumni proud.

ELIZABETH CITY – Elizabeth City State University has made a significant move in their football program, naming Adrian Jones as the 15th head coach of the Vikings. Jones arrives at ECSU after an eight-year tenure at Shaw University, where he transformed the Bears into a consistent CIAA competitor.

During his time at Shaw, Jones compiled a record of 35-45 overall and 29-28 in CIAA play, developing a reputation for player development with 49 All-CIAA Conference selections. His ability to build programs was evident from the start, taking over a Bears team that went 1-9 before his arrival and steadily improving their competitive standing in the conference.

ECSU Athletics Director James M. DuBose Jr. expressed confidence in the hire, highlighting Jones's alignment with the program's values. "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to Elizabeth City State University," said DuBose. "He embodies the values and vision we strive for in our athletics program."

Jones brings an impressive championship pedigree to the Vikings, including three conference titles and a Black College National Championship during his stint at North Carolina Central University (2003-2007, 2014-2016). His success extends to the high school level, where he led Southern Durham High School to a state championship in 2013.

The new Vikings coach, who starred as an All-Conference defensive back at NCCU in the 1990s, sees tremendous potential in Elizabeth City State. "Elizabeth City State University has a proud history and a passionate community," Jones said. "I look forward to partnering with our ECSU family and our student-athletes to build a program that reflects excellence."

ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a rivalry game that lived up to its billing and then some, East Carolina secured a dramatic 26-21 victory over NC State in the 2024 Military Bowl, punctuated by late-game heroics and tensions that boiled over in the closing minutes at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

The winning moment came with just 1:33 remaining, when Pirates running back Rahjai Harris broke free for an electrifying 86-yard touchdown run that silenced the Wolfpack faithful and put ECU ahead for good. The score proved crucial after a failed two-point conversion attempt left the door open for NC State's final drive, which ended with an interception by ECU's Dontavius Nash with 44 seconds left.

The Pirates (7-5) dominated early, building a 13-0 lead behind the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Katin Houser, who finished with 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns while managing the passing game efficiently. ECU's ground attack proved unstoppable, amassing 327 yards with Harris leading the way with 220 yards on 17 carries.

NC State (6-6) mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, scoring twice through the air to take their first lead at 21-20 with 9:49 remaining. Quarterback CJ Bailey connected with Hollywood Smothers on a 33-yard strike to put the Wolfpack ahead, energizing their sideline and setting up the dramatic finish.

The game's intensity reached its peak in the final minutes when a scuffle broke out between the teams, resulting in multiple ejections and adding another chapter to this heated in-state rivalry. The timing of the incident was particularly notable given that these teams will meet again in just eight months, as they're scheduled to open the 2025 season against each other in Raleigh.

For ECU, the victory marked their second bowl win in three years, following their 2022 Birmingham Bowl triumph over Coastal Carolina. The Pirates' defense continued its opportunistic play under Blake Harrell, recording two sacks and forcing a crucial turnover while holding the Wolfpack to just 198 rushing yards.

The game served as a fitting finale to the 2024 season for both programs, though the rivalry's next chapter looms large. The rematch in Raleigh to kick off 2025 will carry added significance after today's heated conclusion, marking just the latest meeting in a series that dates back to 1970 and has now produced memorable moments in both regular season and bowl settings.

The victory was particularly sweet for ECU's senior class, who helped the program achieve bowl eligibility for the third time in four years. The Pirates' rushing attack proved to be the difference-maker, with their 8.6 yards per carry setting the tone in front of the thousands of fans who made the trip to Annapolis.

For NC State, the loss marked a disappointing end to a season that saw them reach bowl eligibility for the 10th time in 11 years. Bailey finished with 230 passing yards and three touchdowns, while Smothers contributed 139 rushing yards in addition to his receiving touchdown.

As both teams headed to their locker rooms following the post-game scuffle, it was clear that this rivalry, which NC State leads 19-13 all-time, has added another memorable chapter – with the next one set to be written in just eight months' time.