GREENVILLE – In a significant shake-up for the East Carolina football program, Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert announced today the dismissal of head coach Mike Houston. This decision follows a thorough evaluation of the team's recent performance, which has not met the expectations of the university's administration or its passionate fan base.

"After a comprehensive evaluation of our football program, I informed Mike Houston this morning that we are making a change in leadership," Gilbert stated. "This was a very difficult decision. Mike has led our program for the last five-plus seasons with tremendous class and has positively impacted so many student-athletes. After earning back-to-back bowl invitations, we looked poised for continued success. Unfortunately, we have not seen the results we all want, and a change is needed to move the program forward."

Houston, who took the helm of the Pirates in December 2018, compiled a record of 27-38 during his tenure. His time at ECU was marked by moments of hope, including consecutive bowl game appearances, yet recent seasons have failed to live up to the lofty goals set by the university.

Prior to his appointment at ECU, Houston built a strong resume at James Madison University, where he led the Dukes to a remarkable 37-6 record, including an NCAA FCS national championship in 2016. His leadership there earned him the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) FCS National Coach of the Year award.

Gilbert expressed optimism about the future, underscoring the attractive aspects of the ECU coaching position. "We are confident we will identify the right leader for our football program. ECU is a premier job with a passionate fan base, unprecedented support from our Pirate Club donors, and great facilities that continue to improve."

As the Pirates prepare for their final five regular season games, Gilbert emphasized the importance of supporting the student-athletes during this transition. "Right now, we are focusing on our student-athletes as they compete for a postseason opportunity. I hope Pirate Nation will rally around them as they always have."

To guide the team through the remainder of the season, defensive coordinator Blake Harrell has been named interim head coach. Harrell, who joined the program in 2020, will look to provide stability as ECU embarks on a search for a new head coach.

As the Pirates look ahead, this leadership change marks a pivotal moment in ECU football's quest for renewed success. With strong backing from the administration and an engaged fan base, the program aims to chart a new course under fresh leadership.

SALISBURY – Winston-Salem State maintained its position among the CIAA's top teams Saturday, using a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive plays to defeat Livingstone College 31-17 at Alumni Memorial Stadium.

The victory improved Winston-Salem State to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, while Livingstone dropped to 5-3 (3-2 CIAA) despite a strong passing performance from quarterback De'Angelo Alston.

The Rams struck quickly in their opening drive when running back Trevon Hester capped a short two-play sequence with a 1-yard touchdown run. Livingstone answered midway through the first quarter as Alston connected with Davontay Deloatch on a 10-yard scoring pass, completing an 11-play, 73-yard drive that tied the game at 7-7.

Winston-Salem State regained the lead early in the second quarter on Gilberto Lorenzana's 36-yard field goal. The Rams extended their advantage before halftime when quarterback Daylin Lee found Kaleb Washington for a 35-yard touchdown strike, making it 17-7.

While Livingstone's offense outgained Winston-Salem State in passing yards (210-182) and collected more first downs (19-16), the Blue Bears struggled to sustain drives against the Rams' defensive pressure. Winston-Salem State recorded three sacks and forced two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six by Dante Bowlding in the third quarter that pushed the lead to 24-10.

Hester led all rushers with 87 yards on 21 carries for the Rams, who accumulated 129 yards on the ground. Livingstone's rushing attack was limited to 64 total yards, with Mohamed Nyanamukenga gaining 12 yards on 12 attempts.

Deloatch emerged as Livingstone's primary offensive threat, catching eight passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Washington paced the Rams' receiving corps with two catches for 58 yards and a score.

The defensive effort was anchored by Winston-Salem State's Camar Kyle, who recorded eight tackles including two for loss. Livingstone's Terrance McPherson Jr. led all defenders with 14 tackles, including one for loss.

Special teams played a significant role, with Winston-Salem State's coverage units holding Livingstone to an average starting field position inside their own 30-yard line. The Rams also benefited from JahTwan Strafford's 83-yard punt return that set up favorable field position.

Trailing 24-10 in the fourth quarter, Livingstone's comeback hopes dimmed when Winston-Salem State orchestrated a 13-play, 68-yard drive that consumed over eight minutes. Lee's 1-yard quarterback sneak capped the possession and effectively sealed the outcome at 31-10.

The Blue Bears managed a late touchdown when Nyanamukenga scored from a yard out with 32 seconds remaining, but the outcome had been decided.

Both teams faced penalty issues throughout the contest, with Livingstone drawing 12 flags for 73 yards and Winston-Salem State being penalized eight times for 75 yards.

Up Next

Winston-Salem State returns home next Saturday to host Johnson C. Smith in a televised contest on HBCUgo, with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Livingstone will travel to Raleigh on November 2 to face Shaw University.

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C. Smith quarterback Darius Ocean threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers as the Golden Bulls defeated the Shaw Bears 21-14 on Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Complex, preserving their perfect record.

Ocean connected with Brevin Caldwell 15 times for 182 yards and a touchdown, leading an efficient passing attack that helped Johnson C. Smith improve to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The Golden Bulls remain the lone undefeated team in the state of North Carolina.

Shaw (4-4, 2-3) opened the scoring when quarterback Christian Peters found Ah’sha Belcher for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The Golden Bulls answered quickly as Ocean hit Blake McCullough for a 23-yard score to tie the game at 7-7.

After a scoreless second quarter, Johnson C. Smith took control in the second half. Ocean found Avante George for an 8-yard touchdown in the third quarter and later connected with Caldwell on a 12-yard score, capping a 100-yard drive to build a 21-7 lead.

Shaw’s Travon Tensley, who finished with 96 rushing yards on 20 carries, scored on a 1-yard run with 2:18 remaining to narrow the gap. However, Johnson C. Smith’s defense held firm in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Despite controlling possession for over 36 minutes and outgaining Johnson C. Smith 355-325 in total yards, Shaw was unable to overcome the Golden Bulls’ defensive effort, led by Benari Black’s 15 tackles.

Up Next

The Golden Bulls will look to maintain their unbeaten record next week at Winston-Salem State, while Shaw aims to rebound from their fourth loss of the season with another road game at Fayetteville State.

WEST POINT, NY – In a historic matchup at Michie Stadium, Army (7-0, 6-0 AAC) secured its first-ever victory over East Carolina (3-4, 1-2 AAC) with a commanding 45-28 win on Saturday, snapping the Pirates’ eight-game series winning streak.

Army quarterback Bryson Daily orchestrated a dominant rushing attack, accounting for six touchdowns - five on the ground and one through the air - while amassing 171 rushing yards on 31 carries. The Black Knights controlled the tempo throughout, holding possession for over 37 minutes and accumulating 295 rushing yards.

Making his first start in purple and gold, ECU quarterback Katin Houser showed promise despite the loss, throwing for 282 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Chase Sowell emerged as Houser’s primary target, recording seven catches for 138 yards including a 53-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter - marking ECU’s first 100-yard receiver performance this season.

The Black Knights built a commanding 24-0 halftime lead, capitalizing on efficient drives and strong field position. Army’s defense kept ECU’s ground game in check, limiting the Pirates to just 87 rushing yards on 20 attempts.

ECU’s offense found its rhythm in the second half, with Houser connecting on touchdown passes to Sowell, Anthony Smith, and Winston Wright Jr. The Pirates outscored Army 28-21 after halftime, posting the highest point total against the undefeated Black Knights this season.

The loss drops East Carolina to 1-3 on the road this season. The Pirates return home next Saturday to host Temple for their Homecoming game, while Army continues its pursuit of an undefeated season.

Noteworthy: Devon King led the Pirates’ defense with a career-high eight tackles, while Zakye Barker also recorded eight stops including half a tackle for loss. ECU attempted its first onside kick since September 2021, spanning 41 games.

BREVARD – Brevard scored four touchdowns in the first quarter en route to a 42-9 victory over Greensboro in Saturday's USA South conference matchup.

Junior quarterback Ethan Beamish led Brevard (3-1, 3-0 USA South) with 310 passing yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Zackary Orr twice for scores. The game held special significance for Orr, who broke Brevard's all-time career receiving record, surpassing former record-holder Bubba Craven. Orr finished with 122 receiving yards, bringing his career total to 1,591 yards.

The Tornados struck quickly when Beamish found Cooper Hogan for a 64-yard touchdown on their opening drive. After forcing a three-and-out, Brevard extended their lead on a 20-yard touchdown pass to Orr. Running back Jadien Deaton added to the first-quarter surge with a 70-yard touchdown run, followed by Orr's second touchdown reception of 56 yards.

Greensboro (1-4, 1-2 USAS) got on the scoreboard in the second quarter with Thomas Chapman's 21-yard field goal. Brevard responded when Chancellor Lee-Parker scored on a 16-yard run, pushing the lead to 35-3 at halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, Brevard added its final touchdown on Beamish's 31-yard pass to Reggie Taylor II. Greensboro scored their lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Quinton Solomon's 23-yard run.

Brevard's defense limited Greensboro to 287 total yards and forced two turnovers. Adam Chaney and Baylee Ramey led the Tornados' defense with eight tackles each, while Robert Dorsey recorded one and a half sacks and forced a fumble.

For Greensboro, Jayden Morrison completed 8 of 18 passes for 55 yards, while Jaquavius Weldon led the rushing attack with 28 yards on eight carries. Defensively, Ziere Ray recorded nine tackles and one and a half sacks in the losing effort.

The win keeps Brevard undefeated in conference play, while Greensboro drops to 1-2 in USA South competition.