DURHAM – NC Central held off a late North Carolina A&T comeback attempt Saturday, defeating the Aggies 30-22 in the latest chapter of the Aggie-Eagle Classic at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham.

The Eagles controlled much of the game behind a powerful rushing attack and a big performance from running back Plez Lawrence, who rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. Lawrence broke loose for a 73-yard touchdown in the second quarter and added two other rushing scores as NC Central built a 30-14 advantage through three quarters.

North Carolina A&T, however, refused to go quietly.

The Aggies scored with 4:20 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to eight points and then got the ball back with 2:01 left. Kevin White moved the offense deep into NC Central territory, but the Eagles defense came up with the final play it needed when Jakarri Martin II intercepted White with five seconds remaining.

The victory moved NC Central to 2-1 on the season, while North Carolina A&T fell to 0-3.

NC Central established control early.

After North Carolina A&T deferred the opening kickoff, the Eagles put together a 75-yard touchdown drive on their first possession. Nelson Layne connected with Mehki Wall for a 27-yard touchdown with 10:34 remaining in the first quarter. Riley Daniels added the extra point to give NC Central a 7-0 lead.

The Eagles added to the lead later in the quarter when Daniels converted a 37-yard field goal with 5:04 remaining, making it 10-0.

Lawrence then became the centerpiece of the NC Central offense.

After North Carolina A&T turned the ball over on a fumble in the second quarter, the Eagles needed only two plays to reach the end zone. Lawrence finished the short drive with a 14-yard touchdown run, although Daniels missed the extra point. NC Central led 16-0 with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

North Carolina A&T finally found its offense on the next possession.

White connected with Elijah Kennedy for a 51-yard touchdown with 4:33 left in the second quarter. Kennedy got behind the defense for the long touchdown, and Asher Holland converted the extra point to bring the Aggies within 16-7.

NC Central answered immediately.

The Eagles started their next possession at their own 21-yard line and appeared to have little room to work with. Instead, Lawrence broke through for a 73-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead back to 23-7 with 1:23 remaining before halftime.

North Carolina A&T responded once again.

White found Kennedy for a second touchdown just before halftime, this time on a 2-yard pass with eight seconds remaining. Holland's extra point made the score 23-14 at the break.

The Aggies had momentum going into halftime, but NC Central's defense and Lawrence's running continued to shape the game in the third quarter.

North Carolina A&T fumbled again early in the second half, giving NC Central possession at the Aggies' 45-yard line. The Eagles turned the short field into another touchdown drive, with Lawrence scoring on a 1-yard run with eight minutes remaining in the third quarter.

That touchdown completed Lawrence's three-score afternoon and gave NC Central a 30-14 lead.

North Carolina A&T struggled to sustain drives for much of the third quarter. The Aggies managed only 42 yards of offense in the period and turned the ball over on an interception during one possession.

Still, the game was not finished.

The Aggies opened the fourth quarter by stopping NC Central on fourth down at the North Carolina A&T 36-yard line. The defense gave White and the offense another opportunity, but the Aggies could not immediately turn the turnover on downs into points.

NC Central later reached the North Carolina A&T 36-yard line, but the Eagles also failed to convert on fourth down when Layne's pass fell incomplete.

That gave the Aggies another chance, and North Carolina A&T finally capitalized late in the quarter.

White led a 35-yard drive that began at the NC Central 35-yard line. After converting a fourth-and-2 earlier in the game-winning drive, the Aggies continued moving the ball into the red zone. White eventually found Anthony Rucker for a 6-yard touchdown with 4:20 remaining.

North Carolina A&T then made the decision to go for two, and White completed the conversion pass to Mark Tillman. The successful try cut NC Central's lead to 30-22.

The Eagles could not put the game away on their next possession.

NC Central gained only six yards before punting with 2:01 remaining, giving North Carolina A&T one final opportunity.

White went to work.

The Aggies started at their own 35-yard line and moved across midfield with a series of short completions and scrambles. White converted a third-and-3 with a 3-yard completion to Kennedy, then connected with Rory Jones-Amen-Hetep for six yards and Kennedy for another 14 to move the ball to the NC Central 35-yard line.

White added two scrambles, including a 6-yard run that moved the Aggies to the NC Central 24.

With 20 seconds remaining, White found Jones-Amen-Hetep for 21 yards, taking North Carolina A&T to the Eagles' 3-yard line.

NC Central called timeout with 20 seconds left.

White's next pass fell incomplete. On the following play, a 2-yard completion to Rucker was wiped out by a North Carolina A&T pass interference penalty, moving the Aggies back to the 13-yard line.

That left North Carolina A&T with one final opportunity.

With five seconds remaining, White dropped back and threw toward Michael Carlock-Williams. Eagles defensive back Jakarri Martin II stepped in front of the pass, ending the Aggies' comeback attempt and securing the 30-22 victory for NC Central.

White finished the game 21-of-44 passing for 259 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions. Kennedy was his leading target, finishing with seven catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Rory Jones-Amen-Hetep added four catches for 41 yards.

NC Central's offense finished with 369 total yards, including 223 rushing yards. Lawrence accounted for nearly all of the Eagles' rushing production, while Layne completed 13 of 19 passes for 146 yards and one touchdown.

The Eagles also forced three North Carolina A&T turnovers, including two fumbles and two interceptions, while recording two takeaways through the air. The Aggies finished with 361 total yards and 19 first downs but could not overcome the early deficit.

For NC Central, the victory added another memorable result to one of North Carolina's biggest HBCU football rivalries.

For North Carolina A&T, the late rally showed how close the Aggies came to turning the game around. They scored eight points in the fourth quarter and drove 52 yards in the final two minutes, reaching the NC Central 3-yard line before the Eagles defense made the final play.

In the latest Aggie-Eagle Classic, NC Central had the answer when it mattered most.

ELON – Landen Clark accounted for six touchdowns and Elon finished its 2025 season at .500 with a 55-17 victory over North Carolina A&T on Saturday afternoon at Rhodes Stadium. The Phoenix improved to 6-6 overall and 4-4 in the CAA while the Aggies fell to 2-10 and 2-6.

Clark threw for 231 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 105 yards and two more scores. His second rushing touchdown broke Elon's single-season record with 11, surpassing the mark previously shared by John Taylor in 2004 and Jalen Hampton in 2022. The redshirt freshman capped his record-breaking performance with an 86-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Elon's offense produced 468 total yards and scored on eight of its first nine possessions. The defense forced three turnovers, recorded nine sacks and registered 13 tackles for loss.

The Phoenix needed just six seconds to take the lead on their opening drive. DJ James-Hamilton returned the opening kickoff 66 yards to the North Carolina A&T 29-yard line, and Clark connected with Landyn Backey on a 29-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage for a 7-0 advantage.

Elon extended its lead to 14-0 when Clark scored on a two-yard run with 11:21 remaining in the first quarter. The drive covered 16 yards in four plays after Hart III recovered a fumble at the A&T 16-yard line. Luke Barnes added a 27-yard field goal at the 4:00 mark, capping a 12-play, 43-yard drive that consumed more than five minutes.

North Carolina A&T got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter when Andrew Brown connected on a 34-yard field goal, finishing a seven-play, 62-yard drive. The Aggies cut the deficit to 3-17 at the 14:56 mark.

Clark and the Phoenix offense responded immediately. On the second play of Elon's ensuing possession, Clark hit Isaiah Fuhrmann in stride for a 76-yard touchdown pass. The score came at 13:50 and extended the lead to 24-3.

The Aggies answered with their lone touchdown of the first half. Nelson Layne connected with Michael Carlock-Williams on a 29-yard scoring strike, finishing an eight-play, 88-yard drive at the 4:26 mark. The touchdown brought North Carolina A&T within 10-24.

Elon closed the half with 10 unanswered points. Barnes added his second field goal of the game, a 27-yarder at 1:07, and Dan Frederick scored on a 19-yard run with 52 seconds remaining. The Phoenix took a 34-10 lead into halftime after scoring on two-play drives covering 28 and 8 yards.

North Carolina A&T opened the second half with another scoring drive. Layne found Carlock-Williams again, this time for a 31-yard touchdown with 11:18 left in the third quarter. The two-play, 36-yard drive trimmed Elon's advantage to 17-34.

The Phoenix responded with a methodical 14-play, 70-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes. Clark capped the march with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Fuhrmann at 5:32, pushing the lead to 41-17.

Clark connected with Zimere Winston for a 54-yard touchdown with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter. The single-play scoring drive followed a failed fourth-down conversion by the Aggies and extended Elon's lead to 48-17.

Clark added his record-breaking touchdown in the fourth quarter. On third-and-one from the Elon 14-yard line, he broke through the line and raced 86 yards to the end zone at 8:30. The three-play, 95-yard drive put the Phoenix ahead 55-17.

Fuhrmann finished with five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, recording his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the season. The sophomore ended the campaign with 46 catches for 907 yards and nine touchdowns.

Frederick rushed for 101 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries, establishing a career high. It marked the first time since 2009 that two Elon players rushed for 100 yards in the same game, when Jamal Shuman and AJ Harris accomplished the feat against Presbyterian.

Backey caught three passes for 50 yards and one touchdown while Winston added one reception for 54 yards and a score.

The Elon defense held North Carolina A&T to 217 total yards. Kahmari Brown led the unit with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The sophomore is now tied for Elon's career sacks record with 16.5 after just 23 games.

Brodie Carroll recorded a team-high 10 tackles while Asher Cunningham added seven stops. Hart III registered an interception and fumble recovery while Jake Louro contributed two sacks.

Barnes finished 2-for-2 on field goal attempts and converted all seven extra point attempts. The junior improved to 11-for-11 on field goals from inside 40 yards this season.

Layne completed 11 of 20 passes for 160 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for North Carolina A&T. He rushed 21 times for 33 yards but was sacked nine times for 78 yards in losses. Carlock-Williams caught two passes for 60 yards and both Aggies touchdowns.

North Carolina A&T managed just 57 net rushing yards on 35 attempts. The Aggies converted four of 14 third-down attempts and went 0-for-1 on fourth down.

Elon's 55 points were its most against a CAA opponent since joining the league in 2014 and matched its season high set against Davidson on September 6. The total tied for the Phoenix's highest output in a game since defeating Davidson 56-0 on September 5, 2009.

Top Performers

Landen Clark, Elon QB

- 10-of-24 passing, 231 yards, 4 TDs

- 14 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TDs

- Set single-season rushing TD record (11)

Isaiah Fuhrmann, Elon WR

- 5 receptions, 111 yards, 2 TDs

- Fourth 100-yard receiving game of season

Dan Frederick, Elon RB

- 17 rushes, 101 yards, 1 TD

- Career-high rushing yards

Kahmari Brown, Elon DL

- 8 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks

- 2 forced fumbles

- Tied school career sacks record (16.5)

Michael Carlock-Williams, N.C. A&T WR

- 2 receptions, 60 yards, 2 TDs

GREENSBORO – Elijah Kennedy returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown and followed with an 85-yard kickoff return for another score in the final six minutes, lifting NC A&T to a 28-24 victory over Campbell on Saturday at Truist Stadium.

The Aggies trailed 24-21 with 1:49 remaining when Kennedy took the ensuing kickoff following Campbell's go-ahead field goal and raced untouched for the game-winning score. The dramatic finish capped a second-half comeback that saw NC A&T erase a 21-7 fourth-quarter deficit.

Campbell appeared in control after Alex Crabb's 38-yard field goal gave the Camels a 24-21 lead with 1:49 left, finishing off a 12-play, 53-yard drive that consumed more than four minutes. But Kennedy's return on the next play immediately flipped the outcome.

The Camels got the ball back at their own 25 with 1:29 remaining. Kamden Sixkiller completed an 18-yard pass to Stevie Keener to move into NC A&T territory, and a facemask penalty on the Aggies advanced Campbell to the NC A&T 40. But Sixkiller was sacked for a two-yard loss, threw two incompletions, and his final pass intended for Daniel Lopes fell incomplete at the NC A&T 23 with 43 seconds left.

Kennedy's heroics began earlier in the fourth quarter when he returned a punt 96 yards for a touchdown with 6:12 remaining, tying the game at 21-21 after Campbell had taken a two-touchdown lead.

Campbell opened the scoring when Sixkiller connected with Trayjen Llanas-Wilcox on a 34-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. NC A&T answered on its next possession, capping a six-play, 44-yard drive when Kevin White hit Michael Carlock-Williams with a seven-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.

The Camels retook the lead early in the second quarter on Naieem Kearney's one-yard touchdown run, the culmination of a 15-play, 97-yard drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock. Campbell extended its advantage to 21-7 early in the fourth quarter when Sixkiller found Trevor Wilson for a nine-yard touchdown pass, finishing a four-play, 35-yard drive.

NC A&T responded with a seven-play, 86-yard scoring drive, pulling within 21-14 when White scored on a three-yard run with 9:37 left in the game. The Aggies' offense produced 49 yards on a completion to Jayvonne Dillard before White's rushing touchdown.

Sixkiller completed 30 of 48 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for Campbell. He found nine different receivers, with Randall King catching seven passes. Mike Chandler II added 62 yards on 12 receptions, frequently serving as a safety valve in the passing game.

White finished 12 of 20 passing for 133 yards and one touchdown without an interception for NC A&T. Dillard caught three passes for 63 yards, while Kennedy caught three for 28 yards before his special teams fireworks.

Campbell generated 375 total yards compared to 222 for NC A&T, but the Aggies produced 264 return yards that proved decisive. The Camels held a significant time of possession advantage at 35:18 to 23:59.

Wesley Graves led NC A&T's ground game with 89 rushing yards on 18 carries. The Camels managed just 63 net rushing yards on 32 attempts, averaging two yards per carry.

Campbell's defense recorded three sacks and five tackles for loss. Logan Livermon led the Camels with nine total tackles, while DaVonyae Pettis added five tackles and two tackles for loss.

On the NC A&T side, Joshua Iseah recorded 11 tackles to pace the defense. Marquis Hood contributed five tackles and two sacks totaling 17 yards in losses. Aaron Harris broke up four passes in coverage.

The Camels converted five of 14 third downs and went one of three on fourth down attempts. NC A&T was three of 11 on third downs and did not attempt a fourth down conversion.

Campbell committed nine penalties for 65 yards, while NC A&T was flagged 11 times for 122 yards. The Aggies' pass interference penalties proved costly, setting up multiple Campbell scoring opportunities.

Campbell falls to 2-6 overall and 2-2 in conference play. NC A&T improves to 1-6 overall and 1-2 in the league, snapping a five-game losing streak.

Top Performers

NC A&T:

• Elijah Kennedy: 3 receptions for 28 yards, 1 TD; 96-yard punt return TD; 85-yard kickoff return TD
• Kevin White: 12-of-20 passing, 133 yards, 1 TD; 3-yard rushing TD
• Wesley Graves: 18 rushes, 89 yards
• Joshua Iseah: 11 tackles

Campbell:

• Kamden Sixkiller: 30-of-48 passing, 312 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Randall King: 7 receptions, 62 yards
• Naieem Kearney: 1-yard rushing TD
• Logan Livermon: 9 tackles

GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T State University has found its new football leader in Shawn Gibbs, a familiar face returning to Aggieland to restore the program's winning tradition. The university's Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced Gibbs as the 23rd head coach in the program's history on Friday, marking a homecoming for a coach with deep roots in the Aggies' football legacy.

Gibbs, 49, brings an impressive coaching pedigree to the position, most recently leading Fort Valley State University to consecutive eight-win seasons and a Florida Beach Bowl victory in 2023. His return to NC A&T comes after an 11-year stint with the program where he played a crucial role in establishing the team's reputation as "Running Back U."

During his previous tenure with the Aggies, Gibbs was instrumental in the team's success, helping the program secure Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in 2014, 2015, and from 2017-2019. He notably coached several standout players, including NFL star Tarik Cohen, who became the MEAC's all-time leading rusher and the only player in conference history to win offensive player of the year three times.

"It is a dream come true for me to accept the position as head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University," Gibbs said. "My family and I are thrilled to return home to Greensboro, a community with such a special place in our hearts."

The coaching position comes with significant challenges. Gibbs replaces Vincent Brown, who managed only two wins in two seasons, and is tasked with rebuilding the program's competitive edge. His track record suggests he's up to the challenge, having posted an impressive 22-9 record at Fort Valley State and demonstrating a talent for developing exceptional running backs.

Gibbs' coaching experience spans two decades, including notable stints at Grambling State University and his alma mater, North Carolina Central University. A standout running back in his own right, Gibbs rushed for 1,687 career yards during his playing days and holds his high school's rushing record with 4,655 yards.

An introductory press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the A&T campus Student Center, where fans and media will get their first comprehensive look at the program's new direction under Gibbs' leadership.

Hilton expressed confidence in the hiring, stating, "It is obvious he finds a way to get the best out of his players. Coach Gibbs understands the challenge ahead and has great enthusiasm and passion for North Carolina A&T."

As the Aggies look to reclaim their former glory, all eyes will be on Gibbs to see if he can translate his successful coaching history into a revival of the program's winning ways.

GREENSBORO – Sometimes, the path from player to coach is paved with unexpected challenges. For Vincent Brown, his two-year tenure as head coach of North Carolina A&T State University's football program ended Wednesday with a somber dismissal that reflects the unforgiving nature of collegiate athletics.

Brown's journey from NFL player to collegiate coach seemed promising. A Mississippi Valley State alumni and eight-year New England Patriots veteran, he brought a wealth of football experience to the Aggies. After six successful years as defensive coordinator at both Howard and William & Mary, expectations were high when he took the helm in Greensboro.

However, the on-field results told a different story. The 2023 season concluded with a challenging 1-10 record, and 2024 mirrored that struggle with a near-identical 1-11 performance. A winless 0-8 conference record in the Coastal Athletic Association for the second straight year sealed his fate.

Athletic Director Earl Hilton's statement was diplomatic, thanking Brown for his contributions and helping transition the program into the CAA Football Conference. Yet, the subtext was clear: performance matters.

Brown's story serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margin between success and failure in collegiate coaching. From NFL player to head coach to sudden unemployment, his journey underscores the unpredictable nature of sports leadership.

BUIES CREEK – Campbell wide receiver Sincere Brown caught two deep touchdown passes to lead the Fighting Camels to a 21-7 victory over North Carolina A&T on Saturday afternoon at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Brown's first touchdown came early, hauling in a 64-yard strike from quarterback Chad Mascoe just 75 seconds into the game. He later sealed the victory with a 53-yard touchdown reception from Mike Chandler II in the fourth quarter, finishing with 150 receiving yards on five catches.

Campbell's Sincere Brown on his way to the end zone (Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough)

The Fighting Camels (4-5, 2-3) controlled the first quarter, building a 14-0 lead after Chandler II scored on a 7-yard run with eight seconds remaining. Campbell's ground attack was effective throughout, accumulating 167 rushing yards led by JJ Cowan's 74 yards on 11 carries.

NC A&T (1-8, 0-5) struggled to find offensive rhythm early but showed life in the fourth quarter. The Aggies mounted their best drive of the day, marching 95 yards on 12 plays, culminating in Ger-Cari Caldwell's 9-yard touchdown reception from Justin Fomby to cut the deficit to 14-7.

However, Campbell responded immediately with Brown's second touchdown, effectively ending the Aggies' comeback hopes.

Despite the loss, NC A&T's defense played well in stretches, led by Henry Daniel's nine tackles, including two sacks. The Aggies actually held possession for nearly nine minutes longer than Campbell and ran 21 more offensive plays, but struggled to convert opportunities into points, missing two field goals in the second quarter.

Fomby completed 20 of 40 passes for 185 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions for NC A&T. Cameren Dalrymple led the Aggies' rushing attack with 75 yards on 16 carries.

Campbell's defense proved disruptive throughout the afternoon, with Jojo Pace and Jalen Brooks each recording nine tackles. The Fighting Camels' secondary broke up seven passes and intercepted two, with Da'Quan Johnson and Lakeem Rudolph each picking off passes in the fourth quarter to preserve the lead.

Up Next

Campbell travels to take on in-state CAA rival Elon next Saturday while NC A&T hosts a ranked William and Mary squad in Greensboro.

Curtain, a junior safety and former Grimsley standout, was named the preseason defensive player of the year. After an impressive sophomore season where the Greensboro native led the Phoenix with eighty tackles and four interceptions, including a pick-six against Wake Forest in the season opener, Curtain is poised to lead a defense that gave up less than two hundred yards passing a game last season. Curtain was joined by his teammate, wide receiver and electric kick returner Chandler Brayboy, on the all-conference team. Other North Carolina-based players on the preseason all-conference team include Campbell’s CJ Tillman, North Carolina A&T’s Karon Prunty, and Mountain Island’s Elijah Burris, who plays running back for Hampton.

Villanova, which earned a share of the 2023 CAA Championship and reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs last season, was voted as the 2024 preseason favorite by the league’s head coaches. The Wildcats received nine of the available 16 first-place votes and totaled 217 points, while Richmond took second with one first-place tally and 189 points.

UAlbany garnered three first-place votes and finished third with 179 points, followed by William & Mary (175 points) and Delaware (163), which also picked up three first-place nods. Elon (157) was chosen sixth, followed by New Hampshire (150), Rhode Island (142), Towson (114), Monmouth (95), Campbell (83), Hampton (62), Maine (57), North Carolina A&T (49), Bryant (46) and Stony Brook (42).

2024 CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

(Selected by a vote of Head Coaches)

OFFENSE

Connor Watkins, Villanova | Gr. | QB | Williamsport, Pa.

Elijah Burris, Hampton | Sr. | RB | Gastonia, N.C.

Griffin Woodell, UAlbany | So. | RB | Glens Falls, N.Y.

Marcus Yarns, Delaware | Gr. | RB | Salisbury, Md.

Bronson Yoder, William & Mary | Sr. | RB | Nappanee, Ind.

Trey McDonald, William & Mary | Jr. | FB/HB | Kinnelon, N.J.

Carter Runyon, Towson | Sr. | TE | Fairfax, Va.

Chandler Brayboy, Elon | Sr. | WR | Pembroke, N.C.

Nick DeGennaro, Richmond | Sr. | WR | Old Bridge, N.J.

Anthony Johnson, Stony Brook | So. | WR | Burlington, N.J.

Temi Ajirotutu, Villanova | Gr. | OL | Queens, N.Y.

Fintan Brose, Delaware | Gr. | OL | Irwin, Pa.

Charles Grant, William & Mary | Sr. | OL | Portsmouth, Va.

Ozzie Hutchinson, UAlbany | Gr. | OL | Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Will Marotta, UAlbany | Gr. | OL | Collegeville, Pa.

Ralph Paige, Jr., Towson | Sr. | OL | Washington, D.C.

DEFENSE

Jeremiah Grant, Richmond | Sr. | DL | South Orange, N.J.

Westley Neal, Jr., Rhode Island | Sr. | DL | Miami, Fla.

Michael Otty, Bryant | Sr. | DL | Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dylan Ruiz, New Hampshire | Sr. | DL | Orlando, Fla.

Josiah Silver, New Hampshire | Sr. | DL | Hampton, Va.

Brendan Bell, Villanova | Gr. | LB | Basking Ridge, N.J.

Shane Hartzell, Villanova | Jr. | LB | Perkasie, Pa.

A.J. Pena, Rhode Island | Jr. | LB | Branchburg, N.J.

CJ Tillman, Campbell | Sr. | LB | Rockingham, N.C.

Karon Prunty, North Carolina A&T | Jr. | CB | Portsmouth, Va.

Isas Waxter, Villanova | Gr. | CB | Newark, N.J.

Caleb Curtain, Elon | Jr. | S | Greensboro, N.C.

Ty Trinh, Villanova | Gr. | S | Owings Mills, Md.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Chandler Brayboy, Elon | Sr. | KR | Pembroke, N.C.

Gabe Sloat, Rhode Island | Sr. | PR | North Kingstown, R.I.

Keegan Vaughan, Towson | Sr. | PK | Richmond, Va.

Aaron Trusler, Richmond | Gr. | P | Melbourne, Australia

Jabril Hayes, Richmond | Sr. | SPEC | Stephens City, Va.

CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Connor Watkins, QB, Villanova

CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Caleb Curtain, S, Elon

HONORABLE MENTION: Matthew Downing, QB, Elon; Derek Robertson, QB, Monmouth; Malachi Imoh, RB, William & Mary; Marquis Buchanan, WR, Rhode Island; Joe Gillette, WR, Maine; Jaylan Sanchez, WR, Villanova; Logan Tomlinson, WR, New Hampshire; Cooper Heisey, TE, Maine; Ryan McKenna, OL, William & Mary; Dion Crews-Harris, DL, Towson; Cazeem Moore, DL, Elon; Wayne Galloway, LB, Richmond; Ryan Toscano, LB, New Hampshire; Tyron Herring, CB, Delaware; Marcus Barnes, S, William & Mary; JoJo Bermudez, KR, Delaware; TJ Speight, KR, Monmouth; VJ Wilkins, KR, Campbell; John Opalko, PK, UAlbany; Josh Cupitt, P, Delaware; Bobby Cleary, SPEC, Campbell

2024 CAA FOOTBALL PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

(Selected by a vote of Head Coaches)

1. Villanova (9 first-place votes) 217

2. Richmond (1) 189

3. UAlbany (3) 179

4. William & Mary 175

5. Delaware (3) 163

6. Elon 157

7. New Hampshire 150

8. Rhode Island 142

9. Towson 114

10. Monmouth 95

11. Campbell 83

12. Hampton 62

13. Maine 57

14. North Carolina A&T 49

15. Bryant 46

16. Stony Brook 42

CAA Football has rolled out its much-anticipated schedule for the 2024 season. For the first time since 2019, the season will span 13 weeks and include 12 games. Adding to the excitement, the CAA is expanding to include 16 teams, marking a first in the conference’s history. The latest addition to the roster is Bryant University.

The conference schedule is designed to include four home games and four away games for each team. Teams were paired with a preferred partner based on regional proximity, which played a crucial role in determining the remaining opponents. In an effort to cut costs, air travel has been limited, with most teams not having more than one flight during conference play.

The 2024 conference action is set to kick off with four games on Saturday, September 14. The opening day will see Maine hosting Monmouth, Campbell visiting Rhode Island, North Carolina A&T entertaining Delaware, and Towson traveling to Villanova. The following Saturday, September 21, will mark Bryant’s CAA debut at New Hampshire.

The non-conference schedule is equally thrilling, featuring 12 games against FBS opponents. This includes three games against the ACC, two against the Big Ten, two against the Big 12, and one against the SEC. Nine of these 12 teams participated in bowl games in 2023. It’s worth noting that CAA Football teams have secured 19 victories over FBS opponents since 2009.

The schedule also includes nine non-conference games against teams that reached the FCS playoffs in 2023. Among these are two playoff rematches, with Villanova hosting Youngstown State and UAlbany returning to Idaho. In the previous season, CAA teams held a strong 20-10 record against non-conference competition.

CAA Football’s impressive performance in the 2023 NCAA FCS playoffs saw four teams - UAlbany, Delaware, Richmond, and Villanova - receiving berths. This marked the 13th instance of at least four CAA teams being chosen for the playoffs. The conference has consistently had at least one team reach the quarterfinals every year since 1995 and has seen a team advance to the semifinals in 10 of the past 11 seasons.

Thursday, August 29
Bryant at Delaware (non-conference game)
Youngstown State at Villanova
North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest
New Hampshire at UCF
Monmouth at Eastern Washington
 
Friday, August 30
Elon at Duke
 
Saturday, August 31
LIU at UAlbany
Campbell at Liberty
Hampton vs. TBA
Colgate at Maine
Holy Cross at Rhode Island
Richmond at Virginia
Stony Brook at Marshall
Towson at Cincinnati
VMI at William & Mary
 
Saturday, September 7
UAlbany at West Virginia
Campbell at Western Carolina
Elon at North Carolina Central
Lafayette at Monmouth
Maine at Montana State
New Hampshire at Holy Cross
Rhode Island at Minnesota
Wofford at Richmond
Stonehill at Stony Brook
Morgan State at Towson
Villanova at Colgate
William & Mary at Coastal Carolina
Franklin Pierce at Bryant
Virginia Union at Hampton
Winston-Salem State at North Carolina A&T
 
Saturday, September 14
*Monmouth at Maine
*Campbell at Rhode Island
*Delaware at North Carolina A&T
*Towson at Villanova
William & Mary at Wofford
Western Carolina at Elon
Hampton at Norfolk State
Stonehill at New Hampshire
Charleston Southern at Richmond
Stony Brook at Fordham
UAlbany at Idaho
Holy Cross at Bryant
 
Saturday, September 21
*Bryant at New Hampshire
*Stony Brook at Campbell
Penn at Delaware
ETSU at Elon
Howard at Hampton
Maine at Merrimack
Monmouth at FIU
North Carolina A&T at North Carolina Central
Rhode Island at LIU
Richmond at Delaware State
Towson at North Dakota State
Villanova at Maryland
Furman at William & Mary
 
Saturday, September 28
*Maine at UAlbany
*Richmond at Elon
*Hampton at William & Mary
Delaware State at Campbell
Sacred Heart at Delaware
Fordham at Monmouth
North Carolina A&T at South Carolina State
Morgan State at Stony Brook
LIU at Villanova
 
Saturday, October 5
*Delaware at Monmouth
*Rhode Island at Hampton
*North Carolina A&T at Richmond
*Villanova at Stony Brook
*William & Mary at Towson
UAlbany at Cornell
Bryant at Brown
North Carolina Central at Campbell
New Hampshire at Harvard
 
Saturday, October 12
*UAlbany at Bryant
*Maine at Delaware
*New Hampshire at Elon
Towson at Norfolk State
Brown at Rhode Island
 
Saturday, October 19
*Campbell at William & Mary
*Villanova at Maine
*Hampton at North Carolina A&T
*Stony Brook at Towson
*Delaware at Richmond
*Rhode Island at New Hampshire
*Bryant at Monmouth
*Elon at UAlbany
 
Saturday, October 26
*UAlbany at Delaware
*Richmond at Bryant
*North Carolina A&T at Campbell
*Elon at Hampton
*Maine at Rhode Island
*Towson at Monmouth
*New Hampshire at Villanova
*William & Mary at Stony Brook
 
Saturday, November 2
*William & Mary at North Carolina A&T
*Villanova at Hampton
*Towson at Richmond
*Stony Brook at Bryant
*Monmouth at Rhode Island
*New Hampshire at UAlbany
*Campbell at Elon
Maine at Oklahoma
 
Saturday, November 9
*UAlbany at Stony Brook
*Bryant at Maine
*Richmond at Campbell
*Rhode Island at Delaware
*Elon at William & Mary
*Hampton at Towson
*Monmouth at New Hampshire
*North Carolina A&T at Villanova
 
Saturday, November 16
*Richmond at Hampton
*Villanova at Monmouth
*Maine at Elon
*North Carolina A&T at Towson
*UAlbany at Rhode Island
*Bryant at William & Mary
*Campbell at Delaware
*Stony Brook at New Hampshire

Saturday, November 23
*New Hampshire at Maine
*Delaware at Villanova
*William & Mary at Richmond
*Elon at North Carolina A&T
*Monmouth at Stony Brook
*Hampton at UAlbany
*Rhode Island at Bryant
*Towson at Campbell
 
*Denotes CAA Football game

GREENSBORO – The Campbell Camels and North Carolina A&T Aggies finished their first season in the Coastal Athletic Association with a matchup in Greensboro on Saturday afternoon. The Camels jumped out to a 28-0 lead before holding on to defeat the Aggies, 28-14. With the win, the Camels finish .500 in conference play in their first season in the CAA while the Aggies finished winless in the CAA.

How it Happened

The game kicked off with the Campbell Camels taking an early lead in the first quarter. Jalen Kelsey made a 10-yard touchdown pass from Hajj-Malik Williams, followed by a successful PAT kick by Williams. Shortly after, Tai Goode scored another touchdown for the Camels, catching a 9-yard pass from Williams, with another successful PAT kick by Williams.

In the second quarter, the Camels extended their lead with Hajj-Malik Williams catching a 24-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Fitez, followed by a successful PAT kick by Caleb Dowden. Lamagea McDowell also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, with another successful PAT kick by Dowden. However, the Aggies fought back with Eli Brickhandler rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, followed by a successful PAT kick by Owen Daffer. In the fourth quarter, Wesley Graves scored a 3-yard touchdown pass from Alston Hooker, with another successful PAT kick by Daffer, making the final score 28-14 in favor of the Campbell Camels.

On the Ground

The Campbell Camels' rushing attack was led by Lamagea McDowell who rushed for 70 yards on 14 carries, scoring one touchdown. NaQuari Rogers also contributed significantly with 64 yards on 13 carries. The team had a total of 187 rushing yards. On the other side, the Aggies' rushing game was spearheaded by Shimique Blizzard who rushed for 79 yards on 15 carries. Eli Brickhandler and Wesley Graves also made notable contributions with 27 and 26 yards respectively. The Aggies ended the game with a total of 142 rushing yards.

Through the Air

In the passing game, Hajj-Malik Williams of the Campbell Camels completed 15 out of 20 passes for a total of 188 yards, throwing two touchdowns. Brandon Fitez also completed a pass for 24 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Kelsey was the standout receiver for the Campbell Camels with 39 yards and a touchdown from 4 receptions. VJ Wilkins also had a good game with 71 yards from 3 receptions. For the Aggies, Alston Hooker completed 11 out of 15 passes for a total of 159 yards, throwing one touchdown. Eli Brickhandler also contributed with 16 yards from 5 completed passes. Amonte Jones led the receiving game with 49 yards from 4 receptions. Ger-Cari Caldwell and Damond Harmon also made significant contributions with 52 and 31 yards respectively.

Defensive Standouts

The Campbell Camels' defense was led by CJ Tillman, who had 10 total tackles, including 5 solo and 5 assisted. He also had 0.5 sacks for a loss of 4 yards. Monchovia Gaffney and Trevon Booker also made significant contributions with 6 total tackles each. The team had a total of 3 sacks for a loss of 20 yards and 1 forced fumble. On the other side, the North Carolina A&T Aggies' defense mirrored the Camels' stats. CJ Tillman led the Aggies' defense with 10 total tackles, including 5 solo and 5 assisted, and 0.5 sacks for a loss of 4 yards. Monchovia Gaffney and Trevon Booker each contributed 6 total tackles. The Aggies' defense also had 3 sacks for a loss of 20 yards and 1 forced fumble. Both teams showcased their defensive strengths in the game, contributing to the intense competition on the field.

In a highly anticipated college football matchup, the Appalachian State Mountaineers, riding a triumphant three-game winning streak, are set to face the undefeated James Madison Dukes. This clash is not just another game; it's a chance for App State to make a statement on the grand stage of ESPN's College GameDay, featuring the Mountaineers for the second consecutive season. After last year’s broadcast, Boone erupted as the Mountaineers defeated Troy on a last-minute Hail Mary, but the euphoria was short-lived as JMU handed App State a 32-28 defeat the following week. Memories of that loss linger as the Mountaineers aim to rewrite history on the turf of Bridgeforth Stadium. The Mountaineers have historically been a thorn in the side of AP Top 25 teams with seven of the Mountaineers’ last eight games against ranked teams ending in one-score games. App State is 2-2 in their last four games against the AP Top 25

Quarterback Joey Aguilar, thrust into the spotlight after replacing the injured Ryan Burger, has been a revelation. With 26 touchdown passes in 10 games, Aguilar ranks among the best in the Sun Belt and the Group of Five. His ability to lead the offense will be crucial against a formidable JMU defense. Running back Nate Noel, despite battling an injury, achieved a milestone by surpassing 3,000 career rushing yards. His explosive plays, exemplified by a 61-yard touchdown run against Georgia State, make him a key offensive weapon for the Mountaineers. Defensively, App State has shown resilience, limiting opponents in recent victories over Marshall and Georgia State. The Mountaineers aim to build on this momentum, ensuring that their 2023 losses, all decided in the closing seconds, become a thing of the past.

Campbell vs. North Carolina A&T: As the 2023 college football season reaches its conclusion, the Campbell Fighting Camels (4-6, 3-4 CAA) gear up for their final showdown against North Carolina A&T (1-9, 0-7 CAA) at Truist Stadium in Greensboro, N.C., with kickoff slated for 1:00 p.m. As Campbell concludes its inaugural CAA season, the team finds itself on the brink of making history. With a chance to secure a fourth victory in conference play, the Fighting Camels aim to join the ranks of Old Dominion, the only other program to achieve this feat in their first CAA season back in 2011. The team's current 3-4 record in the conference is a testament to their competitive spirit. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, a standout performer, enters the final game of his Fighting Camel career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. Williams, completing 71% of his passes, has orchestrated the offense with 243.4 passing yards per game and 17 touchdowns. His connection with a diverse group of 17 receivers has been a key feature of the Campbell offensive arsenal. North Carolina A&T, also in its inaugural CAA season, enters the finale on a six-game losing streak. Despite a challenging season, the Aggies showcase talent in running back Kenji Christian, who leads the team with 709 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and linebacker BJ Turner, who boasts 85 tackles, including 12 for loss.

NC State vs Virginia Tech: The upcoming clash between the NC State Wolfpack and the Virginia Tech Hokies, marking the 52nd meeting in a historic rivalry dating back 123 years, is steeped in tradition and significance. With only seven matchups since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, the Wolfpack aims to build on their recent victory. Notable connections, including current Wolfpack assistant coaches Brian Mitchell and Charley Wiles with extensive tenures at Virginia Tech, add intrigue. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong, familiar with the Hokies from his time at Virginia, brings a dynamic element to the contest. Defensive strength, highlighted by Virginia Tech's Sacksburg reputation and NC State's resilience, sets the stage for an intense battle. As both teams vie for supremacy in the ACC, this matchup promises gridiron excitement and the continuation of a college football saga.

ELON — Under the bright lights of Rhodes Stadium and in front of a roaring crowd of 11,257, the fifth-largest ever at the venue, the Elon University football team showcased an awe-inspiring ground game to secure a commanding 27-3 victory over in-state rival North Carolina A&T during its home opener on Saturday.

Elon's Ground Game Reigns Supreme

Elon (1-2, 1-0 CAA) unleashed an offensive onslaught on the ground, accumulating a staggering 260 rushing yards—a feat not matched since 2017 when they ran for 368 yards against Richmond. This impressive triumph marked the Phoenix's first win of the season and inaugurated their CAA campaign with a bang. On the flip side, North Carolina A&T (0-3 overall, 0-1 CAA) was left grappling with their third straight loss, unable to withstand Elon's ground assault.

Photo Credit: Peyton Williams/Tim Cowie Photography

Game Highlights

The Phoenix set the tone early, engineering a 10-play, 73-yard drive, culminating in a 26-yard touchdown connection from Matthew Downing to Jordan Bonner. It marked Bonner's second touchdown in as many games, showcasing his early-season prowess.

Elon's dominance continued late in the second quarter, with a lightning-fast three-play sequence. Jalen Hampton's remarkable 45-yard run set the stage for Wayne Dixie III to score his first career touchdown, putting the Phoenix ahead 17-0. Jack Berkowitz added a career-best 43-yard field goal just before halftime, pushing the lead to 17.

Elon's defense played a pivotal role in the opening half, forcing North Carolina A&T to punt on all six of its possessions, five of which were three-and-outs.

Berkowitz's reliable leg added another field goal in the third quarter, extending Elon's lead to 20-0. However, North Carolina A&T responded with a field goal of its own from Owen Daffer to break Elon's shutout bid.

A game-changing moment arrived courtesy of Elon's special teams late in the third quarter, as Kyle Romenick connected with true freshman DJ Hamilton on a fake punt, resulting in a spectacular 35-yard touchdown and a 27-3 advantage for the Phoenix.

Elon's defense maintained its dominance in the fourth quarter, shutting down North Carolina A&T's attempts to mount a comeback with a pair of turnover-on-downs situations.

BJ Turner led the Aggies with eleven tackles, giving the graduate transfer thirty-five so far through three weeks. Avarion Cole had an interception for the visiting team, but it was not enough to slow down an Elon offense that was 3-3 on fourth downs on the evening.

What's Next

Elon will embark on a short trip to Buies Creek for a Saturday night showdown with Campbell. Campbell, currently 2-1 on the season and 1-1 in CAA play, will host Elon in what promises to be an exciting matchup. North Carolina A&T is off next week before traveling to historic William "Dick" Price Stadium in Norfolk to take on Norfolk State on September 30.

GREENSBORO – Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 235 yards and two touchdowns, helping North Carolina A&T erase an 18-point halftime deficit to defeat Campbell 45-38 on Saturday at Truist Stadium.

The Aggies moved to 5-3 on the year and 3-0 in Big South games, while Campbell suffered its first league loss, falling to 4-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play as the teams combined for 1,101 yards, 566 for A&T and 535 for CU.

Six of A&T’s touchdowns came on plays of 35 or more yards, including 70 and 42-yard runs from Tuten, who ran for 123 yards in the second half. 

Wesley Graves’ six-yard score gave the Aggies a 45-38 lead with 8:54 to play. 

The Camels scored touchdowns on their first four drives, all in the first quarter, with QB Hajj-Malik Williams running for two and passing for two more, pushing Campbell to a 28-10 lead. 

After a scoreless second quarter, A&T outscored the Camels 20-3 in the third. 

Williams passed for a school-record 426 yards, completing 31-of-47 passes and two touchdowns, adding two more rushing scores. 

Austin Hite hauled in four catches for 103 yards, a career-high, including a 68 touchdown grab in the second quarter. Chaney Fitzgerald made nine catches for 53 yards, while Bryant Barr and Julian Hill both registered three catches with 88 and 80 yards. Hill added a touchdown catch, also rushing for a score.

Jalen Fowler completed 12-of-21 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns for the Aggies, while Zachary Leslie made four catches for 124 yards and two TDs. 

CJ Tillman posted eight stops for the Camels, including 1.0 tackle for loss, while Josh Johnson added seven tackles with 1.0 TFL and a pass breakup. D’Marcus Harrington also notched an interception to go along with three tackles. 

Tywayne Williams led the A&T defense with eight tackles, while Jacob Roberts tallied a third-quarter pick-6, adding two tackles. 

UP NEXT

Campbell wraps up a three-game road stretch, heading to new Big South member Bryant on November 5. The Camels return home for their home finale on November 12 against Gardner-Webb for the 2022 North Carolina East/West Barbecue Bowl and Senior Day. North Carolina A&T continues a three-game homestand, hosting Norfolk State next Saturday at 12 p.m.

CHARLOTTE – Monmouth wide receiver Lonnie Moore IV (Sicklerville, N.J.) has been named the Big South Football Offensive Player of the Week, while North Carolina A&T linebacker Jacob Roberts (Charlotte, N.C.) is the Defensive Player of the Week for games played during Week 10 of the 2021 season.  Monmouth punter Ryan Kost (Newton. Conn.) is the Special Teams Player of the Week, and North Carolina A&T linebacker Tyquan King (Dillon, S.C.) is the Freshman of the Week.

Moore caught nine passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns and finished the day with 231 all-purpose yards in Monmouth’s 45-33 Big South win over North Alabama.  His first reception of the day was a 7-yard TD catch.  Moore added touchdown grabs of 17 and 14 yards, had a long of 33 yards, and gained 61 yards after the catch.  He also recorded a 10-yard run and returned four kickoffs for 94 yards in the victory.

Roberts notched 11 tackles (six solo, five assisted), 3.5 tackles-for-loss (-23 yards), and 3.0 sacks in helping the Aggies set a Big South single-game record with 11 quarterback sacks in A&T’s 21-18 win at Charleston Southern.  His final sack of the day was for an 11-yard loss as the Bucs approached midfield on their last drive.  Roberts was part of a defense that held CSU to just 147 yards of offense and minus-3 yards rushing.

Kost averaged 51.3 yards on three punts -- all of which landed inside the UNA 20-yard line, with two inside the 10.  He had punts of 51, 41, and 62 yards (career-long), with the 62-yarder being downed at the Lions’ 3-yard line.  North Alabama’s averaging starting field position after Kost’s punts was its own 10-yard line. 

In his first career start, King led the Aggies with 15 tackles (six solo, nine assisted) and recorded two quarterback sacks along with a QB hurry in North Carolina A&T’s 21-18 win at Charleston Southern.  Five of his stops came on gains of 2 yards or less, and he helped A&T hold the Bucs to 288 yards below their season average of 435.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Caleb Snead (Campbell), Jett Duffey (Hampton), and Xavier Shepherd (Kennesaw State).

Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Andy Matthews (Hampton), Tyler Moore (Kennesaw State), and Eddie Hahn (Monmouth).

Also nominated for Special Teams Player of the Week: Axel Perez (Hampton) and Nathan Robertson (Kennesaw State).

Also nominated for Freshman of the Week: CJ Tillman (Campbell), Willie Harris (Gardner-Webb), Romon Copeland (Hampton), Gabriel Benyard (Kennesaw State), and Jaden Shirden (Monmouth).