WINSTON-SALEM – For more than two quarters Saturday night, Winston-Salem State's defense kept giving the Rams a chance.

Eventually, Rayvon Durant and Mars Hill broke through.

Durant rushed for a career-high 201 yards and two touchdowns, while the Lions' defense held Winston-Salem State to just 83 yards of offense in a 17-0 victory at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Mars Hill improved to 1-0 with its first shutout since 2012. Winston-Salem State dropped to 0-2 after being blanked in its home opener before a crowd of 8,700.

The final margin did not reflect how long the game remained in doubt.

Neither team scored in the first half, although Mars Hill controlled much of the football and twice moved deep enough into WSSU territory to attempt field goals. Matthias Newsome missed attempts from 21 and 30 yards in the second quarter, leaving the game scoreless at halftime.

Mars Hill's inability to turn drives into points helped keep WSSU within reach despite a sizable difference in offensive production.

The breakthrough finally came with 6:25 remaining in the third quarter.

Facing third-and-1 from the Mars Hill 48, Durant burst through the Rams' defense and went 52 yards for the game's first touchdown. The three-play scoring drive covered 61 yards in only 53 seconds and gave the Lions a 7-0 advantage.

Winston-Salem State responded with one of its best possessions of the night.

The Rams converted a third-and-25 when Deiondre Goldston found Sean Walker Jr. for 26 yards, then moved to the Mars Hill 28 after an 18-yard completion to Jamison Funderburk. But Caden Hilemon intercepted Goldston in the end zone, ending the threat and preserving the Lions' seven-point lead.

It was a fitting result for a Mars Hill defense that controlled the game.

WSSU finished with only 17 rushing yards on 24 attempts and 66 yards through the air. The Rams averaged 1.8 yards per play, converted only two of 11 third downs and never reached the red zone.

Mars Hill recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss. Jamarion Farrior led the Lions with eight tackles, while Isaac Weaver, Aden Allsbrook and Russell Barnett recorded four apiece. Hilemon supplied the game's only turnover with his third-quarter interception.

Mars Hill's offense wasn't explosive outside of Durant, but the Lions steadily wore down the WSSU defense.

They ran 72 offensive plays and held the ball for more than 35 minutes, finishing with 366 yards. Of those, 289 came on the ground as Mars Hill averaged 5.8 yards on 50 rushing attempts.

Durant accounted for most of that production. The senior carried 28 times for 201 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. Nate Crosby Jr. added 51 yards on 12 carries, while quarterback Lukas Kachilo completed 12 of 22 passes for 77 yards without an interception.

Still leading only 7-0 midway through the fourth quarter, Mars Hill put together the kind of possession that had defined the night. The Lions marched 55 yards in nine plays while taking 5:29 off the clock before Newsome connected on a 22-yard field goal with 5:02 remaining.

WSSU went backward on its ensuing possession, and Mars Hill took over at the Rams' 35 following a 28-yard punt return.

Durant finished the job.

After runs by Crosby on the first two plays, Durant ripped off 32 yards to the WSSU 1 before scoring on the next snap. His second touchdown made it 17-0 with 2:34 remaining and effectively ended any hope of a Rams comeback.

Winston-Salem State's Jamison Funderburk led the Rams with 36 rushing yards and added 19 receiving yards. Walker caught four passes for 37 yards. Defensively, Camden Martin and Maurice Odom each finished with 11 tackles.

Both teams now turn toward conference play against another North Carolina opponent.

Mars Hill opens its home schedule and South Atlantic Conference slate Saturday against Catawba. Winston-Salem State remains at Bowman Gray Stadium to open CIAA play against Johnson C. Smith.

HICKORY – Reidsville dismantled previously unbeaten Brevard 50-20 on Saturday at Lenoir Rhyne’s Moretz Stadium to claim the NCHSAA 4A state championship behind an explosive offensive performance.

The Rams (13-2) scored on seven of their nine possessions, amassing 421 yards of total offense while holding Brevard (14-1) to just 289 yards. Quarterback Tyson Broadway completed 10 of 11 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, while junior Dionte Neal accounted for 288 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns in the victory.

Reidsville needed just 19 seconds to take the lead on its opening drive. Broadway found Neal streaking down the middle for a 49-yard touchdown pass at the 11:36 mark of the first quarter. The extra point attempt failed, giving the Rams a 6-0 advantage.

Brevard responded quickly, marching 47 yards in eight plays. Quarterback Christian Conley connected with tight end Brayden Crain for a 17-yard touchdown pass with 9:02 remaining in the opening quarter. Andres Melgaregjo's extra point gave the Blue Devils their only lead of the game at 7-6.

The lead lasted less than three minutes. Neal took a direct snap and burst through the right side of the defense for a 56-yard touchdown run at 6:53. Neal then found Oregon-bound tight end Kendre Harrison for the two-point conversion, pushing Reidsville's lead to 14-7.

The Rams struck again before the quarter ended. Running back Damarien Whitted broke free for a 34-yard touchdown run with 1:35 left in the first quarter. Neal connected with Harrison again for the two-point conversion, extending the lead to 22-7.

Reidsville's offense continued to overwhelm Brevard's defense in the second quarter. Broadway hit Neal for a 52-yard touchdown pass at 11:07, though the extra point attempt failed. The Rams led 28-7 and showed no signs of slowing down.

On Brevard's next possession, Conley fumbled at the Reidsville 30-yard line. Neal recovered the loose ball, giving the Rams possession at their own 30-yard line. Broadway needed just one play to capitalize on the turnover, finding Harrison for a 70-yard touchdown pass at 9:48. Neal completed a pass to Finnley Galloway for the two-point conversion, making it 36-7.

Less than two minutes later, Reidsville struck again. After Richard Brathwaite intercepted Conley at the Brevard 35-yard line, Broadway threw his fourth touchdown pass of the half on the very next play. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Harrison hauled in a 35-yard scoring pass at 7:39, and Alex Penaloza's extra point gave the Rams a 43-7 halftime lead.

Broadway's first-half performance was exceptional: 10 completions in 11 attempts for 283 yards and four touchdowns. The Rams averaged 14.0 yards per play in the opening half while limiting Brevard to 5.8 yards per play.

The second half began with a running clock due to the 35-point lead rule in North Carolina high school football. Brevard opened the third quarter with its best drive of the game, covering 65 yards in seven plays. Conley found Tristan Thompson-Wynn for a 35-yard touchdown pass at 7:08, cutting the deficit to 43-14.

Any momentum the Blue Devils gained evaporated on the ensuing kickoff. Jorden Robinson fielded Melgaregjo's kick at the Reidsville 9-yard line and raced 91 yards untouched for a touchdown at 5:54 of the third quarter. Penaloza's extra point made it 50-14, effectively ending any hope of a Brevard comeback.

The Blue Devils added a late touchdown in the fourth quarter when Conley connected with Thompson-Wynn for a 13-yard scoring pass with 3:20 remaining. The extra point attempt failed, setting the final score at 50-20.

Neal finished with seven receptions for 158 yards and two receiving touchdowns, plus 65 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on just two carries. He also threw three two-point conversions and recovered a fumble on defense. His 288 all-purpose yards included 19 yards on one kickoff return.

Harrison caught all three passes thrown his way for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded six tackles, including one sack and two tackles for loss on defense.

Broadway's final line read 10 of 11 for 283 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. He was sacked just once and attempted only 12 passes in the game.

For Brevard, Thompson-Wynn finished with 12 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns, accounting for more than 75 percent of the Blue Devils' receiving yards. Conley completed 19 of 26 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns but was intercepted twice and lost a fumble.

The Rams' defense forced three turnovers and limited Brevard to 74 rushing yards on 24 attempts, an average of 3.1 yards per carry. Kadence Pruitt and Harrison each recorded six tackles to lead the defense.

The victory gave Reidsville (13-2) the 4A state championship. The Rams' explosive plays and efficient offense proved too much for Brevard to overcome.

Top Performers

Reidsville

• Dionte Neal: 7 receptions, 158 yards, 2 TD; 2 rushes, 65 yards, 1 TD; 3-3 on 2-pt conversions
• Tyson Broadway: 10-11 passing, 283 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
• Kendre Harrison: 3 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD; 6 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFL
• Jorden Robinson: 91-yard kickoff return for TD

Brevard

• Tristan Thompson-Wynn: 12 receptions, 162 yards, 2 TD
• Christian Conley: 19-26 passing, 215 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
• Jax Whitmire: 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assisted)

WINSTON-SALEM – Winston-Salem State University has turned to one of its most decorated alumni to lead the Rams back to prominence. The school announced that Tory Woodbury, a Hall of Fame quarterback who guided WSSU to back-to-back CIAA titles in 1999 and 2000 and later earned a Super Bowl LVI ring as a coach with the Los Angeles Rams, will serve as the program’s next head football coach.

A Storied Playing Career

Woodbury’s name is etched into WSSU history. A dual-threat quarterback, he amassed more than 4,500 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards, and 60 total touchdowns during his career. His leadership carried the Rams to consecutive CIAA championships, cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats. He was inducted into the WSSU Hall of Fame in 2008 and the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2016, honors that reflect his enduring impact on the conference and the university.  

From NFL Fields to Coaching Sidelines

After college, Woodbury spent eight years as a professional player, including stints with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, and Arena Football League teams. His transition into coaching was equally dynamic. He worked at the high school level in North Carolina before moving into college coaching roles at Delaware State, Johnson C. Smith, Howard, and Norfolk State.  

Woodbury’s résumé also includes NFL experience. He served as an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars and later joined the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant special teams coach and scout. With the Rams, he contributed to their Super Bowl LVI championship run, earning a ring as part of the coaching staff.  

Restoring the Standard

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for WSSU football. The Rams have struggled to reclaim their championship form in recent seasons, finishing outside the top of the CIAA standings. Chancellor Bonita J. Brown emphasized that Woodbury’s hire is about more than nostalgia: “We are restoring the standard of excellence that WSSU football has always represented.”  

A New Era at Bowman-Gray

For Woodbury, the return to Winston-Salem is both personal and professional. A hometown native, he now carries the responsibility of reviving the Rams’ storied tradition at Bowman-Gray Stadium. With his pedigree as a championship player, seasoned coach, and beloved alumnus, Woodbury’s arrival signals a new era of ambition and expectation for WSSU football.

WINSTON-SALEM – Winston-Salem State University is preparing for a major transition in its football program following the announcement that head coach Robert Massey will step down at the end of the year. Massey, who has led the Rams since 2019, informed university officials of his decision and will officially resign effective December 31, 2025. He will continue coaching through December and assist with transition planning, focusing on recruiting, player development, and program operations.

Massey’s tenure at WSSU has been marked by both challenges and achievements. Over six seasons, he compiled a 25-34 overall record, including a 20-23 mark in CIAA conference play. The Rams experienced a difficult stretch with four consecutive losing seasons, the longest such streak for the program since 1976. However, Massey’s leadership brought a turnaround in 2024, when the team posted its only winning record under his guidance, finishing 7-3. The 2025 season saw the Rams end with a 4-6 record, signaling the end of an era.

University officials and student-athletes have expressed gratitude for Massey’s dedication and impact. Chancellor Bonita J. Brown praised his commitment, stating, “Coach Massey has served our student-athletes with dedication and care. We are grateful for his leadership and for the positive impact he has had on Rams Football.” Massey is credited with strengthening recruiting pipelines, improving day-to-day operations, and expanding support systems for student-athletes. His focus extended beyond the field, emphasizing personal growth and the development of a positive team culture.

Reflecting on his time at WSSU, Massey said, “Athletics is about more than competition; it’s about helping young people discover who they can become. I am proud of the student-athletes I’ve been able to coach and the culture we built together. WSSU will always have a special place in my heart.”

Massey’s coaching career began at North Carolina Central, his alma mater, where he served as a wide receivers and defensive backs coach. Before joining WSSU, he held head coaching roles at Livingstone College (interim, 2005-2006) and Shaw University (2012-2015), compiling a combined record of 16-44. His experience as a coach was preceded by a notable NFL career, highlighted by a Pro Bowl selection in 1992 as a member of the Phoenix Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals).

With Massey’s departure, WSSU will begin the search for its next head football coach. While the process is underway, position coaches and administrative staff will oversee daily activities to ensure continuity. Interim Director of Athletics Eric Burns emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting student-athletes academically, personally, and athletically during the transition.

This was first reported by HBCU Gameday.

FAYETTEVILLE – Fayetteville State closed its regular season with a 31-21 victory over Winston-Salem State on Saturday at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium, honoring 16 seniors on their final home game. The Broncos improved to 6-4 overall and 6-1 in CIAA play, while the Rams finished 4-6 and 3-5 in conference action.

The Broncos defense set the tone immediately when Terrell Ford intercepted Daylin Lee's pass on Winston-Salem State's first play from scrimmage, returning it to midfield. Though Fayetteville State couldn't capitalize on that opening turnover, the defensive intensity established early would pay dividends throughout the afternoon.

Winston-Salem State struck first midway through the opening quarter when Lee connected with Jayden Grimes on a 10-yard touchdown pass, capping a seven-play, 74-yard drive. The Rams took a 7-0 lead with 9:04 remaining in the first quarter.

Fayetteville State answered quickly. Bryce Council returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the FSU 41-yard line, providing excellent field position. Six plays later, Council punched in a 14-yard touchdown run with 5:51 left in the quarter to tie the game at 7-7.

The Broncos took their first lead of the game as time expired in the first quarter. Quarterback Joe Owens Jr. orchestrated a six-play, 51-yard drive that culminated in a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah as the clock hit zero, giving Fayetteville State a 14-7 advantage heading into the second quarter.

The game's momentum swung back to Winston-Salem State early in the second period when Noah Marshall broke free for a 71-yard touchdown run just 49 seconds into the quarter, tying the score at 14-14. Marshall's explosive play was part of a two-play, 75-yard drive that took less than a minute off the clock.

The Rams quickly reclaimed the lead when Lee found Grimes again, this time for a 37-yard touchdown strike. The scoring pass came on a five-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 2:47 and gave Winston-Salem State a 21-14 lead with 6:31 remaining in the half.

Fayetteville State refused to let the Rams take that advantage into halftime. The Broncos mounted an 11-play, 70-yard drive in the final 1:44 of the second quarter. Owens completed passes to Kristian Golden for 12 yards and 13 yards, and scrambled for 19 yards himself to move the ball deep into Winston-Salem State territory. When the drive stalled, John Hernandez-Vargas converted a 27-yard field goal as time expired, cutting the deficit to 21-17 at the break.

The halftime adjustments proved decisive for Fayetteville State. The Broncos took the second-half kickoff and embarked on a 14-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 6:26 of the third quarter. Council ripped off a 20-yard run early in the possession, and Owens connected with Unique Kelly for a 12-yard gain to convert a first down. The drive appeared to stall near the goal line, but Winston-Salem State was called for pass interference on third-and-10 from the 10-yard line, moving the ball to the 2-yard line. Caden Davis converted the short-yardage opportunity with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, giving the Broncos a 24-21 lead with 8:34 left in the third quarter.

The Broncos defense, which had yielded 21 points in the first half, locked down after intermission. Winston-Salem State managed just 22 yards on five plays during its only third-quarter possession, and the Rams would not score again.

Fayetteville State extended its lead early in the fourth quarter. Following the defensive stop, the Broncos drove 65 yards in 10 plays. Braylon Vinson capped the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run on the first play of the final period, pushing the advantage to 31-21 with 14:53 remaining.

Winston-Salem State tried to mount a comeback. The Rams put together a 13-play drive that reached the Fayetteville State 26-yard line, but Lee's pass was intercepted by Kaydin Thomas at the FSU 27 with 6:52 left in the game. The turnover ended Winston-Salem State's best scoring opportunity of the second half.

The Rams forced a punt and got the ball back at their own 25-yard line with 3:12 remaining. Lee completed passes to Grimes and Ruff, and JaQuan Kelly converted a fourth-and-2 with a 12-yard run to keep the drive alive at the Winston-Salem State 45. But the comeback attempt ended when Shawn Robinson sacked Lee for a 9-yard loss, and two plays later, Amari Best intercepted Lee's pass at the Fayetteville State 19-yard line with 50 seconds remaining. Council's three consecutive carries ran out the clock and sealed the victory.

Owens finished 18-of-24 passing for 195 yards and one touchdown, while Davis added a 4-yard completion on his only pass attempt. Owens also contributed 39 yards rushing on six carries. Council led all rushers with 91 yards and one touchdown on 21 carries, while also hauling in three receptions for 32 yards. Vinson added 56 yards and a score on eight rushing attempts, and Davis rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

Kelly paced the receiving corps with three catches for 47 yards, while Ashley-Diarrah recorded five receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. Golden added three catches for 34 yards, and Council contributed three receptions for 32 yards out of the backfield.

Lee completed 15-of-23 passes for 193 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions for Winston-Salem State. Marshall carried five times for 77 yards and a touchdown, averaging 15.4 yards per attempt. Kelly rushed 12 times for 60 yards, and Timothy TJ Ruff added 31 yards on five carries.

Grimes caught five passes for 59 yards and both of the Rams' touchdown receptions. Davontay Deloatch led Winston-Salem State receivers with four catches for 70 yards, while Kelly added two receptions for 22 yards.

Defensively, Camden Martin paced the Rams with 12 tackles, including six solo stops. Evan Powell recorded nine tackles, and Jamieson Alston contributed eight tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Jaylyn Norris registered the Rams' only sack, bringing down Davis for a 6-yard loss in the third quarter.

Matthew Leach led Fayetteville State's defense with eight tackles. Reginald Troutman added seven tackles, while Keyshawn Monk contributed five stops. Best, Thomas and Ford each recorded interceptions, giving the Broncos a decisive 3-0 edge in the turnover battle. Robinson registered 1.5 sacks for 9 yards in losses.

Fayetteville State converted 10-of-14 third-down attempts and went 5-for-5 in the red zone, scoring four touchdowns and one field goal. The Broncos outgained Winston-Salem State 409-356 in total offense and held a 210-163 advantage in rushing yards. Fayetteville State maintained possession for 32:52 compared to Winston-Salem State's 27:08.

The Rams converted just 3-of-9 third downs and struggled to sustain drives in the second half, managing only three first downs after halftime. Winston-Salem State went 1-for-1 in red zone opportunities, scoring a touchdown on its only trip inside the 20-yard line.

Key Performances:

• Joe Owens Jr. (FSU): 18-of-24 passing, 195 yards, 1 TD; 39 rushing yards
• Bryce Council (FSU): 91 rushing yards, 1 TD; 32 receiving yards
• Braylon Vinson (FSU): 56 rushing yards, 1 TD
• Daylin Lee (WSSU): 15-of-23 passing, 193 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
• Noah Marshall (WSSU): 77 rushing yards, 1 TD on 5 carries
• Jayden Grimes (WSSU): 5 receptions, 59 yards, 2 TDs