PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke earned their first victory of the season with a 31-24 win over Fayetteville State at Grace P. Johnson Stadium in Pembroke, North Carolina on Saturday night. The Braves improved to 1-1 while the Broncos dropped to 0-2 in a game that featured 55 combined points and 682 total yards of offense.
The game began with promise for Fayetteville State, as they recovered a fumble deep in UNC Pembroke territory and converted it into the opening score. After forcing a three-and-out, the Broncos capitalized on excellent field position when Marcus Thompson recovered a Tre Robinson fumble at the Pembroke 17-yard line. Three plays later, Caden Davis punched it in from one yard out to give FSU a 7-0 lead with 9:52 remaining in the first quarter.
UNC Pembroke answered immediately with a methodical 44-yard touchdown drive. Robinson found his rhythm, connecting with Que Kennedy for a 4-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. The Braves' passing attack, which would prove to be the difference, was just getting started. Robinson completed 13 of 20 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns on the night.
The first quarter belonged to Kennedy and Robinson's connection. After FSU went three-and-out following back-to-back false start penalties, Pembroke took over at their own 50-yard line. Robinson methodically moved the Braves downfield, finding Kennedy again for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:32 left in the opening quarter. The 14-7 lead would hold through the end of the first quarter, with UNC Pembroke controlling 9:50 of the 15-minute period.
Fayetteville State managed to cut into the deficit in the second quarter when John Hernandez-Vargas connected on a 36-yard field goal, capping a 12-play, 65-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes of clock time. The drive showcased the Broncos' balanced attack, with quarterback Demari Daniels contributing both through the air and on the ground, including a 35-yard scramble that set up the scoring opportunity.
Any momentum FSU built was quickly erased when Robinson found Malik Brown for a 47-yard touchdown strike just five plays later. The scoring pass highlighted UNC Pembroke's explosive passing capabilities, as Brown finished the night with three catches for 111 yards and the touchdown. The score extended Pembroke's lead to 21-10 with 4:39 remaining in the first half.
The second half opened with UNC Pembroke extending their advantage. After a 51-yard kickoff return by Jordan Marcucci set up excellent field position, the Braves added a 25-yard field goal by Taylor Harris. The three points came after Robinson completed a 36-yard pass to Jaquan Albright that moved the ball to the FSU 5-yard line, but the Braves had to settle for three points when the drive stalled.
Trailing 24-10, Fayetteville State found their offensive rhythm with a seven-play, 50-yard touchdown drive. Daniels completed passes of 15 and 15 yards to Unique Kelly, then scrambled 14 yards to set up Davis for his second one-yard touchdown run of the game. The score cut the deficit to 24-17 and gave the Broncos life entering the fourth quarter.
However, UNC Pembroke had an immediate answer. Marcus Martin, who entered the game as Pembroke's second quarterback, engineered a spectacular 93-yard touchdown drive that showcased the Braves' offensive depth. The drive featured a 20-yard completion from Martin to Albright, followed by a remarkable 58-yard run by Albright that brought the ball to the FSU 6-yard line. Martin capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Albright, restoring the two-touchdown cushion at 31-17.
Fayetteville State refused to surrender, mounting one final scoring drive with 3:38 remaining in the third quarter. Daniels found Kelly for a 34-yard completion, then watched as Bryce Council broke free for a 22-yard run to the UNC Pembroke 1-yard line. Davis scored his third touchdown of the game on the following play, bringing the Broncos within seven points at 31-24.
The fourth quarter became a defensive struggle as both teams tightened up considerably. UNC Pembroke managed just 28 yards of total offense in the final period, while Fayetteville State generated 61 yards but could not find the end zone. The Braves controlled the clock effectively, holding possession for 8:27 of the 15-minute quarter and limiting FSU's opportunities.
Fayetteville State's final opportunity came with 2:48 remaining when they took over at their own 37-yard line trailing by seven. However, the drive stalled at the same spot, and the Broncos turned the ball over on downs with 2:05 left on the clock. UNC Pembroke ran out the remaining time to secure the victory.
Statistically, UNC Pembroke dominated through the air while Fayetteville State controlled the ground game. The Braves outgained FSU 424-258 in total offense, with 280 passing yards compared to just 119 for the Broncos. Robinson's 234 passing yards were complemented by Martin's 46 yards, giving Pembroke a clear advantage in the passing game. Albright emerged as the standout receiver with seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 68 rushing yards on just four carries.
For Fayetteville State, the rushing attack provided consistency throughout the game. Daniels led the way with 80 yards on 13 carries, while Council added 48 yards on 13 attempts. Davis, despite his three touchdowns, managed just six yards on four carries but proved invaluable in short-yardage situations. Kelly paced the receiving corps with five catches for 85 yards.
The defensive statistics revealed a relatively even battle, with UNC Pembroke recording 62 total tackles compared to FSU's 71. Jaidin Baptist led Pembroke with 10 tackles, while Matthew Leach topped Fayetteville State with 11 stops. Both teams struggled with penalties, as FSU was flagged 11 times for 92 yards while UNC Pembroke committed eight penalties for 53 yards.
Key Performers
UNC Pembroke:
- Tre Robinson: 13/20, 234 yards, 3 passing TDs; 8 carries, 20 rushing yards
- Jaquan Albright: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD; 4 carries, 68 yards
- Malik Brown: 3 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD
- Marcus Martin: 6/9, 46 yards, 1 passing TD
Fayetteville State:
- Demari Daniels: 11/27, 119 yards; 13 carries, 80 yards
- Caden Davis: 3 TDs rushing (3 carries, 6 yards)
- Unique Kelly: 5 catches, 85 yards
- Bryce Council: 13 carries, 48 yards
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