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.

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

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C. Smith quarterback Kelvin Durham threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Golden Bulls to a 52-27 victory over Winston-Salem State on Saturday at Irwin Belk Complex. The win improved Johnson C. Smith to 6-1 overall while Winston-Salem State dropped to 4-4.

Durham completed 21 of 26 passes with no interceptions, posting a quarterback rating of 226.4. His favorite target was Deandre Proctor, who caught 10 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback-receiver combination proved unstoppable throughout the game, connecting on passes of 60 yards, 20 yards, 18 yards, and 16 yards among others.

The Golden Bulls scored on their opening drive, marching 71 yards in eight plays over 5:20. Bobby Smith capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run at 7:19 of the first quarter. Winston-Salem State answered with a 65-yard run by Timothy TJ Ruff that set up a 22-yard field goal by Gilberto Lorenzana, cutting the deficit to 7-3.

Johnson C. Smith extended its lead late in the first half with three consecutive touchdown drives. Durham rushed for a 10-yard score with 20 seconds left in the second quarter, then hit Proctor for a 1-yard touchdown pass at 5:55 of the second quarter. Smith added another rushing touchdown from one yard out with 14 seconds remaining in the half, giving the Golden Bulls a 28-6 halftime advantage.

Winston-Salem State managed just two field goals in the first half despite some offensive success. Noah Marshall rushed for 128 yards on 14 carries, including a 63-yard gain in the second quarter that set up Lorenzana's second field goal. But the Rams converted only four of 10 third-down attempts and struggled to finish drives in the red zone.

The Golden Bulls continued their offensive efficiency in the third quarter. Durham connected with Brian Lane for a 25-yard touchdown pass on third-and-15, completing an eight-play, 77-yard drive. Lane finished with eight catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. The scoring play gave Johnson C. Smith a 35-6 lead with 3:09 left in the third quarter.

Winston-Salem State showed life in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in a span of eight minutes. Ja'Hari Mitchell caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from Daylin Lee at 10:22, then caught another scoring pass later in the quarter. Lee also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown at 5:20 to cut the deficit to 38-21.

Lee completed 16 of 22 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns for Winston-Salem State. Mitchell led the Rams with five receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown, including a 46-yard reception that set up one score. Sean Walker Jr. added three catches for 24 yards and a touchdown.

The Rams' comeback attempt ended when Durham hit Proctor for a 60-yard touchdown pass with 51 seconds remaining. The play came on second-and-11 from the Johnson C. Smith 40-yard line and sealed the victory. Proctor's final reception gave him 156 yards on the day, averaging 15.6 yards per catch.

Smith rushed 18 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns for Johnson C. Smith, complementing Durham's passing performance. The Golden Bulls accumulated 521 total yards of offense, converting five of seven third-down attempts. Their balanced attack featured 371 passing yards and 150 rushing yards.

Ruff provided a spark for Winston-Salem State with 87 rushing yards on seven carries, averaging 12.4 yards per attempt. His 65-yard run in the first quarter represented the longest play from scrimmage for either team until Proctor's final touchdown. Marshall added 122 yards on the ground despite being tackled for loss multiple times.

On defense, Latrae Bass led Johnson C. Smith with eight solo tackles. Steny Joseph recorded six total tackles, including two tackles for loss totaling five yards. The Golden Bulls defense held Winston-Salem State to 222 rushing yards but allowed the Rams to convert four of 10 third-down attempts.

Yetristan Brown paced the Winston-Salem State defense with six total tackles. Daniel Williams added six tackles and one tackle for loss. The Rams defense struggled to contain Durham and Proctor, allowing the duo to connect repeatedly on intermediate and deep routes.

Johnson C. Smith punted just once all game, a 38-yard kick in the third quarter. Lukasz Smolen handled all kicking duties for the Golden Bulls, making one field goal and six extra points while averaging 53.2 yards on nine kickoffs. The special teams unit forced Winston-Salem State to start drives deep in their own territory multiple times.

Winston-Salem State punter Angel Gomez-Corona averaged just 13.0 yards on four punts, including one that lost 23 yards. The poor field position contributed to the Rams' struggles, as they possessed the ball for only 28:49 compared to 31:11 for Johnson C. Smith.

The Golden Bulls scored in every quarter, putting up seven points in the first, 21 in the second, seven in the third, and 17 in the fourth. Their offensive consistency contrasted sharply with Winston-Salem State's uneven performance. The Rams managed three points in each of the first two quarters before being shut out in the third and scoring 21 in the fourth.

Durham also contributed on the ground with 44 yards on five carries, giving him 377 total yards of offense. His ability to extend plays with his legs opened up passing lanes throughout the game. The Golden Bulls quarterback was not sacked and faced minimal pressure from the Winston-Salem State defensive front.

The victory kept Johnson C. Smith in contention near the top of the CIAA standings. The Golden Bulls demonstrated their offensive firepower while limiting turnovers, a combination that proved too much for Winston-Salem State to overcome despite the Rams' fourth-quarter surge.

Top Performers

Johnson C. Smith:

• QB Kelvin Durham: 21-26, 333 yards, 3 TD passing; 44 yards rushing, 1 TD
• WR Deandre Proctor: 10 catches, 156 yards, 2 TD
• WR Brian Lane: 8 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD
• RB Bobby Smith: 18 carries, 61 yards, 2 TD

Winston-Salem State:

• RB Noah Marshall: 14 carries, 122 yards
• QB Daylin Lee: 16-22, 170 yards, 2 TD; 13 yards rushing, 1 TD
• WR Ja'Hari Mitchell: 5 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD
• RB Timothy TJ Ruff: 7 carries, 87 yards

WINSTON-SALEM – Winston-Salem State scored on six of its first eight possessions and cruised to a 42-10 victory over Livingstone on Saturday afternoon at Bowman Gray Stadium.

The Rams (4-4, 2-3 CIAA) rushed for 302 yards and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout, holding the Blue Bears (3-4, 2-3) to just 216 total yards. WSSU scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives spanning the first and second quarters to build an insurmountable 28-3 halftime lead.

Quarterback Daylin Lee connected with Jayden Grimes for a 54-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage, capping a two-play, 57-yard drive that took just one minute. The quick strike set the tone for an afternoon in which the Rams averaged 9.0 yards per play.

Running back JaQuan Kelly added a 6-yard scoring run midway through the first quarter to push the lead to 14-0. The Blue Bears responded with their best drive of the half, marching 56 yards on 14 plays before settling for Jason Zapata's 41-yard field goal.

That would be Livingstone's only first-half points. Winston-Salem State answered with Noah Marshall's 3-yard touchdown run following an 85-yard drive, then extended the margin to 28-3 when Lee found Kaleb Washington for a 16-yard score with 1:02 remaining in the second quarter.

The Blue Bears struggled to establish any offensive rhythm. Quarterback Elijah Alexander was intercepted by Zy Brown on Livingstone's first possession, setting up WSSU's second touchdown drive. Alexander completed 5 of 17 passes for 49 yards and the interception before giving way to Alfredo Sotelo, who finished 6-of-9 for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Winston-Salem State's rushing attack proved unstoppable. Kelly carried 18 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns, while Timothy Ruff II added 135 yards and a score on 11 attempts. The duo averaged 7.7 and 12.3 yards per carry, respectively, exploiting gaps in Livingstone's defensive front.

The Rams opened the second half with a 10-play, 89-yard touchdown drive that consumed 6:24 of the third quarter. Kelly capped the series with a 12-yard scoring run, his second of the game, giving WSSU a 35-3 advantage.

Livingstone finally found the end zone early in the fourth quarter when Sotelo directed a 13-play, 98-yard drive. The freshman quarterback completed 4 of 6 passes on the series and hit Jamal Haizlip for a 13-yard touchdown, pulling the Blue Bears within 35-10 with 9:01 remaining.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Ruff broke off a 20-yard touchdown run with 3:56 left to restore the 32-point margin and account for the final score.

Lee finished 11-of-15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His efficiency (13.5 yards per attempt) stood in stark contrast to Livingstone's passing game, which managed just 3.9 yards per attempt and was sacked five times for 27 yards.

Grimes caught two passes for 71 yards and the opening touchdown, while Washington added three receptions for 31 yards and a score. Marshall contributed 21 yards and a touchdown on the ground, giving the Rams four different players with rushing scores.

Defensively, Daniel Williams led Winston-Salem State with 11 tackles (five solo, six assists) and a half-sack. The Rams recorded eight tackles for loss totaling 31 yards and held Livingstone to just 2.9 yards per rush.

Javen Parker led the Blue Bears with 77 rushing yards on 19 carries. Tavion Jackson caught four passes for 36 yards, while C. Washington added three receptions for 30 yards. The offense converted just 5 of 15 third-down attempts and managed only one red-zone trip all game.

Winston-Salem State controlled possession for 33:40 compared to Livingstone's 26:20, including a 10:36 to 4:17 advantage in the third quarter that effectively put the game away.

The Rams' special teams also contributed to the rout. Kicker Gilberto Lorenzana converted all six extra points and averaged 60.9 yards on seven kickoffs with four touchbacks, consistently forcing Livingstone to start drives deep in its own territory.

Livingstone committed five penalties for 52 yards but was hurt more by WSSU's 11 penalties for 96 yards, several of which extended Blue Bears drives. The Rams were flagged for two delay-of-game penalties on the same possession in the second quarter and committed infractions for holding, false start, illegal shift, sideline interference and two unsportsmanlike conduct calls.

Despite the penalty discrepancy, Winston-Salem State's physical advantages proved decisive. The Rams averaged 7.4 yards per rush compared to 2.9 for the Blue Bears and held a commanding 504-216 edge in total offense.

Top Performers

Winston-Salem State

• Daylin Lee: 11-15, 202 yards, 2 TD passing
• JaQuan Kelly: 18 carries, 139 yards, 2 TD
• Timothy Ruff II: 11 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD
• Daniel Williams: 11 tackles (5 solo)

Livingstone

• Javen Parker: 19 carries, 77 yards
• Alfredo Sotelo: 6-9, 65 yards, 1 TD passing
• Tavion Jackson: 4 receptions, 36 yards

DURHAM – Shaw erased a six-point deficit in the final quarter, scoring 13 unanswered points to pull out a 20-13 victory over Winston-Salem State on Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

The Bears trailed for most of the afternoon but found their rhythm when it mattered most, engineering two fourth-quarter touchdown drives that flipped the outcome. Shaw improved to 2-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play, while Winston-Salem State fell to 3-4 and 1-3 in the CIAA.

Freshman quarterback Alexander Marsh directed the comeback, completing 12 of 22 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns while adding 53 yards on the ground. His dual-threat ability kept the Rams' defense off balance throughout the second half, and he delivered when Shaw needed him most.

The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-16 from the Winston-Salem State 28-yard line, Marsh connected with receiver Tyrek Hardison for a 28-yard touchdown strike at the 6:05 mark. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the score tied at 13-13.

Shaw's defense then forced Winston-Salem State into a quick three-and-out, giving the offense the ball back at its own 21-yard line with 4:26 remaining. What followed was a methodical 10-play, 79-yard march that consumed over four minutes of clock. Marsh capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Trey Thorpe with just seven seconds left, and Jordan Lane's extra point gave the Bears their final margin.

Winston-Salem State had seized early momentum in the second quarter. Linebacker Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman recovered a fumble and returned it 73 yards for a touchdown at the 13:51 mark, giving the Rams a 6-0 lead after a failed extra point attempt. Less than seven minutes later, running back Daylin Lee punched in a one-yard touchdown run to cap a nine-play, 90-yard drive. Angel Gomez-Corona's conversion made it 13-0.

Shaw answered before halftime, marching 75 yards on 17 plays over nearly seven minutes. Marsh scored on a nine-yard run with 25 seconds left in the half, and Lane's kick cut the deficit to 13-7 at the break.

The Rams controlled possession for just 16 minutes and 13 seconds compared to Shaw's 43 minutes and 47 seconds. That disparity told the story of the game. Shaw ran 78 offensive plays to Winston-Salem State's 34, grinding out yards on the ground and keeping the Rams' offense on the sideline for extended stretches.

Shaw rushed for 186 yards on 56 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt. Fabian Diggs led the way with 70 yards on 19 attempts, while Thorpe added 42 yards on 14 carries in addition to his game-winning touchdown catch. Marsh's 53 rushing yards came on 17 attempts, and he also threw a second-quarter touchdown pass to cut into Winston-Salem State's lead.

Hardison emerged as Marsh's top target, hauling in five catches for 76 yards and the crucial fourth-quarter score. Christian Rutledge added one reception for 30 yards, and Diggs caught three passes for 19 yards out of the backfield.

Winston-Salem State averaged 8.2 yards per rush but managed only 21 attempts for 173 total yards. Running back JaQuan Kelly broke off a 57-yard run in the first quarter and finished with 115 yards on six carries. Noah Marshall contributed 57 yards on seven attempts, but the Rams struggled to sustain drives as the game wore on.

Quarterback Daylin Lee completed eight of 13 passes for 51 yards but threw two interceptions, both of which came in the third quarter and stalled potential scoring opportunities. Receiver Jayden Grimes caught six passes for 38 yards, providing a reliable target in the short passing game.

Shaw's defense tightened considerably after halftime, holding Winston-Salem State scoreless over the final two quarters. Linebacker Latrell McFadden intercepted Lee in the red zone during the third quarter, snuffing out a promising drive. Defensive back Brian Collins also picked off Lee later in the third, giving Shaw favorable field position.

The Bears generated consistent pressure on Lee, recording two sacks for 19 yards. Jaden Perkins and Amarion Mbaye combined for 1.5 sacks, and the defensive front limited Winston-Salem State to an average of 6.6 yards per play despite the Rams' explosive rushing capability.

Winston-Salem State's defense kept the game close for three quarters, limiting Shaw to 4.2 yards per play and forcing the Bears into third-and-long situations. Linebacker Jamieson Alston led the Rams with 16 total tackles, including 13 solo stops and three tackles for loss. He also forced the fumble in the second quarter that led to Dempsey-Freeman's touchdown return.

But Shaw's ability to convert on third and fourth down proved decisive. The Bears went 7-for-20 on third down and an impressive 7-for-9 on fourth down, repeatedly extending drives that kept Winston-Salem State's offense off the field. The Rams, by contrast, failed to convert any of their four third-down attempts and didn't face a fourth-down decision until late in the game.

Special teams played a role as well. Shaw punter Jordan Lane averaged 42.7 yards on three punts, including a 52-yarder that pinned Winston-Salem State deep in its own territory. The Rams attempted two field goals, both of which missed. Gilberto Lorenzana's 47-yard attempt sailed wide in the first quarter, and Gomez-Corona's 38-yard try in the fourth quarter fell short, preserving Shaw's chance for a comeback.

Winston-Salem State outgained Shaw in total offense, 224 yards to 331, but the Bears' time of possession and ability to finish drives in the fourth quarter made the difference. Shaw reached the red zone twice and scored both times, while Winston-Salem State converted just one of four red-zone opportunities into a touchdown.

The victory marked Shaw's first win over Winston-Salem State since 2022 and came during the program's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game. The Bears now return home for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they host Johnson C. Smith at 1 p.m.

Winston-Salem State will also play at home next week, welcoming Livingstone College to Bowman Gray Stadium for its Homecoming game on Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Top Performers

Shaw

• Alexander Marsh: 12-of-22 passing, 145 yards, 2 TDs; 17 rushes, 53 yards, 1 TD
• Tyrek Hardison: 5 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD
• Fabian Diggs: 19 rushes, 70 yards; 3 receptions, 19 yards
• Latrell McFadden: 1 interception, 28-yard return

Winston-Salem State

• JaQuan Kelly: 6 rushes, 115 yards
• Jamieson Alston: 16 total tackles, 3 TFL, 1 forced fumble
• Jayden Grimes: 6 receptions, 38 yards
• Noah Marshall: 7 rushes, 57 yards

MARS HILL – JaQuan Kelly punched in a one-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining to lift Winston-Salem State to a 28-25 victory over Mars Hill at Meares Stadium on Saturday night, capping off a back-and-forth battle that saw four lead changes in the final 15 minutes.

The Rams improved to 1-1 on the season after trailing 25-21 with just over two minutes left in the game. Winston-Salem State's final drive covered 75 yards in eight plays and took 1:34 off the clock, with quarterback Daylin Lee completing three crucial passes to set up Kelly's game-winning score.

First Quarter Fireworks Set the Tone

The game opened with immediate offensive fireworks. After Mars Hill won the coin toss and deferred, Winston-Salem State took advantage of excellent field position following a Christopher McCorkle interception return to the Mars Hill 45-yard line. Four plays later, Lee found Kaleb Washington on a 31-yard touchdown strike with 9:44 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Rams an early 7-0 advantage.

Mars Hill responded quickly on their ensuing drive, marching 53 yards in nine plays before settling for a 32-yard field goal by Lon Teachey to cut the deficit to 7-3. The Lions then took their first lead of the game just over two minutes later when quarterback JR Martin connected with David Hargro on a spectacular 55-yard touchdown pass, completing a two-play, 57-yard drive that consumed only 44 seconds.

The explosive first quarter saw both teams combine for 17 points, setting the stage for what would become a see-saw battle throughout the evening.

Defense Creates Opportunities in Third Quarter

Winston-Salem State entered halftime trailing 10-7, but the third quarter belonged to the Rams' defense and opportunistic offense. Just six seconds into the second half, linebacker Jamieson Alston intercepted a Martin pass at the Mars Hill 30-yard line, setting up Winston-Salem State in prime scoring position.

The Rams capitalized immediately, with Kelly scoring on a one-yard plunge three plays later to regain the lead at 14-10 with 13:19 remaining in the third quarter. The touchdown capped a quick 30-yard drive that took just 1:35 off the clock.

Winston-Salem State extended their advantage later in the third quarter with their most impressive drive of the game. Starting from their own 15-yard line, the Rams methodically marched 85 yards in 12 plays, controlling the ball for over six minutes. The drive culminated when Lee found Timothy "TJ" Ruff II on a four-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 21-10 with 1:36 left in the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter Drama Unfolds

Mars Hill refused to fold, mounting a determined comeback in the final 15 minutes. The Lions drove 75 yards in 10 plays, with Jon Gullette capping the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. Mars Hill attempted a two-point conversion, with Hargro completing a pass to make the score 21-18 with 12:33 remaining.

The momentum fully shifted to Mars Hill on Winston-Salem State's next possession. With the Rams driving, Lee was sacked for a five-yard loss and fumbled, with Mars Hill's Tristen McBride recovering at the Winston-Salem State 35-yard line. The turnover gave the Lions excellent field position with 3:35 left on the clock.

Mars Hill capitalized on the short field, scoring four plays later when Martin found Charlie Guinade on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 2:05 remaining. Teachey's extra point gave the Lions their first lead since the first quarter at 25-21.

Rams Respond When It Matters Most

Facing a four-point deficit with just over two minutes remaining, Winston-Salem State's offense found another gear. Lee completed three passes for 56 yards during the game-winning drive, including a crucial 17-yard connection to Davontay Deloatch on third-and-10 from the Rams' own 25-yard line.

The drive's biggest play came when Lee found Washington for a 31-yard gain down to the Mars Hill 13-yard line, giving Winston-Salem State first-and-goal with under a minute to play. Three plays later, Kelly dove across the goal line for his second touchdown of the game.

Mars Hill had one final opportunity with 31 seconds remaining, but the Lions' desperation drive stalled at their own 49-yard line as time expired.

Statistical Snapshot

Winston-Salem State was outgained 452-320 in total offense but made the most of their opportunities when it mattered. Lee completed 19 of 37 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His favorite target was Washington, who hauled in four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.

On the ground, Kelly carried the ball 15 times for 71 net yards and two scores, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Ruff provided a complementary ground threat with 45 net yards on six attempts, including a long of 20 yards.

Mars Hill's Martin completed 20 of 42 passes for 267 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Lions' rushing attack was led by Gullette, who gained 122 yards on 17 carries and found the end zone once. Hargro led all receivers with three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.

The Lions held advantages in several key statistical categories, including total offense (452-320), first downs (24-20), and average yards per play (5.9-4.9). However, Mars Hill's two turnovers proved costly, while Winston-Salem State protected the ball better with just one turnover.

Defensive Standouts

Winston-Salem State's defense was led by linebacker Khalil Stimpson, who recorded seven tackles (five solo) and broke up two passes. Kairon Martin contributed six solo tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss totaling four yards.

The Rams' secondary came up big with two interceptions, including McCorkle's 30-yard return in the first quarter and Alston's crucial third-quarter pick that led to Winston-Salem State's go-ahead touchdown.

Mars Hill's defense was paced by Steven Reid, who totaled 12 tackles (four solo, eight assists), and Isaac Weaver, who added 10 tackles while contributing a sack.

Key Performers

Winston-Salem State:

• Daylin Lee: 19-of-37, 198 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
• JaQuan Kelly: 15 carries, 71 yards, 2 TDs
• Kaleb Washington: 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
• Khalil Stimpson: 7 tackles, 2 pass breakups
• Christopher McCorkle: 1 interception, 30-yard return

Mars Hill:

• JR Martin: 20-of-42, 267 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
• Jon Gullette: 17 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD
• David Hargro: 3 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD
• Steven Reid: 12 tackles (4 solo, 8 assists)

The NCAA Division II Football Committee released its first regional rankings of the 2024 season on Monday, with Wingate University (7-1) securing the number one position in Super Region Two. The rankings serve as a crucial indicator for playoff positioning, with the top seven teams typically qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Bulldogs' top ranking puts them in prime position to potentially secure a first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs, marking another milestone in what has been a remarkable season for the North Carolina program. Wingate's defensive excellence has been a key factor in their success, as they currently lead several national statistical categories.

West Alabama (7-1) and undefeated Valdosta State (8-0) occupy the second and third spots respectively, while Johnson C. Smith (8-1) rounds out the top four. The Golden Bulls' high ranking represents a significant achievement for the Charlotte-based program only two years removed from a two-win season.

The rankings feature a strong showing from North Carolina schools, with Winston-Salem State (6-2) at seventh, and Lenoir-Rhyne (7-2) at eighth. Carson-Newman (7-1) holds the fifth position, followed by Virginia Union (7-1) and sixth while Miles (7-1) and West Florida (6-2) round out the top ten.

The playoff format for Super Region Two will see the top seed receive a first-round bye, while seeds two through four will host playoff games against lower-ranked opponents. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 23 at campus sites, with the second round following on November 30. The national quarterfinals will take place on December 7, leading up to the semifinals on November 14. The national championship game is set for November 21 in McKinney, Texas.

The release of these rankings sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season, as teams jockey for playoff position in the final weeks. With four North Carolina schools in the top eight, the state is well-represented in the chase for the Division II national championship.

WINSTON-SALEM – Johnson C. Smith University continued its historic season Saturday afternoon, defeating Winston-Salem State 24-15 in front of 8,460 fans at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Golden Bulls improved to 8-0 on the season while maintaining their top-20 national ranking in NCAA Division II.

Quarterback Darius Ocean led a balanced JCSU offense, completing 23 of 38 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. His primary target, Brevi Caldwell, hauled in 11 receptions for 127 yards, consistently moving the chains throughout the contest.

The Golden Bulls established control early, with running back Kamarr Edmonds finding the end zone on a 6-yard run late in the first quarter. Edmonds finished with an impressive 102 yards on just 11 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His versatility was on display when he caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Ocean in the third quarter, extending JCSU’s lead to 17-0.

Winston-Salem State’s offense struggled to find rhythm against JCSU’s swarming defense. The Rams were limited to just 39 rushing yards on 23 attempts, while quarterback Daylin Lee completed only 10 of 25 passes for 116 yards. Despite the offensive challenges, WSSU’s defense kept them in the game, led by Jupe Alston’s 11 tackles.

The game’s momentum briefly shifted in the third quarter when WSSU’s Narique Smith intercepted Ocean and returned it 37 yards for a pick-six, cutting the lead to 17-7. However, JCSU responded with a methodical drive in the fourth quarter, capped by Quavaris Crouch’s 2-yard touchdown run to push the lead back to 24-7.

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The Rams mounted a late comeback attempt, with Lee finding Kaleb Washington for a touchdown with 1:57 remaining in the game. However, JCSU’s defense held firm to secure the victory.

Johnson C. Smith’s defense was anchored by Jack Smith and Benari Black, who each recorded seven tackles. The Golden Bulls controlled the time of possession battle, holding the ball for over 37 minutes while converting 6 of 16 third-down attempts.

A notable difference in the game came in the punting department. While WSSU’s Devin Versteegen averaged an impressive 50.2 yards on 10 punts, including seven kicks of 50+ yards, JCSU’s Jacob Meneses helped control field position by placing three of his five punts inside the 20-yard line.

The victory marks another milestone in JCSU’s remarkable season, as they entered the game ranked 19th in the AFCA Division II Poll and 21st in the D2football.com Poll. The Golden Bulls’ balanced attack generated 412 total yards (262 passing, 150 rushing) while their defense limited WSSU to just 155 total yards.

WSSU’s offense managed only six first downs throughout the game, struggling particularly in the first half when they were held scoreless. The Rams’ top rusher, Trevon Hester, was limited to 16 yards on 12 carries against JCSU’s stout defensive front.

For Johnson C. Smith, the victory keeps their perfect season intact as they continue their march through CIAA competition. Their defense has been particularly impressive, showing versatility in both stopping the run and defending the pass, with three different players recording pass breakups against WSSU.

Winston-Salem State falls to 6-3 on the season, despite another strong defensive showing. The Rams’ defense, led by Alston and Justin Fleming’s 10 tackles, forced one turnover and recorded multiple tackles for loss, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities.

Up Next

Both teams have in-state CIAA rival Fayetteville State on the schedule next with Johnson C. Smith hosting the Broncos next Saturday for Senior Day while Winston-Salem State takes a week off before hosting Fayetteville State for Homecoming to close the season.

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.

ELIZABETH CITY – The Elizabeth City State Vikings held off Winston-Salem State, 20-17, on Saturday afternoon at Roebuck Stadium. Tesean Jones’s perfect 7-7 passing day helped push the home team out to a ten-point lead while the Vikings defense held off a last-minute Rams rally.

Winston-Salem State owned the first half of the game, putting up ten points on offense and forcing three punts, an interception, and a turnover on downs. Asa Barnes opened up the scoring for the Rams, finishing off a ten-play, sixty-three-yard opening drive with a two-yard run. After picking off a pass deep in Vikings territory, Winston-Salem State was unable to find the end zone, instead settling for a sixteen-yard Jobanni Esparza field goal. Those four points proved to be critical by the end of the afternoon.

The second half belonged to the hometown Vikings. Elizabeth City State put together a methodical drive, moving the chains seventy yards over eight plays, with Cameron Saunders hitting paydirt from a fifteen-yard pass from Tesean Jones. When Jones hit Zion Riddick for a seventy-five-yard touchdown two drives later, the Vikings had the lead for the first time on the afternoon. A fifty-yard fumble recovery for a score by Raevon Freeman made it a ten-point game with under four minutes left on the clock.

The Rams tried to get back in the game late, and JahTwan Strafford’s nine-yard touchdown made it a three-point game, but the Vikings were able to run out enough clock and snuff out any last hope WSSU had for the comeback.

Next Week

Elizabeth City State (1-2) travels to Raleigh to take on Shaw while Winston-Salem State (0-3) is back in northeastern North Carolina for the second week in a row to face a Chowan squad that’s coming off a last second win over Johnson C. Smith.