Eagles Soar to Victory Over Rival Aggies with Dominant Performance
Durham, N.C. September 21, 2024 – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) celebrated a triumphant return to the win column with a resounding 66-24 victory over rival North Carolina A&T on Saturday evening at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in the Aggie-Eagle Classic. The Eagles snapped a two-game losing streak in style, securing their first home win of the 2024 season.
Aggies Strike Early
The Aggies struck first with a thrilling start, as Aaron Harris electrified the field by returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Despite the early 6-0 setback after a failed PAT, NCCU responded immediately. In just eight plays, quarterback Walker Harris marched the Eagles 65 yards, finding Joaquin Davis for a 14-yard touchdown to snatch a 7-6 lead. It was the first strike in what would become an offensive onslaught. Though A&T briefly regained the lead with a 27-yard field goal from Andrew Brown, it was their last glimmer of hope. The Eagles fired back with relentless force, starting with J'Mari Taylor’s blistering 66-yard touchdown run, followed by Harris’ 60-yard bomb to Markell Quick. By the end of the first quarter, the Eagles had surged ahead 20-9, and they weren’t looking back.
Eagles Begin To Pull Away
Special teams took control early in the second quarter, with Trey Goodridge blocking an Aggie punt in the end zone, pushing the Eagles’ lead to 27-9. Taylor added a second score with a 5-yard touchdown run, putting NCCU firmly in control at 34-9. Another field goal from Brown offered a brief respite for A&T, but Harris would close the half with a 2-yard touchdown run, sending NCCU into the locker room with an imposing 40-12 advantage. The onslaught continued in the second half. Harris lobbed his third touchdown pass of the night, a 6-yarder to Chauncey Spikes, extending the lead to 46-12. While A&T found the end zone again with a short run from Justin Fomby, it was quickly countered by the Eagles’ defense, with Malcolm Reed scooping up a fumble and rumbling 11 yards to score, pushing the score to a daunting 53-18.
NCCU’s bench saw action in the final quarter as backup quarterbacks Javion Martin and Joshua Jones each notched their first career touchdown passes. Martin connected with Mekhi Wall on a 46-yard bomb, while Jones hit Aleni Mageo on a 15-yard pass, sealing a commanding 66-24 victory. With this dominant win in their pocket, the Eagles are poised to start conference play on a high note. They’ll face Norfolk State in the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis on Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPNU. This explosive showing has undoubtedly set the tone as NCCU looks to make a deep run in the conference season.
You can watch our game recap below!
