A Weekend of Homecomings

By Taleasha A. Reavis

Winston-Salem State (6-0, 6-2) celebrated homecoming by edging out Johnson C. Smith (1-5, 2-7), 25-6. This game marked a six game win streak for the team. The Rams muscled 399 total offensive yards led by runningback Terrie Newkirk who gained 197 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown and caught a 33 yard reception. Robert McDaniel and Reggie Broughton led the Ram defense with 12 tackles each. Jimmy Bell secured the only touchdown for the Golden Bulls in the 3^rd quarter on a 5-yard run. Quarter Spencer Mayo had 7 completions for 108 yards in the game.

N.C. Central (3-3, 4-5) outlasted Livingstone (1-5, 3-6), 12-6, during their homecoming festivities. Junior Bulla put the Eagles on the board with a 1-yard run in the 1^st quarter. He had 13 carries for 87 yards during the game. The fans were awed when quarterback Brando Roberson launched a 81-yard bomb to Darrell Sanders for a touchdown. The defensive effort was led by Anthony Connally, D.J. Edmonds and Marcus Blanding with 9 tackles each. The rushing game for the Blue Bears was led by Carlton Jones with 14 carries for 56 yards. Ronnie Washburn gave his squad 6 points with a 2-yard run in the 4^th quarter.

Bowie State (4-2, 5-3) recorded their 3^rd consecutive win defeating Fayetteville State (1-4, 1-8), 40-21. The Bulldogs were in control of the scoreboard during the entire homecoming game. T-Wuan Prather led the offensive game with 15 carries for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns and 2 catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Jim Whitehead completed 12 passes for 289 yards and 3 touchdowns including a 65-yard touchdown pass to Michael Bryant late in the 4^th quarter to widen the scoring gap. The Broncos of Fayetteville State gave up 503 yards to the Bulldogs. Quarterback Chris Stewart completed 10 of 23 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns in the game. On defense, Terrance Wilson took down 10 opponents.

Virginia Union (4-1, 6-2) came from behind to beat Virginia State (3-2, 4-4), 31-27, and sour their homecoming merriment. Virginia Union amassed 341 rushing and 100 passing yards in the game. Mackise London was the leading rusher with 184 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown. Andre Braxton brought in 75 yards on 17 carries and 3 touchdowns. Although Virginia State did not win, they played hard against the Panthers. Antonio Hawkins gained 365 passing yards for the Trojans and had 4 touchdowns. Damon Thompson led the receiving corps with 11 catches for 257 yards and 2 touchdowns. Thompson set a new school record for career receptions which was once held by Darren Thornton. Thompson also set a new CIAA single game reception yards record (257). The old record was held by Robert Clark (NCCU).

In non-conference action, Elizabeth City State (1-4, 1-8)suffered a homecoming loss to Benedict College, 31-12. The Vikings gained 242 offensive yards in the game led by Quarterback Michael Forbes who completed 12 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. Rayshawn Askew led the receiving corps with 5 catches for 46 yards and a TD. Alvin Wilson was the defensive leader with 13 tackles.