NCCU Dominates Homecoming Game 52-12
DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University kept its homecoming festivities going as the Eagles dominated on the gridiron defeating Edward Waters College 52-12 inside O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Saturday.
NCCU created 559 total yards, the 10th most in school history. The Eagles finished with 379 rushing yards, their highest rushing total since 2003, and their fourth straight contest with at least 200 ground yards.
The Eagles started the game off with a quick scoring drive with junior quarterback Naiil Ramadan throwing a 36-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Nique Martin.
The first half was all NCCU with the Eagles having a 17-0 lead at the intermission. NCCU was not just controlling the offensive side of things, the Eagles defense only gave up 20 total yards of offense to the Tigers in the half.
The second half was no different than the first with the NCCU offense putting up points and defense being stingy.
Ramadan finished the day completing 8-of-15 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Redshirt-freshman quarterback Dominique Shoffner also took snaps for the Eagles, finishing the contest by completing 5-of-9 passes for 82 yards and a score. Shoffner also added 41 yards on the ground.
NCCU had three running backs rush for more than 100 yards to contribute to their historic offensive day.
Sophomore running back Isaiah Totten led the Eagles in rushing with 133 yards on 11 carries and two scores.
Also adding to the Eagles ground attack was junior running back Tyquan Watson, who had 113 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns.
In addition to Totten and Watson, freshman running back Mashion Powell ended the game with 101 yards on the ground and a score.
The NCCU defense held the Edward Waters offense in check for the entire game, only allowing 172 yards of total offense to the Tigers. The Eagles defense was led in tackles by multiple players, including defensive lineman Kawuan Cox who had five total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Also having five total tackles for the Eagles was linebacker Branden Bailey.
NCCU’s defense also managed to create 11 tackles for loss and four sacks as a unit.
For Edward Waters, the Tigers offense was led by freshman quarterback Derrick Jones, who finished the game 12 for 22 passing with 132 yards and two touchdown tosses.
Also making contributions for the Tigers offense was wide receiver Kamaree Noble, who had four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.
NCCU (4-4) travels to Daytona Beach, Florida, for a Thursday night showdown at Bethune-Cookman on ESPNU (Nov. 8), while Edward Waters (4-6) hosts Webber International next Saturday (Nov 10).
(Submitted via NCCU Athletics/Jailen Leach)