Shaw Football Joe Scurto reporter Spectacular Magazine
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Saint Augustine’s and Shaw Expected to Clash on Saturday Afternoon

Thomas Tripp

RALEIGH NC – This may be a home game for Saint Augustine’s (0-6 CIAA, 0-7 overall), but I firmly believe that Shaw (5-1 CIAA, 6-3 overall) will steal the thunder at the George Williams Athletic Complex, where both teams currently share the same home field.

As the CIAA Football season comes to a close, this Saturday will feature two historically black colleges in the Capital City of Raleigh, NC, competing in the final game of the season for both teams.

Why do I think that Shaw will win? Their astonishing sophomore rushing attack duo of Sidney Gibbs (Black Mountain, NC) and Andre Brandon Jr. (Baltimore, MD). They both have a combined for 1,310 rushing yards, which can put points on the scoreboard. Both Gibbs and Brandon Jr. also have combined for 14 touchdowns. It will be very arduous for the Falcons to cease the talented sophomores, as they have allowed a total of 1,565 rushing yards on the season.

Don’t forget about the stout defense of Shaw University, as seniors Devon Hunt (linebacker – Hamlet, NC) and Kevin Brandon (defensive back – Powder Springs, Georgia). They both lead the Bears defense in tackles, with 76 and 39, respectively. Also, be on the lookout for defensive backs junior Da’Shawn Wallace (Danville, VA) and sophomore Akeythio Carson (Gastonia, NC).

The “silent killer” for Shaw is Devin Versteegen, the freshman kicker from Rolesville, NC. Versteegen is 8-for-8 in field goals made, while he’s 22-for-25 in extra points made. Look for the freshman sensation to make an impact in this game, despite being on special teams.

For the Falcons to have a chance, they must play hard and be competitive throughout the game. However, this final game should give them some hope, especially during a woeful season. In order for Saint Aug to win, the Falcons must rely on freshman wide receiver De’Andre Proctor from Elizabeth City, NC. Proctor leads the Falcons with 138 rushing yards and 323 receiving yards, with one touchdown each. Plus, he also has 181 passing yards and a touchdown.

Also, for the Falcons, look out for Freshman wideout Keasean Williams from Clinton, NC. Williams leads all receivers with two touchdowns. Plus, he has 313 receiving yards, which is second on the team. Sophomore D’Ontre Gilliard also can play a crucial role, as the Holly Hill, SC native has 296 passing yards and two touchdowns (one rushing and receiving each).

I believe Shaw will dominate in this rivalry game. My prediction is Shaw 55, Saint Augustine’s 14.

The game will be at 1:00 PM at the George Williams Athletic Complex, on Saint Augustine’s University campus. It will be Senior Day for Saint Aug, along with Military Appreciation Day.