 "Photo: Jerry Rogers echo-staff photographer")
Saturday afternoon at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium the N.C. Central University offense was clicking on all cylinders as they rolled up a season high 52 points to defeat 20th ranked NAIA opponent Central Methodist University 52-7.
“I was really pleased with the way we played, hopefully it’s the start of something good,” said head coach Mose Rison.
Central Methodist came in 5-1 while the Eagles had a disappointing 0-6 record albeit against a very competitive schedule.
“You cannot compare the caliber of teams we’ve played, but we still beat a great team today,” said Rison.
NCCU racked up a season high in total yards with 361 led by sophomore quarterback Michael Johnson who completed 10-15 passes and amassed 218 yards and 2 touchdowns.
“It was a great feeling out there, we were firing on all cylinders,” said Michael Johnson.
Johnson’s two TD passes came on long distance shots to the end zone, one a 49 yarder to freshman wide receiver Geovonie Irvine and the other a 59 yarder to sophomore Andrew Johnson.
“I don’t care who’s checking him. I will throw to him one on one, he is a highlight reel waiting to happen,” Johnson said of Irvine.
Eagle wide receiver Andrew Johnson had a career day catching 5 passes for 106 yards and 1 touchdown.
“I have been gaining more playing time as the season has progressed,” said Andrew Johnson. “Today I got my chance with Will being injured to get the ball a little more.”
The Eagles chewed up the clock on the ground with a steady running game provided by junior running back Tim Shankle who grinded his way to 93 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries.
“Shank was really good today. I mean nobody works harder than that guy in practice,” said Michael Johnson. “He really is a hard worker.”
The Eagles also scored two special teams touchdowns, one a blocked punt returned to pay dirt by freshmen cornerback Malik Cromartie and the other a 47 yard return by freshmen running back Arthur Gorforth.
“Today we did all the things that we thought we could do. Time was just right,” said Rison.
NCCU defense had perhaps its best game yet as they held the CMU offense to just 93 yards of total offense, forced 4 interceptions and only let the other Eagles cross the 50-yard line in the first half.
“I felt like we came out pretty well and set the tone for the game,” said junior linebacker Calvin Hillie.
This is the Eagles’ bye-week before they play Central State University at the Oct. 31 Homecoming game.
“Our new goal for the season is to go 5 for 5,” said Johnson.
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