 "Photo: Echo staff photographer Jerry Rogers")
N.C. Central University’s football team extended its winning streak to two games this past Saturday at O’Kelly Riddick Stadium with an explosive homecoming performance defeating Division II foe Central State 53-22.
“We had a little better feel for this ball team today, we had a little more film to watch as opposed to the Central Methodist game,” said Head Coach Mose Rison.
NCCU dominated the game on offense setting a new season high in points (53) and total yards (492).
The offense was led by sophomore quarterback Michael Johnson who had perhaps his best performance this season throwing for 246 yards on 14 of 25 attempts, 2 touchdown passes and 1 rushing TD.
“Mike is playing quarterback now. He was directing traffic out there, you can really see that now he is comfortable,” said Rison.
The Eagles also chewed up yards on the ground with a steady dose of the three headed monster of juniors Tim Shankle, Tony McCord and freshman Arthur Gorforth who rushed for 88, 80, 40 respectively and combined for three touchdowns.
“Holes were opening up everywhere on the field our offensive line played extremely well,” said running back Tim Shankle.
Senior wide receiver Will Scott also provided an amazing show for the fans in his last homecoming game with 6 catches and 121 yards and a touchdown reception.
“Homecoming is the most important game of the season,” said Scott who in his four years of playing never lost a homecoming game.
The NCCU defense was stout as it only allowed 37 yards rushing and 161 yards through the air and forced 4 interceptions against the Marauder Offense.
“We played well. We gave up a couple of big plays that we have to work on, but overall we played well,” said junior defensive end Donald Laster.
The Eagles have gained a wealth of confidence the past two weeks amassing season highs each week in points.
“We have a lot of confidence after the past two weeks,” said Shankle.
The Eagles head into next week’s game versus Old Dominion University at 2-6. “Next week’s game is huge,” said Rison.
The Monarchs come into the first ever meeting with a 6-2 record in its first season of football with big wins over University of Jacksonville, Savannah State and Georgetown.
“We saw they had a picture that said: ‘Today for lunch: Southern fried Eagle.’ So they are looking forward to playing us,” said Johnson. “It’s going to be a really good game.”
The Eagles have also played several big name teams this year, “Playing good opponents helps a lot but we know anybody can get beat at anytime so we just have to stay focused,” said Laster.
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