Insides Battle “North Carolina A&T vs. NCCU: A Clash to Forget for the Aggies!”

Aggies Look to Recoup After Tough Loss to Chief Rival

In the long-standing 102-year rivalry between North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the latest chapter is one the Aggies will want to erase from memory. North Carolina A&T (1-3, 0-1 CAA) faced a tough defeat against the Eagles, losing 66-24 at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in their 96th meeting, which was broadcast nationally on ESPNU.

Both teams entered the game eager to avoid starting the season at 1-3, adding to the intensity of the matchup. Unfortunately for the Aggies, the night belonged to the Eagles, who achieved their largest victory margin in this historic rivalry and recorded the highest ever single-game points scored in the series.

The highlight for A&T came right from the start, as return man Aaron Haris electrified the audience with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. However, the excitement was short-lived as the Aggies struggled defensively, allowing NCCU four unanswered touchdowns and a safety from a blocked punt. Second-year head coach Vincent Brown lamented the mistakes that plagued his team, saying, “We’ve got a lot to fix. That was not indicative of who we are, what we can be, and what we want to be.”

NCCU’s offense wasted no time, executing an 8-play, 65-yard drive culminating in a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Walker Harris to senior Joaquin Davis. The Eagles capitalized on defensive penalties and solid runs from J’Mari Taylor to take the lead.

Despite a substantial 48-yard run from Aggies’ running back Kenji Christian, A&T could only manage a 27-yard field goal after reaching the Eagles’ 13-yard line. Taylor responded with a remarkable 66-yard touchdown run, putting NCCU in command at 14-9.

The Aggies produced a quick three-and-out, allowing NCCU to strike again with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Harris to receiver Markell Quick, extending their lead. Adding to A&T’s woes, starting quarterback Kevin White was injured, leading to backup Justin Fomby struggling to find a rhythm. A blocked punt gave NCCU a touchdown, and by halftime, the Aggies were down 40-12 after a meager offensive performance.

The second half opened with another NCCU touchdown before A&T finally mounted their most impressive drive—14 plays primarily consisting of short passes from Fomby. The drive culminated in a touchdown but was marred by a failed two-point conversion attempt.

Freshman quarterback Braxton Thomas also saw action but left the game after a hard hit, allowing Fomby to return and lead another touchdown. Coach Brown expressed cautious optimism, stating he believed Thomas would be fine but didn’t have updates on the conditions of White or Fomby.

Looking forward, the Aggies hope to regroup before facing another classic HBCU rival, South Carolina State University. “The only chance we stand is if we stay together,” Brown noted. “If we let the adversity we experienced tonight affect us for the rest of the season, it’ll be a long 2024.”