- DIVISION II -

CIAA Recap: Winston-Salem State balls out at Bluefield; Shaw edges Elizabeth City State

Livingstone falls to Charleston; JC Smith plays Sunday

Published

September 1, 2024

Both Winston-Salem State and Shaw were victorious in their season openers Saturday. Photos courtesy WSSU athletics and Shaw athletics.

Winston-Salem State football aims to reascend to the top of the CIAA after a series of lean seasons.

The Rams took a positive first step toward that goal Saturday night, cruising past Bluefield State 34-3 after a two-hour weather delay. Daylin Lee threw two touchdown passes. The WSSU defense held Big Blue to only 152 total yards.

The Rams jumped out quickly, taking a 14-3 lead after one period and 27-3 at the break. Justin Fleming completed the scoring with an interception return for a touchdown.

“I think the fast start was the key,” Winston-Salem State coach Robert Massey said. “Guys bought in and Coach (Glenn Reese, the offensive coordinator) called a great game, so we’ll be OK.”

Here are other notables:

This was Massey’s first win in a season opener at WSSU.
The Rams scored four offensive TDs on their first six possessions, while holding Bluefield State to a mere 60 yards of offense before the break.
Nehemiah Williams and Myles Dillon caught Lee’s TD passes, with Dillon’s covering 56 yards.
Gabe Linen and Noah Marshall added short touchdown runs for the Rams.
Fleming’s interception was the sixth of his career at WSSU.

Shaw Breaks Long Drought In Openers

The Bears jumped to a 17-0 lead, then held off the pesky Vikings for a 17-3 victory on Saturday afternoon. It was the first time Shaw has won a season opener since 2013.

Christian Peters threw a TD pass to Jon Barnes, while Jerry Eaton added a rushing touchdown for the Bears. Benjamin Turner hit a 25-yard field goal.

Like last season, when Shaw had to hold on for victory, Elizabeth City State rallied in the second half. Demarcus Creecy threw a pair of touchdown passes, one to Shai Wheeler and one to Terrance Holland.

The Vikings got the ball back late in the fourth quarter and drove into Shaw territory. But Ja’Laun Walton intercepted a pass for the Bears at the 24.

Other notables:

Travon Tensley rushed for 121 yards for the Bears, averaging six yards per carry.
Shaw outgained ECSU 340-267.
Jalen Banks recorded a sack and a tackle-for-loss, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble to lead the Bears’ stopping unit.
Saveion Gibbs forced two fumbles and had four tackles for loss.
Creecy finished 10-of-18 for 140 yards.
Demorian Smith paced ECSU’s defense with 11 tackles and two tackles-for-loss.