UNC Pembroke put up video-game numbers for the third week in a row, while Chowan snapped a three-game losing streak.
The Braves and Hawks, who will both join the revived Conference Carolinas in 2025, enjoyed impressive victories in their current conferences Saturday afternoon. UNCP chilled Frostburg State 58-17; Chowan grounded the Erskine Flying Fleet 21-3.
UNC Pembroke climbed back to .500 (5-5) after starting the season 0-4. The Braves (5-3 in the Mountain East Conference) have been red-hot the past three contests, scoring 79 points last week against West Virginia Wesleyan and 62 against West Virginia State on Oct. 26.
Coach Mark Hall’s team has won five of the last six, the only defeat coming to Fairmont State. During that stretch, UNCP has averaged 54.8 points per contest.
Chowan, meanwhile, has been through a gauntlet the past three weeks, losing to the top three teams in the Gulf South Conference – Valdosta State (52-0), West Alabama (38-0) and West Florida (35-6). Valdosta State is currently ranked first in one D2 national poll and second in another. West Alabama is 12th/14th.
Saturday’s win pushed Chowan’s record to 3-6, 2-4 in the league.
Braves excel by air, land, on defense
Colin Johnson threw for 288 yards and four touchdowns for the Braves. Johnson also rushed for a score and finished with 64 yards on the ground. Sincere Baines added another rushing touchdown.
Receiver Jaquan Albright, who caught a TD pass, also threw for one, connecting with Josiah Hayes on a short-yardage play in the second quarter.
Hayes caught seven passes for a team-high 157 yards and two scores. Jayden Smith had two touchdown receptions. Baines earned 96 rushing yards on the day.
While the Braves’ offense gets a lot of the headlines, the defense was up to the challenge again Saturday. UNCP held Frostburg State to 125 total yards on 53 plays.
Jamae Blank, Marquis Raspberry and Fredrick Sellars intercepted Frostburg quarterback Myles Fulton. Carlo Thompson earned three tackles for loss. UNCP outgained Frostburg State 541-125.
UNC Pembroke has won four of five games at home this season, the only loss in the opener against nationally ranked Wingate (now 8-1). Frostburg has lost its last four.
Chowan smothers Erskine, returns kick 92 yards for TD
Jakobe Lane answered Erskine’s only score by returning the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Jalen Razor zipped through the middle for a 53-yard touchdown run. De’Arius Hazel added a three-yard score over the right side for the Hawks.
Chowan’s defense held Erskine to just 61 yards on the ground and 181 total yards. Nyamusa Njoka picked off two passes, returning one 29 yards. Isaiah Fulton had another interception.
Kennypride Toh led the Hawks with 10 tackles, including eight solo hits. Jonah Kurker and Danny Foster both recorded two sacks.
What’s Next?
Chowan and UNC Pembroke will be on the road next Saturday as the regular season draws to a close. The Hawks will visit North Greenville, while the Braves will visit Concord in West Virginia.
