North Carolina A&T’s marching band absolutely rocked Rhodes Stadium during its appearance at Elon on Saturday evening.
The Aggies’ football team didn’t have such good fortune.
Elon used a stifling defense and one of its best rushing performances in recent memory en route to a 27-3 victory. The Phoenix held A&T to just 143 total yards and six first downs while picking up 260 yards on the ground — its best team rushing effort since 2017.
The result spoiled NC A&T’s debut as a Colonial Athletic Association member and dropped the Aggies to 0-3. Elon improved to 1-2, 1-0 in CAA play.
Elon scored in a variety of ways. Jordan Bonner caught a rifle pass from Matthew Downing in the first quarter for a 26-yard touchdown. Wayne Dixie III plowed into the end zone on a 4-yard carry in the second.
Jack Berkowitz kicked two field goals, then punter Kyle Romenick completed a 35-yard fake punt pass to DJ Hamilton early in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Hampton didn’t find the end zone but led all rushers with 153 yards on 16 carries – averaging 9.6 yards per tote. Hampton hit the 100-yard mark for the fifth time in an Elon uniform. Dixie III finished with 85 yards and 14 carries, a new career high for him.
Down 20-0 in the third quarter, A&T’s Avarion Cole intercepted a pass deep in Elon territory. But the Aggies went backwards on the possession and had to settle for a 39-yard Owen Daffer field goal. That turned out to be A&T’s only points.
Elon held the Aggies fully in check in the opening half, forcing five three-and-outs and six punts. Marco Patierno had seven tackles. Marvin Pearson recorded six tackles and two sacks. Caleb Curtain and Jaidyn Denis picked off passes.
Saturday marked the first meeting between the local rivals since 2019. Elon had lost four straight to their new conference mates.
Wesley Graves had A&T’s best offensive numbers. He rushed for 62 yards on 11 carries. BJ Turner made 11 tackles for the Aggies, forced a fumble and earned a sack.
Elon’s win sets up a big game next Saturday with another new in-state rival. The Phoenix will visit Campbell (2-1, 1-1 CAA) as league play continues.
