Third-string QB lifts Elizabeth City State past Winston-Salem State

ELIZABETH CITY – Third-string quarterback Tesean Jones threw a pair of second-half touchdowns, and Raevon Freeman returned a fumble 50 yards for a score, helping Elizabeth City State beat Winston-Salem State 20-17 on Saturday in CIAA action.

It was the Vikings’ (1-0 CIAA) first win of the season in three tries. Winston-Salem State falls to 0-3, 0-1 CIAA.

ECSU trailed 10-0 at halftime and struggled to move the ball. Enter Jones, a junior, who finished 7-for-7 passing for 128 yards and two scores in a relief role.

Jones’ 75-yard TD toss to Zion Riddick gave Elizabeth City State its first lead at 14-10 with 9:30 to play in the game. Freeman’s fumble recovery with 3:45 remaining proved crucial as Winston-Salem State tacked on a late touchdown for the final margin.

“In the second half I felt like we needed a spark so [we] wanted to switch it up at QB and give Tesean a chance at it,” Elizabeth City coach Marcus Hilliard said .”We felt good what we were doing defensively and just needed a spark offensively. He made an immediate impact and put us in a position to win the game.”

Juanya’ Majette had a monster game for Elizabeth City State on defense. The graduate student had a career-high 17 tackles. That number leads the CIAA thus far.

SOURCES: ECSUVikings.com and WSSURams.com

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