BUIES CREEK, N.C. – North Carolina Central football erupted for 28 unanswered points in the second quarter and rolled to a 45-14 non-conference victory at Campbell on Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.
The Eagles (4-2) won for the third time in a row after dropping back-to-back contests against Elon and North Carolina.
After a back-and-forth first quarter, NCCU’s opening score came midway through the second when quarterback Walker Harris capped off a 94-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Joaquin Davis. Shortly after, Darryl Taylor electrified the crowd with a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown to make it 14-0.
North Carolina Central’s special teams continued to shine as a botched snap by Campbell on a punt play set up a 1-yard rushing score by J’Mari Taylor. Harris then added another touchdown on the ground before halftime, pushing the lead to 28-0.
Campbell (2-4) found some offensive rhythm in the second half, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown run from VJ Wilkins and a 72-yard scoring dash by Mike Chandler II. However, the Eagles responded to both scores, with Harris connecting on a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chauncey Spikes and Chris Mosley breaking free for a 57-yard rushing touchdown.
NC Central Top Performers
- Walker Harris: 14/23 passing, 132 yards, 2 TDs; 1 rushing TD
- Darryl Taylor: 68-yard punt return TD
- J’Mari Taylor: 89 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Chris Mosley: 75 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Quantez Mansfield: 6 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks
Campbell Top Performers
- Mike Chandler II: 89 rushing yards, 1 TD
- VJ Wilkins: 60 rushing yards, 1 TD
- JJ Cowan: 47 rushing yards
- Sincere Brown: 33 receiving yards
- Cornelius Davis: 9 tackles
Scoring Plays Recap:
- 2nd Quarter:
- 10:46: NCCU – Joaquin Davis 5-yard pass from Walker Harris (Juan Velarde kick). NCCU 7-0
- 08:31: NCCU – Darryl Taylor 68-yard punt return (Juan Velarde kick). NCCU 14-0
- 05:52: NCCU – J’Mari Taylor 1-yard run (Juan Velarde kick). NCCU 21-0
- 00:34: NCCU – Walker Harris 3-yard run (Juan Velarde kick). NCCU 28-0
- 3rd Quarter:
- 06:19: CAM – VJ Wilkins 55-yard run (Connor Lytton kick). NCCU 28-7
- 00:58: NCCU – Chauncey Spikes 10-yard pass from Walker Harris (Juan Velarde kick). NCCU 35-7
- 4th Quarter:
- 14:15: NCCU – Juan Velarde 43-yard field goal. NCCU 38-7
- 13:36: CAM – Mike Chandler II 72-yard run (Connor Lytton kick). NCCU 38-14
- 12:55: NCCU – Chris Mosley 57-yard run (Juan Velarde kick). NCCU 45-14
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