Reigning HBCU champs impressive in opener

By Kamryn Adams, NCCUEaglePride.com

DURHAM, N.C.- With 9,330 people in attendance, North Carolina Central University put up 448 yards on 60 attempts and scored six touchdowns in the home-opening 47-21 victory against Winston-Salem State University Saturday evening inside O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
 
The reigning HBCU national champions had a lead of 37-0 at the half. During the first half, punt returner Brandon Codrington returned a punt of 81 yards for a touchdown, resulting in the fourth longest punt return in Eagles history. 

NCCU senior quarterback Davius Richard completed 15-of-22 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Richard also rushed for 42 yards on five attempts for a touchdown, totaling four touchdowns. 

The Eagles accounted for 171 rushing yards on 32 attempts. Leading rusher Latrell Collier accumulated 72 yards on 16 attempts and one rushing touchdown. 

Quentin McCall led NCCU receivers with two receptions for 93 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown. Collier recorded 52 yards on two catches, including a touchdown on the opening drive. 

Place kicker Adrian Olivo racked up 11 points, including two field goals and five extra-point kicks. 

NCCU pierced the red zone four times and scored on each occasion. NCCU was the top-ranked team in the MEAC last season in red zone success.
 
On defense, linebacker Jayden Flaker tallied nine tackles with 1.5 stops for loss and a sack. Defensive backs Jason Chambers and Manny Smith tallied four tackles each.
 
Winston Salem State (0-1) recorded 312 yards and an interception. Trevon Hester and Daylon Lee rushed for WSSU touchdowns in the second half. Lee threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Rayner.

Up next, NCCU (1-0) will travel to rival North Carolina A&T on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. 

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