North Carolina Central University (NCCU) EAGLES SOAR IN DOMINANT SHUTOUT VICTORY

Oct. 12, 2024 — Durham, N.C.

In a complete showcase of offensive firepower and defensive prowess, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) shut out Virginia-Lynchburg 68-0 on Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, capping off their final non-conference game of the season in emphatic fashion.

NCCU wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, lighting up the first quarter with 33 points. Quarterback Walker Harris opened the floodgates, connecting with Joaquin Davis on a 24-yard touchdown pass. Though the extra point was blocked, the Eagles quickly capitalized again, as Kamari Houze recovered a loose ball in the end zone following a mishandled kickoff by Virginia-Lynchburg. Astonishingly, 13 points were on the board with less than a second ticking off the game clock.

The Eagles’ offense remained relentless. Running back Christian Mosley punched in his third rushing touchdown of the season, extending the lead to 20-0. Wide receiver Mehki Wall followed suit with a 9-yard touchdown reception from Harris, capping a quarter in which NCCU scored on every possession.

By halftime, the Eagles were up 41-0, following scores from J’Mari Taylor and freshman Aleni Mageo, who notched his first career touchdown. The second half saw no letup. Freshman QB Joshua Jones delivered a 15-yard strike to Sterling Greene, before running back Quest Powell closed the scoring with a 1-yard rush, sealing the commanding 68-0 victory.

NCCU’s ground game dominated, amassing 326 rushing yards led by Zion Dobson’s 98-yard performance on 12 carries. Defensively, the Eagles suffocated Virginia-Lynchburg, holding them to -42 rushing yards and allowing just 117 passing yards. The Dragons failed to convert a single third down (0-for-12) and were shut out of the red zone entirely.

With the win, head coach Trei Oliver improved his overall record to 34-20 and extended NCCU’s dominance at home, winning 13 of their last 14 games at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

Notable Stats:

• Walker Harris: 3 passing touchdowns, extending his streak of two or more TDs in four consecutive games.
• J’Mari Taylor: A rushing touchdown in seven straight games, tallying two scores on the day.
• Zion Dobson: Led all rushers with 98 yards and a touchdown.
• Defense: Held Virginia-Lynchburg to -42 yards rushing; Matthew Leavelle led the defense with 6 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss.

NCCU heads into their bye week before resuming conference play, riding the momentum of one of their most dominant performances of the season.

For more on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.