In front of more than 30,000 fans, Howard defeated Morehouse College at the MetLife Stadium at the HBCU NYC Football Classic.
Led by redshirt senior quarterback Jaylon Tolbert, the Bison secured the win 35-21, with fans pouring in energy from start to finish.
The rivalry between the Bison and Maroon Tigers dates back to their first game in 2011. That contest was the first and only game Morehouse College has won against the Bison in the past five matchups.
The Bison entered the match boasting a four-game winning streak, with their most recent game in 2023 being a 65-19 blowout, and the team aimed to stretch the streak.
The HBCU NYC Football Classic is an event held to watch the athletic capability of HBCU football programs and celebrate HBCU culture. This festivity brings together alumni, students and fans to celebrate the long-lasting legacy of HBCUs.
The day began with a large tailgate with several D9 organizations, students and alumni present. Loud music reverberated, and the smell of barbecue thickened the air surrounding the festivities.
The tailgate was an opportunity for fans to bask in the sun and converse with others before making their way to their seats to cheer on their team.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see us come together and be able to have this much support for these HBCUs,” said Isaac Keys, actor, former NFL player and Morehouse alumnus.
To begin the on-field scoring festivities, Tolbert orchestrated an 11-play, 53-yard drive that took over five minutes.
Fifth-year wideout Kasey Hawthorne secured the first touchdown of the game with a 3-yard dash. The Bison got on the board first, raising the score to 7-0.
Junior defensive lineman Noah Miles and the rest of the line kept the Maroon Tigers on their toes during the quarter as they pressured their quarterback and halted runners from securing yards.
A couple of touchdown tosses and a Morehouse turnover brought the score to 28-7, where it remained going into the fourth quarter.
Determined to put up a fight this last quarter, the Maroon Tigers scored back-to-back touchdowns within six minutes, bringing the score to 35-21.
The Maroon Tigers hoped for a comeback and to secure the win, but the Bison refused to let that happen, running out the clock and securing their second straight win against the team.
Tolbert concluded the game by completing 23-of-41 for 267 yards with four touchdowns.
“It is a team game, so I just executed the plays that were given to me,” Tolbert said. “My guys were open, so I just gave them a chance to make a play on the ball and do something with it.”
Graduate running back Jarett Hunter showcased his skills on the gridiron once again with 92 yards on 23 carries, Ilarraza caught a career-high eight receptions, leading all receivers and graduate safety Kenny Gallop Jr. secured six tackles and a half sack.
Miles contributed to the defense with three sacks.
“We came in with the intent to dominate as a defense,” Miles said. “The more plays we make as a unit, the better our defense will be as we move forward.”
The Bison are coming home for their next game: the Truth & Service Classic. The team will play the Hampton University Pirates on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m.
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
