The Bison took down the North Carolina Central University Eagles last weekend at Greene Stadium in a 50-20 victory.
After losing to the Eagles the previous season with a score of 21-50, the Bison were motivated by the momentum that increased throughout the game resulting in a well-earned win.
After being unable to score their first drive, the Bison came determined to convert on their second as they were able to gather yards maneuvering through the Eagles’ defense. They captured their first touchdown pioneered by quarterback Quinton Williams, driving 71 yards in eight plays, concluding with a one-yard plunge.
“First touchdown was great. We overpowered them and if we do that for three more quarters we’ll be in great shape the way the DBs are playing and covering,” Joe Olidge, former Howard football player and father to defensive back Augustus J. Olidge, said.
Within minutes of the second quarter opening, the Bison captured another touchdown with Eden James running 45 yards, increasing the lead to 14-0.
The Eagles picked up their momentum after not being able to score in the first quarter, with a 76-yard run by the quarterback Davius Richard, putting his team on the board.
As soon as the Bison regained possession of the ball, they conducted an 18-yard throw from Williams to tight end Gavin Harris, adding another touchdown under their belt.
The Eagles were determined to get more points on the board, shown by an 85-yard punt return touchdown by defensive back Brandon Codrington resulting in their second touchdown of the day.
Coming back from halftime, the Bison looked to put the game out of reach. Running back Jarett Hunter was able to capture a 17-yard touchdown after a long-lasting drive that left just 1:19 left in the quarter and the score 35-14.
Opening the final stretch, the tandem of Williams and wide receiver Kasey Hawthorne gathered 65 yards in two plays increasing their lead to 42-14, shutting the door on a comeback.
In a 9-play 45-yard drive, the Eagles captured their final touchdown of the evening with a 3-yard pass from Richard to wide receiver Twan Flip Jr., but it was no match for the Herd.
Hunter captured another rushing touchdown and the Bison conducted a two-point conversion to achieve the final game score of 50-20.
Running back Jarett Hunter, a senior sports management major and psychology minor from Mineral, Virginia, detailed the motivation behind the two-point attempt.
“Ironic that we’re able to put 50 back on them but I think that was the goal the whole time. Their coach said some things about us; felt like we weren’t as good of a team as we are. Once you do things like that it gets personal… we went out there and we handled business,” Hunter asserted.
The Bison were supported along their four quarters against the Eagles, as the stadium’s energy and support for their respective teams oozed from the stands and onto the field.
“My experience at the game was thrilling. I enjoyed the crowd’s excitement and engagement in cheering on the team. The music and the band made the game very lively and fun, which I think was motivational to the crowd and players. I definitely enjoyed myself and had a great time,” Anyiah Daniel, a sophomore criminology major and political science minor from South Bend, Indiana, by way of Starkville, Mississippi, said.
The Bison will face the Morgan State University Bears at Greene Stadium on Nov. 18 at 1 p.m., with a potential win securing their spot in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.
Copy edited by Alana Matthew
