Oct. 25, 2008
Final Stats
Raleigh, NC - The Broncos of Fayetteville State University pulled out a close 20-16 victory over division rival Saint Augustine's College on Saturday afternoon from the Broughton High School Stadium. With the win, FSU improves to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Meanwhile, the Falcons fall to 3-6 in the overall standings and 2-4 in the CIAA.
Not a lot of points were produced in this contest. Neither team scored in the first or final quarters of action. St. Augustine's put the Broncos on their heels early with a five yard touchdown pass from Kris Brownlee to JaTaurus White. White's reception concluded a seven play, 70-yard drive and put the Falcons ahead 7-0 with 12:37 in the second quarter.
Senior quarterback Bryan Hardy sat out this game with a bruised shoulder; so sophomore Benjamin Williams stepped in as the signal caller. Williams drove Fayetteville State 46 yards in 11 plays and scored their first touchdown with a five yard scramble. The five yard dash tied the score 7-7 with 4:19 remaining before halftime.
On the Falcons' next possession, Brownlee threw an interception to senior defensive back Donte' Wise at the FSU 15 yard line with less than two minutes left in the quarter. The Broncos took advantage of the turnover and caught the defense off guard with a halfback pass for a touchdown. Sophomore Elijah Sessoms caught a pass from Williams behind the line of scrimmage; then Sessoms connected with freshman receiver Sidney McClettie down field for a 35 yard touchdown reception. After the extra point, Fayetteville State led the Falcons 14-7.
St. Augustine's failed to move the ball and FSU would get another offensive possession. However, SAC's Marcus Crump would sack the quarterback and force a fumble. Marcus Kennedy recovered the ball for the Falcons at the FSU 19. Place kicker Adison Daniels nailed a 36-yard field goal to draw the Falcons within four. The Broncos led going into halftime 14-10.
Turnovers dictated the Falcons fate in the second half. Brownlee threw a total of five interceptions on the day, including three to junior safety Adrian Horton. Both teams scored a final touchdown in the third quarter. Junior running back Calvin Harris took the snap from the center in the Wingback Formation and scored on a three yard run. The Broncos were up 20-10 after missing the extra point.
On the following possession, JaTaurus White crossed the goal line on a four yard pitch for SAC. Junior cornerback Robert Allen (who also caught an interception) blocked the extra point, which accounted for the 20-16 final score.
St. Augustine's had a chance to win in the closing seconds. Brownlee hurled a hail mary into the end zone on their final drive as time expired. The pass resulted in Horton's third interception. The Broncos converted 19 first downs compared to just 12 for St. Augustine's. Fayetteville State won the battle on the ground with 116 rushing yards, led by sophomore Richard Medlin. Medlin, the current CIAA Specialty Player of the Week, gained 94 yards rushing on 22 attempts.
Williams managed the game with 149 yards on 14-of-36 passing. There were several standout players on defense. Senior linebacker Terrel Allen had 11 tackles (8 solo, 3 assists) and two sacks. Defensive ends Daniel Harlin and Brandon Bouie each contributed two sacks. Harlin added six tackles, while Bouie got to the ball carrier five times, including four tackles for a loss and a force fumble.
Fayetteville State will host Livingstone College in their final game of the regular season on Saturday, November 1st. The Broncos championship hopes are still contingent on the outcome of Shaw University's last regular season contest. FSU will also be recognizing their seniors for Senior Day; kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
