Fayetteville State University is headed into week five of its football schedule with a lot to celebrate, including its 3-1 overall record and 1-0 CIAA mark.
 
One of the main reasons for the festivities is homecoming. H-O-M-E-C-O-M-I-N-G, Its Homecoming Yall!
 
Another reason is because FSU defeated Elizabeth City State this past weekend at the Down East Viking Football Classic 55-12. Richard Hayes received his first DEVFC trophy as a Head Coach and he, along with Stevie Green presented it to Interim Chancellor Peggy Valentine during her cabinet meeting.
 
Speaking of Stevie Green, mid-way in the fourth quarter last weekend, Green exploited a right-side opening to gallop 41 yards to the endzone for his third rushing touchdown of the game. That rush helped him break the Broncos all-time career rushing record of 3,709 yards set by Clifton Davis in 1994. Green currently has 3,722 career rushing yards and a school best 31 touchdowns. He finished the game with 154 yards.
 
After the game, Stevie Green received the DEVFC Offensive MVP and Chrishon Springs was handed the Defensive MVP. Springs led the defense with 10 tackles and three-and-a-half tackles for a loss of 22 yards. He also had 1.5 sacks for a loss of 9 yards and 2 forced fumbles.
 
The two were later recognized by the CIAA as the Running Back of the Week and Linebacker of the Week. Keyshawn James received his second Defensive Lineman of the Week Award with 7 tackles and 2 stops for a loss of 21 yards. His 1.5 sacks added up for a loss of 19 yards in the backfield.  He made contact with the ECSU quarterback on almost every pass attempt.
 
Kenneth Merritt had a season high six tackles, including four solos stops, and an interception. He was named the Defensive Back of the Week.
 
The excitement of Fayetteville State Football continues with the week-long list of homecoming festivities. All of the events will lead up to the 2 pm kickoff against Chowan University in the Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium.
 
Chowan enter the weekend with a 1-3 overall record and 0-1 CIAA standing. Despite the record, the Hawks has the sixth best rushing offense and total offense in NCAA Division II football with 517.5 total offense yards per game with 24 touchdowns. Chowan is averaging 287.8 yards with the run-game.
 
Deshaun Wethington is the key cog in the running machine. He has carried the ball 36 times for a net gain of 362 yards which averages out to 120.67 per game. Wethington has scored 3 touchdowns with an average carry of 10.1 yards and a longest run of 54 yards.
 
Quarterback Bryce Witt is a double threat with his arm and legs. Witt has 55 rushes for 315 yards in four games. He has also thrown 66 completions from 106 attempts for 862 yards and 12 touchdowns. Bryce Witt is averaging 215.5 passing yards per game.
 
Imeek Watkins is the go-to guy for the Hawks passing game. He has hauled in 18 receptions for 317 yards and five TDs. The longest catch and run play for Watkins was for 75 yards.
 
All said, Fayetteville State is no slouch. The Broncos average 41.25 points per game after back-to-back with 50+ point games against Lincoln Pa. and ECSU. FSU is averaging 336.3 yards of total offense per game with a breakdown of 170.3 rushing and 166.0 passing. This equates to a balanced attack.
 
Fayetteville State has the second-best turnover margin in Division II. The Broncos have gained 13 turnovers with only 4 lost. FSU has 7 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries.
 
The FSU Defense is also second in DII in stopping third-down conversions.
 
Richard Latimer will get his third start with his 54.55% passing percentage. He has completed 18 passes from 33 attempts for 344 yards. He has five thrown touchdowns and one interception. He has not been sacked in three games played.
 
The stable of thoroughbred Broncos consist of Stevie Green, Donshel Jetton, Darnell Walker, Elijah Henry and Johnnie Glaspie.
 
Tyeous Sharpe will always be an offensive threat for the Broncos. He can throw, run, and catch. He is the top receiver with 18 receptions for 169 yards and 3 scores followed by Jayden Maynor, who has 7 catches for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns.
 
This game will be action packed with numerous big plays. Expect the winner to be the one with the less mistakes.