FAYETTEVILLE, NC - The Fayetteville State Broncos (1-1) are set to face the Elizabeth City State Vikings (2-1) in the Down East Classic, aiming to bounce back from their recent 34-0 loss to Valdosta State. This game marks the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) match-up for both teams this season.
Series History
The all-time series between the Broncos and the Vikings is tied at 16 wins each, with one tie. Although Fayetteville State has lost six of their last ten games against Elizabeth City State, they have won the last two meetings in 2019 and 2021.
Last Game Recap
Fayetteville State Broncos: In their last outing, the Broncos struggled against Valdosta State, suffering a 34-0 defeat. Quarterback Demari Daniels threw for 104 yards and added 31 rushing yards on nine attempts. David Baros led the receiving corps with three receptions for 50 yards, while Bryce Council contributed 49 rushing yards on eight carries.
Elizabeth City State Vikings: The Vikings are coming off a dominant 20-0 home victory against Erskine. Quarterback Damarcus Creecy completed 13 of 22 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. Creecy also rushed for 30 yards on seven carries. Running back Zechariah Adams-Duckson led the ground game with 75 yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Receivers Terrance Holland and Wesley Calloway were key contributors, with Holland catching six passes for 57 yards and Calloway adding 56 yards and a touchdown on two receptions.
Key Players to Watch
Fayetteville State Broncos:
- Offense: Quarterback Demari Daniels, running back Bryce Council, and wide receiver David Baros will be crucial in igniting the Broncos' offense.
- Defense: Defensive linemen Shi Gaskin and Shawn Robinson aim to disrupt the Vikings' offense. Linebacker Jamari Slade, who led the team with nine tackles last week, will anchor the linebacking corps. In the secondary, Theniias Moss, Kolby Merrit, and Solomon Barnes, each with six tackles last week, will look to shut down the Vikings' passing game.
Elizabeth City State Vikings:
- Offense: Quarterback Damarcus Creecy, running back Zechariah Adams-Duckson, and receivers Terrance Holland and Wesley Calloway will look to replicate their strong performances from last week.
- Defense: Demorian Smith, Tavias Higgs, and Bryce Djossou, who each recorded six tackles in the victory against Erskine, will be key defensive players.
Game Details
The Broncos and the Vikings will clash this Saturday at 2 PM at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex in Rocky Mount, NC. Fans can access live stats, streaming, ticket information, and more at fsubroncos.com/sports/football.
