ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State University showcased a dominant defensive performance to secure a 31-7 victory over Elizabeth City State at the Down East Viking Football Classic on Saturday afternoon. The Broncos' defense was impenetrable, holding the Vikings to just 154 total yards. This win improved Fayetteville State's record to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play, while Elizabeth City State fell to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

Quarterback Joe Owens, Jr. led the Broncos' aerial attack, throwing for 116 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. On the ground, Julian Milligan was a standout, rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown, averaging an impressive 9.8 yards per carry. Demari Daniels contributed with 13 yards on the ground, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.

In the receiving department, David Baros caught five passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, while Emanuel Ortega-Garcia added three receptions for 55 yards and a score. The Broncos' defense was spearheaded by Kolby Merritt, who recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss (TFL), and an interception. Theniias Moss also had three tackles and an interception, and Jamari Slade made a significant impact with eight tackles, 2.0 TFL, and 1.5 sacks.

The game saw both teams forcing two turnovers, but it was Fayetteville State who capitalized, converting those takeaways into 14 points. The Broncos' offense was efficient on third downs, converting 44.4% of their attempts. Defensively, they limited Elizabeth City State to 47 passing yards and 107 rushing yards, disrupting the Vikings' passing game with two interceptions and three pass breakups.

The scoring opened with Fayetteville State taking a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. Elizabeth City State briefly tied the game, but the Broncos quickly regained the lead with a 43-yard field goal by John Hernandez-Vargas. Fayetteville State extended their lead in the third quarter and continued to build on it, ultimately securing a 31-7 victory.

Head Coach Richard Hayes, Jr. praised Elizabeth City State's quarterback, saying, "Creecy is a really good quarterback. He ran around and hurt us a little bit with his legs." He also commended his own team's offensive efforts, stating, "Offensively, we finally got it together in the 2nd half. I'm really proud of their efforts."

Key game notes include Fayetteville State outgaining Elizabeth City State 379-154, with a 229-47 advantage in passing yards. The Broncos' highest scoring quarter was the fourth, where they put up 14 points. They also excelled in third-down conversions and red zone defense, not allowing a sack and recording eight tackles for loss and three sacks. Elizabeth City State's quarterback, Damarcus Creecy, completed 12 of 19 passes for 32 yards but threw two interceptions and led the team in rushing with 36 yards.