FAYETTEVILLE, NC — Fayetteville State used a relentless defensive effort and an offensive attack to power past Livingstone, 38–14, on Saturday afternoon at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. The win keeps the Broncos unbeaten in CIAA play at 4–0 and improves their overall record to 4–3, while the Blue Bears dropped to 3–3 overall and 2–2 in the conference.
During halftime, Fayetteville State honored former standout and current Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams by retiring his jersey in a special presentation.
After falling behind 7–0 early in the first quarter, the Broncos responded with a touchdown in the final minute of the period to tie the game. Quarterback Demari Daniels led two scoring drives in the second quarter, including a five-yard touchdown pass to Kavase Towns and an eight-yard strike to Kristian Golden with five seconds left in the half, giving Fayetteville State a 21–7 lead at the break.
The Broncos came out firing in the third quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points. Daniels converted a fourth down with a 23-yard scramble to set up a touchdown pass from Wilson Kargbo Jr. to Braylon Vinson. On the next possession, Aaron Johnson sacked Livingstone quarterback Elijah Alexander, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Shawn Robinson at the Blue Bears' 12-yard line. Vinson capitalized with a 12-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 35–7.
Livingstone responded with a 75-yard scoring drive, highlighted by a 53-yard run from Javen Parker and a 21-yard pass to Tavion Jackson, before Caleb Stokes punched in a one-yard touchdown. Fayetteville State answered with a 21-yard field goal from John Hernandez-Vargas early in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.
Daniels finished 11-of-20 passing for 114 yards and one touchdown, while adding 53 yards on the ground. Council rushed for 46 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, and Vinson added 44 yards and a score. Golden led all receivers with four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Fayetteville State's defense was dominant throughout, totaling seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Kaydin Thomas led the charge with two sacks and two tackles for loss. Keyshawn Monk recorded six tackles and an interception, while Ryan Debow recovered a muffed punt in the fourth quarter. The Broncos held Livingstone to just 206 total yards, including 65 rushing and 141 passing, and won the turnover battle 3–0.
Livingstone was led by Parker, who rushed for 91 yards on 13 carries, including a long of 53. Alexander completed six of 14 passes for 106 yards and added a rushing touchdown, but was sacked five times and intercepted once. Jackson caught three passes for 52 yards, and Reid added three receptions for 50 yards.
Defensively, Kenyon Garner led the Blue Bears with seven tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Kevin Larkins Jr., Malachi Adkins, and Zavion Lloyd each added seven or more tackles.
Fayetteville State outgained Livingstone 294–206, including a 156–65 advantage on the ground. The Broncos converted four of 14 third downs and were perfect in the red zone, scoring on all six trips inside the 20-yard line. Fayetteville State also controlled the clock, winning the time of possession battle 33:56 to 26:04.
Fayetteville State will have a bye next week before traveling to Durham to face Shaw at 1 p.m. at Durham County Stadium.
