ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Fayetteville State erupted for 31 first-half points and never looked back, cruising to a 51-8 victory over Elizabeth City State in the 27th annual Down East Viking Football Classic on Saturday at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.
Quarterback Demari Daniels threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score to lead the Broncos (1-3, 1-0 CIAA) to their first win of the season and a strong start in conference play. Fayetteville State outgained the Vikings (0-4, 0-2 CIAA) 454-89 in total offense and forced four turnovers while holding ECSU to just six first downs.
Daniels connected with Kristian Golden for a 32-yard touchdown and Xayden Watson twice for scores, including a 6-yard strike just before halftime. Watson finished with 134 yards on seven receptions. Backup quarterback Joe Owens Jr. added a late touchdown pass to Albert Fleming IV to cap the scoring.
The Broncos' defense dominated, recording five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Shawn Robinson led the charge with two sacks and two forced fumbles, while Theniias Moss and Ian Wynn each recorded interceptions. Matthew Leach led all tacklers with seven total stops (four solo) with four tackles for a loss of 11 yards.
Rocky Mount native and true freshman Isaiah Silver made his collegiate debut by contributing 18 rushing yards on seven carries, energizing the Broncos with a physical performance in front of his hometown crowd.
Elizabeth City State's lone score came on a blocked field goal return by Sean Worthy, followed by a successful two-point conversion.
Following the game, Fayetteville State head coach Richard Hayes Jr. was presented the Classic trophy by ECSU Athletics Director James DuBose Jr., marking the Broncos' second straight win in the annual showcase.
"We played Bronco-football for 60 minutes," Hayes said. "I am really proud of the guys. We played a lot of young guys today and saw a lot of good things."
Fayetteville State converted 7-of-16 third downs and scored on seven of eight red zone trips, while ECSU failed to reach the red zone and converted just one third down.
The Broncos return to action next weekend when Virginia State visits Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium as FSU will be looking to build on their dominant CIAA opener.
