FAYETTEVILLE, NC — After four weeks on the road, Fayetteville State returned to Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium with energy and purpose, defeating Virginia State 34–14 on Saturday afternoon in its first home game of the season.
Five different Broncos scored touchdowns as Fayetteville State (2–3, 2–0 CIAA) controlled the game on both sides of the ball, outgaining the Trojans 319–314 and dominating the ground game with 205 rushing yards to Virginia State's 22.
The opening quarter was a defensive showcase. Linebacker Amari Best recorded multiple tackles for loss, and defensive linemen Joseph Woodard and Taevion Cox added a sack. Keyshawn Monk blocked a punt and recovered the ball to set up a scoring opportunity. Despite two early interceptions, the Broncos kept Virginia State off the scoreboard.
Fayetteville State broke through in the second quarter. Running back Bryce Council ripped off a 59-yard run to set up his own 23-yard touchdown. Moments later, Best blocked another punt and recovered it at the Virginia State 33-yard line. On the next play, quarterback Demari Daniels connected with Unique Kelly for a 33-yard touchdown strike, extending the lead to 14–0. Virginia State responded with a 27-yard touchdown pass late in the quarter, but the Broncos held a 14–7 lead at halftime.
The third quarter opened with a 69-yard kickoff return by Isaiah Silver, and Monk blocked his second punt of the game. Virginia State tied the game at 14–14 with a 4-yard touchdown run by quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr., but Fayetteville State answered with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Kristian Golden, reclaiming the lead at 21–14.
In the fourth quarter, the Broncos' defense came up big. Monk intercepted Matthews Jr. at the FSU 10-yard line, and Best followed with another pick deep in Bronco territory. Council broke free for a 28-yard run, and Daniels capped the drive with a 28-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 28–14. On the next Virginia State possession, Shawn Robinson sacked Matthews Jr., forcing a fumble that Isaiah Boyd recovered and returned for a touchdown, sealing the 34–14 victory.
Daniels finished with 114 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 48 rushing yards with another score. Council led the ground attack with 157 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Golden added three catches for 67 yards and a score.
Defensively, Fayetteville State recorded six sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and forced three turnovers. Best and Monk each grabbed an interception, and Boyd added a sack and fumble recovery for a score. Matthew Leach led the team with 10 tackles.
Virginia State (2–2, 0–1 CIAA) was led by Matthews Jr., who threw for 257 yards and one touchdown but was intercepted twice. Malik Hunter finished with 86 receiving yards and a score.
Up next, Fayetteville State will travel to Bowie, MD to face Bowie State on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m.
