DURHAM, N.C. - The Elon Phoenix emerged victorious in a rivalry game against North Carolina Central University, defeating the Eagles 41-19 on Saturday night at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. The Phoenix struck early and never trailed, improving their record to 1-1, while NCCU also fell to 1-1 on the season.
Elon set the tone from the opening drive, marching 82 yards in seven plays to score a 19-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Downing to Jamarien Dalton, giving them a 7-0 lead with 8:45 remaining in the first quarter. The Phoenix then extended their lead in the second quarter with two rushing touchdowns: a 2-yard run by Rushawn Baker and a 74-yard dash from TJ Thomas, Jr., who scored his first collegiate touchdown. This impressive play helped Elon take a 21-0 advantage into halftime.
In the third quarter, Elon added to their lead with a 31-yard field goal from Jack Berkowitz, making it 24-0. NCCU responded when Chris Mosley returned the ensuing kickoff 51 yards into Phoenix territory, setting up a four-play, 44-yard drive capped by J'Mari Taylor's 2-yard touchdown run. However, a failed two-point conversion left the score at 24-6.
The Eagles continued their fight into the fourth quarter when quarterback Walker Harris connected with Joaquin Davis on a 30-yard touchdown pass, narrowing Elon's lead to 24-13. However, Elon quickly regained control with another Berkowitz field goal, this time from 46 yards out, extending their lead to 27-13.
Elon's Jesse Powell II then intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, hurdling a defender along the sideline, pushing the Phoenix lead to 34-13 with 9:55 to play. Downing added a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the final minutes, putting the game out of reach.
Mosley provided a late highlight for the Eagles, sprinting 80 yards for his second touchdown of the night with 2:36 remaining, bringing the final score to 41-19 in favor of Elon.
The win allowed Elon to avenge last year's loss to NCCU, while the Eagles fell to 1-1 on the season after their home opener.
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