CIAA Football Preview - Week 11

CIAA Preview Week Eleven
November 1, 2006                                                                                           

CIAA FOOTBALL 2006: "THE YEAR OF THE QUARTERBACK"
CIAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - NOVEMBER 11 - DURHAM

This is it! The final weekend of the regular season and two exciting matchups highlight Week 11...the eve of Championship Weekend. Elizabeth City State and Virginia Union square off for all the marbles on Saturday...the Eastern Division Championship and a bid to the Championship Game. In the West, NCCU has clinched a spot in the Title Game, but must face a rugged 7-2 Johnson C. Smith team that wants to prove it's the best in the West.
 
THE EASTERN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: VIRGINIA UNION AT ELIZABETH CITY STATE: When these two teams emerged as the East Division favorites at the midseason mark, this date has been circled on all Viking and Panther fans' calendars. ECSU fans will get much more than they bargained for with this ticket. Not only do they enjoy all the festivities of a Homecoming Game, but they receive the added value of a Championship Game as well. Virginia Union survived a defensive battle with Bowie State, 9-7. The VUU defense which has struggled at times in 2006, held the Bulldogs to a single touchdown. However, they will need another stellar effort to stop the Vikings' Offense. Although, ECSU was held to a touchdown at St. Paul's, they average 28 points per contest. ECSU's defense has been the best in the league, only giving up 11 points per contest. ECSU QB Curtis Rich and VUU's Lamar Little may be battling for offensive player of the year honors. However, both will have to show their muster this weekend. This is an elimination game. The winner punches a ticket for Durham and the loser stays home and watches on TV. Also, ECSU currently in position for an NCAA Playoff Bid must continue to win. (2:00 p.m. at Elizabeth City, NC).
Players to watch: VUU: Lamar Little, QB; Micheal Hampton, WR; Elihu Smith, RB.
ECSU: Curtis Rich, QB; Chris Carter, WR; Greg Moore, DL.
 
JOHNSON C. SMITH AT NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL: NCCU clinched the West last weekend at Livingstone and continued their undefeated romp through the 2006 Season. However, there is still much to be done and to play for. NCCU, currently ranked third in the NCAA Southeast Region Rankings, must continue to win to secure a playoff spot. JCSU is currently ranked 10th in the same poll. A win over the 7-2 Golden Bulls will help the Eagles in the all-important "strength of schedule" category. A loss puts them in a precarious position with a host of other one-loss teams in the Southeast. Their NCAA hopes would take a serious hit. If JCSU does not stub their toe against St. Aug at home...this would be the Western Division Championship Game. However, JCSU is still fighting for a spot in the playoffs and the Pioneer Bowl. The Golden Bull Defense is full of playmakers...De'Audra Dix, LB Eddie Wilson, LB Omar Bizzell lead the corps. They will have their hands full with the explosive offense of NCCU. There are no more easy games for the Eagles. First, JCSU, second, the Championship Game, and perhaps...the NCAA Playoffs. (1:30 p.m. at Durham).
Players to watch: JCSU: Marquis Belton, WR; De'Audra Dix, DB; Carlton Richardson, QB.
NCCU: Stafford Brown, QB; Craig Amos, DB; Charles Futrell, WR.
 
VIRGINIA STATE AT BOWIE STATE: VSU has shown improvement over the last few weeks. The Trojans have two of their last three games and nearly knocked off Virginia Union. Bowie State's last minute loss to VUU ended their chance at a winning season and to return to the Pioneer Bowl. Both programs hope to end their season on a positive note and build for 2007.
This ends the career of fantastic BSU QB Lamar Manigo. (1:00 p.m at Bowie, MD).
Players to watch: VSU: Davian Richards, WR; Anthony Hailstock DB; Thomas Boyd, QB.
BSU: Lamar Manigo, QB; Nathaniel Queen, RB; Terrence Stafford, DB.
 
LIVINGSTONE AT FAYETTEVILLE STATE: FSU, the preseason CIAA Favorite, has been the disappointment of the 2006 Season. After five years of Western Division dominance, the Broncos have fallen flat in 2006. Their two-win season is the worst since 2000. Livingstone has struggled in ‘06 as well but a road win against the Broncos will help to salve the wounds of a tough season. (1:30 p.m. at Fayetteville, NC).
Players to watch: Livingstone: Jason Mitchell, QB; Tyrone Baisden, WR; Steven Williams, DB.
Fayetteville State: Nick Green, RB; Jonathan Autry, QB; Daryl Barnett, WR.
 
ST. PAUL'S AT SHAW: Jermonty Kimbrough brings his celebrated career to an end. Kimbrough won a CIAA Championship and Pioneer Bowl Title in 2004. St. Paul's fought ECSU well last week and hope to show the same effort at Shaw. (1:00 p.m at Raleigh, NC).
Players to watch: St. Paul's: Lonie Sanders, WR; Terence Peterkin, DB.
Shaw: Jermonty Kimbrough, QB; James Petway, WR; Reginald Price, RB.
 
ST. AUGUSTINE'S AT WINSTON-SALEM STATE: St. Aug looks to get revenge for last season's 36-33 upset by WSSU. The Falcons are on an impressive three game win streak and look to close 2006 on a high note by knocking off the Rams at home.
Players to watch: St. Aug: Kevin Jones, LB; Brandon Franklin, QB; Carlos Peoples, K.