WEEK 7-DIVISIONAL RACES HEAT UP AT THE HALFWAY MARK!

Triskaidekaphobia: Fear the 13!-2010 CIAA Football
The Championship Game – November 13-Durham, NC

October 5, 2010

WEEK 7-DIVISIONAL RACES HEAT UP AT THE HALFWAY MARK!

Hampton, VA – The Divisional Races are in full swing at midseason. Key divisional games are on tap as Winston-Salem State, Shaw, and St. Augustine’s sit at the top of the Southern Division. Both Virginia State and Elizabeth City State sit atop the Northern Division with important games looming. Perennial favorites Fayetteville State and Virginia Union both suffered devastating losses that may have ended their Championship hopes.


GAME OF THE WEEK: ST. AUGUSTINE’S AT WINSTON-SALEM STATE: The Rams have been the class of the conference thus far in 2010. At 6-0, the Rams are seeking to become the first CIAA Team to go undefeated in the regular season since 2006. WSSU, however, has significant work to do in order to win the South. First, the Rams must face a potent St. Aug team which is off to its best start since 2005. Last weekend’s 49-3 handling of Johnson C. Smith was impressive but will mean nothing this Saturday when the Falcons come to town. The Rams lead in every major statistical category including Total Offense and Defense scoring 38 points per contest, and only giving up 13. St. Aug RB Walter Sanders is averaging a whopping 140 yards per contest and six yards per carry. He has been a one man wrecking crew through the first half of the season. St. Aug will need to diversify its offense to upset WSSU. This means that QB Joaquin Green must become effective in the passing game.  Ram QB Kameron Smith has been impressive, passing for 12 TDs and only two interceptions. (6:00 p.m. at Winston-Salem).

Players to watch: (St. Aug: RB Walter Sanders; QB Joaquin Green; LB Steven Stanback).

(WSSU: QB Kameron Smith; RB Nic Cooper; DL Juan Corders).

 

 FAYETTEVILLE STATE AT VIRGINIA STATE: Virginia State has just concluded a successful 2-1 road trip. The Trojans’ lone loss was to Norfolk State. VSU found itself in a similar position last season starting the 2009 conference season at 2-0. The Trojans promptly commenced a two-game home losing streak afterward.  The Trojans hope to reverse those fortunes in 2010. This weekend, VSU begins a crucial three-game homestand that could decide the Northern Division. First, the Defending Champ Broncos come to town. While FSU may not be playing up to its perennial standards at 1-4, they are still dangerous. The Broncos’ lone win was a 27-7 easy victory over Bowie State. Last season, VSU upset FSU at home and the Broncos certainly would like to turn the tables. At this point, VSU controls its own destiny…win out and they make their first championship appearance since 1972. QB Jared Battle has given VSU its first consistent QB play in several seasons. Receivers Brian Berry and Timothy Paulk are solid targets for VSU. One of FSU’s hallmarks during its championship seasons was its tenacious defense. This season, FSU sits at an uncharacteristic 11th in Total Defense in the league. QB Robert Benjamin has played well for the Broncos but he needs more help from RB Richard Medlin and the running attack this week. (6:00 p.m. at Ettrick, VA).

Players to watch: (FSU: LB Jeremy Cunningham; RB Richard Medlin; QB Robert Benjamin).

(VSU: RB  Antwain Lyde; QB Jarred Battle; WR Brian Berry).

 

VIRGINIA UNION AT ELIZABETH CITY STATE: This game has been a critical contest in the CIAA the past several years. Since2006, the winner of the game has won the division three of the past four seasons. VUU, however, has suffered an uncharacteristic two early conference losses. The two losses have been excruciating…both by a single point. If the Panthers are to climb back into the divisional race, they must win out and hope for some help. After a listless first half against St. Paul’s, the Vikings exploded for 27 points. They can ill afford to fall behind the Panthers and QB Aris McGlone-English. (1:00 p.m. at Elizabeth City, NC).

Players to watch: (Virginia Union: QB Aris McGlone-English; WR Joseph Jean-Pierre; RB Tarian Donaldson).

(ECSU: QB Creven Powell; WR Dexter Manley; DL Malcolm Jenkins).

 

SHAW AT JOHNSON C. SMITH: Shaw is in its usual place at this time of the season…in first place. Offensively, Shaw’s collection of talent is just as impressive as anyone’s in the league. QB Kevin Atkins has played well with 10 TD passes. RB Raymond Williams is averaging over 5 yards per carry. They will face a Johnson C. Smith looking to reshuffle its lineup after their loss to WSSU. JCSU hopes to get a push at home from their fans in order to upset Shaw. (2:00 p.m. at Charlotte).

Players to watch: (Shaw: QB Kevin Atkins; RB Raymond Williams; WR Julius Gregory).

(JCSU: QB Ryan Carter; WR Jeremy Franklin; RB Joshua James).

 

BOWIE STATE AT ST. PAUL’S: Over the past two seasons, Bowie State has pulled out nailbiter finishes. Last weekend’s 28-27 win over Virginia Union is a fine example of their clutch play. VSU, however, had other plans and knocked off the Bulldogs 16-15 on a last minute TD pass. BSU must continue to win to keep pace in the Northern Division. St. Paul’s played well against ECSU…for one half. They eventually gave up 27 second half points and succumbed to the Vikings. They will need to play a complete game in order to knock off the visiting Bulldogs. (1:00 p.m. at Lawrenceville, VA).

Players to watch: (Bowie State: QB Clifton Budd; LB Delano Johnson; DB Ken Turner).

(St. Paul’s: RB Albert Tinsley; QB Steffen Miller-Cohen; WR Jason Davis).

 

LINCOLN AT CHOWAN: Chowan pulled out a barnburner last weekend, 35-34, against VUU. The Hawks got outstanding play from WR Robert Holland. The sophomore caught 11 passes and scored three TDS. The win was the first of the season for Chowan. Lincoln is still looking for its second win of 2010. The Lions opened the season with a win over Cheyney. This is Chowan’s Homecoming. (6:00 p.m. at Murfreesboro, NC).

Players to watch: (Lincoln: QB Laquan Williams; WR Matthew Colston; DB Jairon Bailey).

(Chowan: WR Robert Holland; WR Eddie Coard; RB Elliot Smalls).

 

WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN AT LIVINGSTONE: The Blue Bears are looking for their first win of the season. They will go outside of the conference against WVWU and look to add a win to their record.  (1:00 p.m. at Salisbury, NC).

Players to watch: (Livingstone: WR Omar McFadden; QB Curtis Edens; LB Bryan Aycoth).