ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina’s football woes continued as they dropped to a 2-9 overall record and 2-4 in Annapolis, suffering a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Navy. The loss concluded the ECU’s road schedule for the season, with the Pirates finishing 1-5 away from home.

In a challenging offensive outing, ECU failed to score for the first time since October 4, 1997, when they suffered a 56-0 loss to Syracuse, ending a remarkable streak of 322 consecutive games with points on the board. The Pirates managed only 189 yards of total offense, including a season-low 34 rushing yards, highlighting the struggles on that side of the ball.

Despite the offensive difficulties, East Carolina’s defense showcased its resilience by holding Navy to 10 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Pirates limited an opponent to 13 points or less. 

In individual player performances, quarterback Alex Flinn faced immense pressure from Navy’s defense but completed a career-high 24 of 38 pass attempts for 155 yards. However, he failed to secure any touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Flinn also led the team in rushing with 31 yards on 12 carries.

Chase Sowell emerged as a bright spot for the receiving corps, totaling 62 yards on 11 catches. On the defensive side, Teylor Jackson recorded his first career forced fumble, while Jason Shuford achieved his first career fumble recovery. BJ Davis stood out with a team-high 10 tackles, reaching double figures for the second consecutive week.

Looking ahead to their final game of the 2023 season, East Carolina is set to face Tulsa in an American Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live via ESPN+.

As the Pirates prepare to conclude their season, Coach Mike Houston remains focused on ending on a positive note against Tulsa, stating, “We have a chance to finish things off on a positive note with a win at home next week against a very talented Tulsa team."

TULSA, OK – The Charlotte 49ers pulled off a stunning comeback, overtime victory Saturday afternoon on the road against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Walk-on quarterback Trexler Ivey led the 49ers offense back from a 17-0 deficit to secure the 49ers’ second win as a member of the American Athletic Conference.

The first quarter began with the Charlotte 49ers receiving the kickoff at their own 18-yard line. However, after an exchange of punts and a couple of turnovers on downs, it was the Tulsa Golden Hurricane who struck first. Cardell Williams, the Golden Hurricane' star running back, found the end zone twice with impressive rushes, and Chase Meyer added the extra points with successful kicks, putting Tulsa ahead 14-0.

Jairus Mack led the 49ers with 124 receiving yards Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame

The 49ers didn't give up, and in the second quarter, Kyle Cunanan finally got Charlotte on the board with a 22-yard field goal. Terron Kellman later contributed a one-yard rushing touchdown to narrow the gap, making it 10-17 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Charlotte's defense and special teams stepping up their game, earning a safety after a Reid Williford blocked punt out of the back of the end zone and forcing a missed field goal attempt by the Golden Hurricane. Kyle Cunanan continued to prove himself as Charlotte's savior, drilling a 23-yard field goal to close the deficit to 15-17.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster of momentum and emotions for both squads. Cunanan's 49-yard field goal put Charlotte ahead, 18-17. However, Anthony Watkins responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown for the Golden Hurricane, taking back the lead at 23-18. Trexler Ivey led the 49ers on an impressive drive, connecting with Jack Hestera for an 18-yard touchdown pass, giving Charlotte a 26-23 lead. Tulsa's Chase Meyer forced overtime with a 27-yard field goal in the closing moments of regulation.

In overtime, the 49ers received the ball and wasted no time, as Trexler Ivey sneaked into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown. Kyle Cunanan's successful kick put Charlotte ahead 33-26.

Tulsa had its chance to respond, but Charlotte's Dontae Balfour intercepted a pass, sealing the breathtaking victory for the 49ers. The crowd erupted in celebration as the home team completed the comeback.

Key Players and Stats

-Trexler Ivey, Charlotte's quarterback, completed 20 of 36 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown.
-Nikhai Hill-Green led Charlotte with 11 tackles, 2.0 TFL, a forced fumble and a pass break-up.
-Terron Kellman was Charlotte's standout running back, carrying the ball 21 times for 53 yards and one rushing touchdown.
-Jairus Mack has seven catches for 124 yards.
-Jack Hestera caught 2 passes for 53 yards, including a crucial 18-yard touchdown reception.
-Kyle Cunanan's field goals were pivotal, making three of four attempts, including the game-tying 49-yarder.

Next Week

The 49ers will face Memphis at home next Saturday in an American Athletic Conference game set for 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

GREENVILLE – Charlotte’s stout defense had a record-setting performance as the 49ers picked up their first-ever American Athletic Conference victory, defeating East Carolina 10-7 on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

The 49ers displayed their dominance right from the outset, with quarterback Jalon Jones engineering an impressive 73-yard drive on the opening possession, consuming a season-long 7 minutes and 28 seconds of play. Kicker Jake Larson then converted a 35-yard field goal, giving Charlotte an early 3-0 lead. The 49ers’ defense complemented the strong start, holding ECU to a mere 49 yards of total offense in the first half, maintaining their lead heading into the break.

The second half began with Charlotte extending their lead as Jones executed a 30-yard pass play to Duane Thomas Jr., setting up his own one-yard touchdown run. This score marked Jones’ team-leading fourth rushing touchdown of the season.

Charlotte QB Jalon Jones Photo Credit: Sam Roberts/FreezeFrame

The 49ers’ defense continued to stifle ECU, limiting them to 10 yards or less on eight of their first nine possessions, preserving the 10-0 lead well into the fourth quarter.

However, a muffed punt changed the course of the game, as it set up ECU at the Charlotte 10-yard line with 13:22 to play. ECU capitalized on the opportunity, narrowing the lead to 10-7 with a 10-yard pass from Alex Flinn to Shane Calhoun.

In a nail-biting final quarter, Charlotte had a chance to seal the victory but failed to convert on a 45-yard field goal attempt. The 49ers’ defense stepped up once again, forcing ECU into a three-and-out, with Stone Handy contributing an 11-yard sack to protect their slim lead.

ECU had one last opportunity, taking over with 2:29 on the clock. After three first downs moved the ball to the Charlotte 29, Eyabi Okie-Anoma delivered an eight-yard sack, pushing the Pirates back to the 37. One play later, ECU managed to gain six yards on third-and-18, moving to the 31. However, the 48-yard field goal attempt went wide, securing Charlotte’s first-ever victory as a member of the AAC.

Key statistics of the game included Jalon Jones rushing for a career-high 127 yards, marking the first 100-yard rushing performance by a 49er this season. Charlotte’s defense recorded 6.0 tackles for loss, the fifth time this year that they achieved this feat. Eyabi Okie-Anoma registered his fifth sack of the season, tying for the fifth-most in a single season by a 49er. He also recorded one quarterback hurry, bringing his season total to nine, just one shy of Larry Ogunjobi’s school record.

For ECU, Julius Wood led the defense with 10 tackles and logged his third career interception. Kingston McInstry collected his first career fumble recovery, and Alex Flinn, who entered the contest in the second half, completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown. Shane Calhoun caught his second touchdown reception of the season and sixth of his career.

The game was East Carolina’s first meeting with Charlotte on the gridiron, and the Pirates are now 55-13 in Homecoming contests. Despite the loss, ECU has an impressive streak of not being shut out in 319 games, setting a school record.

Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their inaugural AAC victory as a historic achievement. ECU head coach Mike Houston acknowledged the close game and the missed opportunities, vowing to improve for future contests.

Charlotte’s win marks a significant milestone in their young program’s history, while ECU will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming games.

Up Next: East Carolina takes on American Athletic Conference newcomer UTSA next Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with the game streaming live via ESPN+. Charlotte plays host to fellow American Athletic Conference newcomer Florida Atlantic this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte 49ers went into Saturday’s
homecoming matchup against Navy looking for their first win as a member of the
American Athletic Conference. Standing in their way were the Midshipmen from
the US Naval Academy. In a game marked by stellar defensive play and a total of
twenty punts, the visiting Navy squad was able to sail away with a 14-0 win over
the 49ers in front of a sellout crowd.

An uneventful first half saw both teams punting six times
while their offenses struggled to find rhythm. The second half started as
the first half ended, but the stalemate was finally broken on a busted coverage
by the Charlotte defense. When Navy quarterback Braxton Woodson, in a relief role
after starter Tai Lavatai was injured early in the game, hit an open Eli Heidenreich
in the middle of the secondary, the sophomore raced sixty-nine yards to the end
zone to give the visiting Midshipmen a 7-0 lead.

It took until the fourth quarter for more points to be
scored. A fumble by Charlotte set up Navy with good field position and the Midshipmen
took advantage of another defensive miscue as Alex Tecza took a simple dive
play up the middle and sprinted sixty-two yards to set the final margin for the
game.

Demetrius Knight II led Charlotte with seven total tackles
and Nikhai Hill-Green added five solo tackles and a sack. Aside from the two
long touchdown plays, the Charlotte defense stymied Navy’s triple-option offense,
forcing seven three-and-outs and eleven punts. Although the Charlotte offense
never found the end zone, Shadrick Byrd effectively ran the ball,
tallying ninety-two yards on the afternoon.

Up Next

Charlotte travels to Greenville to take on East Carolina in
the first-ever football game between the two in-state conference foes. Both
teams are looking for their first conference win of the season. Kickoff is set
for 2 pm.

Going into the season, Poggi’s stated goals were to dominate the line of scrimmage so the 49ers run game would set the tone. Although it took a few drives to work out the kinks, the 49ers were finally able to push their way down the field for their first score of the game. A one-yard Jalon Jones keeper capped off a sixty-eight-yard drive with each yard coming on the ground. Charlotte’s running game kept the momentum going on their next drive. Freshman Durell Robinson showed flashes of what made him such a highly sought-after recruit out of high school. With lightning-quick cuts behind the line of scrimmage, Robinson racked up seventy-one yards over two drives and scored the first of what fans hope will be many touchdowns for the green and gold. Kyle Cunanan’s forty-five-yard field goal gave the 49ers a two-touchdown lead going into the half.

South Carolina State had their first sustained drive of the evening midway through the third quarter. As the Bulldogs faced a fourth down inside the two-yard line, the 49ers defense lived up to their “Bad Company” moniker and held South Carolina State out of the end zone. After punting it back to the Bulldogs, the 49ers defense again held on fourth down, turning South Carolina State over on downs for the second straight drive. The Charlotte offense saw itself facing a fourth down on its next drive, but a quarterback sneak kept the chains moving. Facing another fourth down a few plays later, the 49ers opted to attempt a field goal, but the kick sailed wide.

Charlotte’s first passing touchdown of the season came on some impressive improvisation by quarterback Jalon Jones, who scrambled and tossed a quick pass to tight end Bryce Kennon, who raced thirty-six yards down the home sideline to hit paydirt. The big play ignited the Charlotte sideline, and the defense came out blazing on the next drive. Freshman defensive back Kameron Howard stepped in front of a South Carolina State pass, picked it off and raced to the Bulldog twenty-two-yard line.

Jalon Jones was 13 of 19 for 125 yards and a touchdown through the air with sixty-three yards and a touchdown on the ground. Durell Robinson led a balanced 49ers rushing attack with seventy-four yards and a touchdown. Terron Kellman and Shadrick Byrd also saw time at running back and combined for ninety-two yards rushing.

Wayne Jones led the defensive effort with ten tackles (five solo) with Demetrius Knight and Nikhai Hill-Green each tallying seven tackles to guide the strong defensive effort. Prince Bemah, and Eyabi Okie-Anoma each had a sack, and Michael Kelly and Demon Clowney shared a sack. Kameron Howard had the team’s lone turnover, a fourth-quarter interception.

Charlotte (1-0) travels to College Park next Saturday to take on Maryland from the Big Ten. The game will be broadcast on NBC, marking the first time the 49ers will have played on a national, over-the-air broadcast network.

ANN ARBOR - The Michigan Wolverines soared past the East Carolina
Pirates in their season opener, winning 30-3 in front of a Michigan Stadium
crowd of 109,480. Despite the absence of Jim Harbaugh, who is serving a
suspension to start the season, the No. 2 Wolverines were nearly flawless in
their victory over ECU, the first time the two schools have played each other.

East Carolina put up a valiant effort but was seemingly
outmatched from the opening whistle. Quarterback Mason Garcia did everything he
could to move the Pirates' offense down the field, but the Michigan defense held
the Pirates to 235 total yards with Garcia leading the team in both passing and
rushing yards. Julius Wood paced the team on defense with nine total tackles
(five solo) while Mike Edwards III notched eight tackles (seven solo) including
one for a loss. Kicker Andrew Conrad’s field goal as time expired kept the
Pirates from being shut out.

Michigan was led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who passed
for 280 yards and threw for three touchdowns. Running back Blake Corum also had
a strong game, with seventy-three rushing yards and a touchdown. The
Wolverines’ receiving corps also had a standout performance. Roman Wilson led
the way with seventy-eight receiving yards and six receptions, including three
touchdowns. Cornelius Johnson also contributed with seventy-one receiving yards
and five receptions.

Overall, it was a strong start to the season for Michigan,
while East Carolina will look to bounce back in their next game next week against
Marshall.

GREENVILLE – The thirteenth-ranked NC State Wolfpack survived on Saturday
afternoon after a failed comeback attempt by the host East Carolina Pirates. A
record crowd of 51,711 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium watched the Wolfpack power out
to a 21-7 halftime lead before the Pirates scored thirteen unanswered points in
the second half to come up just short.

After an ECU third-quarter touchdown made it a one-score
game, a goal-line stand by the Pirates defense gave the home fans hope for the
comeback. Seven minutes later, the Pirates offense, led by signal caller Holton
Ahlers, found the end zone in hopes of tying the game up, but the PAT was wide
and the Wolfpack was clinging to a one-point lead. The Pirates defense stepped
up again, forcing a punt, and the ECU offense got in NC State territory with
just a few seconds left but the potential game-winning field goal was wide and
the Wolfpack escaped with the one-point win.

Coaches Corner

NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren

"First, give East Carolina a lot of credit. We were up
21-7 and their kids fought. The most disappointing part for us is not scoring
at the goal line and the other opportunities that we didn't come up with
points. There's a lot to look at on film. It always starts with the schemes
that we're running, seeing how we're coaching things, looking at guys that are
running the plays and where we can get better and we will get a lot better. The
one thing I can't do is change our record tomorrow. We're 1-0 and we're
excited. The last time I was here, we lost 33-30 so it feels good to leave with
a win. You've got to give Coach Houston and his staff at ECU a lot of credit.
They did a great job today."

East Carolina Head Coach Mike Houston

"There's not a whole lot to say. Kids fought their
tails off. They inspire me with the way they play. Our preparation coming into
this game, we were very confident this morning. I know nobody outside of
Greenville gave us much of a chance, but those kids never doubted. We should
have won the ballgame. We outplayed them. We dominated them physically in the
second half. I just hurt for those kids in that locker room right now. They've
brought this program from the depths back to what it was today. That stadium
today was incredible. Our fan base is incredible, and we all deserve to have a
win today. I'm just sorry we're not sitting here celebrating one."

Notable North Carolinians

Thayer Thomas (Heritage) – the graduate wide receiver had
four catches for fifty-eight yards and a touchdown

Jaylon Scott (Shelby) – the junior linebacker had eight
tackles, including five solo stops

Holton Ahlers (Conley) – the senior quarterback completed 24
of 40 attempts for 255 yards with two touchdowns

Next Week

NC State (1-0) hosts Charleston Southern in their home debut
at Carter-Finley Stadium while East Carolina (0-1) hosts Old Dominion (1-0), who
is fresh off a Power 5 upset of Virginia Tech.

“As the University embarks upon an overall campus master planning process, the athletics master vision will be a key component of it,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “This ambitious plan is reflective of the upward trajectory of UNC Charlotte's athletics program which is, for many of our constituents, the 'front porch' of the University. We are committed to providing an experience for our students, alumni, and fans that mirrors the excellence embodied throughout UNC Charlotte - in our academics, research, community engagement, and every other facet of what we do.”

While the vision offers a 12-15 year look at what the future holds for all 49ers campus facilities, Charlotte is currently focused on the $102 million Phase I, which features the first expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium, a design already underway for a new softball clubhouse and recently completed upgrades to the football locker room. Phase I also includes the construction of a new stadium to be shared by men’s and women’s soccer and the newly announced women’s lacrosse program, a clubhouse for the baseball program, and men's and women's basketball locker room renovations.   

“This is a vision of what we intend to become,” said Mike Hill, director of athletics. “We have aspirations to achieve greatness and further elevate the visibility and profile of our University. As we take the next step in our growth by joining the American Athletic Conference, our competition gets tougher against more established programs, so it is imperative that we provide our coaches and student-athletes with the resources necessary to compete for championships. Our fans deserve the very best experience when they come to support their beloved Niners.”  

Projects identified in Phase I, for which fundraising efforts have begun, are critical to the 49ers' transition to the American Athletic Conference and the addition of their 19th sport, women’s lacrosse.

“This initiative is a tangible reflection of Charlotte’s commitment to competition in the American Athletic Conference and at the highest level of Division I athletics,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. “It aligns with the shared vision of our conference membership and the sustained progress that has defined The American since our inception. I applaud Chancellor Sharon Gaber, Athletic Director Mike Hill and all those who strongly support this great university as its commitment to excellence continues. The University leadership’s foresight, acumen and dynamic approach have made this vision a reality that will be transformative for the University and its athletics program.”

The EverGreen Master Vision is led by nationally renowned HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, and Jenkins-Peer Architects, a highly regarded and award-winning local firm. HOK has nationwide experience in the athletic construction field, while Jenkins-Peer designed Jerry Richardson Stadium and the Judy W. Rose Football Center as well as other projects on campus, including the University Recreation Center. 

The process included input from coaches, student-athletes, athletics staff, supporters, and university and athletic administrators. Originally, the plan was to be finalized in spring 2020; however, due to the pandemic, it was temporarily paused and subsequently modified.          

“The American invited us to join because of the incredible trajectory of our athletics program, university, and city,” Hill added. “Our ability to clearly articulate this vision, including expansion of the football stadium, was certainly a factor. To achieve our goals, we will need to galvanize the resources of our amazing city and university. We can do this together.”

PHASE I PROJECTS UNDERWAY OR COMPLETE:

BOB DAUGHTRIDGE SOFTBALL CLUBHOUSE

Adjacent to the Lewis Family Softball Training Facility behind the first baseline, the softball clubhouse will serve as the new home for 49ers softball, including locker room and team meeting space, coaches’ offices and a training room. Softball’s departure from the Wells Fargo Fieldhouse allows for future expansion of women’s sports within that facility.

JUDY W. ROSE FOOTBALL CENTER LOCKER ROOM

New lockers maximize space for the football team and provide enhanced technology and equipment storage for over 100 student-athletes. 

UPCOMING PHASE I PROJECTS:

JERRY RICHARDSON STADIUM EXPANSION

The first expansion of Jerry Richardson Stadium will provide additional access to 49ers games and significantly upgrade the fan experience by offering club seating, loge boxes, hospitality suites, an outdoor terrace, and a mezzanine club as well as the traditional press suite level. The initial stages of this project will push the capacity over 21,000 while the ultimate objective of Phase I is to accommodate over 30,000 fans.

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOMS ENHANCEMENTS

Locker rooms for both the 49ers' men's and women's basketball programs will undergo substantial renovations to allow for a heightened student-athlete experience. The new layouts will create more space and seating as well as player lounges and meeting space.

SOCCER/LACROSSE STADIUM

Phase I calls for the relocation of the playing venue for the Charlotte 49ers' men's and women's soccer programs, which will return the programs to their playing site prior to the construction of Irwin Belk Track and Field Center/Transamerica Field in 1996. The soccer and lacrosse stadium will provide a spectacular new home for the 49ers' national-caliber men’s and women’s soccer programs as well as the program’s newest sport, women’s lacrosse. The stadium will offer excellent fan amenities while bringing Niner Nation up close to on-field action. Until its completion, the lacrosse program will play home games at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

BARNHARDT-HALTON BASEBALL CLUBHOUSE

To move baseball operations entirely to Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium, a new clubhouse will feature coaches' offices, locker rooms, training room and team spaces. The baseball clubhouse will sit on the right field line between the grandstand and indoor facility and will feature a terrace for fans to congregate and watch games. In addition, baseball vacating the Wells Fargo Fieldhouse will create a home for the women’s lacrosse team.

FUTURE PROJECTS

Additional Phases of EverGreen will include construction of and expansion and renovations to other athletics facilities that will impact each and every one of the 49ers’ programs. Those projects include: Basketball Practice Facility and Student-Athlete Enhancement Center, Irwin Belk Track and Field Center enhancements, Dale F. Halton Arena enhancements, Indoor Football Practice Facility, Sue M. Daughtridge Stadium expansion, a new Wells Fargo Fieldhouse, Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex Indoor Facility, and Robert & Mariam Hayes Stadium expansion.

Last Meeting

Players to Watch

What the Coaches are Saying

“Memphis is a very, very talented football team that’s also coached well. We’ve been against speed before and this team is a fast team as well. This is probably the most skilled football team. We talk about speed a whole lot; this team has done a good job. Coach [Mike] Norvell has done a good job putting together a team that is skilled on offense. When you look at what [Riley] Ferguson is able to do with his arm, he extends plays and he has probably one of the more exciting players at receiver [Anthony] Miller. On tape he can stretch the field with speed, run exceptional routes, catch the quicks and make people miss. So we’ll have our hands full with him and we’re looking forward to the challenge." 

“They’ve done a really good job on defense of making sure that their offense always has the chance to keep the pressure on the team that they’re playing against. I think throughout the year you can see that they are playing with fewer returners on defense than they are on offense and they are continuing to get better. I see coach working both sides of the ball to play new people. But this is a football team that has played well, played with skill and will continue to get better. This is a team that you look at and from a skill standpoint, you have to get to this level to be able to compete for championships in this league and they’ve done a really, really good job at it.”

Worth Mentioning

What the Coaches Said:

Notable North Carolinians:

Next Week:

EAST CAROLINA RECORDS AND STREAKS

• Qualified for 10 bowl appearances since 2000
  (three-straight, eight of the last nine years)…


• Has won 26 of the last 31 games when scoring 30 or more
  points…


• Has lost 17-straight games when scoring 20 or less points
  (19-14 vs. UCF in ‘09/last win) …


• Has won 18 of the last 20 games when gaining 200 or more
  rushing yards…


• Has won 26 of the last 27 games when leading at the half…


• Has won 10 of the last 19 regular season road games…


• Has split its last four American Athletic Conference road
  games…


• Has lost three-straight Thursday night games…

FAST FACTS

• Qualified for 10 bowl appearances since 2000
  (three-straight, eight of the last nine years) ...


• Has won 26 of the last 31 games when scoring 30 or more
  points ...


• Has lost 16-straight games when scoring 20 or less points
  (19-14 vs. UCF in ‘09/last win) ...


• Has won 18 of the last 20 games when gaining 200 or more
  rushing yards ...


• Has won 26 of the last 27 games when leading at the half ...


• Has won 11 of the last 13, 15 of the last 18 (and 19 of the
  last 23) home games ...


• Has won 13 of the last 16 conference home games ...


• Has won six-straight home games in the month of November
  (last loss in 2011) ...

Senior OLB Recorded Six Tackles For Loss Including An AAC
Record Four Sacks