As the clock struck noon on Selection Sunday, football fans across the nation eagerly tuned in to witness the unveiling of the 2023 FCS playoff bracket. The anticipation reached its peak as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the field of 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.

Two teams from North Carolina, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central, found themselves among the chosen few. For the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, it was a testament to their resilience throughout a challenging season. Despite facing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in FCS football, the Runnin' Bulldogs secured significant victories against Elon and #13 UT Martin. They stumbled along the way, facing tough losses to FBS Appalachian State and fellow playoff team Austin Peay. However, as conference play unfolded, Gardner-Webb turned the tide, finishing strong with a 5-1 record and clinching the conference championship for the second consecutive year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North Carolina Central University Eagles soared into the playoffs on the wings of an impressive season. Fresh off winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the HBCU national championship, the Eagles showcased their strength in a schedule that included marquee matchups against UCLA and a trip to the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Victories against South Carolina State and Norfolk State highlighted their success, while a challenging loss to Howard kept them out of the Celebration Bowl for a second year in a row but opened the door to the FCS playoffs.

As the bracket unfolded, fans marveled at the matchups that would define the road to the national championship in Frisco, Texas. Gardner-Webb was slated to face Mercer in the first round, a game that promised intensity and excitement. Meanwhile, NC Central prepared for a showdown with Richmond, setting the stage for a clash between two formidable opponents. Both North Carolina teams will play away from home for the first round of the playoffs with a win putting each team on the road at one of the top eight national seeds.

Top 8 seeds

1. South Dakota State
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Albany
6. Montana State
7. Furman
8. Villanova

The playoff journey begins on Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN+, with the first-round matchups set to captivate audiences across the nation. 

CULLOWHEE – A quiet mountain town hosted a raucous college football game on Saturday afternoon. Two teams, conference rivals for longer than many fans have been alive, faced off for the first time as opponents ranked in the top ten nationally. The momentum shifted on a whim at times as the sun made its way over EJ Whitmire Stadium, but it was the Furman Paladins and quarterback Tyler Huff who delivered the final blow and defeated the host Western Carolina Catamounts, 29-17 to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the Southern Conference title.

Western rolled the dice to start the game, going for it on fourth down near the Furman forty-yard-line but a dropped pass gave the ball to Furman. The Paladins, on the offensive for the first time for the afternoon, moved the ball pretty well with a mix of runs and passes. A roll-out pass from the nine-yard-line from Tyler Huff to Mason Pline got the Paladins on the board and an offside penalty negated a missed PAT attempt. The Paladins decided to go for two with the second chance, but Andreas Keaton broke up a pass near the goal line to keep it 6-0 early in the first half. The Catamounts’ second drive played out much like the first drive with the home team facing a fourth and short and coming up short. Furman went sixty-six yards on five plays and extended their lead to thirteen with Huff’s second touchdown of the half, this one a sixteen-yard toss to Colton Hinton.

Western Carolina mounted yet another yard-consuming drive as the first quarter clock ran out. When the second quarter began, the Catamounts were situated in the red zone, hoping to claw back some of the two-score deficit the visiting Paladins forced upon them. Cole Gonzales’s nine-yard touchdown pass to AJ Colombo did just that and the Catamounts faithful celebrated the home team’s first points of the day. Furman ensured that celebration would be short-lived as Wayne Anderson rushed fifty-four yards down the home sideline to set up another Furman score two plays later, a nine-yard scamper by Dominic Roberto.

Western Carolina was willing to tempt the fates on the ensuing drive, taking another risk on a fourth down play. Like the two prior fourth down attempts, the pass was incomplete and the Paladins took over. Unlike previous possessions, however, the Catamounts defense held firm and forced the first punt of the afternoon. The Western Carolina offense regrouped, cheering on their defense for keeping them in the game, and responded in kind, marching sixty-three yards in eight plays with Cole Gonzales finding David White by the pylon to make it 20-14 late in the half. Furman attempted a long field goal as time ran out in the half, but it was wide right.

Furman wanted to force the Catamounts to play their style of football coming out of the half. Taking seven-and-a-half minutes off of the clock, the Paladins marched sixty-nine yards and were on the doorstep of making it a two-score game. The Western Carolina defense stood strong and forced a field goal attempt, but the snap was bobbled, and the Catamounts took over, seeking a potential tying or go-ahead score. That hope grew as the home team marched down the field, but a pass intended for a Catamounts receiver in the end zone was picked off by Furman’s Cally Chizik whose momentum carried him out of the end zone and out of bounds at the one-yard-line. The Western Carolina defense rallied to the aid of their offense, forcing a Furman punt that was shanked and went out of bounds at the thirty-five-yard line. Western Carolina’s offense faced the same fate as their counterparts, finding themselves unable to move the ball and forced to punt. 

Both teams traded field goals midway through the final quarter to keep the margin close, but Tyler Huff drove the final stake in the hearts of the Catamounts faithful with a fifty-three-yard touchdown run down the visiting sideline with under a minute left on the clock. A Western comeback attempt was thwarted and the Paladins were able to kneel to run out the final seconds of the clock and continue their perfect streak in conference play.

Notable North Carolinians

Dominic Roberto (Pine Forest) – the graduate running back led the Paladins with 154 rushing yards.

Branson Adams (Dudley) – the sophomore running back led the Catamounts with sixty-one rushing yards.

AJ Colombo (Cuthbertson) – the sophomore wide receiver opened the scoring for the Catamounts with a touchdown reception in the second quarter.

Up Next

Both teams are at home in Southern Conference action as Western Carolina (5-2, 3-1) hosts Mercer for homecoming while Furman (6-1, 4-0) hosts East Tennessee State.

DURHAM – O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham was the stage for an electrifying college football showdown on Saturday night, as the North Carolina Central University Eagles battled the Campbell University Camels. In a game that kept fans on both sides anxious for the entire evening, the Eagles secured a nail-biting victory in overtime, winning 49-48.

The crowd of 8,410 spectators witnessed an unforgettable game that saw both teams trade blows throughout the night. The Eagles, now standing at 4-1 on the season, extended their home game win streak to eight with this thrilling victory. They will continue their journey as they face Elon University on October 7th at 2 p.m. Campbell dropped to 2-3 and will look to bounce back in a road game against Hampton next Saturday.

Davius Richard Shines for NCCU

Senior quarterback Davius Richard was the star of the night for the Eagles. Richard displayed his versatility by completing 21 of 34 passes for 265 yards, including a crucial touchdown. But it was his performance on the ground that left a lasting mark on the game. Richard scored an astonishing four rushing touchdowns, breaking NCCU's career rushing touchdown record with a total of 33. This remarkable feat also tied the single-game rushing touchdown record for the Eagles.

The game began with both teams trading early blows. Campbell's quarterback, Hajj-Malik Williams, connected with Lamagea McDowell for an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving the Camels a 7-0 lead. NCCU quickly responded with a 51-yard pass from Richard to Devin Smith, setting up Richard's 5-yard rushing touchdown to level the score at 7-7.

Eagles Overcome Deficit

Despite the Camels taking a commanding 35-14 lead in the second quarter, NCCU rallied back with determination. Richard, along with teammates Luke Bracey and Latrell Collier, found the end zone in the second half, making it a nail-biting contest. Sophomore linebacker Jayden Flaker led the Eagles' defense with an impressive 15 tackles, including a crucial stop in the third quarter that set up a game-tying touchdown.

In a game that came down to the wire, it was NCCU's special teams that made the difference in overtime. Senior defensive tackle Karfa Kaba blocked a crucial point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempt, giving the Eagles the opportunity to seal the game. Adrian Olivo capitalized on this opportunity, securing the win for NCCU with a converted PAT.

Campbell's Strong Offensive Showing

Campbell's offense put on an impressive display, amassing 269 yards of total offense in the first half alone. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams threw for 302 yards and five touchdowns, connecting frequently with Jalen Kelsey, who had a career-high 172 yards receiving, including two stunning touchdown receptions of 70 and 65 yards.

The Camels had a chance to clinch victory in overtime, with Williams connecting with Ezeriah Anderson for a 13-yard touchdown pass. However, the blocked PAT proved costly, as NCCU's Latrell Collier swiftly carried the ball into the end zone, securing the Eagles' dramatic win.

A Game to Remember

The game between NCCU and Campbell will undoubtedly go down as one of the most thrilling college football matchups of the season. With both teams displaying remarkable skill and determination, it's a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that college football can offer. As the season progresses, fans can only hope for more games as captivating as this one.

CULLOWHEE – The #23-ranked Western Carolina football team put on a sensational offensive display on Saturday, securing a resounding 77-21 victory over Charleston Southern. The game took place on Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium and attracted an enthusiastic crowd of 13,357 fans, as it coincided with Family Weekend.

Western Carolina's offense was nothing short of spectacular, amassing a staggering 683 yards of total offense and 11 touchdowns. Quarterback Cole Gonzales was in exceptional form, throwing five touchdown passes in the first half alone, connecting with four different receivers, including a pair of scores to AJ Colombo. Gonzales began the game with a perfect 12-for-12 passing, completing five touchdowns before his first incompletion. He ended the game 14-of-16 for 299 yards. Notably, three different quarterbacks contributed to the offensive onslaught, with Brody Palhegyi and true freshman Taron Dickens also finding success through the air.

Photo Credit: Samuel Wallace (WCU Communications and Marketing)

Desmond Reid led the charge on the ground, racking up 111 yards on 13 carries and scoring two touchdowns. The Lions scored a remarkable 42 points in the first half, matching a school record they've achieved three times since 2004. Gonzales' passing prowess was complemented by a total of 12 different receivers, including true freshman Corey Washington, who recorded a career-best three receptions for 108 receiving yards.

Defensively, Western Carolina limited Charleston Southern to 223 total yards, with standout performances from LB Va Lealaimatafao, redshirt freshman Ken Moore Jr., and end Curtis Fann Jr. Western Carolina improved its record to 3-1, with a 1-0 mark in SoCon play.

Next on the schedule, Western Carolina embarks on a two-game road swing through conference play, beginning with a matchup against The Citadel Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1 SoCon) at Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston next Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Elon Phoenix and the Campbell Fighting Camels are set to face off in an exciting CAA matchup today at Barker-Lane Stadium in Buies Creek. This match-up promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams have shown great potential in their previous games and are looking to move up the CAA standings. Kickoff is set for 6 pm and will be broadcast on FloSport.

Elon has had a mixed start to their season, falling in close matchups to FBS Wake Forest and a strong NC FCS Gardner-Webb squad before winning their CAA opener against North Carolina A&T last Saturday. Defensively, the Phoenix are coming off of a strong effort where they held the Aggies to an impressive 140 yards of total offense. The Phoenix defense, led by defensive back, and former Grimsley High standout, Caleb Curtain along with Asheville’s Marvin Pearson is going to need another strong effort to take down a Campbell team that is averaging over forty points a game.

Campbell’s Hajj-Malik Williams is averaging over 250 yards passing per game over the first three weeks of the season and has thrown for five touchdowns without any interceptions. The senior signal-caller has also rushed for three touchdowns as part of a three-headed running game alongside running backs NaQuari Rogers and former Charlotte Catholic star Lamagea McDowell who have each also rushed for three touchdowns.

This game is crucial for both teams. For the Phoenix, a win could help turn their season around and boost their morale as they head into a stretch of games against ranked FCS teams. For the Camels, another win would solidify their strong start to the season and keep their momentum going in their first season in the CAA.

Mars Hill Hosts Barton in Battle of Unbeatens

Barton travels to take on Mars Hill in a South Atlantic battle of unbeatens with important divisional implications this early in the season. Kickoff is set for 1 pm and will be broadcast on FloSports. Former Eastern Randolph star Jordan Terrell, who was named the national offensive player of the week and leads all rushers in the country with 194 yards per game, leads a Barton offense that has averaged over thirty points a game and knocked off Division 1 Davidson two weeks ago. Mars Hill is coming off a resounding 35-20 victory over Catawba, powered by standout performances from North Carolina products Jon Gullette (Reagan) and Simeon Thompson (Erwin).

ECU Looks For First Win of Season Against Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb travels to Greenville to take on their second FBS foe in a month in an East Carolina squad looking to avoid an 0-4 start to the season. The Runnin’ Bulldogs lost a close two-point matchup on the road at Tennessee State last week after knocking off in-state FCS rival Elon the previous week. The Pirates had a lead on the road at Appalachian State last week before faltering in the second half. Both teams are featuring strong running games with Narii Gaither leading a ground-focused Gardner-Webb offense and Rahjai Harris pacing a balanced Pirates offense. Kickoff is set for 6 pm and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Three North Carolina teams have qualified for the 2022 NCAA
FCS Championship Playoffs.

Eleven teams automatically qualify for this year's playoffs
via conference affiliation. An additional thirteen teams earned at-large bids
selected by the FCS Playoff Committee. The complete 24-team bracket was
announced at 12:30 on Sunday, November 20, on ESPNU. The FCS Playoffs will
conclude with the national championship in Frisco, Texas on Sunday, Jan. 8,
2023.

Gardner-Webb (6-5) secured their first-ever berth in the playoffs
with a win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday afternoon, finishing a perfect
5-0 in conference play and securing their first Big South Conference title since
2003. The Runnin’ Bulldogs and head coach Tre Lamb will travel to take on
Eastern Kentucky (7-4), representing the ASUN-WAC partnership.

Davidson (8-3) represents the Pioneer League after St.
Thomas was declared ineligible for the playoffs. The Wildcats are making their
third straight appearance in the FCS playoffs under coach Scott Abell. The
Wildcats and Abell are looking for their first postseason tournament victory
and will travel to take on Richmond (8-3) from the Colonial Athletic
Association.

Elon (8-3), also from the Colonial Athletic Association,
earned an at-large bid in this year’s playoff. The Phoenix, led by Tony Trisciani, are making their
fourth overall appearance in the FCS playoffs and first since 2018. Coach
Trisciani and the Elon squad will look to secure their first-ever FCS playoff
win on the road at Furman from the Southern Conference.

Schedule – All games will take place on Saturday, November
26, and are televised on ESPN+.

Elon at Furman – 12pm

Davidson at Richmond – 2pm

Gardner-Webb at Eastern Kentucky – 5pm

A full bracket can be found here: https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/fcs/2022.

BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb and North Carolina A&T both came into the last week of the regular season with a perfect Big South conference record, setting the stage for a winner-take-all matchup for the conference’s autobid into the FCS playoffs.

Both defenses started the game strong, combining for two forced fumbles, three punts, and an interception. The offenses were only partially able to take advantage of the turnovers, though. After recovering a punt on the first play of the game, the Aggies went thirty-three yards in three plays to take an early lead on a twenty-three-yard pass from Jaylen Fowler to Zach Leslie. A fumble at the A&T ten-yard-line helped the Runnin’ Bulldogs get on the scoreboard with a short Jay Billingsley field goal.

A Gardner-Webb block of  NC A&T punt seemed to awaken everyone in the stands, including both teams' offenses, who combined for twenty-eight points in the second quarter. Gardner-Webb was finally able to find the end zone when Bailey Fisher hit Cutrell Haywood on a slant play and the graduate receiver raced twenty-three yards to give the Runnin’ Bulldogs their first lead of the game. Just when it looked like North Carolina A&T would seize the momentum for the day after Bhayshul Tuten broke free and rumbled for a sixty-one-yard score, the Runnin’ Bulldogs rattled off fourteen unanswered points to end the half. Jayden Brown scampered nineteen yards around the left side of the line for one score and linebacker Jamari Brown’s scoop-and-almost-score set up a two-yard Narii Gaither touchdown run.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs started the second half strong as well, forcing an Aggie punt and then extending their lead to seventeen with Narii Gaither’s second touchdown of the day. North Carolina A&T finally got on the scoreboard again late in the third quarter with Andrew Brown’s forty-yard field goal. By the time the third quarter ended, the home team held a two-score lead and was looking to add to their advantage. A fourth quarter Jayden Brown, his second of the day, closed the scoring and secured the victory for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

With the win, Gardner-Webb (6-5, 5-0) secured their first conference title since 2003 and first FCS playoff bid ever. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will find out their opponent on Sunday’s selection show.

BUIES CREEK – Campbell rolled up a season-high 563 yards of total offense and defeated North Carolina Central 48-18 Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Campbell (2-2) scored on six of its seven first-half drives and hit season highs for points (48), total offense, first downs (33) and rushing yards (315) against a previously unbeaten Eagle team that entered the contest ranked eighth in the nation in scoring defense (13.5).

Bryant Barr ran for a career-high 135 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown for the Camels, who ran 83 plays to 64 for the visitors.  NaQuari Rogers added 78 rushing yards and one score, while Lamagea McDowell scored twice on the ground.

Campbell RB Bryant Barr races past the defense. Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough

Hajj-Malik Williams completed 22-of-33 passes for 248 yards and added 46 on the ground with one rushing TD.  Jalen Kelsey led CU with five receptions for 47 yards and recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown.

Davius Richard completed 21-of-35 passes with two interceptions and a pair of TDs for NC Central (4-1), which ranked fifth in the FCS in scoring offense (43.2) but was held to just three scores despite finishing with 390 total yards.  Richard led the Eagles with 37 rushing yards, while Devin Smith had five catches for 67 yards and two scores.

Aaron Maddox, CJ Tillman and Myles Rowser led Campbell with seven tackles each.  Isaiah Lawson had 12 tackles for the Eagles, while Jason Chambers added 11 and Khalil Baker 10.

Campbell compiled 397 yards of total offense before the break, including 205 on the ground.

The Camels took the opening kickoff and drove 84 yards on 14 plays, capped by McDowell’s four-yard rush.  After forcing a punt, Campbell again drove into the red zone to set up Caleb Dowden’s 30-yard field goal.

Myles Rowser intercepted a Richard pass and the Camels drove 60 yards in six plays.  McDowell finished the march with a 10-yard scoring run for a 17-0 lead with 11:44 left in the second quarter.

Williams pushed the margin to 24-0 on a 17-yard QB keeper with 7:25 to play in the half.

The Eagles got on the scoreboard when Richard connected with Smith on a 28-yard TD pass.  However, Campbell stopped NCCU on the two-point conversion attempt.

CU answered Central’s only first-half score with a 75-yard drive that Barr finished with a 24-yard rush.

Ed Dennis picked off Richard’s pass and returned it 26 yards to give the Camels a first down on the NCCU 34 with 55 seconds to play.  Dowden’s 21-yard field goal pushed the halftime lead to 34-6.

Barr ran for 113 yards on 16 carries in the first half alone.  Williams completed 13-of-18 passes for 192 yards before the break as the Camels converted 5-of-5 red zone opportunities.

NCCU scored on the first play of the fourth quarter on Smith’s 22-yard TD catch, but the Camels responded with a 9-play, 65-yard march that Rogers completed with a 35-yard run.

Alex Santiago blocked a Juan Velarde punt and Kelsey picked it up at the goal line to push the margin to 48-12 with 9:06 to play.  

Richard’s 1-yard QB keeper rounded out the scoring.

Notable North Carolinians

Bryant Barr (Eastern Guilford) – the graduate running back ran for a career-high 135 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown.

Lamagea McDowell (Charlotte Catholic, Hunter Huss) – the junior running back scored twice on the ground to give Campbell an early lead.

Devin Smith (Durham Riverside) – the sophomore receiver finished with five catches for 67 yards, including two touchdowns.

Isaiah Lawson (Butler) – the sophomore linebacker led the NCCU defense with 12 tackles, including a stop for a loss, with a pass break-up.

Up Next

Campbell (2-2) returns to action next Saturday with a 4:00 p.m. kickoff against Charleston Southern in its Big South Conference opener while NCCU has an open week before beginning MEAC play versus Morgan State on Thursday, October 13 on ESPNU.

DAVIDSON – It was the opener of the 2021 Pioneer Football
League slate for the Davidson. Opposing the Wildcats were the Toreros of San
Diego, a traditional league power who desperately wanted to avenge the pandemic-forced
spring 2021 season which saw Davidson knock off the four-time defending Pioneer
League champs to claim the conference championship for the first time ever. It
was Davidson who would take the day, as the Wildcats held off a late rally to
defeat the Toreros 28-16 at Richardson Stadium.

Davidson had what seemed to be a great start to the game,
forcing a three-and-out and taking over after a punt. The momentum was short-lived, however, and a bad pitch on the Wildcats' second play from scrimmage saw
the ball hit the turf, recovered by the San Diego defense. Two plays later,
Emilio Martinez ran in from thirteen yards out to give the visitors an early
7-0 lead.

The Wildcats went into full ball control mode later in the quarter,
though, marching eighty-three yards on sixteen plays on a drive that ended the
first quarter and began the second. By the time junior Dylan Sparks scored on a
one-yard run, Davidson had chewed off nearly nine minutes of clock and kept a
potent Torero offense on the sidelines.

It was the San Diego special teams that made the biggest
play in the second quarter, though. After coming up short on a run, the Toreros
chose to punt from midfield. The punt rolled down towards the goal line and was
batted out of bounds inside the one-yard line. The San Diego defense stepped up
on the next play, tackling the Davidson ball carrier in the end zone for a
safety and 9-7 lead. After the ensuing free kick, the Toreros sought to extend
their lead with a field goal, but the kick bounced off the right upright.

Davidson started the second half with eight straight rushing
plays before Louis Calosimo was able to find Eli Turner, Jr. lurking behind the
defense, and the two connected on a thirty-one-yard pass to get the Wildcats
inside the five-yard line. Two plays later, Mark McCurdy went around the left
side for the Davidson touchdown and the Wildcats had the lead for the first
time on the afternoon. Davidson had a chance to extend the lead later in the
quarter, but a bad snap on a field goal attempt gave the ball back to the Toreros
and saw the score stay at 14-9 going into the final quarter.

San Diego refused to give up and came within five points
after an eleven-yard touchdown pass from Mason Randall to Michael Carner. The
Toreros had another chance late in the quarter but was stopped on fourth down
by the tenacious Davidson defense. Looking to put the game on ice, Louis
Colosimo found Eli Turner, Jr. on a twenty-five-yard slant route for a
touchdown to cap the scoring, and Jordan Burrell picked off a late pass to seal
the deal for Davidson.

Up Next

Both teams are staying in Pioneer League play as Davidson (2-1,
1-0) travels to Florida to take on the Hatters of Stetson University while San
Diego (0-4, 0-1) hosts league newcomer St. Thomas.

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – For the first time in 52 years Davidson football ended in the postseason, falling to fourth-seeded and nationally ranked number eight Jacksonville State in the first round of the FCS Championship Playoffs Saturday at JSU Stadium, 49-14.

“Very proud of our guys for being here. We weren’t satisfied with that … Our expectations are to become a program that can each-and-every year compete at a level in the playoffs,” said head coach Scott Abell. “This year was a measuring stick for us. We certainly understood the challenge. 

The Wildcats were in it for much of the first half, dominating time of possession with nearly 22 minutes in control. 

After falling behind 7-0 early, Davidson did what they’ve been able to do all year and manipulated a clock-eating drive of nearly eight minutes, ending with junior Coy Williams's seventh scoring scamper of the year.

On the ensuing Gamecock possession, Wildcat senior corner Jaylon Bolden made a beautiful play down the Davidson sideline, intercepting JSU’s Zion Webb for his second pick of the season. But the ‘Cats were unable to capitalize on the scoreboard. 

Trailing 14-7 late in the second quarter, JSU scored twice in seven seconds, capitalizing on a Davidson special team’s miscue to gap the ‘Cats 28-7 at the break. 

Jacksonville State took the second-half kick and quickly broke it open, scoring in just 1:16, a 55-yard Webb to Pat Jackson hook up. The Gamecocks added another late in the third, and again early in the fourth to push their lead out to 49-7.

Despite the deficit and with time running out, Davidson played until the final whistle, utilizing every bit of their opportunity. Senior quarterback Tyler Phelps threw his seventh touchdown pass of the season with 2:49 left to junior tight end Jackson Sherrard, 49-14 Gamecocks.

“It means everything to the program. To be here and to play today, it was surreal. Definitely a good end to the career for sure,” said Phelps.

On the final JSU possession, Davidson went out swinging. Sophomore Brian Jacobs forced a fumble recovered by senior James Boyle, giving their offense one last shot at the end zone. Jacobs led the team with six tackles, four solos. 

“We knew we’d be here. It was just a matter of time. It was a process,” said junior linebacker Jalen Jefferson, who finished with four tackles.

The Wildcats were the first team to break 100 yards rushing against Jacksonville State in 10 tries, churning out 202 yards on the ground. Williams’ led the way with 62 yards on 16 carries, while Dylan Sparks gained 55 on 19 carries. Phelps completed 7 of 15 passes for 59 yards, connecting with junior Jalen Staples four times. Davidson finished with 41:59 of possession, but it was JSU’s big plays that proved the difference, using a balanced rushing (222 yards) and passing (239) attack.

“Overall, so proud of our guys. We’re really excited about our future … every rep was a rep for our future. The momentum that we finished with will carry us into the offseason,” said Abell.

Story courtesy of Davidson Athletics Communications

DAVIDSON – Davidson punched their ticket to the Division I FCS Championship, earning the Pioneer Football League’s automatic qualifier, announced by the league Thursday.

Following the news of Saturday’s canceled game against Stetson, Davidson finishes the 2021 spring regular season 4-2 overall and 4-1 in the PFL. The Wildcats hold at least a share of the conference title, but due to head-to-head tie-breaking procedures, Davidson earned the league’s automatic qualifier into the Division I FCS Championship Playoff. If San Diego wins Saturday against Valparaiso, the two will serve as Co-Champions, while a loss gives the 'Cats the outright title. 

Regardless, Davidson has clinched its first postseason berth in 52 years - the first for the ‘Cats since the 1969 season when they won the Southern Conference and went on to play in the Tangerine Bowl.

“Though I’m disappointed in not playing our season finale, I’m incredibly proud of our team and program. Winning the first PFL championship and earning our first automatic bid to the FCS playoffs is an awesome accomplishment for this team and program,” said head coach Scott Abell.

The bracket for the upcoming playoffs will be released during the FCS Selection Show on ESPNU and the Watch ESPN at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Apr. 18

Although Western Carolina’s Donnavan Spencer found the end
zone three times on the ground for the Catamounts, it was the Mercer run game
that made the difference as the Bears played keep-away with the football all
Saturday afternoon, running for over 300 yards and chewing more than forty
minutes off the clock on their way to a 45-28 win.

Spencer, a former Vance standout, now has twenty career
scores, inching him closer to a top ten spot in WCU history. Former Southern
Guilford defensive tackle Roman Johnson, along with Ty Harris, both led the defense
with eleven tackles each on the afternoon.

The Big South Conference announced today its revised football conference schedule for the spring season to accommodate previous postponements due to COVID concerns.  Games involving Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, Monmouth, and Robert Morris have been adjusted, and the season will now end on Saturday, April 17.  Below is the updated conference schedule, and future schedule adjustments may be announced at any time.

Saturday, March 27 (no change)

Charleston Southern at Monmouth

Kennesaw State at Gardner-Webb

Saturday, April 3

Monmouth at Gardner-Webb

Robert Morris at Kennesaw State (no change)

Saturday, April 10

Robert Morris at Charleston Southern

Kennesaw State at Monmouth (no change)

Saturday, April 17

Gardner-Webb at Charleston Southern

Monmouth at Robert Morris

TBD

Gardner-Webb at Robert Morris

Future schedule adjustments may be announced at any time

DELAND, FL. – Davidson rattled off 20 consecutive second-half points and held off a late Stetson rally to pick up a Pioneer Football League opening win Saturday at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, 26-20.

With the win, Davidson improves to 1-1 and opens the conference slate at 1-0, while with the loss Stetson begins the season 0-1.

“There’s too really tough things in sports and in football, one is winning on the road, and two is winning your first game of the year … especially after a heartbreaking loss at Elon. Really proud of this win. Really proud of our guys,” said head coach Scott Abell after the victory formation sealed it.  

Trailing 7-6 at the break, the Wildcats got in their groove in the third, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive drives to open the half. 

The ‘Cats first found the end zone when senior quarterback Tyler Phelps hit junior wide receiver Jalen Staples with a fade to the back corner of the end zone just 1:34 into the third. After a defensive stop on Stetson’s ensuing possession, the ‘Cats leaned on Phelps legs for four carries with the final taking him across the goal line, extending the lead, 20-7.

With the game seemingly in hand, Davidson’s defense stepped up big. Freshman Jonathan Hammond sacked Hatter quarterback Alex Piccirilli on fourth down to give the ball back to the offense. Hammond has been a force as a freshman for the ‘Cats, making his first career interception earlier in the game and previously forcing a fumble at Elon back in February.

Back on offense, Davidson needed just two plays to add six to the scoreboard. Junior running back Coy Williams darted off on a 43-yard scamper and classmate Eli Turner Jr. turned on the jets to finish off the final 25 yards with a catch and scamper to put his squad up, 26-7.

Stetson did make things interesting late, scoring touchdowns on back-to-back fourth-quarter possessions, helped along by an onside kick recovery, but the Davidson damage was too great to overcome.

The first half was full of special team highlights. Stetson marched down the field on their opening drive and was in position for a chip shot field goal, but senior Jaylon Bolden had other plans, blocking the kick to keep the Hatters from getting on the board early.

Wildcat sophomore kicker Caden Bonoffski showed off his leg, connecting on a 48-yard field goal try, one yard shy of his career-long. The local product added a 26-yard kick to keep the ‘Cats momentum rolling in the second quarter.

Davidson finished with 297 yards rushing out of 389 yards of total offense. Phelps led the ground game with 120 yards, while Williams chipped in 83. Phelps completed 7-of-10 passes for 92 yards, connecting with Staples four times for 55 yards and the score.

Defensively, junior’s Jalen Jefferson and Jake Alexander led the way with 10 tackles apiece. Alexander forced a fumble in the second quarter, recovered by classmate Cade Vela. 

Davidson makes their home debut Saturday, Mar. 20 against Presbyterian in PFL action at Richardson Stadium. Kick off from Stephen B. Smith Field is slated for 1 p.m.

BOILING SPRINGS – The Runnin’ Bulldogs were victorious in their first game under new head coach Tre Lamb on Saturday afternoon. Gardner-Webb outscored #24 Elon 35-0 in the second half on their way to a 42-20 win over the visiting Phoenix.

Gardner-Webb running back Narii Gaither led the Runnin’ Bulldogs with 119 yards on 19 carries, hitting paydirt twice on the afternoon. Quarterback Carlton Aiken added another two scores on the ground for the home team. Devron Harper also returned a punt to the house for Gardner-Webb to take the lead for good on the afternoon. Elon was paced by quarterback Joey Baughman who scored on a quarterback sneak early in the first quarter. Skyler Davis was 2 of 2 on the afternoon on field goals.

Both teams are in action next Saturday as Gardner-Webb (1-0) hosts Presbyterian for their second straight game at Spangler Stadium while Elon (1-1) returns to the friendly confines of Rhodes Stadium, hosting CAA rival James Madison.