INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletics) – The Norfolk State football team struggled to find a rhythm on Saturday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium, falling 37-10 to North Carolina Central in the 40th Annual Circle City Classic.
Terique Miles paced the Spartans with nine tackles, including two tackles for loss. AJ Richardson also enjoyed a strong day defensively, recording seven tackles with two for loss.
Neither team mustered much progress on its respective opening possession, but the Eagles got moving on their second opportunity. Walker Harris launched a deep ball to the left side of the field, connecting with Markell Quick for a 63-yard score.
A Spartan three-and-out, followed by a strong Eagle punt return, put NCCU in Norfolk State territory quickly. Harris needed just one play to reach the end zone, finding Joaqin Davis from 31 yards out to push his squad ahead 14-0.
A tackle for loss from Kyree Moyston helped keep the Eagles out of the end zone a few minutes later, forcing North Carolina Central to settle for a red zone field goal. The Spartans reached opposing territory multiple times, but struggled to keep the momentum going from there.
Grandin Willcox got Norfolk State on the board late in the second quarter, drilling a 45-yard field goal. North Carolina Central responded quickly, though, stringing together multiple quick passes after a big kick return. Luke Bracey slipped through the Norfolk State defense for the Eagles’ third touchdown of the day, bringing the halftime score to 24-3.
North Carolina Central added a touchdown in the third quarter and another early in the fourth, but the offensive production slowed significantly.
Norfolk State reached the end zone for the first time during the fourth quarter, thanks to a healthy mixture of runs and short passes. Kevon King facilitated the drive with rushes of 17 and 10 yards, before Daniels connected with Kam’Ryn Thomas for a 25-yard gain.
Scoring his third touchdown in a two-week span, Jacquez Jones took a toss 14 yards to the pylon for the Spartan score.
Checking The Box Score
- Norfolk State quarterback Jalen Daniels 12-of-25 passes for 85 yards, while rushing for 63 yards on 14 carries
- North Carolina Central quarterback Walker Harris completed 19-of-25 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns
- NSU wideout Kam’Ryn Thomas logged three receptions for 46 yards
- Terique Miles led the Spartans with nine tackles and two tackles for loss, while AJ Richardson contributed seven tackles with two tackles for loss
- Kevon King averaged 5.9 yards per carry, recording 41 rushing yards on seven attempts
News & Notes
- Norfolk State and North Carolina Central’s showdown marked the 40th Annual Circle City Classic football game, and the Spartans’ first-ever appearance in the event
- North Carolina Central now leads the all-time series between the schools 14-7
- The Spartans dropped to 2-4, 0-1 in the MEAC with the loss
- NCCU improved to 3-2, 1-0 in the MEAC with the victory
- Neither team turned the ball over on Saturday. Through six games, the NSU defense has recovered four fumbles and recorded seven interceptions
UP NEXT
Norfolk State remains away from home for a third consecutive week next Saturday, travelling to Fairfield, Conn. for a nonconference matchup at Sacred Heart. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.