2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team
2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies football | |
---|---|
Celebration Bowl, W 64–44 vs. Alcorn State | |
Conference | Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |
Ranking | |
STATS | No. 23 |
FCS Coaches | No. 22 |
Record | 9–3 (6–2 MEAC) |
Head coach |
|
Offensive coordinator | Chris Barnette (2nd season) |
Defensive coordinator | Courtney Coard (2nd season) |
Home stadium | BB&T Stadium |
Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 24 Florida A&M * | 7 | – | 1 | 9 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 20 North Carolina A&T + | 6 | – | 2 | 9 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Carolina State + | 6 | – | 2 | 8 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bethune–Cookman | 5 | – | 3 | 7 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Norfolk State | 4 | – | 4 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North Carolina Central | 3 | – | 5 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Howard | 2 | – | 6 | 2 | – | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Morgan State | 2 | – | 6 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Delaware State | 1 | – | 7 | 2 | – | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The 2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in the 2019 NCAA Division I FCS football season. This marked the 96th season for the program, and the Aggies were led by second-year head coach Sam Washington. The Aggies finished the season with a record of 9–3 overall and 6–2 in MEAC play, capturing their 11th conference title. The Aggies also earned an invitation to the Celebration Bowl where they defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alcorn State, earning their seventh black college football national championship. The Aggies played their home games at BB&T Stadium.
Before the season
[edit]At the conclusion of the 2018 football season, the Aggies lost key players such as two-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year, Lamar Reynard; 2018 MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, Left Guard Michah Shaw.[1] In addition, the Aggies also lost Running Back Marquell Cartwright, who had 2 seasons of 1000 plus rushing yard seasons and MEAC defensive player of the year, Darryl Johnson who decided to forego his senior season and declare early for the 2019 NFL draft.[1][2]
Recruiting
[edit]Prior to National Signing Day in February 2019 two players enrolled for the spring semester in order to participate in spring practice. On National Signing Day, A&T signed 19 additional players out of high school that completed the 2019 recruiting class. Of the class, 12 players were from North Carolina.[3]
College recruiting information (2019) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date | |
JaMichael Baldwin WR |
Conyers, GA | Savannah State | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 165 lb (75 kg) | Jan 16, 2019[4] | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Korey Banks WR |
Tyrone, GA | South Carolina | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Trawn Barrington OL |
Ontario, CAN | Victor Valley College | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 305 lb (138 kg) | Dec 19, 2018 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Herbert Booker DB |
Oak Ridge, TN | Oak Ridge | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Anthony "AJ" Dupree DB |
Snow Hill, NC | Greene County | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Feb 6, 2019[5] | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Mykul "Prestige" Edwards WR |
Charlotte, NC | East Mecklenburg | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 183 lb (83 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Alex Fumbach LB |
Snellville, GA | Fort Scott CC | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Aaron Harris ATH |
Elizabeth City, NC | Northeast | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Cameron Hutchinson RB |
Havelock, NC | Havelock | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Kingsley Ifesi QB |
Charlotte, NC | East Carolina | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | Dec 15, 2018[6] | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Jason Ivey OL |
Charlotte, NC | South Mecklenburg | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 297 lb (135 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Tyquan Johnson DL |
Cordova, SC | Edisto | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 289 lb (131 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Cesar Minarro OL |
Charlotte, NC | Sun Valley | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 283 lb (128 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Jacob Roberts LB |
charlotte, NC | Mallard Creek | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 218 lb (99 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Janorris Robertson DE |
jacksonville, FL | Raines | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Kyle Stanback DE |
Newbury Park, CA | Newbury Park | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 260 lb (120 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Janaz Sumpter ATH |
Hemingway, SC | Carver's Bay | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Shemar Thompson RB |
Burlington, NC | Walter Williams | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Melik Ward DL |
Tarboro, NC | Tarboro | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 265 lb (120 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Thomas Washington DT |
Fayetteville, NC | Seventy-First | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 280 lb (130 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Chase Williamson OLB |
Gastonia, NC | Hunter Huss | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Feb 6, 2019 | |
Star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: | ||||||
Sources:
|
MEAC poll
[edit]In the MEAC preseason poll released on July 26, 2019, the Aggies were predicted to finish in first place.[7]
Predicted finish | Team | Votes (1st place) |
---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A&T | 304 (12) |
2 | Bethune–Cookman | 237 (1) |
3 | Florida A&M | 204 (2) |
4 | Howard | 166 |
5 | North Carolina Central | 161 (1) |
6 | South Carolina State | 152 |
7 | Norfolk State | 119 (1) |
8 | Morgan State | 87 (1) |
9 | Delaware State | 46 |
Preseason All–MEAC teams
[edit]The Aggies had eleven players selected to the preseason all-MEAC teams.[8]
First Team Offense Marcus Pettiford – OL Dontae Keys – OL Second Team Offense Jah-Maine Martin – RB Elijah Bell – WR Third Team Offense Zachary Leslie – WR |
First Team Defense Justin Cates – DL Mac McCain – DB Second Team Defense Antoine Wilder – LB Third Team Defense Jermaine Williams – DL Richie Kittles – LB Michael Rivers – P |
Coaching staff
[edit]2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies coaching staff | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Head coach
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
|
Administrative staff
|
Roster
[edit]2019 North Carolina A&T Aggies Roster (Source) | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Wide receivers
Offensive line
|
Tight ends Fullbacks Running backs
Defensive line
Defensive ends
Rovers |
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Punters Kickers Long snappers | ||||
† Starter at position * Injured; did not play in 2019. |
Schedule
[edit]Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
August 31 | 6:00 p.m. | No. 21 Elon* | No. 20 | LTV | W 24–21 | 16,358 | [9] | |
September 7 | 6:00 p.m. | at Duke* | No. 15 | ACCN Extra | L 13–45 | 38,313 | [10] | |
September 14 | 6:00 p.m. | at Charleston Southern* | No. 15 | ESPN+ | W 27–21 | 5,112 | [11] | |
September 26 | 7:30 p.m. | Delaware State | No. 17 |
| ESPNU, LTV | W 37–0 | 16,567 | [12] |
October 5 | 2:00 p.m. | at Norfolk State | No. 15 | ESPN3 | W 58–19 | 11,062 | ||
October 20 | 2:00 p.m. | at Florida A&M | No. 10 | ESPN3 | L 31–34 OT | 1,051 | [13] | |
October 26 | 1:00 p.m. | Howard | No. 18 |
| LTV, ESPN3 | W 64–6 | 21,500 | [14] |
November 2 | 1:30 p.m. | at South Carolina State | No. 16 | ESPN3 | W 22–20 | 11,183 | [15] | |
November 9 | 1:00 p.m. | at Morgan State | No. 14 | ESPN3 | L 16–22 | 2,467 | [16] | |
November 16 | 1:00 p.m. | Bethune–Cookman | No. 25 |
| LTV, ESPN3 | W 47–17 | 10,355 | [17] |
November 23 | 1:00 p.m. | North Carolina Central | No. 25 |
| LTV, ESPN3 | W 54–0 | 11,055 | [18] |
December 21 | 12:00 p.m. | vs. Alcorn State* | No. 23 | ABC | W 64–44 | 32,968 | ||
|
Game summaries
[edit]Elon
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 21 Phoenix | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
No. 20 Aggies | 0 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
This game marked the 12th meeting between the Aggies and In-State Division I FCS opponent Elon. Going into the game, both teams were nationally ranked as the Aggies and Phoenix were ranked 20th and 21st in the STATS FCS Preseason poll.[21] As of the time of kickoff, A&T held a 7–4 all-time record against Elon, and had won the last 3 matchups, including a 14–7 road win in 2015.[22] This matchup was the final game of a 4-year series between the two that began in 2013.[22]
Elon were the first to score from a 5-yard run for a touchdown by running back De'Sean McNair.[23] The Phoenix ended the first quarter up 7–0. In the second quarter, the A&T responded with 14 unanswered points. Running Back Jah'Maine Martin tied the game with a 1-yard run and wide receiver Elijah Bell scored on a 5-yard pass from quarterback Kylil Carter.[23] Bell's catch made him the all-time leader in touchdown receptions for the Aggies.[24] On the opening drive of the second half, the Phoenix tied the game with a 2-yard run by De'Sean McNair.[23] The Aggies regained the lead with a 10-yard pass from Kylil Carter to Quinzel Lockhart. The Phoenix responded with a 14-yard reception by Kortez Weeks tying the game at 21–21.[23] In the 4th quarter, both teams exchanged possession of the ball as the game clock wound down to 0:01 seconds remaining. On the game's final play, kicker Noel Ruiz made make a 52-yard field goal, securing the Aggies' victory, 24–21.[24] Ruiz's field goal tied the program's record which was set by Yonnick Mathews in 2003.[24] The 50 plus yard game-winning kick was the first since Carlos Dacalos made one in 2004.[24]
At Duke
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 15 Aggies | 3 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
Blue Devils | 7 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 45 |
This game marked the first meeting between the Aggies and in-state FBS opponent Duke. The Aggies last saw an opponent from the ACC in 2015, when they lost to North Carolina 53–14.[25]
The Aggies were able to score first with a 40-yard field goal by Noel Ruiz.[26] Duke countered with a 38-yard pass from Quinton Harris to Jalon Calhoun for a touchdown.[27] On the second play of the Aggies' first drive of the second quarter, A&T running back Jah-Maine Martin scored on a 66-yard carry to put A&T in the lead 10–7.[28] Duke was able put together an offensive attack that resulted in three touchdowns in rapid succession, putting the Blue Devils into a 28–10 lead with 3:10 left before halftime.[29] In the third quarter, Duke's AJ Reed scored on a 50-yard field goal. The Aggies responded with a 36-yard field goal of his own, making the score 31–13.[30] The Blue Devils ended the third quarter with a 24-yard pass from Quinton Harris to Jalon Calhoun for a touchdown extending their lead to 38–13.[27] In the fourth quarter, Duke scored one last time on Mataeo Durant's 1-yard run.[27]
At Charleston Southern
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 15 Aggies | 0 | 6 | 0 | 21 | 27 |
Buccaneers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
This game marks the first meeting between the Aggies and FCS opponent Charleston Southern. The Aggies are currently on a 2-game win streek against competition from the Big South Conference; with last season's win over Gardner-Webb 45–6.[31]
Charleston Southern was able to get on the scoreboard with the first with a 33-yard pass from quarterback Jack Chambers to Kameron Brown to score the only points of the 1st quarter.[32] In the 2nd quarter, the Buccaneers scored on a 1-yard run by Jack Chambers, putting them ahead 14–0.[32] With 5:56 remaining in the half, Kicker Noel Ruiz kicked a 31-yard field goal to get the Aggies on the board.[32] Ruiz was able to make another field goal, this time from 43 yards, with time running out on the half.[32] In the 3rd quarter, neither the Aggies nor the Buccaneers were able to score. In the opening minute of the 4th quarter, Running Back Jah-Maine Martin scored on an 84-yard run, the Aggies were able to follow up with a 2-point conversion making the game 14–14.[33]
Delaware State
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hornets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
No. 17 Aggies | 7 | 21 | 9 | 0 | 37 |
This game marked the 47th meeting between the Aggies and Delaware State. Going into the game, the Aggies led the series 24–22–1 over the hornets, including a 34–6 home victory in 2018.[34] The game also marked the return of All-America Cornerback Mac McCain, who suffered a season-ending injury to his left knee in November 2018; McCain he completed the day with 3 tackles and 1 pass breakup.[35]
The Aggies scored the only points of the first quarter from a 24-yard run by running back Jah-Maine martin.[36] In the second quarter, Martin got his second touchdown of the day with a 28-yard run, making the score 14–0.[36] Kick returner/ wide receiver Korey Banks scored on an 8-yard pass from quarterback Kylil Carter, while Martin closed out the half with a 1-yard run, making the score 28–0.[36] In the second half, Martin scored his fourth touchdown of the game, running for 33 yards, bringing the score to 35–0.[36] With 1:10 left in the 3rd quarter, the Aggies were able to get a safety which was the final score of the game.[36]
The Aggies held Delaware State to 23 rushing and 100 total yards of offense.[37] This was the program's 21st shutout victory since the 2011 season.[37] A&T finished the game with 432 total yards of offense, of which Jah-Maine Martin was responsible for 108 yards.[38] Martin's 4 touchdowns was the second greatest single game performance in the program's history, behind Maurice Hicks who scored 6 in 2000.[35] Other stand out players include wide receiver Elijah Bell's 9 catches for 101 yards which set a career receiving yards record of 2,347 yards. Bell also tied programs' career receptions record at 172, placing him with Herbert Harbison and Wallace Miles.[39]
At Norfolk State
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 15 Aggies | 13 | 24 | 21 | 0 | 58 |
Spartans | 3 | 6 | 10 | 0 | 19 |
This game marked the 41st meeting between the Aggies and Norfolk State. Going into the matchup, A&T led the series 31–9, with Norfolk State vacating wins in both 2010 and 2011.[40] The Aggies have won the last 5 games of the series, with A&T winning the last meeting 37–20 in Greensboro.[40]
The Aggies were the first to score with a 2-yard run by Jah-Maine Martin.[41] Norfolk State was able to get their first score of the game via a 44-yard field goal by Josh Nardone.[41] The Aggies were quick to respond with another Jah-Maine Martin touchdown. On the point after attempt, the kick was blocked, leaving the score at the end of the first quarter with the aggies ahead 13–3.[41] In the second quarter, the Aggies were able to score 24 points with 2 touchdown passes from Kylil Carter to Quinzel Lockhart and Zachary Leslie; a 24-yard Noel Ruiz field goal and a 68-yard run by Jah-Maine Martin to lead the Aggies on a 37–3 lead.[41] The spartans were able to score 6 points on a 2-yard pass from quarterback Juwan Carter to Justin Smith making the score 37–9 at halftime.[41] In the third quarter, the Spartans were able to score off of a 1-yard run by Juwan Carter, followed by a 31-yard field goal by josh Nardone.[41] A&T responded with a 68-yard touchdown pass from Kylil Carter to Zachary Leslie.[41] A&T was able to score again with a 4-yard run by Kashon Baker ti being the score to 51–19.[41] In the fourth quarter, quarterback Jalen Fowler ran for 4 yards for a touchdown, bringing the final score to 58–19.[41]
At Florida A&M
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 10 Aggies | 7 | 7 | 3 | 11 | 3 | 31 |
Rattlers | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 34 |
This game marked the 67th meeting between North Carolina A&T and the Florida A&M Rattlers.[42] Going into the matchup, FAMU held a 43–18 all-time record against the Aggies, with the Rattlers winning the previous year's game 22–21.[42]
Florida A&M scored first with a 56-yard pass to Xavier Smith from Ryan Stanley.[43] In the final 2 minutes of the quarter, A&T scored their first points of the game with a 1-yard run from Kylil Carter.[43] On the next possession, the Rattlers scored off of a 5-yard pass to David Manigo to close out the 1st quarter 14–7.[43] In the 2nd quarter, both teams scored 1 touchdown each; The Aggies' Jah-Maine Martin scored on a 9-yard run and FAMU's Marcus Williams scored with a 21-yard reception.[43] At halftime, tensions between the rivals spilled over and both teams got involved in a skirmish that resulted in A&T's Elijah Bell and Mac McCain, as well as a FAMU assistant coach, being ejected from the game.[44] The 3rd quarter saw the Aggies score the only points with Kicker Noel Ruiz making a 26-yard field goal making the score 17–21.[43] In the 4th quarter, the Rattlers scored by way of a 2-yard run from Terrell Jennings.[43] The Aggies scored via a 36-yard run courtesy of Kashon Baker, followed by a two-point conversion to bring the score to 25–28.[43] With 0:02 left in regulation, kicker Noel Ruiz made a 26-yard field goal, forcing the game into overtime.[44] In overtime, the Aggies scored a 32-yard field goal by Noel Ruiz, while the Rattlers scored the game-winning touchdown.[45]
A&T recorded 496 yards of total offense, with 180 on the ground and 316 in the air.[43] Quarterback Kylil Carter recorded a career-high 251 yards passing and 63 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.[43] Other top performers include Jah-Maine Martin who rushed for 71 yards on 22 carries with 1 Touchdown; Zachary Leslie who had a career high 11 receptions for 136 yards and Antoine Wilder who recorded 9 tackles.[43][46]
Howard
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bison | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
No. 18 Aggies | 10 | 24 | 23 | 7 | 64 |
This game marked the 48th meeting between NC A&T and the Howard Bison, with A&T holding a 27–18–3 series record over Howard.[47] Having played consistently since 1971, an imbalance in the MEAC football schedule created a disruption in the series. this resulted in their last meeting being in 2016 where the Aggies defeated the Bison 34–7.[47]
On the game's opening drive, the Aggies moved the ball 50 yards in 7 plays, setting up kicker Noel Ruiz for a 27-yard field goal. On A&T's next possession, the Aggies scored in two plays when Running Back Jah-Maine Martin scored on a 65-yard run, bringing the Aggies to a 10–0 lead.[48] On Howard's next possession, the bison were able to put together a 78-yard drive, which resulted in Howard's only points of the game.[48] The 2nd quarter saw the Aggies scoring 24 unanswered points, including a 55-yard touchdown run by Jah-Maine Martin which was the result of freshman linebacker Jacob Roberts making a crucial 4th down sack. After this momentum changing set of plays, the Aggies began pulling away from the Bison 34–6 at halftime.[49] In the 2nd half of the game, A&T scored 30 unanswered points including: a 13-yard pass to Elijah Bell; a 9-yard run by Jah-Maine Martin; an 18-yard pass to Zachary Leslie; a 20-yard run by T.J. Boyce; and a 31-yard field goal by Noel Ruiz.[50]
The Aggies recorded 574 yards of total offense, while holding Howard to 173 yards total.[49] Running Back Jah-Main Martin rushed for 138 Yards on 7 carries and scored 3 Touchdowns. Martin increased his season total to 15 rushing touchdowns, with 10 for over 20 yards, and 7 exceeding 50 yards.[49] Wide receiver Elijah Bell recorded 94 yards and 2 touchdowns, increasing his career total to 28. Bell who already holds the school's all-time receiving touchdown record, is now 5th on the conference's record list.[49] In addition to the veteran players, freshman linebacker Jacob Roberts recorded a career high 15 tackles in his first homecoming game. Of those 15, Roberts had 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss.[48] Other notable performances included quarterback Kylil Carter passing for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns with 9 completions; receiver Zachary Leslie who recorded 120 yards and 1 touchdown with 4 receptions; and senior cornerback Chris Mosley, who had 2 interceptions.[51][49]
At South Carolina State
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 17 Aggies | 0 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 22 |
Bulldogs | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 20 |
This game marked the 54th meeting between the Aggies and the South Carolina State Bulldogs. Going into the matchup, South Carolina State leads the series 31–21–2.[52] The Aggies are on a 4-game winning streak against the bulldogs, including a 31–16 win last season at home.
SC State scored the only points of the first quarter with a 23-yard field goal.[53] In the second quarter, the Bulldogs scored their first touchdown on a 2-yard run, putting them up 10–0 over the Aggies.[53] The Aggies scored their first points of the game by way of a safety when Kyin Howard tackled SC state quarterback Tyrece Nick.[53] On the next possession, Running Back Jah-Maine Martin scored on a 3-yard run, making the score 10–9.[53] The Bulldogs were unable to convert on their 3rd down attempt and had to punt the ball to the Aggies. On their next possession, the Aggies scored on a 4-yard pass to Korey Banks from Kylil Carter, giving the Aggies the lead 16–10 going into halftime.[53] In the 3rd quarter, the Noel Ruiz successfully kicked 2 field goals, from 23 and 22 yards respectively increasing A&T's lead 22–10 at the end of the 3rd quarter.[53] In the 4th quarter SC State scored 2 touchdowns; the first, a 49 Yard pass to receiver De'Mo Burroughs and the second, 28 Yard field goal by kicker Dillon Breedsen.[53] With SC State down 20–22 on their final possession of the game, the Bulldogs were forced to punt the ball from their own 16 yard line.[54] With the ball on the SC State 49 yard line, the Aggies gained 18 yards in 6 plays as time expired.[54]
The Aggies recorded a total 417 yards of offense, while the defense held SC State to 50 rushing yards and only 6 of 14 on 3rd down conversions.[55] Aggie quarterback Kylil Carter recorded a career high 267 passing yards with 21 completions and 1 Touchdown. In addition, Carter also rushed for a team high 73 yards and accounted for 57 of 79 plays for the Aggies.[56] Other standouts performances include: Kicker Noel Ruiz, who broke the school's single-season field goal record with 16, and running back Jah-Maine Martin who became the 9th player in the program's history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.[56]
At Morgan State
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 14 Aggies | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 16 |
Bears | 0 | 16 | 0 | 6 | 22 |
This game marked the 80th meeting between North Carolina A&T and Morgan State.[57] Since 1930, Morgan State held a 43–36 record against the Aggies, with the bears winning the last 2 meetings, including the previous years' 16–13 upset over the Aggies, which ended their 15-game winning streak.[57]
The Aggies were able to score first with a 34-yard field goal by Kicker Noel Ruiz.[58] The bears were unable to score and the quarter ended with the Aggies ahead 3–0. In the second quarter, the Bears were able to score with a 22-yard field goal by kicker Nicolas O'shea.[58] Morgan State was able to regain possession of the ball after a 3rd down interception from the Bears 25 yard line. 4 plays later, the Bears scored the first touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run giving them a 10–3 lead.[58] A&T were able to score a touchdown of their own from a 10-yard pass from Kylil Carter to Zachery Leslie, tying the score 10–10.[58] On the next possession, the Bears scored on a 27-yard pass to Manasseah Bailey.[58] After the half, A&T scored the only points of the 3rd quarter. A&T kicker Noel Ruiz made a 28-yard field goal bringing the score 13–16.[58] In the 4th quarter, Morgan State scored a touchdown from a 1-yard run and increased their lead 13–22.[58] A&T followed up on the next possession with a 46-yard field goal.[58] On the subsequent kickoff, the Aggies recovered an onside kick at their own 45 yard line.[58] A&T mounded an unsuccessful final offense, which ended with quarterback Kylil Carter getting sacked on the Aggie's 38 yard line.[58]
The Aggies recorded a total 283 yards of offense.[58] Kylil Carter recorded 154 passing yards and completed only 15 of 38 attempts for 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.[58] Running Back Jah-Maine Martin was held to only 80 rushing yards on 16 Carries.[58]
Bethune-Cookman
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wildcats | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
No. 25 Aggies | 14 | 6 | 6 | 21 | 47 |
This game marked the 40th meeting between North Carolina A&T and Bethune-Cookman. Going into the game, Bethune-Cookman held a 22–17 all-time record against the Aggies, with the A&T winning the last 4 meetings, including the previous years 42–20 victory in Daytona Beach.
In the first quarter, running back Jah-Maine Martin scored the first points of the game with a 66-yard run. He scored again on an 8-yard run with 8:57 left in the quarter.[59] In the second quarter, Aggie fullback William Simpson scored the first touchdown of his career on a fourth-and-1 run from the 6 yard line.[60] The Wildcats scored their first points of the game when LaDerrian scored a touchdown off of a 1-yard run. The Wildcats closed the half with a 25-yard field goal by kicker Xavier McDonald.[59] In the second half of the game, A&T's Kashon Baker score the only points of the 3rd quarter with a 36-yard pass from quarterback Jalen Fowler.[59] In the 4th quarter, Fowler threw a 22-yard pass to receiver Elijah Bell for a touchdown, bringing the score to 26–10 in favor of the Aggies.[59] B-CU responded with a 9-yard run by Akevious Williams making the score 33–17.[59] A&T's Jah-Main Martin and Kashon Baker both scored on running plays to seal the Wildcats fate; Martin on a 7-yard run and Baker scoring on a 2-yard play.[59]
The Aggies recorded 430 yards of total offense, while holding B-CU to 229 yards and 5 of 16 on third down conversions.[60] Jah-Maine Martin was responsible for 120 yards of offense, on 19 carries for 3 Touchdowns. Martin's performance during the game broke the school season record for rushing touchdowns, and tied him for the single season touchdown record, both held by Tarik Cohen.[60] In addition to Martin, other standouts included quarterback Jalen Fowler, who had 5 of 6 completions and threw for 105 for 2 touchdowns, receiver Elijah Bell who had 4 caught for 62 yards and 1 touchdown, running back Kashon Baker, who had 76 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 carries.[60] On the defensive side, lineman Joe Stuckey recorded 6 tackles, 1 sack and a fumble recovery while Najee Reams recorded 6 solo tackles.[60]
North Carolina Central
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eagles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
No. 25 Aggies | 16 | 14 | 24 | 0 | 54 |
This game marked the 91st game in the rivalry between North Carolina A&T and In-state conference member North Carolina Central. Going into the game, the Aggies held a 50–34 all-time record against the Eagles, including a 45–0 victory in Durham which secured a bid to the 2018 Celebration Bowl.
The Aggies first score came from a 68-yard pass from quarterback Kylil Carter to wide receiver Elijah Bell.[61] The Aggies ended the first quarter scoring 16 unanswered points, including a 20-yard Touchdown run by running back Jah-Maine Martin and a 35-yard field goal by kicker Noel Ruiz.[61] In the 2nd quarter, Martin again scored on a 55-yard run. His two touchdown performance set a new single-season school record at 21, previously held by Tarik Cohen.[62] A&T closed out the half with a 2-yard run by Kashon Baker, increasing the Aggies' lead 30–0.[61] In the 3rd quarter, the Aggies scored 21 unanswered points, extending their lead 54–0.[61] Noel Ruiz scored on a 33-yard field goal, while Elijah Bell scored on a 32-yard pass from Kylil Carter.[61] A&T score on two more plays to finish off their rivals; Kashon Baker scored on a 5-yard run and quarterback Kingsley Ifedi ran for 34 yards for the last score of the game.[61] The Aggies got 520 yards of total offense, while holding the Eagles to a total of 9 yards.[63] Individual stand out performances include Jah-Maine Martin, who rushed for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns and Elijah Bell, who had 109 receiving yards on 3 receptions and 2 touchdowns.[62] The Aggies' performance was the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry between the two programs.[63]
Vs. Alcorn State (Celebration Bowl)
[edit]1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. 23 Aggies | 0 | 24 | 28 | 12 | 64 |
Braves | 3 | 7 | 21 | 13 | 44 |
This game marks the 5th Celebration Bowl and the 4th meeting between A&T and Alcorn State from the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Aggies are 3–1 against the Braves, whom they beat 41–34 in the inaugural Celebration Bowl, and 24–22 in last year's game.[64]
Quarterback Kylil Carter, in his final game for A&T, recorded 460 yards of total offense, with 364 yards passing which resulted in 6 touchdowns.[65] In addition to setting Celebration Bowl single-game records in those categories, Carter was 12 yards shy of breaking the A&T single-game passing record. Carter was able to break the program's single-game total offense record and tied Alan Hooker's single-game touchdown pass record.[65] In addition to Carter, other Aggie standouts include: Running Back Jah-Maine Martin, who recorded 110 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries and wide receiver Korey Banks, who made 6 receptions for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns.[65]
Postseason
[edit]In the weeks following the finale of the 2019 MEAC regular season, many organizations began to announce finalists and winners of various post-season awards and honors. several players for the Aggies, were honored with postseason awards and accolades including redshirt senior offensive lineman Marcus Pettiford, Redshirt Junior Running Back Jah-Maine Martin, and Junior Kicker Noel Ruiz.
Marcus Pettiford was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the year.[66] He was also named to the American Football Coaches Association FCS Coaches' All-America 1st team.[67] In addition to that honor, Pettiford was also named to the BOXTOROW All-America team, STATS FCS, AP FCS, and Hero Sports All-America 2nd Teams.[68][69][70][71] Jah-Maine Martin was named the FCS Offensive Player of the Year by HBCU Gameday.[72] In addition to that honor, Martin was named a finalist for the Black College Football Hall of Fame Player of the Year and the Walter Payton awards. lastly, Martin was also named to the BOXTOROW All-America, STATS FCS, AP FCS, and Hero Sports All-America 2nd teams.[68][69][70][71] Noel Ruiz was the Special Teams Player of the Year by BOXTOROW.[73] In addition to that honor, Ruiz was named to the AFCA Coaches All-America 1st team.[67] In addition to the previously mentioned players, Redshirt Sophomore Center Dacquari Wilson was named to the BOXTOROW All-America team and freshman linebacker Jacob Roberts was named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding freshman player in the FCS.[68]
The following A&T players were also named to the All–MEAC First, Second, and Third Teams:[74]
|
|
|
Ranking movements
[edit]Week | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | Final |
STATS | 20 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 25 | 25 | 23 | |
Coaches | 19 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 18 | 16 | 15T | 25 | 24 | 22 | |
Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) | |||||||||||||||
BoxToRow Media Poll and Coaches Poll (BTR) | |||||||||||||||
Heritage Sports Radio Network (HSRN) |
References
[edit]- ^ a b Mills, Jeff. "Celebration Bowl a last hurrah for A&T's decorated senior class". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
- ^ Mills, Jeff. "A&T football star Darryl Johnson declares for early entry in NFL draft". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
- ^ "A&T Announce 21 Signees on Signing Day". NCATAggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ Moore, Walter. "Sports by Walter Moore". savannahherald.net. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ Jones, Kai. "Rams' Dupree signs with NC A&T". The Wilson Times. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ Igoe, Stephen. "Kingsley Ifedi transfers out from ECU". HoistTheColours. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
- ^ "MEAC Announces 2019 Football Predicted Order of Finish". meacsports.com. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
- ^ "MEAC Announces 2019 Preseason Football All-MEAC Awards". meacsports.com. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
- ^ "Elon vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – August 31, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T vs. Duke – Game Summary – September 7, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T vs. Charleston Southern – Game Summary – September 14, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "Delaware State vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – September 26, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T vs. Florida A&M – Game Summary – October 19, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "Howard vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – October 26, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T vs. South Carolina State – Game Summary – November 2, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T vs. Morgan State – Game Summary – November 9, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "Bethune-Cookman vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – November 16, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – November 23, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T Aggies Schedule 2019". ESPN. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
- ^ "2019 Football Schedule". North Carolina A&T State University. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
- ^ "Football Championship Subdivision Polls | STATS | FCS Football". www.fcs.football. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
- ^ a b "A&T to face Elon, Duke in football in 2019; Howard to visit for homecoming". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "NCAT – Elon Scoring Summary" (PDF). ncataggies.com. NC A&T Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 13, 2020. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "Fifty-Yarder Leads A&T to Thrilling Win Over Elon". NCATAggies.com. NC A&T Athletics. Retrieved September 1, 2019.
- ^ Mills, Jeff. "5 things to know: NC A&T at Duke". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved September 7, 2019.
- ^ Mills, Jeff. "Fourth-down blues: A&T stung by loss to analytical Duke offense". greensboro.com. Greensboro News & Record. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ a b c "NC A&T at Duke Scoring Summary". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ Polo, Cam. "Five observations and more from Duke football's first half against North Carolina A&T". The Chronicle. The Chronicle. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ Hayes, Nolan (September 7, 2019). "Harris accounts for 5 TDs as Duke rolls to victory :". WRALSportsFan.com. Associated Press. Retrieved September 13, 2019.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ Trivedi, Dilan. "Agg-Vantage Blue Devils: Duke football blows past North Carolina A&T". The Chronicle. The Chronicle. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ "Gardner-Webb at NC A&T Box Score". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "North Carolina A&T vs. Charleston Southern – Game Summary – September 14, 2019". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
- ^ Mansfield, Frankie. "NC A&T defeats Charleston Southern, 27–21". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
- ^ "North Carolina A&T vs Delaware St :: CFB Info". cfbinfo.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ a b Mills, Jeff. "A&T clobbers Delaware State in Aggies' MEAC opener". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e "Delaware State vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – September 26, 2019". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ a b "Aggies Shutout Hornets In MEAC Opener". North Carolina A&T. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ Williams, Callena (September 28, 2019). "Gameday Gallery: NC A&T dominates Delaware State in MEAC opener". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ "Martin's 4 TDs lead NC A&T past Delaware State 37–0". WTOP. The Associated Press. September 26, 2019. Archived from the original on December 20, 2019. Retrieved December 20, 2019.
- ^ a b Plain, Megan (October 5, 2019). "Norfolk State football looks for first conference win, faces defending champs". WTKR.com. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "North Carolina A&T vs. Norfolk State – Game Summary – October 5, 2019". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
- ^ a b "Showdown Sunday: FAMU to meet No. 10 NCAT". Florida A&M. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "North Carolina A&T vs. Florida A&M – Game Summary – October 20, 2019". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Gaither, Steven J. (October 20, 2019). "FAMU outlasts NCAT in physical, sometimes nasty OT game". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ Sharrock, Rory. "FAMU Updates: Rattlers defeat Aggies 34–31 in overtime". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
- ^ "Aggies Fall In Overtime to FAMU". North Carolina A&T. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved April 19, 2020.
- ^ a b "Aggies Hope to Look Great at Homecoming". North Carolina A&T. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ a b c "A Freshman Helps A&T Win Their Ninth Straight Homecoming". North Carolina A&T. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Mills, Jeff. "Homecoming: A&T 64, Howard 6". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Howard vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – October 26, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ Gaither, Steven J. (October 27, 2019). "NCAT smothers Howard for GHOE win". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ "Sixteenth-Ranked Aggies Travel to Orangeburg For Key Contest". North Carolina A&T. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g "South Carolina State – Stats". North Carolina A&T. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "South Carolina State – Stats". North Carolina A&T. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ Mills, Jeff. "Game insider: N.C. A&T 22, South Carolina State 20". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "Aggies Earn Key Road Win In Orangeburg, 22–20". North Carolina A&T. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "2019 NC A&T Gamenotes" (PDF). Morgan State University Athletics. Morgan State Athletics. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "North Carolina A&T vs. Morgan State – Game Summary – November 9, 2019". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "Bethune-Cookman vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – November 16, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Mills, Jeff. "Insider: N.C. A&T 47, Bethune-Cookman 17". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T – Game Summary – November 23, 2019". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ a b Jeff, Mills. "Jeff Mills: A&T shuts out rival Central to earn return trip to Celebration Bowl". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ a b Gameday, HBCU (November 23, 2019). "NCAT destroys NCCU, headed back to Celebration Bowl". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ Mills, Jeff. "Celebration Bowl: N.C. A&T vs. Alcorn State". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Three at Last". North Carolina A&T. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ "MEAC Announces 2019 Football Postseason Honors". meacsports.com. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ a b "AFCA Announces 2019 FCS Coaches' All-America Team". www.afca.com. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c "BOXTOROW college football All-America team: Braves, Aggies lead with 4 players a piece". BOXTOROW. December 11, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ a b "2019 STATS FCS All-America Team". FCS Football Insider. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ a b "2019 Associated Press FCS All-America Teams". valley-football.org. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ a b McLaughlin, Brian. "FCS: HERO Sports All-American Team (2019)". HERO Sports. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ Carr, Tolly (December 29, 2019). "2019 Protect Your Skull National Players of the Year". HBCU Gameday. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ "Stanley named BOXTOROW Offensive Player of the Year, leads superlative awards". BOXTOROW. December 16, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
- ^ "MEAC Announces 2019 Football Postseason Honors". meacsports.com. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Retrieved November 26, 2019.