Aug. 23, 2008
PHOTO GALLERY
DURHAM, N.C. - After the introductions of the team, performances by the cheerleaders and band, and an autograph session with the fans, those in attendance at the annual North Carolina Central University "Meet the Eagles" Day got what they have been longing for - a glimpse of the Eagles football team in action.
As expected, NCCU's veteran offense, featuring seven returning starters, looked impressive against a young defensive unit with only two returning starters. The Maroon offense posted 27 points and committed only one turnover. Sparked by senior quarterback Stadford Brown and a formidable front line, the offense made it look rather easy with gaping running lanes and wide open receivers.
The first score of the game came courtesy of the school's all-time leading scorer, senior kicker Brandon Gilbert, with a 40-yard field goal.
The Eagles scored again when reserve quarterback Keon Williams connected with rookie tight end Chris Drew for a 35-yard pickup to the 5-yard line. One play later, sophomore running back Justin Campbell eluded the defensive pursuit for a 5-yard touchdown scamper. Gilbert's extra-point kick was successful.
When NCCU pushed the pigskin inside the 5-yard line again, it was junior fullback Saeed Abdul-Azeez's turn to take it in for the score from 3 yards out. Gilbert added the PAT kick.
Gilbert nailed a 34-yard field goal for the squad's 20th point.
The afternoon scrimmage ended after Brown completed a 42-yard bomb to sophomore speedster Deshawn Spears, who tip-toed down the home sideline untouched into the end zone. Gilbert notched his ninth point of the day with the extra-point conversion.
The Gray defense had a few highlights. Freshman nose guard Littbarski Blackwood, who is expected to start as a rookie in the team's season-opener, recorded a sack, and sophomore transfer linebacker William Tisdale pounced on a fumble from the center-quarterback exchange for the lone turnover of the contest.
NCCU opens the 2008 slate with the "Labor Day Classic" on Sunday, Aug. 31 versus Fayetteville State University at 4 p.m. in Durham, N.C.
