INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- The North Carolina Central University football team used a strong first half – and a dominant performance from quarterback Walker Harris – to take its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) opener against Norfolk State on Saturday afternoon, winning the Circle City Classic 37-10 in Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Eagles improved to 3-2 overall and are 1-0 in MEAC play.

After going three-and-out on their first drive of the game, the Eagles took their next drive 98 yards in just five plays when Markell Quick caught a pass from Harris for 63 yards to give N.C. Central an early 7-0 lead.

The Eagles added six more on a 30-yard run from J'Mari Taylor to extend NCCU's lead. Three more points came on a Juan Velarde 23-yard field goal to go up 17-0 in the opening minute of the second quarter.

Norfolk State got on the board with a 45-yard field goal by Grandin Wilcox with 1:14 left in the half, but the Eagles answered with a Harris touchdown pass to Luke Bracey from four yards to take a 24-3 lead into the locker room.

N.C. Central kept the momentum going in the third quarter, going 86 yards in 12 plays before Harris found Quick again, this time from 15 yards out. A missed PAT left the Eagles up 30-3.

Harris then found Chance Peterson with 12:42 left in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard strike, putting N.C. Central up 37-3.

Norfolk State found the end zone with 7:23 left on a 14-yard run from Jacquez Jones.

Harris was strong in the Circle City Classic for the second straight year, throwing for 245 yards and four touchdowns. He had five touchdown passes in last year's Classic against Mississippi Valley State.

The Eagles defense put in another strong effort, holding the Spartans to just 244 total yards – including 85 yards through the air.

North Carolina Central will be on the road again this coming Saturday, heading to Buies Creek, N.C. to square off against Campbell. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.

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