WASHINGTON, D.C.--North Carolina Central University quarterback
Walker Harris threw four touchdown passes—three to
Chauncey Spikes—as the Eagles defeated Howard 35-14 Saturday afternoon at Greene Stadium.
Bouncing back into the win column, NCCU is now 6-3 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
The Eagles went 65 yards in just nine plays on their opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead when Harris connected with Chauncey Spikes from 13 yards out following the successful PAT from Kaleb Robison.
NCCU matched that drive at the 3:19 mark of the first quarter with another touchdown pass from Harris to Spikes, but this one was for 80 yards. That bomb gave the Eagles a 14-0 lead.
Harris tacked on another score from 13 yards out with his legs, capping an 8-play, 84-yard drive to give NCCU a 21-0 lead heading into the half.
Early in the third quarter, Howard went 15 yards in four plays to get its first score of the game following a 1-yard run by quarterback Tyriq Starks to make it 21-7.
But on the ensuing drive, Harris found Refeno Vangates from 30 yards for his third passing touchdown of the afternoon, giving the Eagles a 28-7 lead with 7:19 left in the quarter.
The Bison added another score off NCCU's turnover, cutting the lead to 28-14 following a 4-yard touchdown pass from Ja'Shawan Scroggins to Zaden Jackson.
The Eagles answered on the next drive, going 72 yards in four plays, when Harris threw his fourth touchdown, and Spikes caught his third touchdown of the afternoon, to go up 35-14 on the Bison.
Harris set a new season high in touchdown passes in a single game, and his 321 passing yards mark his fourth 300-yard game of the season.
Spikes racked up a career-high 208 receiving yards and three scores on nine catches.
The Eagles will return to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium next Saturday to take on Norfolk State. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., and the game will air live on ESPN+.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
