2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team

2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies football
2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies football
Black college national champion; MEAC champion; Celebration Bowl champion
Celebration Bowl, W 24–22 vs. Alcorn State
Conference	Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Ranking
STATS	No. 12
FCS Coaches	No. 11
Record	10–2 (6–1 MEAC)
Head coach	Sam Washington (1st season);
Defensive coordinator	Courtney Coard (1st season)
Home stadium	BB&T Stadium
	Seasons ← 2017 2019 →

2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 12 North Carolina A&T $	6	–	1	9	–	2
Bethune–Cookman	5	–	2	7	–	5
Florida A&M	5	–	2	6	–	5
South Carolina State	4	–	3	5	–	6
Howard	4	–	3	4	–	6
North Carolina Central	3	–	4	5	–	6
Morgan State	3	–	4	4	–	7
Norfolk State	2	–	5	4	–	7
Delaware State	2	–	5	3	–	8
Savannah State	1	–	6	2	–	8

$ – Conference champion Rankings from STATS Poll

The 2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies football team represented North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in the 2018 NCAA Division I FCS football season. This season marked the 95th for the program, which was led by first-year head coach Sam Washington. The Aggies finished the season with a record of 9–2 and 6–1 in MEAC play, capturing their tenth conference title. The Aggies also earned an invitation to the Celebration Bowl where they defeated Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Alcorn State, earning their sixth black college football national championship. The Aggies played their home games at the newly renamed BB&T Stadium. They are a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Before the season

At the conclusion of the 2017 football season, the Aggies lost key players such as three-time MEAC Offensive Lineman of the year and two-time All-American Brandon Parker, two-time first-team All-MEAC center Darriel Mack & Khris Gardin, who finished his career second all-time in NCAA history in punt return yards.^[1] The Aggies also lost third-team all-MEAC outside linebacker Marcus Albert, Jeremy Taylor & two-time first-team All-MEAC safety/linebacker Jeremy Taylor, who was the team's leading tackler in 2017.^[1] In addition to the players, the program lost head coach Rod Broadway, who is the program's all-time leader in winning percentage. Broadway decided to retire in January after weeks of speculation following the team's undefeated season and national championship.^[2]

Recruiting

Prior to National Signing Day in February 2018, three players enrolled for the spring semester in order to participate in spring practice. On National Signing Day, A&T signed 15 additional players out of high school that completed the 2018 recruiting class.^[1] Of the class, 9 players were from North Carolina, including three players from Greensboro.

US college sports recruiting information for 2018 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	Commit date
Michael Branch DL	Greensboro, NC	Presbyterian	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	300 lb (140 kg)	Feb 2, 2018
Michael Branch DL	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Khalil Gilliam QB	Charlotte, NC	East Mecklenburg HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	192 lb (87 kg)	???
Khalil Gilliam QB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Tevaughn Higgins ATH	Hopkins, SC	Lower Richland HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	205 lb (93 kg)	???
Tevaughn Higgins ATH	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
KeAndre Jones LB	Columbia, SC	Spring Valley HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	240 lb (110 kg)	Jan 31, 2018
KeAndre Jones LB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Lawrence Lagrone G	Douglasville, GA	Douglas County HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	320 lb (150 kg)
Lawrence Lagrone G	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Jah-Maine Martin RB	Conway, SC	Coastal Carolina	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	Dec 21, 2017^[3]
Jah-Maine Martin RB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Justin Nwachukwu DT	Wake Forest, NC	Northern Illinois	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	296 lb (134 kg)	Jan 31, 2018
Justin Nwachukwu DT	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Michael Rivers P/K	Wilmington, NC	North Brunswick HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	165 lb (75 kg)	Feb 7, 2018
Michael Rivers P/K	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Zareik Rush OLB	Greensboro, NC	Dudley HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	205 lb (93 kg)
Zareik Rush OLB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A
Miles Simon DB	Lenoir, NC	Hibriten HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	Feb 2, 2018
Miles Simon DB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Isreal Spivey WR	Ellenwood, GA	Cedar Grove HS	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)	165 lb (75 kg)	Feb 2, 2018
Isreal Spivey WR	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Joseph Stuckey OLB	Hillside, NJ	Hillside HS (Milford Academy)	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	Feb 2, 2018
Joseph Stuckey OLB	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Wiz Vaughn FS	Wilmington, NC	New Hanover HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	Jan 30, 2018
Wiz Vaughn FS	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Tim Williams T	Laurinburg, NC	Scotland HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	295 lb (134 kg)	Feb 6, 2018
Tim Williams T	Recruiting star ratings: Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2018 Team Ranking". Rivals.com.

Award watch lists

Award	Player	Position	Year
Walter Payton Award^[4]	Lamar Raynard	QB	SR

MEAC preseason poll

In a vote of the MEAC head coaches and sports information directors, the Aggies were unanimously picked as the favorites to win the MEAC championship receiving 19 of 20 first place votes (coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team).^[5]

Predicted finish	Team
1	North Carolina A&T
2	Howard
3	North Carolina Central
4	Bethune–Cookman
5	Florida A&M
6	Norfolk State
7	South Carolina State
8	Savannah State
9	Morgan State
10	Delaware State

Preseason All-MEAC Teams

The Aggies had nine players selected to the preseason all-MEAC teams.^[6] Quarterback Lamar Raynard was selected as the preseason offensive player of the year.

Offense

1st team

Lamar Raynard – QB

Marquell Cartwright – RB

Elijah Bell – WR

Leroy Hill – TE

Marcus Pettiford – OL

Defense

1st team

Darryl Johnson, Jr. – DL

Timadre Abram – DB

Mac McCain – DB

2nd team

Julian McKnight – DL

Schedule

North Carolina A&T's game against fellow Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member Morgan State was considered a non-conference game and did figured in the conference standings.^[7]

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 25	7:00 p.m.	vs. No. 6 Jacksonville State*	No. 14	Crampton Bowl Montgomery, AL (FCS Kickoff)	ESPN	W 20–17	13,500
September 2^[a]	3:30 p.m.	at East Carolina*	No. 14	Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium Greenville, NC	ESPN3	W 28–23	38,640
September 8	6:00 p.m.	Gardner–Webb*	No. 5	BB&T Stadium Greensboro, NC	ESPN3/LTV^[9]	W 45–6	13,111
September 22	6:00 p.m.	Morgan State*	No. 4	BB&T Stadium Greensboro, NC	LTV^[9]	L 13–16	15,909
September 27	7:00 p.m.	South Carolina State	No. 12	BB&T Stadium Greensboro, NC (rivalry)	ESPNU	W 31–16	11,530
October 6	7:00 p.m.	at Delaware State	No. 11	Alumni Stadium Dover, DE	ESPN3	W 34–6	2,951
October 13	1:00 p.m.	Florida A&M	No. 10	BB&T Stadium Greensboro, NC	LTV^[9]	L 21–22	15,418
October 20	4:00 p.m.	at Bethune–Cookman	No. 19	Daytona Stadium Daytona Beach, FL	LTV^[9]	W 35–10	6,225
November 3	1:00 p.m.	Norfolk State	No. 17	BB&T Stadium Greensboro, NC	LTV^[9]	W 37–20	21,500
November 10	1:00 p.m.	at Savannah State	No. 14	Ted Wright Stadium Savannah, GA	ESPN3	W 28–12	4,788
November 17	2:00 p.m.	at North Carolina Central	No. 12	O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium Durham, NC (rivalry)	ESPN3	W 45–0	11,055
December 15	12:00 p.m.	vs. Alcorn State*	No. 11	Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, GA (Celebration Bowl)	ABC	W 24–22	31,672
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

^ The game against East Carolina was originally scheduled for September 1 at 6:00 p.m. before being postponed to September 2 at 3:30 p.m. due to inclement weather.^[8]

^[10]^[11]

Roster

2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies Roster (Source)

Wide receivers

3 Chance Pride – Freshman
4 Isaiah Hicklin – Senior
13 Elijah Bell – Junior
15 Ahmed Bah – Sophomore
19 Zachary Leslie – Sophomore
23 Amos Williams – Senior
80 Isreal Spivey – Freshman
81 Ron Hunt – Junior
84 Quinzel Lockhart – Freshman
85 Terrence Peterson – Senior
86 Jordan McDaniel – Freshman
88 Malik Wilson – Senior
89 Rashad Bovian – Sophomore

Offensive line

55 Dacquari Wilson – Freshman
60 Lawrence Lagrone –Freshman
61 Tyshawn Miller – Freshman
62 Malik Johnson -Senior
63 Jeremiah Martin - Sophomore
65 De'jour Simpson – Junior
66 Arlander Cherry – Junior
68 Macquel Hardy – Senior
69 Deven Milton – Sophomore
72 Tim Williams – Freshman
73 Marcus Pettiford – Junior
74 Sylvester Smith – Junior
75 Bilal Ali – Sophomore
76 Trajan Douthit – Sophomore
77 Breontae Matthews – Graduate Student
78 Micah Shaw – Senior
79 Dontae Keys – Freshman

Tight ends

12 TeVaughn Higgins – Freshman
82 jarvis Reid – Junior
87 Leroy Hill – Senior

Fullbacks

46 William Hollingsworth – Senior
49 William Simpson – Junior

Quarterbacks

1 Jalen Fowler – Freshman
7 Lamar Raynard – Senior
10 Kylil Carter – Senior
11 Carnaji Andrews – Freshamn
16 Khalil Gilliam – Freshman

Running backs

22 Marquell Cartwright – Senior
25 Kashon Baker – Junior
26 Darius Graves – Sophomore
30 Jah-Maine Martin – Sophomore
37 Unique Johnson – Freshman

Fullbacks

46 William Hollingsworth – Sophomore
49 William Simpson – Sophomore

Defensive line

41 Leon "Tre" Smalls – Junior
50 Devin Harrell – Sophomore
52 Michael Branch – Junior
90 Karfa Kaba – Freshman
91 Justin Nwachukwu – Junior
92 Jermaine Williams – Junior
94 Justin Cates – Senior
95 Julian McKnight – Senior
97 Shomari Wallace – Sophomore
99 Artavious Richardson – Freshman

Defensive ends

40 Darryl Johnson Jr. – Junior
96 Sam Blue – Senior
98 Kadarius Kendrick – Junior

Rovers

2 Jamaal Darden – Senior
8 Joseph Stuckey – Freshman
39 Keifer Oates – Freshman

Linebackers

5 Kiaundric Richardson – Senior
27 Justin Phillip - Sophomore
34 Deion Jones – Senior
36 Antoine Wilder – Junior
38 Davis Rogers – Freshman
43 Chris Williams – Freshman
44 Julius Reynolds – Senior
45 KeAndre Jones – Freshman
48 Zareik Rush – Freshman
41 Leon "Tre" Smalls – Sophomore
44 Julius Reynolds – Junior
45 Joshua Patrick – Senior
48 Jeremy Taylor – Senior
52 Kiaundric Richardson – Junior
53 Julian Monell – Freshman
54 Kyin Howard – Freshman
56 Tyler Beck – Sophomore
57 Markeiss Blue – Senior
58 Adrian McPherson – Junior
59 Elijah Westbrook – Junior

Defensive backs

14 Timadre Abram – Senior
18 Richie Kittles – Junior
20 Najee Reams – Sophomore
21 Derrek Williams – Sophomore
24 Amir McNeil – Freshman
29 Mac McCain – Sophomore
32 Marquis Willis – Junior
32 Miles Simon – Freshamn
33 Jalon Bethea – Junior
42 Will Jones – Freshamn

Punters

60 James Mackey – Junior
47 Michael Rivers – Freshman

Kickers

35 Noel Ruiz – Sophomore
38 Davis Rogers – Freshman

Long snappers

51 John Davis – Sophomore
67 Ernest (Petie) Bush III – Junior

† Starter at position * Injured; did not play in 2018.

Coaching staff

2018 North Carolina A&T Aggies coaching staff

Head coach

Head coach – Sam Washington

Offensive coaches

Offensive coordinator/wide receivers –
Quarterbacks – Chris Barnette
Running backs – Shawn Gibbs
Tight end – Colin Williams

Defensive coaches

Defensive coordinator/defensive backs – Courtney Coard
Inside linebackers – Thomas Howard

Administrative staff

Athletic Director (A.D.) – Earl M. Hilton III
Administrative support associate for football – Jeraldine Bailey

Game summaries

Vs. Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs North Carolina A&T Aggies – FCS Kickoff

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 6 Gamecocks	0	3	14	0	17
No. 14 Aggies	7	0	13	0	20

at Crampton Bowl • Montgomery, AL

Date: August 25
Game time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 87 °F (31 °C) • Wind: E 6 mph • Weather: Mostly clear
Game attendance: 13,500
Referee: Andy Faust
TV: ESPN
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(6:31) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 24 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 7–0, 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:38

Second Quarter

(3:55) JSU FG: Cade Stinnett 23 yard field goal
Aggies 7–3, 10 plays, 57 yards, 4:00

Third Quarter

(6:13) JSU TD: Daniel Byrd 49 yard pass from Zerrick Cooper (Cade Stinnett kick)
Gamecocks 10–7, 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:58
(5:57) NCAT TD: Malik Wilson 98 yard kickoff return (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 14–10
(4:49) JSU TD: Josh Pearson 40 yard pass from Zerrick Cooper (Cade Stinnett kick)
Gamecocks 17–14, 3 plays, 65 yards, 1:08
(2:36) NCAT TD: Elijah Bell 4 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick failed)
Aggies 20–17, 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:13

Fourth Quarter: No scoring

Top Passers

JSU – Zerrick Cooper: 24–38, 320 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
NCAT – Lamar Raynard: 12–34, 111 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT

Top Rushers

JSU – Jaelen Greene: 12 car, 43 yds
NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 25 car, 58 yds

Top Receivers

JSU – Josh Pearson: 8 rec, 147 yds, 1 TD
NCAT – Zachary Leslie: 3 rec, 43 yds, 1 TD

Top Tacklers

JSU – Jalen Choice: 3 solo, 6 assisted (9 total); 1.5 TFL
NCAT – Jamaal Darden: 6 solo, 4 assisted (10 total)

At East Carolina

The Aggies upset East Carolina, 28–23, and in the post-game celebration, head coach Sam Washington declared in response to the team being a so-called "buy game" for the Pirates: "Tell them to bring me my money." The statement and ensuing celebration has since become an internet meme.

North Carolina A&T Aggies at East Carolina Pirates

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 14 Aggies	7	7	0	14	28
Pirates	3	14	3	3	23

at Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium • Greenville, NC

Date: September 2
Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 90 °F (32 °C) • Wind: 5–8 mph • Weather: Mostly cloudy
Game attendance: 38,640
Referee: Henry Wimberg
TV: ESPN3
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(10:38) ECU FG: Jake Verity 22 yard field goal
Pirates 3–0, 13 plays, 77 yards, 4:22
(5:09) NCAT TD: Mac McCain 100 yard interception return (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 7–3, 8 plays, 68 yards, 3:15

Second Quarter

(14:21) ECU TD: Blake Proehl 7 yard pass from Reid Herring (Jake Verity kick)
Pirates 10–7, 11 plays, 61 yards, 3:52
(6:50) ECU TD: Deondre Farrier 6 yard pass from Reid Herring (Jake Verity kick)
Pirates 17–7, 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:07
(0:06) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 12 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Pirates 17–14, 11 plays, 86 yards, 3:45

Third Quarter

(6:39) ECU FG: Jake Verity 35 yard field goal
Pirates 20–14, 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:52

Fourth Quarter

(14:31) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 5 yard pass from Kylil Carter (Noel Ruiz kick)
'Aggies 21–20, 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:16
(10:02) ECU FG: Jake Verity 35 yard field goal
Pirates 23–21, 5 plays, 19 yards, 1:52
(7:05) NCAT TD: Elijah Bell 17 yard pass from Kylil Carter (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 28–23, 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:57

Top Passers

NCAT – Lamar Raynard: 10–20, 94 yds, 1 TD
ECU – Reid Herring: 37–65, 309 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top Rushers

NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 18 car, 68 yds
ECU – Anthony Scott: 12 car, 34 yds

Top Receiving

NCAT – Malik Wilson: 7 rec, 89 yds
ECU – Terrell Green: 10 rec, 85 yds

Leading Tacklers

NCAT – Mac McCain: 10 solo, 1 assisted (11 total)
ECU – Nate Harvey: 8 solo, 0 assisted (8 total)

Gardner–Webb

Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs at North Carolina A&T Aggies

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Runnin' Bulldogs	3	3	0	0	6
No. 5 Aggies	7	10	14	14	45

at BB&T Stadium • Greensboro, NC

Date: September 8
Game time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Game attendance: 13,111
Referee: n/a
TV: ESPN3/LTV
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(12:45) NCAT TD: Jeremiah Martin 28 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 7–0, 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:15
(8:00) GWU FG: Tre' Jackson 25 yard field goal
Aggies 7–3, 13 plays, 73 yards, 4:45

Second Quarter

(4:37) NCAT TD: Kashar Baker 78 yard punt return (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 14–3, 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:00
(2:15) GWU FG: Tre' Jackson 40 yard field goal
Aggies 14–6, 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:22
(4:37) NCAT FG: Noel Ruiz 43 yard field goal
Aggies 17–6, 13 plays, 50 yards, 2:15

Third Quarter

(11:52) NCAT TD: William Hollingsworth 5 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 24–6, 4 plays, 22 yards, 1:16
(5:03) NCAT TD: Lamar Raynard 1 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 31–6, 10 plays, 89 yards, 5:35

Fourth Quarter

(13:53) NCAT TD: Jah–Maine Martin 42 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 38–6, 1 plays, 42 yards, 0:08
(8:23) NCAT TD: Kashon Baker 1 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 45–6, 6 plays, 41 yards, 3:12

Top Passers

GWU – Jordan Smith: 14–29, 192 yds, 1 INT
NCAT – Lamar Reynard: 14–24, 125 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT

Top Rushers

GWU – Jayln Cagle: 11 car, 27 yds
NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 15 car, 119 yds

Top Receiving

GWU – Kyle Horton: 6 rec, 96 yds
NCAT – Ron Hunt: 7 rec, 90 yds

Leading Tacklers

GWU – Corey Horne: 9 solo, 3 assisted (12 total)
NCAT – Kiaundric Richardson: 3 solo, 1 assisted (4 total)

Morgan State

Morgan State Bears at North Carolina A&T Aggies

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bears	0	7	3	6	16
No. 4 Aggies	0	6	7	0	13

at BB&T Stadium • Greensboro, NC

Date: September 22
Game time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 80 °F (27 °C) • Wind: NE • Weather: Cloudy
Game attendance: 15,909
Referee: Jason Soistman
TV: LTV
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter: No scoring
Second Quarter

(9:45) NCAT TD: Leroy Hill 23 yard pass from Kylil Carter (two-point pass conv. failed)
Aggies 6–0, 2 plays, 33 yards, 0:40
(5:32) MORG TD: DeAndre Harris 10 yard run (Alex Raya kick)
Bears 7–6, 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:13

Third Quarter

(7:56) MORG FG: Alex Raya 40 yard field goal
Bears 10–6, 7 plays, 32 yards, 5:29
(2:24) NCAT TD: Marquell Cartwright 19 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 13–10, 5 plays, 31 yards, 1:14

Fourth Quarter

(9:18) MORG FG: Alex Raya 51 yard field goal
Tied 13–13, 11 plays, 40 yards, 4:32
(0:00) MORG FG: Alex Raya 36 yard field goal
Bears 16–13, 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:19

Top Passers

MORG – DeAndre Harris: 10–24, 138 yds, 1 INT
NCAT – Kylil Carter: 7–15, 55 yds, 1 TD

Top Rushers

MORG – Joshua Chase: 16 car, 65 yds
NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 12 car, 54 yds, 1 TD

Top Receiving

MORG – Daylen Baldwin: 3 rec, 38 yds
NCAT – Leroy Hill: 1 rec, 23 yds, 1 TD

Leading Tacklers

MORG – Damare Whitaker: 11 solo, 2 assisted (13 total)
NCAT – Justin Cates: 6 solo, 0 assisted (6 total)

South Carolina State

South Carolina State Bulldogs at North Carolina A&T Aggies

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bulldogs	7	9	0	0	16
No. 12 Aggies	3	7	7	14	31

at BB&T Stadium • Greensboro, NC

Date: September 29
Game time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 72 °F (22 °C) • Wind: S • Weather: Rain
Game attendance: 11,530
Referee: Rick Warne
TV: ESPNU
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(5:56) SCSU TD: Farrika Grier 7 yard run (Dillon Bredson kick)
Bulldogs 7–0, 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:36
(0:16) NCAT FG: Noel Ruiz 31 yard field goal
Bulldogs 7–3, 10 plays, 52 yards, 5:40

Second Quarter

(10:23) SCSU TD: Jermaine Baxley 0 yard fumble return (Dillon Bredson kick failed)
Bulldogs 13–3, 3 plays, −10 yards, 1:04
(5:56) SCSU FG: Dillon Bredson 27 yard field goal
Bulldogs 16–3, 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:30
(0:35) NCAT TD: Jah-Maine Martin 40 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Bulldogs 16–10, 4 plays, 84 yards, 0:53

Third Quarter

(11:17) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 9 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 17–16, 7 plays, 94 yards, 3:43

Fourth Quarter

(14:55) NCAT TD: Ron Hunt 7 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 24–16, 7 plays, 58 yards, 3:10
(9:51) NCAT TD: Malik Wilson 44 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 31–16, 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:26

Top Passers

SCSU – Tyrece Nick: 5–16, 90 yds
NCAT – Lamar Raynard: 19–27, 253 yds, 1 TD

Top Rushers

SCSU – Tyrece Nick: 19 car, 47 yds
NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 18 car, 157 yds

Top Receiving

SCSU – Quan Caldwell: 2 rec, 81 yds
NCAT – Zachary Leslie: 5 rec, 106 yds, 1 TD

Leading Tacklers

SCSU – Kendric Gathers: 6 solo, 2 assisted (8 total); 0.5 TFL
NCAT – Kyin Howard: 6 solo, 1 assisted (7 total); 1.0 TFL

At Delaware State

North Carolina A&T Aggies at Delaware State Hornets

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 11 Aggies	7	13	14	0	34
Hornets	3	3	0	0	6

at Alumni Stadium • Dover, DE

Date: October 6
Game time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 76 °F (24 °C) • Wind: Slight • Weather: Partly cloudy
Game attendance: 2,951
Referee: Robert Frazier
TV: ESPN3
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(2:31) DSU FG: Jose Romo-Martinez 38 yard field goal
Hornets 3–0, 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:26
(0:47) NCAT TD: Malik Wilson 13 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 7–3, 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:44

Second Quarter

(11:49) NCAT TD: Lamar Raynard 10 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick blocked)
Aggies 13–3, 7 plays, 37 yards, 2:19
(9:34) NCAT TD: Malik Wilson 54 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 20–3, 2 plays, 66 yards, 0:41
(3:07) DSU FG: Jose Romo-Martinez 49 yard field goal
Aggies 20–6, 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:40

Third Quarter

(9:58) NCAT TD: Lamar Raynard 5 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 27–6, 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:55
(2:55) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 4 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 34–6, 4 plays, 30 yards, 1:43

Fourth Quarter: No scoring

Top Passers

NCAT – Lamar Raynard: 14–23, 171 yds, 3 TD
DSU – Keenan Black: 10–22, 108 yds

Top Rushers

NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 16 car, 97 yds
DSU – Keenan Black: 12 car, 51 yds

Top Receiving

NCAT – Malik Wilson: 4 rec, 107 yds, 2 TD
DSU – Trey Gross: 3 rec, 55 yds

Leading Tacklers

NCAT – Mac McCain: 5 solo, 0 assisted (5 total)
DSU – Brian Cavicante: 7 solo, 5 assisted (12 total); 2.0 TFL

Florida A&M

Florida A&M Rattlers at North Carolina A&T Aggies

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rattlers	0	6	7	9	22
No. 10 Aggies	14	7	0	0	21

at BB&T Stadium • Greensboro, NC

Date: October 13
Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 64 °F (18 °C) • Wind: NW • Weather: Sunny
Game attendance: 15,418
Referee: Roy Bernard
TV: LTV
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(14:44) NCAT TD: Malik Wilson 100 yard kickoff return (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 7–0, 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:16
(1:18) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 38 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 14–0, 3 plays, 68 yards, 0:28

Second Quarter

(4:45) FAMU TD: Herman Jackson 55 yard fumble return (Yahia Aly kick failed)
Aggies 14–6, 6 plays, 35 yards, 3:16
(1:31) NCAT TD: Zachary Leslie 6 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 21–6, 1 play, 6 yards, 0:04

Third Quarter

(8:55) FAMU TD: Azende Rey 5 yard run (Yahia Aly kick)
Aggies 21–13, 14 plays, 82 yards, 6:05

Fourth Quarter

(5:09) FAMU TD: Chad Hunter 11 yard pass from Ryan Stanley (two-point run conv. failed)
Aggies 21–19, 13 plays, 56 yards, 6:13
(0:04) FAMU FG: Yahia Aly 26 yard field goal
Rattlers 22–21, 13 plays, 70 yards, 1:57

Top Passers

FAMU – Ryan Stanley: 28–53, 313 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
NCAT – Lamar Raynard: 17–29, 248 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT

Top Rushers

FAMU – Ricky Henrilus: 8 car, 33 yds
NCAT – Marquell Cartwright: 14 car, 33 yds

Top Receiving

FAMU – Chad Hunter: 8 rec, 105 yds, 1 TD
NCAT – Zachary Leslie: 8 rec, 140 yds, 2 TD

Leading Tacklers

FAMU – Derr Mayweather: 6 solo, 1 assisted (7 total)
NCAT – Antoine Wilder: 5 solo, 3 assisted (8 total)

At Bethune–Cookman

North Carolina A&T Aggies at Bethune–Cookman Wildcats

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 19 Aggies	13	13	2	7	35
Wildcats	3	0	7	0	10

at Daytona Stadium • Daytona Beach, FL

Date: October 20
Game time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Game weather: Temperature: 86 °F (30 °C) • Wind: E 5 • Weather: Partly cloudy; 66% humidity
Game attendance: 6,225
Referee: Jason Soistman
TV: LTV
ESPN Box Score

Game information

First Quarter

(10:27) NCAT TD: Marquell Cartwright 1 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick blocked)
Aggies 6–0, 6 plays, 14 yards, 3:03
(7:28) NCAT TD: Jah-Maine Martin 67 yard run (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 13–0, 2 plays, 76 yards, 0:41
(1:33) BCU FG: Uriel Hernandez 40 yard field goal
Aggies 13–3, 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:55

Second Quarter

(14:19) NCAT TD: Quinzel Lockhart 19 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick failed)
Aggies 19–3, 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:06
(1:52) NCAT TD: Ron Hunt 55 yard pass from Lamar Raynard (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 26–3, 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:44

Third Quarter

(8:27) BCU TD: Keavon Mitchell 0 yard fumble return (Uriel Hernandez kick)
Aggies 26–10, 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:44
(3:42) NCAT SF: Echols Turner Safety
Aggies 28–10, 1 play, −22 yards, 0:09

Fourth Quarter

(6:43) NCAT TD: Elijah Bell 15 yard pass from Kylil Carter (Noel Ruiz kick)
Aggies 35–10, 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:06

Top Passers

NCAT – Lamar Raynard: 11–14, 189 yds, 2 TD
BCU – Akevious Williams: 14–21, 108 yds

Top Rushers

NCAT – Jah-Maine Martin: 10 car, 118 yds, 1 TD
BCU – Jimmie Robinson: 5 car, 50 yds

Top Receiving

NCAT – Elijah Bell: 5 rec, 105 yds, 1 TD
BCU – Steffon Francois: 5 rec, 47 yds

Leading Tacklers

NCAT – Richie Kittle: 4 solo, 4 assisted (8 total); 0.5 TFL
BCU – Tydarius Peters: 3 solo, 9 assisted (12 total)

Norfolk State

Norfolk State Spartans at North Carolina A&T Aggies

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Spartans	10	7	3	0	20
No. 17 Aggies	7	14	6	10	37

at BB&T Stadium • Greensboro, NC

Date: November 3
Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: LTV

Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Top Passers

NSU –
NCAT –

Top Rushers

NSU –
NCAT –

Top Receiving

NSU –
NCAT –

Leading Tacklers

NSU –
NCAT –

At Savannah State

North Carolina A&T Aggies at Savannah State Tigers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 14 Aggies	7	14	0	7	28
Tigers	0	0	6	6	12

at Ted Wright Stadium • Savannah, GA

Date: November 10
Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Top Passers

NCAT –
SSU –

Top Rushers

NCAT –
SSU –

Top Receiving

NCAT –
SSU –

Leading Tacklers

NCAT –
SSU –

At North Carolina Central

North Carolina A&T Aggies at North Carolina Central Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 12 Aggies	14	10	14	7	45
Eagles	0	0	0	0	0

at O'Kelly–Riddick Stadium • Durham, NC

Date: November 17
Game time: 2:00 p.m. ET

Game information

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Top Passers

NCAT –
NCCU –

Top Rushers

NCAT –
NCCU –

Top Receiving

NCAT –
NCCU –

Leading Tacklers

NCAT –
NCCU –

Alcorn State – Celebration Bowl

2018 Celebration Bowl – Game Summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Braves	3	3	10	6	22
No. 11 Aggies	7	10	7	0	24

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta,GA

Date: Decemberber 15, 2018
Game time: 12:00pm EDT
Game weather: Played Indoors, Domed Stadium
Referee: Justin Elliot
TV: ABC

Game information

First quarter

NCAT – Zachary Leslie 17-yard TD pass from Lamar Raynard, Noel Ruiz kick good, 12:38 (NCAT 7–0)
ALCN – Corey McCullough 29-yard field goal, 2:52 (NCAT 7–3)

Second quarter

NCAT – Ruiz 36-yard field goal, 8:33 (NCAT 10–3)
NCAT – Elijah Bell 27-yard TD pass from Raynard, Ruiz kick good, 0:53 (NCAT 17–3)
ALCN – McCullough 25-yard field goal, 0:00 (NCAT 17–6)

Third quarter

ALCN – Noah Johnson 30-yard TD run, McCullough kick good, 4:29 (NCAT 17–13)
ALCN – McCullough 29-yard field goal, 0:51 (NCAT 17–16)
NCAT – Malik Wilson 79-yard kickoff return for TD, Ruiz kick good, 0:38 (NCAT 24–16)

Fourth quarter

ALCN – Johnson 59-yard TD run, two-point pass conversion failed, 11:55 (NCAT 24–22)

Top Passer

NCAT – Lamar Raynard – 18/30, 292 yards, 2 TD, INT
ALCN – Noah Johnson – 11/27, 128 yards, INT

Top Rusher

NCAT – Jah-Maine Martin – 10 carries, 31 yards
ALCN – De'Shawn Johnson – 19 carries, 167 yards

Top Receiver

NCAT – Zachary Leslie – 6 receptions, 119 yards, TD
ALCN – Juan Anthony Jr. – 5 receptions, 75 yards

Post season

2019 NFL draft

The 2019 NFL draft will be held on April 25–27 in Nashville, Tennessee.^[12] The following A&T players were either selected or signed as undrafted free agents following the draft.

Player	Position	Round	Overall pick	NFL team
Darryl Johnson Jr.	DE	7	225	Buffalo Bills

2019 CFL draft

The 2019 CFL Draft took place on May 2, 2019. The following A&T players were either selected or signed as undrafted free agents following the draft.

Player	Position	Round	Overall pick	CFL Team
Malik Wlson	WR/KR	—-	Undrafted free agent	Saskatchewan Roughriders

Ranking movements

Ranking movements
**Legend:** ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
т = Tied with team above or below ( ) = First-place votes
	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Final
STATS FCS	14	5	4 (3)	4 (3)	12	11	10	19	18	17	14	12	11	12
Coaches	14	6	6	4	13	11	10	18–T	18	17	13	13	11	11

References

^ ^a ^b ^c NC A&T Athletics. "A&T Football Announces 2018 Signing Day Class". WFMY. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
^ "Washington Talks Spring As Spring Game Approaches". www.ncataggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
^ Hughes II, Joe L.; Blondin, Alan. "Christmas arrives a few days early for former Conway, CCU running back Martin". myrtlebeachonline. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
^ "FCS football: 2018 Walter Payton Award watch list". August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
^ "North Carolina A&T State Picked To Win 2018 MEAC Championship". Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. July 27, 2018.
^ "NCAT's Raynard, NCCU's Reynolds Headline 2018 All-MEAC Preseason Football Team". Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. July 25, 2018.
^ "Undefeated HBCU Champs A&T Releases 2018 Schedule". www.ncataggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. April 3, 2018.
^ "ECU-N.C. A&T Game Postponed Until Sunday, Sept. 2 At 3:30 P.M." www.ecupirates.com. ECU Pirates Official Athletics Website. September 1, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e "Lock TV Audio & Video". www.ncataggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information.
^ "North Carolina A&T Aggies Schedule 2018". ESPN. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
^ "2018 Football Schedule". North Carolina A&T State University. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
^ Knoblauch, Austin. "Nashville, Tennessee Titans to host 2019 NFL Draft". NFL.com. Retrieved May 23, 2018.

[9] The game against East Carolina was originally scheduled for September 1 at 6:00 p.m. before being postponed to September 2 at 3:30 p.m. due to inclement weather.^[8]

[WFMY_Signing_Day_2018-1] NC A&T Athletics. "A&T Football Announces 2018 Signing Day Class". WFMY. Retrieved May 7, 2018.

[2] "Washington Talks Spring As Spring Game Approaches". www.ncataggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. Retrieved May 7, 2018.

[3] Hughes II, Joe L.; Blondin, Alan. "Christmas arrives a few days early for former Conway, CCU running back Martin". myrtlebeachonline. Retrieved December 22, 2017.

[4] "FCS football: 2018 Walter Payton Award watch list". August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.

[5] "North Carolina A&T State Picked To Win 2018 MEAC Championship". Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. July 27, 2018.

[6] "NCAT's Raynard, NCCU's Reynolds Headline 2018 All-MEAC Preseason Football Team". Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. July 25, 2018.

[7] "Undefeated HBCU Champs A&T Releases 2018 Schedule". www.ncataggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information. April 3, 2018.

[8] "ECU-N.C. A&T Game Postponed Until Sunday, Sept. 2 At 3:30 P.M." www.ecupirates.com. ECU Pirates Official Athletics Website. September 1, 2018. Retrieved September 1, 2018.

[LOCKTV-10] "Lock TV Audio & Video". www.ncataggies.com. NC A&T Sports Information.

[11] "North Carolina A&T Aggies Schedule 2018". ESPN. Retrieved March 1, 2023.

[12] "2018 Football Schedule". North Carolina A&T State University. Retrieved March 1, 2023.

[13] Knoblauch, Austin. "Nashville, Tennessee Titans to host 2019 NFL Draft". NFL.com. Retrieved May 23, 2018.

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v t e North Carolina A&T Aggies football
Venues	War Memorial Stadium (1971–1981) Truist Stadium (1981–present)
Bowls & rivalries	Bowl games North Carolina Central South Carolina State Winston-Salem State
Culture & lore	Aggie & Aggietha "Dear A&T" (Alma Mater) "Aggie Fight Song" "Old Aggie Spirit Blue & Gold Marching Machine
People	Head coaches All-Americans NFL draftees
Seasons	1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
National championship seasons in bold

v t e Black college football national champions
1920s	1920: Howard / Talladega 1921: Talladega / Wiley 1922: Hampton 1923: Howard / Lincoln (PA) / Virginia Union 1924: Lincoln (PA) / Paul Quinn / Tuskegee 1925: Howard / Tuskegee 1926: Howard / Tuskegee 1927: Bluefield / Tuskegee 1928: Bluefield / Wiley 1929: Tuskegee
1920s	1930: Tuskegee 1931: Wilberforce 1932: Wiley 1933: Morgan 1934: Kentucky State 1935: Kentucky State / Texas College 1936: Virginia State / West Virginia State 1937: Morgan 1938: Florida A&M 1939: Langston
1940s	1940: Morris Brown 1941: Langston / Morris Brown 1942: Florida A&M 1943: Morgan State 1944: Morgan State 1945: Wiley 1946: Morgan State / Tennessee A&I 1947: Shaw / Tennessee A&I 1948: Wilberforce State / Southern 1949: Morgan State / Southern
1950s	1950: Florida A&M / Southern 1951: Morris Brown / North Carolina A&T 1952: Florida A&M 1953: Florida A&M / Prairie View A&M / Tennessee A&I 1954: Florida A&M / North Carolina College / Prairie View A&M / Southern / Tennessee A&I 1955: Grambling 1956: Tennessee A&I 1957: Florida A&M 1958: Prairie View A&M 1959: Florida A&M
1960s	1960: Southern 1961: Florida A&M 1962: Florida A&M / Jackson State 1963: Prairie View A&M 1964: Prairie View A&M 1965: Tennessee A&I 1966: Tennessee A&I 1967: Grambling / Morgan State 1968: Alcorn A&M / North Carolina A&T 1969: Alcorn A&M
1970s	1970: Tennessee State 1971: Tennessee State 1972: Grambling 1973: Tennessee State 1974: Alcorn State / Grambling State 1975: Grambling State 1976: South Carolina State 1977: Florida A&M / Grambling State / South Carolina State 1978: Florida A&M 1979: Tennessee State
1980s	1980: Grambling State 1981: South Carolina State / Virginia Union 1982: South Carolina State / Tennessee State 1983: Central State / Grambling State / Tennessee State 1984: Alcorn State / Tennessee State 1985: Hampton / Jackson State 1986: Central State 1987: Central State / Howard 1988: Central State 1989: Central State
1990s	1990: Central State / North Carolina A&T 1991: Alabama State 1992: Central State / Grambling State 1993: Howard / Southern 1994: Hampton / South Carolina State 1995: Southern 1996: Howard / Jackson State 1997: Hampton / Southern 1998: Florida A&M / Southern 1999: North Carolina A&T
2000s	2000: Grambling State / Tuskegee 2001: Florida A&M / Grambling State / Tuskegee 2002: Bethune–Cookman / Fayetteville State / Grambling State 2003: Albany State / Southern 2004: Albany State / Hampton 2005: Grambling State / Hampton / North Carolina Central 2006: Hampton / North Carolina Central 2007: Delaware State / Tuskegee 2008: Grambling State 2009: South Carolina State
2010s	2010: Bethune–Cookman 2011: Norfolk State / Winston-Salem State 2012: Arkansas–Pine Bluff / Winston-Salem State 2013: Bethune–Cookman / Tennessee State 2014: Alcorn State 2015: North Carolina A&T 2016: Grambling State 2017: North Carolina A&T 2018: North Carolina A&T 2019: North Carolina A&T
2020s	2020: Alabama A&M 2021: Bowie State / Florida A&M / South Carolina State 2022: North Carolina Central 2023: Florida A&M