Charlotte, N.C. - Week nine of the 2024 CIAA football season was one to remember with numerous crazy outcomes, including Johnson C. Smith dropping their first game of the season in blowout loss to Fayetteville State, and Virginia Union who exploded for a record-setting 91-0 victory over Bluefield State. 

Fayetteville State def. Johnson C. Smith, 27-0
Fayetteville State entered the week on a mission and accomplished exactly what they set out to do; dominate. They found the endzone twice in the first half and once more in the third quarter, while dominating on defense. They held the Golden Bulls to their lowest total team yards on the season and completely shut the door, shutting them out and handing JCSU its first loss of the season. 

Virginia Union def. Bluefield State, 91-0
Virginia Union had no mercy on Bluefield State this week, as they exploded for 91 points, tied for the team's most in franchise history (1916). Not only was their offense on point, but their defense followed suit, completly shutting out the Big Blue while holding them to under 200 yards of offense. 

Virginia State def. Lincoln (PA), 55-0
Virginia State came full sprinting out the gate in this one, putting up 28 points in the first quarter alone. Their high-powered offense combined with an incredible defensive effort held the Lions scoreless as they'd manage another four touchdowns en route to the huge 55-0 victory.

Bowie State def. Elizabeth City State, 48-6 
The Bulldogs grabbed their second win in three games, as they hit the road for the final time in 2024 and came home with a head-turning 48-6 victory over Elizabeth City State. Bowie State found the endzone three times in the first quarter and another three times in the third, while holding ECSU scoreless until early in the fourth quarter. They also eclipsed 400 of total offense and managed all six touchdowns on the ground.

Shaw def. Livingstone, 24-17
The lone one-score game of the week saw Shaw squeeze by Livingstone, 24-17. The Blue Bears had the ground attack going strong early with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns to go up 14-0. The Bears responded in a big way with three touchdowns of their own in the second quarter, taking a seven-point lead into the break. IN the second half, both defensea buckled down as both teams only managed a field goal each, with Shaw holding on by a touchdown. 

Next week's schedule will see 10 teams take the field in week ten, the final week of the 2024 football season, with Shaw having completed the regular season. 

WEEKLY HONORS
Below are the weekly honors:


NAME: Joe Owens
INSTITUTION: Fayetteville State University
POSITION: Quarterback
CLASS: R-Junior
HOMETOWN: Greenville, S.C.

Joe Owens, Jr. showcased his exceptional talent and leadership in Fayetteville State’s commanding 27-0 victory over undefeated Johnson C. Smith. Owens demonstrated remarkable accuracy and efficiency, completing 24 of 32 passes for a 75% completion rate and throwing for 233 yards, including a long pass of 49 yards and a touchdown. His versatility was further highlighted by his contributions on the ground, where he carried the ball 9 times for 45 yards, including a 32-yard run and a rushing touchdown. Owens’ dual-threat capability was instrumental in the Broncos’ success.


NAME: Jada Byers
INSTITUTION: Virginia Union University
POSITION: Running Back
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD.

Byers carried the ball 19 for 95 yards and three touchdowns as VUU defeated Bluefield State 91-0 on Saturday at Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.  Byers now has 5,406 career rushing yards and 72 career rushing touchdowns, both of which are school records.


NAME: Kevin Gayles
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Wide Receiver
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA.
 

Kevin continues his dominant season as the Trojans deep threat leading a passing attack that amassed 279 yards through the air, and Kevin caught 3 passes for 93 yards and 1 TD.  

NAME: Jared Achuff
INSTITUTION: Bowie State University
POSITION: Offensive Lineman
CLASS: Senior
HOMETOWN: Cherry Hill, N.J.
 

In the Bulldogs 48-6 victory accumulated 437 total yards with 262 on the ground. At the center of the action was Jared Achuff, who led the offensive line, creating opportunities for the rushing attack to get going. 

NAME: Brian Patterson
INSTITUTION: Shaw University
POSITION: Defensive Lineman
CLASS: Senior
HOMETOWN: Patterson, N.J.
 

Patterson, Jr stuffed the stat sheet on senior day with 6 total tackles…3 tackles for loss…1 sack…1 PBU which led to an interception helping Shaw overcome a 14 point deficit. 

NAME: KJ McNeil
INSTITUTION: Virginia State University
POSITION: Linebacker
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA.

KJ was absolutely amazing in leading a very stingy Trojan defense that gave up ONLY 32 yards rushing and 20 yards passing for a total of 52 yards of total offense!  KJ had 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 caused fumble, 1 fumble recovery of which he returned 38 yards for a TD! 


NAME: Noah Gibson
INSTITUTION: Shaw University
POSITION: Cornerback
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Jacksonville, N.C.

Gibson helped the Shaw defense turn a 14-point deficit into a homecoming win over Livingstone with 4 solo tackles, 1 pass breakup and an interception that was returned for 25 yards setting up a Bears touchdown that put Shaw ahead for good just before the half.  


NAME: John Hernandez-Vargas
INSTITUTION: Fayetteville State University
POSITION: Kicker
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Biscoe, N.C.

John Hernandez-Vargas delivered an exceptional performance on special teams in Fayetteville State’s 27-0 victory over Johnson C. Smith. His contributions were pivotal, particularly in the kickoff department, where he executed 5 kickoffs for a total of 285 yards, consistently placing the ball deep and preventing any significant returns. Hernandez-Vargas also excelled in point-after attempts, successfully converting 3 out of 4. 


NAME: Micah Robinson
INSTITUTION: Bowie State University
POSITION: Running Back
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD.

The Baltimore, Md. native led the Bulldogs ground game in the 48-6 win against the Vikings. Robinson rushed for 171 yards with four touchdowns on 22 carries.