CHARLOTTE, NC (October 13, 2025) - The sixth week of CIAA play didn’t disappoint, full of explosive plays and edge-of-your-seat finishes. Every team battled fiercely for wins that could shape the rest of the season. Here’s how things went down:
No. 17 Virginia Union 37, Elizabeth City State 18
Virginia Union continued its dominant run, powering past Elizabeth City State with an explosive offensive performance and a stifling defense to earn its fourth straight victory. The Panthers piled up 418 total yards while holding the Vikings to just 198, showcasing why they remain one of the CIAA’s most complete teams. With the win, Virginia Union stayed perfect in conference play at 3-0, while Elizabeth City State slipped to 1-2.
The nation’s leading rusher, Curtis Allen, once again proved why he’s among the best in Division II, torching the Vikings’ defense for 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback RJ Rosales complemented the ground game with a strong performance through the air, throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns, both to wideout Keon Davis, who was nearly unstoppable with five receptions for 174 yards. The Panthers’ balanced offensive attack kept the Vikings off-balance all afternoon.
Elizabeth City State put together a spirited effort to keep things close in the first half. Quarterback Christopher Perkins, the reigning CIAA Quarterback of the Week, threw two touchdown passes and made one of the game’s most remarkable plays; catching his own tipped pass and taking it 16 yards for a score to cut the deficit to 14-12 at halftime. Rosales responded in the third quarter with a 70-yard strike to Davis, and Allen’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns helped the Panthers pull away for the 38-12 victory. Defensively, Chris Calhoun stood out for the Vikings, finishing with a game-high 11 tackles.
Fayetteville State 38, Livingstone 14
Fayetteville State made its homecoming one to remember, extending its winning streak to four games with a dominant 38-14 victory over Livingstone. The Broncos put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball, using a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive showing to stay unbeaten in conference play. With the win, Fayetteville State improved to 4-0 in the CIAA, while the Blue Bears fell to 2-2.
Both teams traded early scores in the first quarter before the Broncos began to pull away. A perfectly executed trick play saw running back Caden Davis connect with Kavase Towns for a touchdown to seize momentum. Just before halftime, quarterback Demari Daniels found Kristian Golden for an 8-yard strike, sending Fayetteville State into the break with a 21-7 lead and full control of the game.
The Broncos continued their dominance in the second half, with running back Braylon Vinson scoring twice in the third quarter, once on the ground and once through the air, to put the game out of reach. Despite the loss, Livingstone had bright spots on both sides of the ball. Running back Javen Parker led the offense with 91 total yards, while quarterback Elijah Alexander and Caleb Stokes each added rushing touchdowns. On defense, standout defensive end Kenyon Garner, who has earned multiple CIAA Defensive Lineman of the Week honors, continued his impressive season with 2.5 sacks, bringing his conference-leading total to 9.5.
Virginia State 28, Bowie State 21
Virginia State and Bowie State squared off in a pivotal CIAA showdown, with both programs searching for their first conference win of the season after 0-2 starts. The Trojans set the tone early and never looked back, using a strong first-half performance to take control and secure a much-needed victory over the Bulldogs.
Quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. led the charge for Virginia State with an impressive all-around performance, contributing three touchdowns in the first half alone. He showcased his dual-threat ability by tossing two scoring passes and adding one on the ground, including a perfectly timed strike to Malik Hunter with just 13 seconds remaining before halftime to extend the Trojans’ lead to 21-7. Bowie State tried to rally after the break, as running back Maximum Jones found the end zone for the second time via a short touchdown run in the third quarter to close the gap. However, Virginia State’s offense kept its composure, and Ri’Jon Hammond’s 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter ultimately sealed the Trojans’ first conference win of the season.
Bowie State’s offense found rhythm behind a steady performance from quarterback Kevin Taylor, who totaled 198 total yards of offense and threw for a touchdown to keep his team within striking distance. Defensively, the Bulldogs fought hard to create turnovers and pressure, recording three sacks and forcing three fumbles. Jamal Jones led the defensive effort with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, but Virginia State’s early momentum and balanced attack proved too much to overcome.
Shaw 20, Winston-Salem State 13
Shaw University ended its losing streak in dramatic fashion, earning a thrilling comeback win over Winston-Salem State to jump ahead of the Rams in the conference standings. The Bears’ balanced offensive attack and gritty defensive effort fueled the 2-2 conference mark, while the Rams fell to 1-3 as they continue to search for consistency.
Despite their struggles in the passing game, the Rams found success on the ground, rushing for 173 total yards. JaQuan Kelly led the charge with 115 yards, while Lee added a 1-yard touchdown run. Winston-Salem State built a 13-0 lead late in the first half, but Shaw’s resilience showed as Marsh scrambled for a nine-yard touchdown just before halftime to swing the momentum. After a scoreless third quarter, Marsh connected with Tyrek Hardison for a 28-yard strike to tie the game, then capped the comeback with a touchdown pass to Trey Thorpe with seven seconds remaining to seal the Bears’ dramatic last-second victory.
The Bears controlled much of the game statistically, outgaining Winston-Salem State by more than 100 yards and keeping one of the CIAA’s top passers, Daylin Lee, in check. Lee was limited to just 51 yards through the air with no passing touchdowns and two interceptions. Shaw quarterback Alexander Marsh proved to be the difference-maker, throwing for 145 yards and two touchdowns while adding 53 rushing yards and a score on the ground, accounting for all three of the Bears’ touchdowns.
Bluefield State 30, Lincoln (PA) 27
700 yards of total offense in a thrilling contest. The Big Blue relied heavily on their aerial attack, while the Lions found their rhythm on the ground, leading to a back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, Bluefield State’s fast start proved to be the difference as they held on for the win and improved to 2-1 in conference play, the best record they’ve boasted since joining the conference.
Quarterback Brice Koontz was nearly unstoppable for Bluefield State, turning in one of his best performances of the season with 308 passing yards and four touchdown passes, all to wide receiver Brandon Wiley. Wiley delivered a career day, hauling in those four scores while racking up a game-high 128 receiving yards. The duo’s chemistry was on full display in the first half, as three of their touchdown connections came before halftime to give the Big Blue a commanding 23-7 lead.
Lincoln (PA) fought hard to close the gap behind a dominant rushing performance that totaled 255 yards and four touchdowns, each from a different player. Zaheer Seabrooks powered the Lions’ attack with 151 yards and one score, helping his team rally in the second half to cut the deficit to just three points. However, the Lions’ comeback effort fell short as Bluefield State’s offense controlled possession late to secure the victory. With the win, the Big Blue continue to climb the CIAA standings, while Lincoln (PA) dropped to 0-3 in conference play.
CIAA WEEK SIX TAKEAWAYS
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Fayetteville State shook off their 0-3 overall start in the biggest way, having won 4 straight games, all against CIAA competition. They now sit atop the conference and look primed for a second-half surge.
The full updated standings can be found here.
Tickets to the 2025 CIAA Football Championship are now on sale and can be purchased here.
WEEK SIX PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Following an exciting slate of Week 6 matchups, several standout performances across the conference have earned this week’s CIAA Football Player of the Week honors.
Quarterback – Brice Koontz, Bluefield State
Brice Koontz led the Big Blue to a thrilling 30-27 victory over Lincoln (PA), showcasing precision and poise under pressure. Koontz threw for 308 yards and accounted for four touchdowns, including three in the first half, keeping Bluefield State in control throughout the contest. His leadership and consistency in the passing game were key as the Big Blue improved to 2-1 in conference play.
Offensive Back - Curtis Allen, Virginia Union
Curtis Allen continued his record-breaking season with 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Virginia Union’s 37-18 victory over Elizabeth City State. Allen remains the nation’s leading rusher across all NCAA divisions (I, II, and III), averaging 195 yards per game. His consistency, speed, and vision make him a matchup nightmare and a driving force behind the Panthers’ success.
Receiver – Brandon Wiley, Bluefield State
Brandon Wiley was the difference-maker for Bluefield State in their 30-27 win over Lincoln (PA), scoring all four of the team’s touchdowns. Wiley also totaled 128 receiving yards, including multiple explosive plays that kept the Big Blue ahead in a closely contested game. His performance marked a career day and proved critical in securing the conference victory.
Offensive Lineman – Mathias Nielsen, Virginia Union
Mathias Nielsen anchored Virginia Union’s offensive line in an outstanding performance against Elizabeth City State. The Panthers racked up 418 total yards, including 238 on the ground and 180 through the air, while allowing zero sacks on quarterback RJ Rosales. Nielsen’s strength, technique, and leadership upfront created running lanes and protected the quarterback, paving the way for a 37-18 victory in Elizabeth City, N.C.
Defensive Lineman – Kenyon Garner, Livingstone
Kenyon Garner was a dominant force on the defensive line for Livingstone College in their matchup against Fayetteville State. Garner finished with seven total tackles, including six solo stops, while wreaking havoc at the line of scrimmage with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback and ability to disrupt the run game created consistent pressure, forced the offense into mistakes, and anchored a Livingstone defense that proved tough to overcome.
Linebacker - Jamieson Alston, Winston-Salem State
Alston delivered a career-best performance, recording 16 total tackles (13 solo, three assists) and three tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble that led to a scoop-and-score for the Rams, anchoring the defense and providing a dominant presence against a tough opponent. His effort helped disrupt the opposition’s offensive rhythm and was a key factor in the game.
Defensive Back – Keyshawn Monk, Fayetteville State
Keyshawn Monk made a significant impact in Fayetteville State’s secondary, showcasing his instincts, athleticism, and playmaking ability. He recorded six total tackles, including three solo stops, and intercepted a key pass that halted the opponent’s momentum at a critical point in the game. Monk’s ability to read the quarterback, anticipate routes, and make decisive plays in coverage was a major factor in the Broncos’ defensive success and helped keep his team in control throughout the contest.
Special Teams – Brady Myers, Virginia Union
Brady Myers reached a career milestone by making his 200th career PAT in Virginia Union’s 37-18 victory over Elizabeth City State. He was flawless on the day, converting all four extra-point attempts and hitting a 29-yard field goal. Myers’ consistency and composure provided crucial points and stability for the Panthers’ special teams unit.
Rookie – Fabian Diggs, Shaw
Shaw University freshman running back Fabian Diggs played a key role in the Bears’ thrilling 20-13 comeback victory over Winston-Salem State. Diggs carried the ball 19 times for 70 yards, averaging a solid 3.7 yards per carry, while also contributing three receptions for 19 yards out of the backfield. His steady, all-around performance helped keep drives alive, sustain momentum, and provide a reliable offensive spark as the Bears rallied for the win.
With momentum building across the conference, teams now turn their focus to Week 7 as the push toward the CIAA Championship intensifies.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.