2021 CIAA Football Standings
2021 CIAA Football Composite Schedule
2021 Statistics   

CHARLOTTE - It was the opening week of the 2021 Division II college football season and 10 teams from across the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) took the field for the first time since 2019 with two others idle this week. The 2021 season kicked off with non-conference play and featured CIAA teams facing nationally-ranked opponents as well as a few others facing off against FCS-DI competition.

Take a look at how each team fared in their opening game:

Wingate 30, Shaw 7 (Thursday) 

Shaw had a slow start to the season, falling 30-7 to Wingate in their opener on Thursday. The Bears had just 188 yards of total offense led by Christian Peters with 114 yards of total offense (59 passing, 55 rushing) and included a 59-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Devon Hunt led the way with nine total tackles for the SU defense. 

FULL GAME RECAP: Bears Fall To #24 Wingate in Season Opener   BOX SCORE: Shaw at Wingate


Next Opponent: SU at Davidson, September 11th at 6:00 PM


Chowan 30, Mars Hill 24 OT (Thursday)

Chowan needed an extra period on the road to hold off a scrappy Mars Hill team, 30-24, in their opener on Thursday. Up 24-7 in third quarter, the Hawks gave up 17 unanswered points in the second half before finally putting away the Bulldogs in overtime thanks to a 1-yard run by Jaylon Boyd. The CU defense, led by 10 total tackles from Jalen Burton, then followed up with a stand to end the game. Boyd ran for 70 yards and two touchdowns while quarterback Bryce Witt threw for 231 yards and two more scores.

FULL GAME RECAP: Chowan Defense Grinds Out Overtime Win At Mars Hill     BOX SCORE: Chowan at Mars Hill

Next Opponent: CU at Tusculum, September 11th at 1:00 PM


Tusculum 58, Saint Augustine's 14
 
Saint Augustine's had a rough start in their season opener, and the first game for new head coach David Bowser, falling 58-14 to Tusculum at home. The Falcons were led on two scoring drives by quarterback D'Ontre Gilliard while Charles Crump delivered 51 yards rushing on nine carries and a touchdown. SAU defender Cornelius Booker led the defense with seven tackles and broke up three passes. 

FULL GAME RECAP: SAU Football Fights Valiantly In Season Opener BOX SCORE: Tusculum at Saint Augustine's

Next Opponent:  SAU at Limestone, September 11th at 7:00 PM

Clark Atlanta 13, Livingstone 10

Livingstone started the season, and the start of a new era under head coach Sean Gilbert, with a tough but hard-fought 13-10 loss at home against Clark Atlanta. The Blue Bear defense, led by 15 combined tackles from Malik Head and Jaden Echols, held CAU to just 142 yards of total offense and 13 points, but it wasn't enough as the LC offense would only muster up 10 points on the day.  

FULL GAME RECAP: Livingstone Football drops Season Opener in Tough Loss to Clark Atlanta 13-10 BOX SCORE: 

Next Opponent: LC at Savannah State, September 11th at 6:00 PM

 
Fayetteville State 47, Elizabeth City State 6 (Down East Viking Football Classic) 

Fayetteville State looked to be in mid-season form as they ran to a 47-6 win over Elizabeth City State in the Down East Viking Football Classic. The Broncos ran totaled 229 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, led by 91 yards from Donshel Jetton, while the defense held ECSU to just 101 yards of total offense that included minus-4 yards rushing. FSU defender Keyshawn James had a big day with 11 tackles, including six for loss, and 3.5 sacks. ECSU's Kevin Caldwell threw for 60 yards and a touchdown while Erick Mejia led all defenders with a game-high 12 tackles. 

FULL GAME RECAP: Broncos Open Season with 47-6 Down East Viking Football Classic Victory over ECSU BOX SCORE: Fayetteville State vs Elizabeth City State  


Next Opponent: FSU at Wingate, September 11th at 6:00 PM; ECSU vs Bluefield State College at 2:30 PM


Delaware State 32, Bowie State 24

Defending CIAA champion Bowie State fought hard but came up short, 32-24, in their upset bid of FCS-DI Delaware State. The Bulldogs overcame a 26-3 halftime deficit and pulled to within eight points late in the fourth quarter, but the BSU defense couldn't deliver a stop on DSU's final drive, allowing the Hornets to run out the clock. Bowie State quarterback Ja'rome Johnson threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 56 yards while defender Jonathan Ross totaled 10 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, with two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. 

FULL GAME RECAP: Bowie State Comes Up Short at Delaware State for Season Opener, 32-24 BOX SCORE: Bowie State at Delaware State


Next Opponent:  BSU vs. Saginaw Valley State, September 11th at 1:00 PM


Lock Haven 20, Lincoln (PA) 0

Lincoln (PA) was held scoreless in their season opener, falling 20-0 to Lock Haven. On a bright note, the LU defense was strong throughout the day giving up 215 yards of total offense, including just 88 through the air. Leading the way for the Lions defense was Eric Best, who had a game-high eight tackles. LU quarterback Isaiah Wilson also threw for 116 yards. 

FULL GAME RECAP: LUPA Defense battles in loss to LHU BOX SCORE: Lock Haven at Lincoln

Next Opponent:  vs Central State, September 11th at 1:00 PM

Lenoir-Rhyne 48, Virginia State 7

Virginia State got off to a rough start in their season opener against nationally-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne, falling 48-7 in front of their home crowd. Trojan running back Kimo Clarke delivered 47 rushing yards on four carries and scored VSU's only touchdown on the day with a 47-yard run early in the second quarter. VSU defender Will Adams had a game-high 12 tackles, including 10 solo stops, while preseason All-CIAA defensive lineman Javon Frazier had seven stops, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.  

FULL GAME RECAP: N/A     BOX SCORE: Lenoir-Rhyne at Virginia State

Next Opponent: VSU at Ohio Dominican, September 11th at 1:00 PM


Hampton 42, Virginia Union 28

Virginia Union upset bid stalled as they looked to knock off FCS-DI Hampton for second time in as many years, falling 42-28 on the road to the Pirates. The Panthers battled into the fourth quarter and tied the game at 28 with 11:08 to play on a 40-yard touchdown pass from Khalid Morris to Desmond Smith, but HU scored 14 unanswered points to close out the game. Morris threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns, including connecting with All-CIAA receiver Charles Hall for 182 yards through the air and a score. VUU defender Dev'on Grant led all tacklers with 10 stops. 

FULL GAME RECAP: VUU Falls to Hampton 42-28 in Season Opener BOX SCORE: Virginia Union at Hampton

Next Opponent:  VUU vs. Valdosta State, September 11th at 5:00 PM

IDLE

Winston-Salem State - Nex Opponent: at Catawba, September 11th at 7:00 PM

Johnson C. Smith - Next Opponent: vs. Allen, September 11th at 6:00 PM