Fayetteville State Makes History with Thrilling Comeback Victory in Inaugural CIAA® Friday Night Blitz
More Than 2,100 Fans Brave the Cold as Broncos Rally from 21 Points Down to Defeat Virginia State, 31-29; Historic Weekend Continues with Saturday's CIAA Football Championship
DURHAM, N.C. (November 14, 2026) — History was made under the Friday night lights as Fayetteville State University rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat Virginia State University, 31-29, in the inaugural Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) Friday Night Blitz at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
More than 2,100 fans attended the historic matchup, braving the cold Friday evening temperatures to witness the debut of the conference's expanded Football Championship Weekend format. What began as a celebration of a new chapter in CIAA football quickly turned into an unforgettable contest, as the Broncos delivered a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to secure the first Friday Night Blitz victory in conference history.
The historic evening also featured a special ceremonial coin toss celebrating women in sports leadership, bringing together four women representing officiating, conference governance, athletic administration and sports tourism.
For Fayetteville State, the victory improved its overall record to 8-3 and strengthened the Broncos' hopes of earning a berth in the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs. Virginia State concluded its season with a 7-4 record.
Broncos Complete Remarkable Comeback in Historic Friday Night Blitz
Virginia State wasted little time establishing momentum, building a commanding 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Trojans capitalized on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown and appeared poised to control the inaugural contest.
However, Fayetteville State refused to let the historic night slip away.
Quarterback Jamir Dismukes sparked the Broncos' comeback, connecting with Marcus Fleming on an 11-yard touchdown pass before finding Lorenzo Southern for a 36-yard scoring strike. The two touchdowns cut Virginia State's lead to 21-14 entering halftime and shifted the momentum heading into the second half.
Fayetteville State continued its rally in the third quarter when Noah Marshall broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run, evening the score at 21-21.
The Broncos' defense followed with an impressive stretch, forcing three consecutive Virginia State punts and limiting the Trojans to just five passing yards during the third quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Fayetteville State completed a 15-play, 68-yard scoring drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run from Dismukes, giving the Broncos their first lead of the night, 28-21.
Virginia State answered with an 18-play drive that consumed nearly eight minutes. Baron Davis scored on a seven-yard touchdown run, and a successful two-point conversion put the Trojans back in front, 29-28, with just over four minutes remaining.
With the game hanging in the balance, Fayetteville State delivered one final response.
A 46-yard run by Isaiah Silver helped set up a seven-play, 57-yard drive that ended with John Hernandez-Vargas connecting on a 30-yard field goal with 1:47 remaining, giving the Broncos a 31-29 advantage.
Virginia State mounted one final drive into Fayetteville State territory, but a 29-yard field goal attempt by Ali Abdelkader missed as time expired, sealing the Broncos' historic victory.
Dismukes finished with 197 passing yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Silver led Fayetteville State's ground attack with 92 yards on 13 carries, while Marshall added 43 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Southern recorded four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Fleming contributed five catches for 44 yards and a score.
Defensively, CIAA Rookie of the Year Zyking Patillo led Fayetteville State with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss. Christopher Bentley added five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and three pass breakups.
For Virginia State, Javion Whitfied rushed for 102 yards and added 45 receiving yards, while quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. accounted for 201 total yards. Davis finished with two rushing touchdowns.
A Historic Night for CIAA Football
Beyond the final score, Friday night's contest marked a significant moment for the CIAA as the conference introduced the Friday Night Blitz to its Football Championship Weekend experience.
The new format provided an opportunity for the conference's No. 3 and No. 4 seeds to compete on a prominent postseason stage, expanding the celebration of CIAA football beyond Saturday's championship game.
With more than 2,100 fans in attendance despite the cold evening conditions, the inaugural event brought together students, alumni, supporters and football fans for a memorable night in Durham.
The dramatic comeback, late-game heroics and thrilling finish provided a fitting introduction to the Friday Night Blitz and demonstrated the excitement and competitive spirit that define CIAA football.
A Historic Moment for Women Leaders in Sports
The inaugural CIAA Friday Night Blitz also celebrated a powerful moment for women in sports leadership, as four women representing different areas of collegiate athletics and sports administration came together for the ceremonial coin toss.
The historic moment featured a woman serving as the game's white cap official, alongside the Chair of the CIAA Board of Directors, the Commissioner of the CIAA and the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Durham Sports Commission.
Together, these women represented leadership across officiating, conference governance, athletic administration and sports tourism, demonstrating the influence and impact of women throughout the sports industry. As the four women gathered at midfield for the ceremonial coin toss, the moment served as a visible reminder of the importance of representation, opportunity and leadership in sports.
On a night that introduced a new chapter in CIAA football history, the ceremonial coin toss provided another milestone worth celebrating, highlighting women who continue to lead, inspire and create pathways for future generations.
Fayetteville State Awaits NCAA Division II Playoff Selection
With Friday night's victory, Fayetteville State improved to 8-3 overall and strengthened its case for postseason consideration.
The Broncos will now await the NCAA Division II Football Selection Show, scheduled for Sunday, November 15, at 6 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
The first round of the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs is scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
All Eyes Turn to Saturday's CIAA Football Championship
Following Friday night's unforgettable opening contest, the excitement continues Saturday, November 14, as No. 1 Virginia Union University and No. 2 Johnson C. Smith University meet for the 2026 CIAA Football Championship at Durham County Memorial Stadium.
Virginia Union enters the championship after completing an undefeated conference season. Led by CIAA Coach of the Year Dr. Alvin Parker, the Panthers secured the conference's top seed and will look to complete their impressive conference campaign with a championship victory.
Johnson C. Smith, which earned the No. 2 seed following a strong regular-season performance, enters the title game looking to capture the conference crown. The Golden Bulls are led offensively by CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Fabian Duncan, whose contributions throughout the season have helped position Johnson C. Smith among the conference's top programs.
The championship matchup will bring together two talented programs, each determined to leave Durham with the CIAA Football Championship trophy.
After the excitement of Friday Night Blitz, fans can expect another thrilling atmosphere as the Panthers and Golden Bulls take center stage in the weekend's main event.
Championship Saturday Is Here! Secure Your Tickets NOW!
The inaugural Friday Night Blitz delivered a historic opening to Championship Weekend, and now the stage is set for the biggest game of the CIAA football season.
Fans, alumni, students and supporters are encouraged to make their way to Durham County Memorial Stadium and experience the excitement of Championship Saturday as Virginia Union and Johnson C. Smith battle for the conference title.
Don't miss your opportunity to witness the crowning of the 2026 CIAA Football Champion!
BUY TICKETS NOW: 2026 CIAA Football Championship Official Ticket Box Office
Four Teams. Two Games. One Championship Weekend. WHO GOT NEXT?
Media Contact
Matisse S. Lee
Senior Associate Commissioner, Communications & Marketing, Special Projects / SWA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
mlee@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 United States and one of the most recognized conferences in NCAA Division II. The CIAA conducts 15 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The CIAA Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the presidents and chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie 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 www.theciaa.com and follow the conference on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.