Aggies Run All Over Hornets
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
There's North Carolina A&T (3-1, 1-0 MEAC) and then there's everyone else in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Aggies have become the ultimate blueprint being a step above the competition over the last couple of seasons. Imposing their will to conference opponents and showing everyone that there are multiple ways they can beat you.
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
The Aggies, who are trying to become the first team since South Carolina State in 1977-83 to win five MEAC titles in a span of six years, simply dominated Delaware State (1-3, 0-2 MEAC) on both sides of the ball Thursday night. Winning the game 37 to 0 over the Hornets and marking their second shutout in their last six games played and also their seventh straight season winning their conference opener.
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
Fueled by the MEAC rushing leader, A&T got another stellar performance from Junior running back Jah-Maine Martin. Delivering a follow up after his 299 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago down in Charleston, Martin finished Thursday night with 108 yards on the ground and rushed for four touchdowns on 14 carries. His four-touchdown performance is the second-highest single-game total in school history tying Maurice Hicks' four-touchdown outing back in 2000 against S.C. State.
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
Not only was the ground attack effective Thursday, the Aggies also did damage in the air against the Hornets. Kylil Carter completed 15 of 27 passes for 157 yards and a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Korey Banks. Carter also connected with Senior wide out Elijah Bell nine times for 101 yards giving him his seventh career 100-yard receiving game. Bell's outstanding night helped him tie for the schools record for receptions and is now one reception away from having the triple crown being the programs all-time leader in yards, touchdowns, and receptions.
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
But as impressive as the accomplishments on the offensive side of the ball were, the Aggie defense was just as amazing, as they imposed their will versus the Hornets with their shutout performance. Delaware State never stood a chance in this game. Not even reaching it past A&T's 50 yard line once. The Hornets were held to only 100-yards of offense and the Aggies got their tenth shutout since Sam Washington became a part of the Aggies as the defensive coordinator in 2011.
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
Sophomore Jermaine McDaniel led the way with six tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. The A&T defense got a boost Thursday with the return of All-American Junior cornerback Mac McCain III. McCain returned after being sidelined the first three games recovering from his season-ending knee injury from the 2018 season. This is a huge addition getting McCain back, who has proven to have a knack for big time plays and his ability to take the football away. McCain has eight career interceptions in his first two seasons and two career 100-yard interception returns for touchdowns.
Photo by Ken L. Dorsey
The quest for another Celebration Bowl continues. The Aggies will return to action Oct. 5 as they travel to Virginia to face Norfolk State one of a two game road stretch. Their next home game is not until Oct. 26 when the Aggies return to BB&T Stadium for the Greatest Homecoming On Earth to square off against Howard University.