WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Winston-Salem State football returns to the road Saturday, Oct. 31, looking to extend its winning streak when the Rams travel to face Elizabeth City State in a CIAA matchup.

WSSU (2-6, 2-4 CIAA) enters the contest after winning its last two games, defeating Bluefield State 43-14 on Oct. 17 before earning a 21-14 road victory over Lincoln University (Pa.) on Oct. 24. The Rams will look to carry that momentum into their meeting with the Vikings, who also enter at 2-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.

Elizabeth City State has won two of its last three games, including victories over Lincoln (Pa.), 35-21, on Oct. 10 and Livingstone, 34-26, on Oct. 24.

GAME INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
Kickoff: 1 P.M.
Location: Roebuck Stadium | Elizabeth City, N.C.
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Series: 41-17-2

RAMS EARN TWO CIAA WEEKLY HONORS
WSSU enters the matchup with added momentum after earning two CIAA weekly football honors following its performance against Lincoln.

Wide receiver Sean Walker, Jr. was named the CIAA Receiver of the Week, while defensive lineman Christopher "CJ" Brown earned CIAA Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.

The recognition highlights contributions on both sides of the ball as the Rams continue their push through the final stretch of the regular season.

RAMS LOOK TO BUILD ON RECENT OFFENSIVE PRODUCTION
WSSU is averaging 12.8 points and 228.5 yards of total offense per game through eight contests. The Rams have totaled 937 rushing yards and 891 passing yards, with 14 touchdowns scored.

Running back Jayvion Danzy continues to lead the ground attack. The Michigan native has recorded 587 rushing yards on 103 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt, with three touchdowns. Danzy has also established himself as a consistent offensive option, averaging 73.4 rushing yards per game.

Jamison Funderburk has added 195 rushing yards and a team-high four rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Brayden Jeffries has completed 36 of 61 passes for 468 yards and three passing touchdowns while contributing 54 rushing yards.

Through the air, Taron Biles-Walker leads the Rams with 27 receptions for 262 yards and a touchdown. Jayden Grimes has contributed 213 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Walker, Jr. has recorded 193 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The Rams will look to sustain their recent progress and create scoring opportunities against an ECSU defense that has recorded 21 sacks this season.

DEFENSE LOOKS TO SET THE TONE
WSSU's defensive unit will be a key factor against the Vikings, who average 17.5 points and 224 yards of total offense per game.

Chancellor Smith leads the Rams with 50 total tackles, while Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman has recorded 46 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Avir Johnson has added 31 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hits and three forced fumbles. Mecca Carr-Bordeaux leads the Rams with 3.5 sacks and has totaled 5.5 tackles for loss. Christopher McCorkle has contributed 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

The Rams will look to pressure the quarterback, force turnovers and limit explosive plays as they face a Vikings offense that has produced 915 passing yards and 877 rushing yards this season.

SCOUTING ELIZABETH CITY STATE
The Vikings enter Saturday's contest after a 34-26 win over Livingstone. ECSU has totaled 1,792 yards of offense through eight games, averaging 109.6 rushing yards and 114.4 passing yards per contest.

Quarterback Josef Manley has completed 62 of 114 passes for 646 yards and six touchdowns. Wide receiver Terrance Holland is a key threat in the passing and return games, recording 20 receptions for 271 yards and five touchdowns. Holland has also totaled 297 kickoff-return yards, averaging 29.7 yards per return, and has returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown.

Joe Griffin has added 138 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Troy Smith has recorded 108 receiving yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Traquan Johnson leads the Vikings with 157 rushing yards and a touchdown. Amiel Braswell has contributed 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Trakell Murray has added 128 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Jaevon Branch leads ECSU with 67 tackles and eight tackles for loss. John "Jack" Earley has recorded 60 tackles, while Ajani Farmer has totaled 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks. Javon Smith has added four sacks, giving the Vikings several options to disrupt opposing offenses.

WSSU will need to protect the football and manage the Vikings' defensive pressure while limiting Holland's impact on special teams.

UP NEXT
Winston-Salem State will host the Broncos of Fayetteville State on Saturday, Nov. 7 for homecoming at Bowman Gray Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

For more information on Winston-Salem State University athletics, visit wssurams.com.