ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Winston-Salem State (2-7) fell to Elizabeth City State (3-6), 5-0, on Saturday at Roebuck Stadium. Despite the loss, the Rams' defense delivered a strong performance, holding the Vikings without a touchdown while recording two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and multiple key stops.
WSSU's defense kept the game within reach throughout the afternoon, highlighted by a first-quarter goal-line stand and a fourth-quarter defensive effort that limited Elizabeth City State to just one field goal. Offensively, the Rams were held to 122 total yards, including 33 rushing yards and 89 passing yards. WSSU finished 3-for-13 on third down and 0-for-3 on fourth down.
The Rams opened the game with an early defensive stand, stopping Elizabeth City State on fourth-and-goal at the WSSU 4-yard line. Christopher "CJ" Brown recorded a sack of Josef Manley at 8:37 to prevent the Vikings from reaching the end zone. However, an early safety gave Elizabeth City State a 2-0 advantage.
WSSU's defense continued to create opportunities, including a fumble recovery by
Javion Vines-Holder, who returned the ball 30 yards to the Elizabeth City State 30-yard line. The Rams were unable to capitalize, missing a 43-yard field goal attempt. Elizabeth City State added a 35-yard field goal by Diego Coca-Hernandez early in the second quarter to extend its lead to 5-0.
The Rams entered halftime trailing 5-0 despite a strong defensive effort.
Anthony Barrett helped flip field position with a 65-yard punt that pinned the Vikings at their own 14-yard line.
WSSU's defense continued its momentum in the third quarter, recording two interceptions.
Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman and Yetristan Brown each picked off a pass to halt Elizabeth City State drives. Brown's interception came at the WSSU goal line after the Vikings reached the 17-yard line, resulting in a touchback.
The Rams entered the fourth quarter trailing 5-0 and had an opportunity to cut into the deficit. WSSU drove to the Elizabeth City State 26-yard line, but a fourth-down pass from
Brayden Jeffries fell incomplete.
On its final possession, WSSU moved the ball from its own 7-yard line behind completions from Jeffries to
Jayden Grimes and
Taron Biles-Walker. However, another fourth-down incompletion gave the Vikings possession with 1:06 remaining. Elizabeth City State ran out the clock to secure the 5-0 victory.
Winston-Salem Top Performers
Yetristan Brown
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- 9 total tackles
- 1 interception
Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman
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- 6 total tackles
- 1 interception
"CJ" BrownChristopher
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- 4 total tackles
- 1 sack
- 1 fumble recovery
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.
