Aggies go to 2-0 with win over Rams
Editor's Note: The NCAA classification of Winston-Salem State's football program was initially reported incorrectly in this story. The Rams compete in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).
GREENSBORO -- It's a streak -- a winning streak for N.C. A&T.
The offense scored early in the fourth quarter to give the Aggies breathing room and the defense made a late game, goal-line stand to protect that lead, as the Aggies came away with a 14-8 victory over Winston-Salem State on Saturday at Aggies Stadium.
After 27 straight losses, the victory gives A&T a 2-0 record to start the season and consecutive wins since 2005. The Aggies now travel to Norfolk State next week, but coach Lee Fobbs knows that this year's version of the Aggies is much more prepared for their MEAC opener than they have been in the past.
"They believe that it (winning) is going to happen," Fobbs said. "It was all about effort, the effort they put in tonight and back on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have to stay on the right path. I just have a plan and we are working that plan."
Running back Michael Ferguson, who finished with 86 yards rushing and the Aggies' final touchdown, agreed with Fobbs assessment of this year's team.
"We have confidence," Ferguson said. "We just want to keep playing the way we are playing. We want to play all four quarters and finish the game."
With the Aggies clinging to a 7-6 lead to start the fourth quarter, they finally took advantage of great field position. After a 12-yard punt, A&T started at their own 26. Three straight runs by Ferguson got the Aggies in the end zone on the third play of the fourth quarter. Ferguson's 12-yard scoring run put the Aggies ahead 14-6.
But the Rams weren't about to give in and started driving with 7:41 remaining and from their own 19-yard line.
They got to the Aggies 4-yard line, but three straight running plays netted zero yards. On fourth down quarterback Jarrett Dunston, who entered the game in the fourth quarter, tried to roll out to pass, but Micah Stanfield was there to take him down.
"The D-line got low and penetrated," said linebacker Andre Thornton about the goal-line stand. "That's how we want it; the game on the line and the defense on the field."
Winston-Salem State coach Kermit Blount knew that his team had a golden opportunity at the win, but felt his offense just didn't make enough plays.
"We never seem to get into a good rhythm," Blount said. "We made a play here and there, but couldn't keep it going. We ended with more momentum toward the end, but we just didn't finish it off."
Winston-Salem St. 0 6 0 2 -- 8
N.C. A&T 7 0 0 7 -- 14
NCAT--Miller 2 run (Houston kick)
WiSa--Jefferson 3 run (kick blocked)
NCAT--Ferguson 12 run (Houston kick)
WiSa--Safety
A--21,500.
Winston-Salem St. N.C. A&T
First downs 16 14
Rushes-yards 38-80 43-101
Passing 191 124
Comp-Att-Int 17-26-0 12-21-0
Return Yards 15 20
Punts-Avg. 8-30.8 8-39.1
Fumbles-Lost 2-2 2-0
Penalties-Yards 3-22 7-56
Time of Possession 28:37 31:23
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING--Winston-Salem, Fluellen 15-71, McRae 8-7, Kljajic 1-6, Jefferson 8-5, Cooper 1-1, W.Wilson 2-(minus 3), Dunston 3-(minus 7). N.C. A&T, Ferguson 20-86, Dawson 1-13, Parnell 4-6, Miles 1-4, Cosby 2-3, Miller 11-1, Fears 1-(minus 2), Team 3-(minus 10).
PASSING--Winston-Salem, Jefferson 12-18-0-152, Dunston 5-8-0-39. N.C. A&T, Miller 11-20-0-83, Lowrance 1-1-0-41.
RECEIVING--Winston-Salem, Bayne 7-47, B.Thomas 3-73, Sherrod 3-19, Fluellen 2-26, Kizzie 1-20, McRae 1-6. N.C. A&T, Ferguson 4-34, Dawson 3-53, Miles 3-29, Cosby 1-4, Sunderland 1-4.
