Atlanta, GA — In a dominant second-half showing, North Carolina Central shut out Southern University after halftime and rode a career-best performance from Chris Mosley to a convincing 31-14 victory in Saturday night’s season-opening MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff.
Mosley, a senior who had never topped 10 carries in a game, exploded for 180 rushing yards on 17 carries, including a 49-yard touchdown run that helped the Eagles reclaim the lead just before halftime. His breakout effort powered a North Carolina Central offense that racked up 409 total yards, including 234 in the first three drives alone.
Eagles Soar After Halftime
Leading 17-14 at the break, the Eagles took full control in the third quarter. After a shanked punt set them up with a short field, quarterback Walker Harris capped a 34-yard drive with a touchdown pass to Kyle Morgan, pushing the lead to 24-14.
Later in the quarter, Aleni Mageo punched in a 6-yard rushing touchdown, effectively putting the game out of reach at 31-14.
The defense sealed the win in the fourth quarter when Thomas Johnson forced and recovered a red-zone fumble by Southern quarterback Cam’Ron McCoy, ending the Jaguars’ last serious scoring threat.
Stats & Standouts
Chris Mosley (NCCU): 17 carries, 180 yards, 1 TD
Walker Harris (NCCU): 22-of-27, 189 yards, 1 TD
Aleni Mageo (NCCU): 1 TD
Trey Holly (Southern): 10 carries, 119 yards, 1 TD
Cam’Ron McCoy (Southern): 69-yard rushing TD
Despite explosive plays from Southern’s offense — including an 80-yard TD run by Holly and a 69-yard touchdown scamper by McCoy — the Jaguars struggled to sustain drives. They ran only 19 plays in the first half and held the ball for less than 8 minutes before the break.
North Carolina Central’s defense adjusted brilliantly in the second half, holding Southern scoreless and capitalizing on key mistakes.
