“font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; font-size: 13px;”>After two big victories against conference opponents, the N.C. A&T Aggies (4-2, 3-0) continued their winning streak against the Delaware State Hornets (2-5, 0-3) defeating them 42-24 on Oct. 15.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>After two big victories against conference opponents, the N.C. A&T Aggies (4-2, 3-0) continued their winning streak against the Delaware State Hornets (2-5, 0-3) defeating them 42-24 on Oct. 15.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The win marks the first A&T homecoming game victory in seven seasons and keeps the Aggies tied with Norfolk State University (6-1 4-0) for the number one ranking in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) standings.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>“I’m proud of our whole football operations this week,” said head coach Rod Broadway. After a Travis Tarpley return on the opening kickoff to the 22-yard line, the DSU offense was forced to punt after a quick three-and-out.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>After a drive that included a 23-yard run by 2010 First Team All-MEAC running back Mike Mayhew and a timely third and long catch for 24-yards by wide receiver Wallace Miles, the Aggies found themselves at the DSU 1-yard line.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Mayhew would score a touchdown three plays later on a 1-yard run up the middle, a successful extra point by Jose Garcia-Camacho gave the Aggies a 7-0 lead.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>DSU’s next possession ended when Hornets’ quarterback Nick Elko attempted to force a pass over the middle on third and four and was intercepted by Aggie linebacker D’vonte Grant.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Grant put the A&T offense in great field position, returning the Elko interception 28-yards to the DSU 14-yard line.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The A&T offense capitalized off of the Grant interception by posting a touchdown three plays later when Aggie quarterback Lewis Kindle connected with slot receiver Larry Raper on an 18-yard touchdown pass.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>A successful extra point gave the Aggies a 14-0 lead. DSU’s next drive would result in another quick three-and-out, and touchback on a 44-yard punt by DSU’s Marko Kano placed the Aggies at their own 20-yard line.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The DSU defense forced a punt on a three-and out offensive possession by the Aggies. After an unsuccessful punt catch resulting in a fumble, A&T’s Tevin Williams recovered and returned the ball at the DSU 19-yard line.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The Aggies scored a touchdown on the second play of the drive, a 19-yard run by Mayhew.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The Aggies led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, A&T took a commanding
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>28-0 led on an 11-yard Mayhew touchdown run.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The 84-yard drive included a 19-yard run on third and short by Aggie running back Dominique Drake and a 20-yard pass from wide receiver/quarterback Ricky Lewis to Raper connection. After a 14-play, 55-yard drive, the Hornets scored their only points of the first half on a successful 25-yard Mitchell Ward field goal as time expired.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The Aggies held a 28-3 lead at halftime.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>After receiving the ball to begin the second half of play, A&T offense was forced to punt after a dropped pass by Larry Raper on third and six. DSU responded on the next drive by posting a touchdown on a 12-play, 68-yard drive.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Elko and the Hornet offense used balance between the run and pass to keep the A&T defense guessing on each play.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>A successful fourth down conversion at the A&T 8-yard line placed the Hornets one yard from the end zone. DSU running back Josh Bailey scored two plays later on a run up the middle. The DSU touchdown cut the A&T lead to 28-10.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The Hornets’ special teams unit caught the Aggie’s kick return unit off guard with surprise on side kick and recovery, giving the Hornets possession at their own 41-yard line.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>A 42-yard touchdown pass from Elko to wide receiver Tarpley on the fifth play of the drive cut the Aggie lead to 28-17, shifting momentum to the Hornets.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>On the next drive, Kindle and the A&T offense responded with a quick 68-yard touchdown drive.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The drive ended when the Aggie offense successfully exposed a favorable coverage match up as Kindle was able to loft a 42-yard deep spiral into the hands of Raper for a touchdown. The touchdown drive gave the Aggies a 35-17 lead. The A&T defense forced a three and out on the Hornets’ next drive. The Aggie offense scored their last points of the game when Kindle found Larry Raper on a 9-yard pass and catch, his third receiving touchdown of the game.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>On the play, Raper showcased a soft pair of hands as he was flattened by a Hornet defender after catching the ball. The Hornet’s Jaashawn Jones scored a one-yard touchdown on the following possession, making the final score 42-24.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The Aggie’s offense performed well, gaining 440 total yards and scoring six touchdowns against the Hornet’s defense.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Possibly the most important statistic of the game, the Aggies offensive line did not allow one sack of Aggie quarterback Kindle.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Kindle, who was 13 for 20 for 173 yards and three touchdown passes, summarized the transformation of the A&T football program by saying, “We’re tired of losing.” When asked about Kindle’s performance, head coach Broadway said, “Lewis is getting better, he’s smart, and he throws a beautiful ball.” A&T running back Mike
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Mayhew gained 128 yards from 24 carries and scored three touchdowns. He has posted 100-yards in his last three games.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>Slot receiver Raper proved to be quarterback Kindle’s go to- guy as he caught five passes for a total of 109-yards and three touchdowns.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>“My goal is to get better each week,” said Raper after being asked about his improving performance the past few weeks.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The A&T defense also performed well holding Delaware State’s offense to 39-yards rushing and 319 passing yards
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>from 50 pass attempts. The Aggies(4-2 3-0) will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will attempt to continue their winning streak against the Howard University Bison (3-4 2-2) in their homecoming game on Oct..22.
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“font-size: 10.0pt;”>The Howard Bison lost to the Georgetown Hoyas 21-3 last weekend.
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- Kalyn Hoyle, Register Reporter