Who said that North Carolina A&T didn’t have a winning football program? Coming off of back- to-back state championships, the flag football team is eyeing even bigger accomplishments this year.

Last year they were runner-up to the National Champions University of North Florida, finishing second in the nation.

They defeated Pensacola State, Murray State, and West Florida to reach the title game. The final score of the championship, which was held at the University of New Orleans, was 14-12.

Coach Robert McNair is entering his 5th season as the team’s head coach and knows what his team is capable of this year.

“Our ultimate goal is to finish the job,” McNair said.  “That’s our motto this year, finish the job so we can win that championship.”

And the motivation is contagious – as the players are also aware of what needs to be accomplished.

“We left three touchdowns on the field.” Quarterback Jashaun Carter said. “What that means is we got to finish what we left off from last year.”

The success of the flag football team has garnered A&T much attention from programs across the United States.

“We put North Carolina A&T on the map,” McNair said. “We had TV crews following us – everybody knows about North Carolina A&T.”

Last year’s 18-3 record, along with the national championship appearance will keep the Aggies focused and motivated to seal the deal this time around in the Regional Championships at UMD in Maryland.

According to linebacker and punter Clifton Simmons, there is no pressure.

“We have some unfinished business at Maryland and then the national championship level too,” Simmons said. 

The experience of about seven seniors returning this year leaves the team optimistic that they can make another run.

But it’s not just the seniors returning that may aid them to playing at a high level.

“We have a lot of players coming back from last year’s team,” wide receiver Jeremy Green said.

The players have been working out all summer in preparation for the season opener against High Point on October 7.

“We just ready to go,” Simmons said. 

• Prince Askew