jjohnson@heraldsun.com; 419-6667
DURHAM -- The importance of today's game against Central State (Ohio) was not lost on N.C. Central's players as the Eagles prepared for homecoming.
The largest crowd of the season is expected today at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium (1:30 p.m., WRJD 1410-AM). NCCU coach Mose Rison said having that many eyes watching the Eagles would be a good thing.
"Alumni come back and want to see progress," Rison said. "For many alumni, they've not been back since we put in the new turf or the new scoreboard. We want to put on a good show because they want to see a win."
NCCU (1-6) is coming off an open date after getting its first win of the season two weeks ago against Central Methodist. The Eagles won that game without wide receiver Will Scott or free safety Jeffery Henderson. Rison said he expects both to play against the Marauders (1-7).
Central State, a former powerhouse that recently restarted its football program, has gone through some of the same growing pains that NCCU has experienced as it has moved up to the Football Championship Subdivision.
"They're kind of like us in that they're restarting their program," Rison said. "They're having to rebuild almost from scratch. But we know the game is not going to be easy.
"They know it is our homecoming, and this gives them an opportunity to play in a big game."
Comparatively, NCCU has had an easier time scoring points. The Eagles are averaging approximately 21 points a game, while Central State is scoring about 13 points. Defensively, both are giving up about 30 points a game.
Today's game will be the third meeting between the NCCU and Central State, with the teams trading road victories in the mid-1990s.
One common thread that binds the teams is that cornerback Rashad Fox was a high school teammate of Central State quarterback Jeff Brooks. Fox said he has been looking forward to this game all season.
"I'll talk a little trash to him," Fox said with a grin. "He's a good athlete, and we're going to have to be ready to stop him."
Fox said getting ready for homecoming also was exciting.
"It is such a big deal," Fox said. "The last couple of years when I've looked up in the crowd, I couldn't see an empty seat anywhere. It is important for us to win for the seniors and send them out with a good feeling."
Fox said the team is really focusing on the final four games of the season since beating Central Methodist. He said finishing strong would have a big carryover effect for next season.
"If we win these, who knows what that could do for next year," Fox said.
Yet Rison said he needed to temper some of his team's expectations against Central State.
"The game is never won until you play it," Rison said. "We just need to get our second win. This game just happens to be the second on the list of five going to the end of the season."
