With the final two weeks of the 2024 CIAA football season ahead of us, the top teams are competing for one of the final two spots in the CIAA football championship, taking place on Saturday, November 16 in Salem, Virginia.
Fayetteville State @ Johnson C. Smith (1:00 P.M.)
Johnson C. Smith, who sits tied atop the conference with a perfect 5-0 record can clinch a spot in the 2024 CIAA football championship with a win over a tough Fayetteville State squad this weekend.
When asked about the team’s mindset heading into the final two weeks, Golden Bulls head coach Maurice Flowers is keeping his team’s mindset the same as it has all season “As we approach Senior Day on campus against Fayetteville State, our message has been the same this week as every week this season” said coach Flowers. “Let’s keep the main thing, the main thing, not think of the possible things ahead and no distractions. We are in this position because we focus on “EVERYTH1NG, EVERYDAY”. One day at a time, one game at a time.
This sounds a little cliche or Coaches Speak, but this is where we are in our Program. It feels good to be 8-0 overall and 5-0 in CIAA play, but our only focus is beating a team that has been to the last six CIAA Championship games and a team that’s beat us the last two years. Currently, Fayetteville State is the only team in the CIAA that we haven’t beaten during our tenure at JCSU.
Bluefield State @ Virginia Union (1:00 P.M.)
Reigning champion Virginia Union enters week nine as one of two undefeated teams in conference play and will look to keep their streak alive this weekend as they play host to Bluefield State. The Panthers’ head coach, Alvin Parker, is excited for the potential of what’s to come “It’s an exciting time right now for CIAA Football” said coach Parker. “Our squad has been working diligently to put ourselves in position for another trip to Salem. We know we have a tough slate ahead of us, but I believe we are up for the challenge.”
Virginia State @ Lincoln (PA) (1:00 P.M.)
While Virginia State currently sits in third in the CIAA football standings, there are some scenarios in which they can still secure a spot in the championship game. That starts with this week, as a win against the Lions puts them in position to clinch a spot in the championship game next week. This will be no easy task, as LU has won two of their last three games after a slow start to the season.
Livingstone @ Shaw (1:00 P.M.)
After having won three straight games, Livingstone dropped a crucial game to Winston-Salem State which put an end to their championship hopes this season. They’re still sporting an impressive 5-3 record and will take on a strong Shaw squad, who strung together a comeback victory over Fayetteville State last week. The two teams have faced off each of the last 14 seasons, with Shaw holding a 10-4 advantage in that time.
Bowie State @ Elizabeth City State (1:00 P.M.)
Bowie State and Elizabeth City State will both look to get back in the win column, as the Bulldogs head to the Vikings for their annual matchup. ECSU has been in a slump, having dropped four straight games, while Bowie State is just two weeks removed from their huge 54-0 victory over Bluefield State. The Bulldogs hold a heavy 12-2 advantage in their last 14 meetings.
