In Orangeburg, South Carolina, the South Carolina State Bulldogs secured a remarkable 45-25 victory over the North Carolina A&T Aggies on Saturday, led by an outstanding performance from quarterback Eric Phoenix and running back Deondra Duehart.
In the first half of the game, Justin Fomby of North Carolina A&T connected with Ger-Cari Caldwell for a 26-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 10-10 heading into halftime. Shortly after the break, Fomby found Anthony Rucker for a 29-yard touchdown, giving the Aggies a 17-10 lead early in the third quarter.
However, the Bulldogs responded with an impressive offensive display in the second half, scoring four consecutive touchdowns to seize control of the game. Kazarius Adams rushed for a two-yard touchdown to tie the game at 17-17, and Eric Phoenix threw a 33-yard pass to Deyandre Ruffin to put South Carolina State ahead at 24-17. Deondra Duehart extended their lead with two rushing touchdowns, including an 8-yard run, bringing the score to 31-17 by the end of the third quarter.
Eric Phoenix excelled in the passing game, completing 22 of 33 attempts for 367 yards and three touchdowns, despite being intercepted twice. Deondra Duehart contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 87 yards on 20 carries, while Caden High led the receiving corps with eight receptions for 152 yards.
On the opposing side, Justin Fomby of North Carolina A&T completed 16 of 29 passes for 205 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Cameron Dalrymple also had a strong performance, rushing for 93 yards on 11 carries.
The victory improved South Carolina State’s record to 2-2, while North Carolina A&T fell to 1-4 in the season. The Bulldogs’ impactful second-half performance propelled them to a decisive win over the Aggies, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience on the field.