N.C. Central University (4-1 overall) renewed their rivalry with long-time rival N.C. Carolina A&T (0-4 overall) at Greensboro’s Aggie Stadium on Saturday in more ways than one. Similar to the previous two meetings, this year’s Aggie-Eagle outcome was decided in the last minute of the game.

NCCU senior linebacker Eric Ray intercepted an Aggie pass at the 1-yard line with 14 seconds left on the game clock. Ray’s interception allowed the Eagles to hold off a late Aggie drive for a 27-22 victory.

After the end of the contest, a host of NCCU players stormed the field and celebrated on the Aggie logo at midfield. In response, Aggie players charged onto the field, and a brawl ensued that lasted about 2 minutes.

Campus police from both universities quickly dispersed the mob with pepper spray.

“I am not happy about what happened at the end of the game,” said NCCU head coach Mose Rison. “I just did not like the scene.”

Aggie head coach Lee Fobbs also shared his opinion on the behavior of his team.

“What happened after the game ended was very unfortunate and we’ll deal with it with our guys,” said Fobbs.

“I’m just concerned about our players and our fans.”

A host of players headed to their respective locker rooms bloody and with impaired vision from the mists of pepper spray.

The Eagle defense helped hand A&T its 20th consecutive loss despite out-gaining NCCU in total yards 412 to 199.

“Well you have to give credit where it is due,” said Rison. “Coach [Fobbs] and his staff did an outstanding coaching job. We hung in to the bitter end.”

Fobbs applauded the team.

“We were in position to win it, and then they stepped up and made a great play,” Fobbs said.

Eric Ray’s twin brother Derrick returned an interception for a 23-yard touchdown earlier in the game.

“The last time both of us got picks was in high school, and we both took them back for touchdowns,” said Derrick Ray, who plays safety.

NCCU scored on the opening possession with a 44-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Stadford Brown to Will Scott. Rookie kicker Taylor Gray made his first career extra-point kick to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead with 12:33 left in opening quarter.

With 11:23 left in the first half, A&T’s Nick Johnson blocked Gray’s punt into the end zone but Gray managed to sneak into the pile and recover the ball for a safety.

A&T took the lead with a 1-yard run by running back Michael Ferguson with 6:41 left before halftime.

NCCU answered with a 14-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brown to tight end Christopher Edwards, giving the Eagles a 14-9 lead with 48 seconds left before the half.

In the second half, A&T regained the lead early with a 1-yard run by Dion McNair to put the Aggies on top 16-14 with 11:30 left in the third quarter. A&T increased its lead to 19-14 with 4:13 left in the third period when kicker Eric Houston made a 27-yard field goal.

As A&T opened the fourth quarter, quarterback Shelton Morgan’s pass was intercepted by Derrick Ray and returned 23 yards for the score.

Gray’s extra-point kick gave the Eagles a 21-19 lead with 12:30 left in the game.

On the next possession, Morgan threw another interception, this time to freshman safety Jeffery Henderson, who returned for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Gray’s extra-point attempt was blocked, leaving the NCCU lead at 27-19 with 8:30 on the clock.

Houston made a 39-yard field goal, his second of the game, to narrow the deficit to 27-22 with 4:51 remaining in the game.

After a stalled Eagle drive, A&T took over at its own 20-yard line with 2:17 on the clock. Miller completed five consecutive passes to place the Aggies on the Eagles’ 11-yard line.

On a third-down play, Miller scrambled for a first down to the 6-yard line. Two plays later, Eric Ray’s interception put an end to A&T’s hopes of a spectacular come-from-behind victory.

NCCU’s defenders made plays throughout the game. Senior linebacker D.J. Fretwell recorded a game-high 15 tackles.

Eric Ray finished with 11 tackles, including three for a loss, and senior defensive end Xavier Joe collected six tackles, including two sacks.

Brown completed 11-of-18 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Freshman running back Tim Shankle led the Eagles’ rushing attack with 66 yards on 14 carries. Junior receiver Wayne Blackwell had four receptions for 18 yards.

Brown did not fare well in the statistical category, but was satisfied with leading the Eagles to its fourth victory of the season.

“I guess I was good enough,” Brown said with a smile. “The important thing is that we won.”

The Eagles will host| Presbyterian College this Saturday at 2 p.m.