North Carolina Central University defeated Johnson C. Smith University, 34-3, in the seventh annual Carolinas Football Classic at Ericsson Stadium on Nov. 4

With the victory, NCCU gets it’s first winning campaign in five years and finishes the season with a 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play

The Eagles gained 278 yards rushing and only allowed Johnson C. Smith to 191 yards of total offense.

The N.C. Central defense lived up to it’s reputation as they held Jimmy Bell, the No. 1 rusher in the conference who averages 113 yards per contest, to just 67 yards.

On the offensive side for the Eagles, Cheo Johnson led the way with 131 yards and was named the Carolinas Classic Offensive M.V.P.

Donnie Pippen and Lawrence Fuller both scored one touchdown apiece.

Eagle quarterback Sean Williams had an all-around performance, amassing 97 total yards.

Williams completed 2-of-9 passes for 24 yards and a touchdown, caught his first career reception on a 35-yard connection from wide receiver Ryan Walden and ran for 38 yards on 6 carries.

Senior linebackers Chris Gilmore and Alik Tillery led the defense for NCCU.

Gilmore finished with 10 tackles, including two hits for a loss and a fumble recovery. Tillery added six tackles for a loss of 34 yards.

Three NCCU defensive backs amassed interceptions: Hassan Smith, Chris Everett, Luis George.