In a game plagued with turnovers, N.C. Central University managed to escape with a 10-7 win over rival St. Augustine’s College.

The first half consisted of a lack luster offensive performance by both teams.

Adrian Warren threw two interceptions in the first quarter and punter Gerald Matkins fumbled a snap in the end zone that lead to a SAC score with 9:35 left in the half.

The Eagle defense was able to give the offense sometime to warm up. They forced a critical two interceptions and 4 fumbles.

In the fourth quarter with 12:40 left to play Joel Lowe picked up the momentum, changing a fumble that resulted in a 21-yard field goal by Brandon Gilbert.

“Not once did we think we were going to lose this game,” coach Rod Broadway said. With a little over nine minutes left in the game “it” happened.

The NCCU football team, the team that is now 5-1, 3-0 in the CIAA, came out to play. Richard Roberts forced a game breaking fumble that was recovered by Temo George after a breakout run by St. Aug’s tailback that could have ended the game. But, that’s not where it ended.

The Eagle offense, lead by a rejuvenated Donnie Pippen, pounded out 65 yards that ended in a magnificent over the top one yard touchdown run by Pippen.

After yet another great performance from the Eagle defense, the Eagle offense put together another drive that took just enough time off the clock to allow NCCU to retain the ball until the clock ran down.

“It was a good game.,” Broadway said. “We’re fortunate for the win and we’ll take it. They played a good defense.”