For the 6th time, the Eagles stepped over the competition to continue their undefeated streak (6-0 overall, 4-0 CIAA) with a victory over Saint Augustine’s College at Raleigh’s Broughton High School Stadium Saturday afternoon.

N.C. Central University dominated the game until a late Falcon charge threatened the Eagles perfect record.

With 5:05 left in the game, St. Aug’s Andre McGlone scored on a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown. The Falcons recovered an on-side kick and capitalized on a three play, 50-yard drive, resulting in tight end Eric McLaughlin’s second touchdown reception, keeping the score 27-18. Eagle linebacker Naim Abul-Malik’s interception of Falcon quarterback Duane Smith sealed the victory for NCCU.

"We needed that one,” said Abdul-Malik. "Their second quarterback was a change of pace; he's so short we could hardly even see him. We were fortunate to win."

Smith came off the Falcon sideline to replace Kevin Johnson as quarterback in the first quarter and took control of the rest of the game. Smith completed 13 of 24 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

"We made some adjustments and were better in the second half," said Falcon coach Mike Costa.

NCCU avenged last year’s 22-8 homecoming defeat. The Eagles have now won nine consecutive conference games. NCCU has never lost to Saint Augustine’s in Raleigh.

NCCU led 24-6 at halftime, but stumbled in the second half. Stadford Brown led the Eagles offense, completing 12 of 29 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.

“They didn't really surprise us. We knew they were going to bring pressure. There were just a lot of things we didn't do right,” said Brown.

The Eagles had 130 total rushing yards, but were flagged 15 times for 219 penalty yards.

The Eagles began scoring on their opening drive when Brown connected to Charles Futrell from 10 yards out.

Futrell left the game after suffering a dislocated right shoulder. Brandon Gilbert added the first of his two successful field goals from 37 yards away after a Falcon punt in the first quarter.

Craig Amos added an interception return for a touchdown and stretched the Eagle lead to 17. The lead extended to 24-0 with 1:33 left in the half when Brown hit Julius McClellan for a 21-yard reception. Gilbert added the extra point.

The Falcons ended shutout hopes with 21 seconds left in the half, as Smith connected with McLaughlin for a 27-yard scoring pass. The conversion run failed.

The only Eagle score in the second half came from Gilbert’s 22-yard field goal attempt.

Coach Rod Broadway was not pleased with the Eagles’ performance, but he says he will take the victory.

"We made too many mistakes in the kicking game in the second half and gave them a chance to come back," Broadway said.

NCCU starts the season 6-0 for the first time in school history since 1969.