Homecoming time is here again as N.C Central University (4-2 overall) prepares for its first match-up ever against the North Greenville Crusaders (1-5 overall) Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

This is the final home game for 19 senior Eagle football players. As history shows, NCCU is no stranger to winning homecoming games.

Since 1937, the Eagles homecoming record is 50-17-2 with a winning percentage around 74 percent.

Some may say the record doesn’t add up to the Eagles football program, because in 1943-1944 the Eagles didn’t have a football team.

Between 1934-1936 there are no records of any homecoming games.

Through the years the Eagles have defeated several teams at homecoming, such as Shaw University, University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Johnson C. Smith University, Virginia Union, Maryland State and S.C State.

In 1954 and 1956 NCCU tied with Maryland State with a score of 7-7.

The Eagles have a split 2-2 record in the last four years of homecoming games.

After defeating Johnson C. Smith 52-7 last year, the Eagles are looking for their second straight win this year.

Though this is their first meeting against the Crusaders, the Eagles are confident of winning this game to bounce back after their loss two weeks ago against Presbyterian College.

To date, the Eagles offense averages more than 17 points per game.

The Eagle offense is led by sophomore quarterback Stadford Brown, who has completed 58 of 115 pass for 604 yards this season.

Brown has thrown 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Junior receiver Will Scott leads the team with 337 receiving yards and 4 touchdown catches.

Freshman running back Tim Shankle leads the team with 289 rushing yards.

NCCU’s defensive unit has held opponents to an average of 279 yards per game.

Senior linebacker D.J Fretwell leads the team with 49 tackles. Senior defensive end Xavier Joe has a team high of 6 sacks and 3 quarterback hurries. Free safety Darren Brothers leads the team with 4 interceptions, 7 pass break-ups.

Senior cornerback Craig Amos has 23 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 pass break-ups, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 blocked kicks.

Despite the 1-5 record, North Greenville should not be taken lightly.

The Crusaders gained 515 total yards and scored 52 points in a loss to Presbyterian College last Saturday.

Coming into this week’s game, the Crusaders average 35 points per game.

In practice this week, NCCU head coach Mose Rison encouraged his team to perform well for homecoming.

“I have made it real clear to the team that the alumni will come back and expect us to win the ball game,” said Rison.

Rison does not believe the Crusaders will lie down for the Eagles.

“This will be NCCU’s biggest game of the season,” said Rison.