HBCU football game’s wild finish has big implications

HBCU Livingstone College made a historic statement on by defeating Fayetteville State 24-19 at Alumni Memorial Stadium for its annual homecoming game. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Broncos.

Livingstone College’s defense played a pivotal role, highlighted by Jayden Reeder’s 77-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the first half. That score, combined with a strong ground game led by Mohamed Nyanamukenga’s 101 rushing yards, helped secure the victory. Quarterback De’Angelo Alston contributed a 36-yard touchdown pass to Davontay Deloatch and added a rushing touchdown of his own in the third quarter.

The win for Livingstone College likely ends Fayetteville State’s hopes of making the CIAA Championship for the seventh consecutive season. FSU struggled offensively, throwing four interceptions and missing key opportunities, including a blocked field goal in the second half. The game ended with back-to-back interceptions thrown by Demari Daniels. The final minute-and-a-half resulted in multiple kneel downs, multiple unsportsmanlike penalties and a 4th and 56 from Livingstone that resulted in a safety for the final score.

This victory marks the first time Livingstone has beaten Fayetteville State since 2015 and only the second time since 2000.

For Livingstone College, this win solidifies its resurgence in CIAA football and reinforces its reputation within HBCU sports. Livingstone’s passionate crowd of 3,579 fans celebrated as its team re-wrote a chapter in their rivalry with Fayetteville State, potentially signaling a new era for it.

Livingstone’s triumph puts it at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the CIAA, while Fayetteville State falls to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in CIAA play. That is the best start for Livingstone since 2014.

LC will host nearby Winston-Salem State — which has an identical record — on October 19.

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