The Eagles Nest

5pm,  O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, home of the NCCU Eagles.  

What a beautiful Saturday afternoon it was in Durham, NC.  I had the opportunity to cover a matchup between the home team, (NCCU) and visiting Elizabeth City State University.  These two squads were former conference foes in Division II football of the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) conference, before NCCU moved to the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Confernce), in Division I.

-Head Coach Jerry Mack

First year Head Coach Jerry Mack and his Eagles took one on the chin in week one of the 2014 college football season.  The Eagles fell 52-7 to East Carolina in Greenville, NC.  Coach Mack would be leading his team onto the field at O'Kelly-Riddick for the very first time. That, lady's and gentleman, would be a site to see. 

I arrived at the stadium some two hours before kickoff.  As I make my down to the field, the aroma of various deep fried deliciousness was in the air.  Turkey wings, chicken and fish.  Yes indeed, it's game day.  But I digress.  On the field I catch up with NCCU running back's coach Adrian Jones. 

-Coach Adrian Jones

Jones is in his second coaching stint with his alma mater.  He (Jones) was also the senior quarterback at Sourhern Durham High School during my freshman year at - you guessed it - Southern Durham High School.  But again, I digress. We exchanged pleasantries before going back to out jobs at hand.  

Pre-game was a mix of special teams players preparing, with skilled position players doing the same.  

-Michael Jones/DB

The stands at O'Kelly-Riddick began to fill as kick off drew closer.  It was almost that time. This guy looks ready.  

-The Eagle

The number one mission on this Saturday afternoon; protect the "Eagles Nest."  Fast forward through (3) Eagles senior running back Andre Clarke touchdowns,

-Andre Clarke/ RB

A stingy Eagles defense, and ultimately a 34-7 NCCU win.  Congrats to Head Coach Jerry Mack on his first career win.  By the looks of NCCU's play on this Saturday afternoon, there should be many more wins to come for Coach Mack.  Congratulations Coach. 

-SportsbyDaimeon