Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is coming off a big win against a CIAA squad and is gearing up to face long-time rival North Carolina A&T.
The two HBCU programs, located 30 miles from each other, have not played since 2010.
The Rams’ road to preparing for this game has not come without many obstacles.
At Bluefield State, WSSU faced a two-hour delay due to a thunderstorm. But playing on a wet, windy field it still managed to hold Bluefield State to 107 passing yards and 45 rushing yards and coming up with a 34-3 win.
NC A&T is a Division I school while Winston-Salem State University is a Division II school. WSSU has about 28 scholarships while North Carolina A&T has 63.
Senior defensive back Justin Fleming, junior transfer defensive lineman Jaylin Norris, senior defensive end Camar Kyle and senior offensive lineman Darius McDuffie were picked to the ALL-CIAA Preseason team this year.
WSSU has 11 players from Greensboro on its team and NC A&T has three players on its roster from Winston-Salem. Fleming and Keith Quick are both Southeast Guilford.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this rivalry is that Bill Hayes is the former head coach of the Rams and Aggies. Hayes spent 12 years coaching the Rams and 15 years coaching the Aggies.
For WSSU, this game is more than just a game. It is about proving how hard the team has worked, and that it are a force to be reckoned with.
WSSU sophomore Alaina Moody expressed her enthusiasm for the game.
“I’m really excited it’s been a while since we’ve played a good rival,” said Moody. “I am going to the game cheering the Rams on.”
WSSU 2015 alumna and present Silky flag coach India Page says being the flag coach and alum will give her a unique perspective on how the game will go for her.
“We haven’t played A&T since 2010 so this game will be intriguing,” said Page.
Around 20,000 fans are expected to be in attendance. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm in Truist Stadium. The game will be streamed live on Flo Sports and will be televised locally on MY48.
– Story By WSSU student Tia Greene