J’Mari Taylor leads North Carolina Central to victory over Alabama State in Miami

In a thrilling matchup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, North Carolina Central triumphed over Alabama State with a final score of 31-24. The game was marked by a significant halftime delay due to thunderstorms, but the Eagles managed to maintain their momentum. J'Mari Taylor was a standout player, rushing for 128 yards and scoring two touchdowns, while also catching a pass for another touchdown. Walker Harris, the Eagles' quarterback, played a crucial role, completing 119 yards in the air and connecting with Taylor for a key touchdown in the second half. The Eagles took an early lead, scoring three touchdowns in the first half, including a defensive touchdown from Kole Jones. Alabama State responded with a kickoff return for a touchdown by AJ Gates Jr. and a strong offensive drive capped by a touchdown run from Andrew Body, narrowing the score to 21-14 at halftime. The Hornets showed resilience, blocking a punt and recovering it, which led to another touchdown by Body, bringing them within seven points late in the game. Despite Alabama State's efforts to close the gap, North Carolina Central's defense held strong. D.J. Estes sealed the victory with an interception at midfield, preventing any further scoring attempts from the Hornets. This game marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams, setting the stage for potential future matchups. The victory not only gave North Carolina Central a strong start to their season but also showcased the talents of their key players, particularly J'Mari Taylor, who played a pivotal role in the win. The game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and the excitement of college football.