By Antoine Lynch & Anthony Jeffries
DURHAM, NC -- Shaw needed extra time Saturday afternoon at home at Durham County Stadium, but prevailed and beat rival Saint Augustine's 30-27 in double overtime in the annual Raleigh Classic.
The Bears improved to 4-6 on the year and 4-4 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association play, while the Falcons fell to 1-9 and 1-7.
Sidney Gibbs totaled 193 yards to lead the SU's ground attack and added three touchdowns in the game tying a mark for the most touchdowns in a single game, picking up 7.4 yards per carry along the way. Andre Brandon Jr, also tacked on 63 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
Elliot Dangerfield Jr, reeled in two catches for 25 yards.
Keshaun Denham led the Shaw defense with 10 total tackles. Joerail White followed with 8 tackles while Za'Heir Barnes-Vaughn added six tackles, one tackle for loss and the game sealing fumble recovery in the second overtime.
Shaw won the turnover battle in Saturday's game, forcing four turnovers while coughing the ball up one time, with Shaw turning those takeaways into seven points. Shaw had a big showing on the ground, racking up 247 rushing yards while averaging 4.4 yards per carry and out-rushing Saint Augustine's by 87 yards.
Shaw's defense held up against Saint Augustine's' Saint Augustine's' offense, allowing 242 total yards.
How It Happened
Shaw got on the scoreboard first with 7:44 left in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead.The SU then followed with another score to increase the lead to 14-0.
Shaw then added a touchdown with 6:32 left in the second quarter to make it a 21-0 lead.The SU continued to build their lead after Saint Augustine's narrowed the gap to 21-20, scoring again to go up 27-20.
Saint Augustine's tied the game at 27-27 before Shaw jumped back ahead with a 37-yard field goal from Devin Versteegen to make the count 30-27 in the second overtime. Neither team scored again in the game as the Falcons fumbled on their posseion in the second overtime period.
Game Notes
» Shaw outgained Saint Augustine's 326-242, including a 247-160 advantage on the ground.
» Shaw won the turnover battle 4-1 after intercepting one pass and recovering three fumbles.
» The SU scored first with 7:44 left in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» Shaw converted 7 of 19 third downs while Saint Augustine's was successful on 3 of 12.
» The Bears had two players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Keshaun Denham, who had 10.
» Shaw went 2-for-4 on fourth down, converting on 50 percent of attempts.
» The Bears took potential points off the board by forcing two turnovers on their own half of the field.
» Shaw won the time of possession battle 46:25 to 28:35.
» Shaw got off to a fantastic start in the contest, putting 21 unanswered points on the board before Saint Augustine's could respond.
What Was Said
Head Coach Adrian Jones
"We are thankful for getting the trophy back. We showed that we don't quit, no matter what. My hat goes off to the seniors. They needed that win. It also gives us momentum for next year. I'm glad that it is back at the place it needs to be. WE RUN RALEIGH."
About Versteegan's eventual game-winning field goal and his backfield tandem of Sydney Gibbs and Andre Brandon Jr.
"We believed in [Versteegan]. We knew he was going to make that kick. He said coach I got it. Don't worry about it. My hat goes off to him and the two running backs. They played a heck of a game. They put it on their shoulders. In order for us to win the football game today, it was going to have to be between No. 25 [Gibbs] and No. 3 [Brandon Jr.]. They did a great job. I call them fire and ice. They complement each other. When one gets tired, the other goes in."
On the game-deciding turnover in the 2nd OT
"I'm glad we got the turnover because I didn't want them to kick a field goal and go into another overtime. That just shows resilience in our guys, just being tough football players."
His reaction to Shaw's victory over its crosstown rival
"I feel great. We got this win. It hasn't been the season we wanted it to be, but we won the Raleigh Classic. We won Homecoming. This gives us something to prepare for in 2023."
On bragging rights after winning the Raleigh Classic
"Monday morning, when I get in, you best believe that trophy will be on my desk. We are going to take a picture and it will be all over social media."
18 – Keshaun Denham
Denham made the hit that caused the fumble that gave Shaw the double overtime win.
"I saw the gap open and I saw the running back get the ball. My initial reaction was just to hit him. I saw the hole open and I just shot it. I made good contact and my boy was there to pick it up. I heard the crowd's initial reaction and thought it was for the hit. I turned around and saw the ball rolling on the ground. Game over after that!"
23 – Za'Heir Barnes-Vaughn
Barnes-Vaughn recovered the fumble to give Shaw the victory.
"The play before, I said we got to win the game. The next play I ran headfirst and came up with the ball. We shouldn't have been in this position [Shaw led 21-0 in the first half]. We had to make a play to win the game!"
80 – Devin Versteegan
Kick a 37-yard field goal in the 2nd overtime that eventually was the game winner. In the first overtime, he missed a potential game-winning field goal.
"Coming back and redeeming myself was nice, but I should have made it the first time. On the first kick, I got a little antsy and wanted to see it go through the uprights. I let my inner child come out and lifted my head too soon. On the second one, I kept my head down and focused on the fundamentals and put it through the uprights."
25 – Sidney Gibbs
Led Shaw with 193 yards rushing and three 3 TDs
"It feels great. We run Raleigh again! We got the trophy back. I'm glad the seniors went out with a win, especially [Tyrese Bobbitt]. He's been blocking for me since I've been here. I want to give a shoutout to the big boys up front. I can't do nothing without them."
"I saw the big boys making holes. Once they made the holes, the game started slowing down for me."
58 – Tyrese Bobbitt
Senior offensive lineman who helped the Bears rush for 247 yards on Senior Day.
"This game was special to me. This is my last game at Shaw University. It's been a long five years. A lot of blood, sweat and tears for this program. There is no better way to go out than to beat our rival."
12 – Torrin Campbell
A senior who was the starting quarterback in the Raleigh Classic.
"This was my last collegiate football game. It means a lot to get a dub, especially at home for the fans and for the team. This will start them off right for next year. I know a couple of [St. Aug] players and coaches. Ain't nothing to tell them. They seen our scoreboard."
