Rocky Mount, N.C. – The Annual Down East Viking Classic returns to Rocky Mount this Saturday, September 20, as Elizabeth City State and Fayetteville State square off in a matchup steeped in CIAA tradition and community pride. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex on ECSU Apparel Day, when fans are encouraged to show their Viking blue and white.

For Elizabeth City State (0-3, 0-1 CIAA), the Classic comes at a pivotal moment. The Vikings nearly upset No. 23 Johnson C. Smith in their conference opener, ultimately falling 21-17 despite a balanced effort on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Christopher Perkins connected with Ka'Trez Bracey for a 91-yard touchdown — ECSU's longest play of the season — while running back Traquan Johnson powered in a short-yardage score to give the Vikings a third-quarter lead. Defensively, ECSU stood tall with multiple red-zone stops and forced a crucial missed field goal, showing the type of resilience head coach Adrian Jones believes will carry the team forward.

"We're growing each week," Jones said. "Our kids are competing and fighting to the end. That's the kind of toughness you need to win games like this."

Fayetteville State (0-3, 0-0 CIAA) enters on a similar mission. The Broncos faced a tough stretch to start the year, capped by a 49-19 loss at FCS North Carolina Central. Even in defeat, FSU showcased a dangerous rushing attack. Bryce Council broke free for a 69-yard touchdown and finished with 94 yards on just 11 carries, while teammate Braylon Vinson added 85 yards, including a 54-yard burst. Defensively, the Broncos forced two turnovers and limited the Eagles to just 101 yards on the ground, a sign that the unit can create opportunities if given the chance.

Players to Watch

• Christopher Perkins (QB, ECSU): Leads the Vikings with 519 passing yards and two touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field with big plays has kept ECSU's offense moving.

• Ka'Trez Bracey (WR, ECSU): A dynamic target averaging nearly 60 receiving yards per game, Bracey proved his deep-threat ability with last week's 91-yard score.

• Traquan Johnson (RB, ECSU): The Vikings' workhorse on the ground, already with 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season.

• Bryce Council (RB, FSU): Averaging over 70 yards per game, Council brings breakaway speed and a nose for the end zone.

• Amari Best (DB, FSU): A playmaker in the secondary, Best has 17 tackles and an interception through three games.

Series History

Saturday's game marks the 38th meeting between the Vikings and Broncos. The all-time series is deadlocked at 18-18-1, a testament to how closely matched these programs have been across five decades. Fayetteville State has controlled recent matchups, winning three straight, including last year's 31-7 decision in Rocky Mount. Elizabeth City State last defeated the Broncos in 2018, a 19-14 victory that highlighted the program's defensive grit.

The Vikings' largest win in the series came in 2019, a 55-12 rout at Roebuck Stadium, while the Broncos once held a nine-game win streak from 1997–2005. With the rivalry even, Saturday provides ECSU the chance to swing momentum back in their favor.

The Classic Atmosphere

The Down East Viking Classic is more than just a football game. It's a celebration of Viking spirit, drawing alumni, students, and fans from across the region to Rocky Mount for a weekend of festivities. Tailgating, live performances, and the signature halftime show all combine to make the Classic one of the CIAA's marquee events.

"It's a homecoming away from home," said an ECSU alumnus. "No matter the record, the Classic is about family, tradition, and showing the pride we have in this university."

What's at Stake

Both programs are winless through three weeks, raising the stakes for Saturday's showdown. For ECSU, a victory would provide momentum heading into a crucial stretch of CIAA play, while Fayetteville State looks to reassert itself as one of the league's perennial contenders. With a dead-even series history and both sides desperate to get into the win column, the 2025 Classic has all the makings of a hard-fought battle.

Kickoff

Elizabeth City State and Fayetteville State will kick off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex. Fans are encouraged to wear ECSU blue and white as the Vikings aim to capture their first win of the season and reclaim bragging rights in one of the CIAA's most tradition-rich rivalries.