Howard Defeats Morehouse To Triumph At 2024 HBCU NY Classic

The Bison defense shutdown the Maroon Tigers offense in the first half to cruise to a 35-21 victory at the 2024 HBCU NY Classic.
Howard Defense
Howard Defense / Credit: Howard University Athletics
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The Howard Bison (2-1) took home the 2024 HBCU NY Classic Trophy after defeating the Morehouse Maroon Tigers (0-3), 35-14, in front of over great HBCU football fans at MetLife Stadium.

Howard dominated the first half of the 2024 HBCU NY Classic against Morehouse, gaining 220 yards compared to the Maroon Tigers' 50 yards of offense. The Bison defense held Morehouse to a negative six rushing yards and only 2.27 yards per play.  

Howard quarterback Jaylon Tolbert guided three first-half scoring drives of 53 and 61 to capture a commanding first-quarter lead.

Star wide receiver Ajani Williams scored a touchdown for the Maroon Tigers after a 7-play, 58-yard drive with 7:26 remaining in the 2nd quarter, trailing 14-7.

However, the Bison would counter with a 68-yard drive in six plays as Ke'Untae Mosley broke tackles for a 33-yard touchdown reception. Howard would take a 21-0 lead going into intermission.  

Ajani Williams awkwardly caught the opening kickoff of the 3rd quarter, fumbled, and allowed Howard to recover the ball, giving them excellent field position.  

Six plays later, Jaylon Tolbert located Richie Illarraza on a slant play to score from 20 yards, giving the Bison a 28-7 lead after the Dylan West extra point kick.

Howard's defensive unit made Morehouse one-dimensional by shutting down the rushing attack.   

On the next Bison possession, Larry Scott's team marched 98 yards in 13 plays for a Tolbert to Isiah Williams 20-yard touchdown reception. Howard led 35-7 with 13:22 left on the clock in the 4th quarter.

Scott was under heavy pressure when he floated a 21-yard pass to Ajani Williams for his second touchdown reception of the 2024 HBCU NY Classic. Morehouse trailed 35-14 with 8:33 left in the contest.

The Maroon Tigers would add a Miles to Kamrin Brunson touchdown to push closer, 34-14, at 1:54 remaining. Unfortunately, rookie head coach Terence Mathis and the Morehouse dropped to 0-3 on the season and the Bison improved to 2-1.

Top Performers

HOWARD

  • Jaylon Tolbert: 23 of 41 completions for 219 yards, four touchdowns; 138.1 QBR
  • Jarrett Hunter: 17 rushes for 94 yards
  • Kasey Hawthorne: 2 rushes for 29 yards
  • Richie Ilarraza: 7 receptions for 77 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Kenny Gallop Jr: 6 tackles

MOREHOUSE

  • Miles Scott: 17 of 31 for 208 yards, three touchdowns; 143.4 QBR
  • Ajani Williams: 6 receptions for 72 yards, two touchdowns
  • Caleb Grant: 12 tackles
  • Stephen Rowser: 8 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 Sacks

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Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: