Why old friends will be rivals in the NC Central Halloween battle at SC State

South Carolina State’s Chennis Berry and North Carolina Central’s Trei Oliver have worked together as assistant coaches; now each leads its own successful programs in the MEAC.

First place is on the line Thursday night in Orangeburg when the 5-2 Bulldogs (1-0 in conference play) host the 6-2 Eagles (2-0 MEAC) at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2

“They’re red hot, they’re scoring a lot of points, playing well on defense and in all three phases,” Oliver said of SCSU following a 69-35 homecoming win over Delaware State. “The good news is that it’s a short week for them too, so we have the same amount of time to prepare.”

“We just want to focus on the now – no opportunity wasted. They understand the urgency of this week. You watch North Carolina Central on film and they are good in all three phases,” Berry said of the Eagles, homecoming winners with a 16-7 win over Morgan State.

“There are also many similarities with what we do. Trei and I worked together at Southern, I also worked with his offensive coordinator Matt Leone. They know us a little, we know them a little, and the game comes down to players playing. Everyone gets caught up in plays, but it’s about the players, and we want to make sure they’re focused on the job at hand.”

Oliver said having this game on ESPN2 is a bonus for both programs and the MEAC, giving the entire country a chance to see what HBCU football is all about.

“I always brag about our conference; I think we play very good football. On Thursday you can see two very well coached football teams lined up under the lights. It will be a great match to watch,” he said. “I know Coach Berry will have his guys ready to go. He and I are good friends, we were on staff together at Southern, so we know each other well and have a lot of similarities. We are both competitors and we are looking forward to the match.”

“Trei and I are both straight HBCU guys. We are at great institutions. He likes the job he has; I love the job I have,” Berry adds. “I’m happy to see the success he’s having, and I’m sure he feels the same way. We’re friends first, and after this game is over, we’ll remain friends. He’s doing some good things and we’re trying to build our program the right way. HBCU football is on good terms.”

Berry also offered advice to anyone following the same paths he and Oliver traveled throughout their careers.

“You have to stay patient through the process and bloom where you are planted. Don’t worry about the next job. God has for what He has for you. No man can take it away.” he said. “Be the best you can be where you are, because if you do well where you are, people will notice.”