Why longtime friends will be rivals in NC Central’s Halloween battle at SC State

Chennis Berry of South Carolina State and Trei Oliver of North Carolina Central worked together as assistant coaches; Now everyone runs their own successful programs in the MEAC.

First place will be 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 score a lot of points, play well on defense and in all three phases,” Oliver said of SCSU after a 69-35 home 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 now – don’t miss any opportunities.” They understand the urgency of this week. “You see North Carolina Central on film and they’re good in all three phases,” Berry said of the Eagles, who won home games with a 16-7 victory over Morgan State.

“There are also a lot of similarities to what we do. Trei and I worked together at Southern, and I also worked with his offensive coordinator Matt Leone. They kind of know us, we kind of know them, and the game is going to come down to the players making their plays. Everyone is involved in plays, but it’s about the players and we want to make sure they’re focused on the task at hand.”

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

“I always brag about our conference; I think we play really good football. You’ll get to see two really well-coached soccer teams compete under the lights on Thursday. “It will be an outstanding game to watch,” he said. “I know Coach Berry will have his guys ready to go. He and I are good friends, we were on the staff at Southern together, so we know each other very well and have a lot in common. We are both competitors and are looking forward to the duel.”

“Trei and I are both true HBCU guys. We are at great institutions. He loves his job; I love my job,” adds Berry. “I’m happy with the success he’s having and I’m sure he feels the same way. We are friends above all, and even when this game is over, we will continue to be friends. He’s doing some good things and we’re trying to build our program the right way. HBCU football is on good footing.”

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

“You have to remain patient throughout the process and thrive where you are planted. Don’t worry about the next job. God has 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 good where you are, people will notice.”