Rocky Mount, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan football team will help kick off the 2025 college football season in primetime when NCWU hosts Averett under the lights on Thursday, September 4 at Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m., and the game will be streamed live nationally through FloSports, the official streaming partner of N.C. Wesleyan Athletics.
The Battling Bishops will look to open its 2025 campaign on a strong note against a familiar opponent. Thursday's meeting will mark the 20th all-time matchup between North Carolina Wesleyan and Averett, with the Bishops holding a 12-7 advantage in the series that began in 2004. Wesleyan won the inaugural meeting 17-16 and enjoyed a dominant nine-game winning streak over the Cougars from 2007 to 2015.
The two programs last met on September 7, 2024, with Averett securing a 41-29 victory in Danville. Despite that result, Wesleyan has been strong historically in the rivalry, boasting a 5-4 home record against the Cougars highlighted by big wins such as a 49-24 home triumph in 2008 and a thrilling 34-30 victory in 2014.
North Carolina Wesleyan Athletic Director Aaron Denton shared his excitement for Thursday night's stage.
"We are thrilled to help kick off the college football season and to showcase North Carolina Wesleyan on a national platform like FloSports," said Denton. "Our student-athletes, coaches, and fans deserve this spotlight, and it's a great way to open what promises to be an exciting year for Bishop Athletics."
Head Football Coach Jeff Filkovski echoed the enthusiasm, emphasizing what the opportunity means for his team.
"Thursday night under the lights is always special, but being featured nationally to start the season makes it even more exciting," said Filkovski. "Our guys are ready for the challenge, and we can't wait to represent Wesleyan and Rocky Mount with pride in front of a big audience."
Fans are encouraged to pack Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium to create an electric home-field advantage, or to tune in live on FloSports if they cannot attend. Gameday information will be available on ncwsports.com in the coming months.
