North Carolina Wesleyan (2-0) dominated on the road at Builder Field in Newport News, defeating The Apprentice School (0-2) by a final of 49-16. From the opening kick, the Bishops set the tone, building a 35-7 lead by halftime and never letting off the gas.

In the first quarter NC Wesleyan struck quickly. Running back Nahjir Seagraves punched into the end zone twice in the opening stanza — first for a 1-yard rush and shortly later for a 2-yard rush — to put NCWU up 14-0. The Builders answered before the quarter ended with a Kendall Hunt 3-yard run to make it 14-7. The second quarter saw NCWU extend their lead. Seagraves broke off a 22-yard touchdown run, and then quarterback Javier Rice connected with Marti McKnight on a 32-yard strike. Just before the half, NC Wesleyan added another touchdown via Mathias Wintson, who scored on a 24-yard blocked-punt return. By halftime, the Bishops had put up 28 unanswered points after the Builders' lone touchdown. In the second half, NC Wesleyan's ground game continued to impose itself. Early in the third, Seagraves broke free for a 76-yard touchdown run, then later Colten Newsom capped another drive with a 31-yard rush for a score, pushing NCWU's lead to 49-7. 

Nahjir Seagraves was the workhorse on the ground: 18 carries for 159 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, averaging about 8.8 yards per carry. His longest run was 76 yards. Colten Newsom added a big score himself with a 31-yard run for a touchdown and also contributed in the passing game. Javier Rice, the starting quarterback, went 5-for-8 through the air for 88 yards and one touchdown, plus added rushing yards on scrambles. In the receiving corps, Tyson Resper caught 6 passes for 64 yards, while McKnight had a key 32-yard touchdown reception. On defense, NCWU limited Apprentice School's rushing game to 73 net yards on 33 attempts and forced several stalled drives with solid tackling.

NC Wesleyan's rushing attack was the difference: not only did they pile up 251 net rushing yards, but they turned those runs into points consistently, especially early in the game. Seagraves in particular proved difficult to contain, breaking several long runs that swung momentum. Their ability to force turnovers and special teams plays — including the blocked punt returned for a touchdown — also helped build separation.

Game three of the young 2025 season is next week when the Battling Bishops host Sewannee with a 12noon kickoff.