Image via Morehouse Football

By: Auzzy Byrdsell, Editor in Chief 

The Morehouse College Football team has an intense schedule ahead of them this season with eight of the team’s 10 games being on the road. Several of Morehouse’s road games have historical implications raising the stature. As the Maroon Tigers come to Washington D.C. to face the Howard University Bison tomorrow, the meeting represents a collection of history far beyond the field. 

Both founded in 1867, Morehouse and Howard have been two of the most recognized and prestigious HBCUs in the nation. 

They both have been ranked in the top 10 HBCUs by numerous publications and organizations for decades. Since Morehouse alum Mordecai Wyatt Johnson became Howard’s first Black president in 1926, the communities from both institutions have collaborated in internships, campus activities and service internationally. 

Morehouse and Howard have also faced off in other sports over the years. They competed in basketball and rugby just last school year.

In Sept. 2022, they met at the HBCU NY Classic playing at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The weekend-long celebration was reminiscent of an HBCU homecoming with students, alumni, bands, faculty and more traveling to New York.

The bands, dance teams and cheer teams from both institutions performed in the middle of Times Square. Alumni and faculty also brought immense business to New York and New Jersey by hosting a plethora of networking, reunion, tailgate and post game events all throughout the two states.

Similar to the HBCU NY Classic, this year, Morehouse brought over 100 students to middle and high schools for the Get On The Bus (GOTB) program. These men of Morehouse performed several rituals from the New Student Orientation (NSO) week for grade school students on the essence of Morehouse and bonded with them to sustain meaningful relationships. 

On the field, the Maroon Tigers look to redeem themselves against the Bison after being defeated 0-31 last Sept. when they last met. Since then, the Maroon Tigers seek to have a new focus with new head coach and Morehouse alum Gerard Wilcher. Wilcher has beaten Howard as a coach and player in past years. 

“It’s an amazing atmosphere; it’s like homecoming part two,” he said. 

The game will also be televised on ESPN bringing greater exposure to both teams.

“Anytime you get to play on national television, it will help our recruiting efforts for Morehouse,” Wilcher said.

The Maroon Tigers have seven games this year on national television giving them the opportunity to expose the team’s growth from last season after finishing with a 1-9 record. 

“It’s another opportunity to showcase our program and show the direction we’re going in,” Wilcher said. 

As the Maroon Tigers and Bison get ready to battle, the Howard and greater Washington D.C area are in for an eventful weekend. 

Copy Edited by: Rece Allen, Associate Sports Producer