Charlotte NC, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte Football achieved a historic milestone by inducting Olumide Larry Ogunjobi into the Hall of Fame and securing their first win of the season against Monmouth. In a thrilling game, highlighted by quarterback Conner Harrell’s stellar performance, the team showcased resilience after a challenging first half, culminating in a strong comeback that ended 42-35. The event coincided with Family Weekend and head coach Tim Albin’s birthday, making it a memorable celebration for fans and the program.
Charlotte Football achieved historic milestones by celebrating the induction of Olumide Larry Ogunjobi into the Charlotte Athletics Hall of Fame while also securing their first victory of the season against Monmouth. This momentous occasion took place on Family Weekend, where Ogunjobi became the first football player to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 took place prior to the game on Friday night. Ogunjobi’s induction included recognition as the inaugural player to wear the coveted ‘49’ jersey, underscoring his significant impact on the program. His presence coincided with Charlotte achieving their first win under new head coach Tim Albin, with the game ending in a thrilling 42-35 victory for Charlotte.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the game also marked Tim Albin’s birthday, further amplifying the joy in the stadium. Quarterback Conner Harrell delivered an outstanding performance, passing for 382 yards and becoming the fourth player in the program’s history to exceed 300 passing yards in a game. His completion percentage of 86.7% set a new single-game record for the team under the condition of a minimum of 15 attempts.
Harrell’s impressive statistics included three touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns, resulting in a remarkable total of 429 offensive yards. His primary receiver, E. Jai Mason, significantly contributed to the victory by catching 10 passes for 228 yards — the third-most receiving yards in the history of the program. Mason also recorded two touchdown receptions, marking the 25th occasion in which a Charlotte player achieved multiple touchdown receptions in a game.
Additional highlights included Joey Bearns III scoring his first career touchdown on a four-yard reception and achieving a personal best of three catches in the game. Rod Gainey Jr. also marked his first career touchdown while adding a remarkable 74 rushing yards. Special teams played a crucial role in the match, with Derrick Eley returning kicks for a total of 123 yards, including a long return of 51 yards.
Defensively, Charlotte recorded a season-high four sacks and effectively made pivotal stops, including three critical fourth-down stops against Monmouth. Although the Niners encountered challenges during the first half with stalled drives and turnovers, they made a strong comeback by scoring on every possession in the second half of the game.
Early in the game, Charlotte faced difficulties such as a fumble and a failed fourth-down conversion, which allowed Monmouth to score. However, Harrell managed to lead a drive to score the team’s first home touchdown during the first half. By halftime, Charlotte managed to tie the game at 14-14, thanks to Harrell’s rushing touchdown.
The victory was secured with 90 seconds remaining when Harrell executed a decisive run for the final touchdown. Curtis Simpson played a key role in the defensive effort with an important sack that slowed down Monmouth’s final drive. The game concluded with a sold-out crowd celebrating Charlotte’s first victory of the season, marking a significant moment in the program’s history.
Conclusion
Overall, this game not only symbolized a pivotal moment for Charlotte Football with Ogunjobi’s induction but also showcased the team’s resilience, skill, and determination. The players’ ability to overcome early-game struggles and secure a victory under new leadership reflects a promising future for the program.
FAQ
Who was inducted into the Charlotte Athletics Hall of Fame?
Olumide Larry Ogunjobi was the first football player to be inducted into the Charlotte Athletics Hall of Fame.
What was the outcome of the Charlotte vs. Monmouth football game?
Charlotte won the game against Monmouth, with a final score of 42-35.
How did quarterback Conner Harrell perform in the game?
Conner Harrell passed for 382 yards with three touchdown passes and rushed for two additional touchdowns, totaling 429 offensive yards.
What is significant about the Niners’ victory?
This victory marked the first win of the season for Charlotte and was Tim Albin’s first win as head coach.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Indupted Player | Olumide Larry Ogunjobi |
| Game Outcome | Charlotte 42, Monmouth 35 |
| Quarterback Performance | Conner Harrell – 382 yards, 3 TD passes, 2 rushing TDs |
| Key Receiver Performance | E. Jai Mason – 10 catches, 228 yards, 2 TDs |
| Defensive Achievements | 4 sacks, 3 fourth-down stops |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Athletics Inducts Fifth Hall of Fame Class
- Charlotte Ready to Celebrate Hall of Fame Weekend
- Charlotte Welcomes Monmouth for Hall of Fame Weekend
- Charlotte 49ers Announce Incoming 2025 Hall of Fame Class
- Charlotte Observer: Carolina Panthers and Hall of Fame
- Wikipedia: Charlotte 49ers
- Google Search: Charlotte 49ers football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American football
- Google News: Charlotte 49ers induction
Author: HERE Charlotte
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