CHARLOTTE – Frostburg State used a powerful ground attack and a persistent defensive effort to defeat Johnson C. Smith, 21-7, in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Division II Football Championship. Playing in JCSU’s first-ever home playoff game, the Bobcats controlled the line of scrimmage, accumulating 496 total yards compared to the Golden Bulls’ 282 total yards.

Frostburg State, the Mountain East co-champions, established a clear advantage in first downs, totaling 20 to Johnson C. Smith’s 15. This was largely fueled by their success on the ground, where the Bobcats secured 10 first downs rushing against only 3 for JCSU. The Bobcats also proved far more efficient on third down, converting on 5 of 13 attempts, while the Golden Bulls managed only 1 of 10.

Ground Game and Early Leads

The Bobcats' victory was anchored by running back KJ Smothers, who accounted for all three Frostburg State touchdowns. Smothers carried the ball 16 times for 115 yards, highlighted by a 41-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter that put the Bobcats on the board, following a Marquise Allsup interception.

First Quarter: Frostburg State took a 7-0 lead on Smothers’ long run at the 00:40 mark, which was quickly followed by a successful extra point from B. Keen. This drive was set up by a 48-yard punt return by Austin Paul-Umstead to the JCSU 32-yard line.

Second Quarter: Smothers scored again early in the second quarter on a 2-yard plunge, extending the lead to 14-0. The drive included a 40-yard completion from quarterback Jordan Brooks to Ray Adames.

Brooks finished the game 9-for-23 for 179 yards with one interception. Wide receiver Cruiz Paul-Umstead was the leading receiver with 4 receptions for 92 yards. The Bobcats’ overall rushing attack finished with 188 yards on 41 attempts. Owen Doyle contributed 95 yards on 19 carries.

JCSU’s Passing and Frostburg State Defense

Johnson C. Smith relied heavily on their passing game and the receiving efforts of Deandre Proctor. Quarterback Kelvin Durham completed 18 of 28 passes for 219 yards, but he was intercepted twice, once by Wylan Harich in the first quarter and once by Marquise Allsup. JCSU rushed for only 36 total yards on 27 attempts, with Bobby Smith leading the team with 42 yards.

Proctor was a key target for the Golden Bulls, catching 14 passes for 139 yards. His long catch of 33 yards set up JCSU’s only scoring drive. The Golden Bulls’ longest offensive play was a 41-yard pass from Durham to Isaiah Perry in the fourth quarter.

The Johnson C. Smith defense managed to force a turnover on downs at the end of the second quarter, stopping a Bobcats drive at the JCSU 39-yard line. They also successfully pressured Jordan Brooks, recording two sacks and seven tackles for loss.

The Second Half

Johnson C. Smith found the end zone midway through the third quarter after a long drive. Starting from their own 20-yard line, the Golden Bulls moved the ball downfield, with Durham connecting with Proctor for a 33-yard gain. The drive culminated in the team’s only touchdown, a 7-yard touchdown reception by Deandre Proctor from Kelvin Durham with 4:04 left in the third quarter, cutting the lead to 14-7.

The Frostburg State defense responded in the fourth quarter, forcing a critical turnover by recovering a fumble on a Bobby Smith rush at the Bobcats’ 29-yard line, which was forced by Christian Taylor and recovered by Rainer Haveland. This came immediately after Durham’s 41-yard pass to Isaiah Perry had moved the Golden Bulls into scoring territory.

The Bobcats capitalized on the turnover, driving 71 yards to secure the win. KJ Smothers delivered his third and final touchdown of the day with a 5-yard run with 0:56 left in the game, bringing the final score to 21-7.

Linebacker Christian Taylor was a force for the Bobcats, recording 8 total tackles (7 solo) and a game-high 4 sacks for a loss. Josh McTier led the Frostburg State defense with 10 total tackles (9 solo). For Johnson C. Smith, Vincent Hill led the team with 9 total tackles (8 solo).

Looking Forward

Despite the outcome of their first-round playoff game, Johnson C. Smith concludes its 2025 campaign with a 10-2 record, marking the best season ever for the Golden Bulls football program. The team secured a CIAA Championship and hosted its first home playoff contest, achievements that underscore a profound success in Charlotte. While the pursuit of a national title ends here, the foundation laid by this historic season, culminating with double-digit wins and a conference championship, serves as a clear signal of the program’s arrival on the national stage.

Kelvin Durham threw five touchdown passes and Johnson C. Smith built a commanding lead before holding off Virginia Union 45-21 to claim the CIAA championship, the program's first conference title since 1969 and first championship game appearance since 1972.

The Golden Bulls (10-1) never trailed after taking a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter, methodically pulling away from the two-time defending champion Panthers (9-2) behind Durham's career performance and a defense that made critical plays at crucial moments.

Durham completed 16 of 29 passes for 285 yards with one interception. He also rushed for a touchdown, finishing with 16 net rushing yards on seven carries.

Durham found Deandre Proctor twice in the end zone, including a 58-yard strike in the third quarter that pushed the lead to 28-14. Proctor finished with seven receptions for 146 yards and two scores. Reggie Brigman also caught two touchdown passes of 19 and 32 yards, while Reginald Daniel added a 33-yard scoring reception.

The victory came in a rematch of a September 20 meeting in Richmond that Virginia Union won 28-10. But this time, Johnson C. Smith flipped the script from the opening drive.

After Virginia Union fumbled away its opening possession, the Golden Bulls marched 26 yards in two plays, with Durham hitting Brigman on a 19-yard touchdown pass at 11:56 of the first quarter. The Panthers fumbled on their next possession, with the ball recovered by Daryl Taybron at the Virginia Union 26-yard line, setting up another quick score.

Durham connected with Daniel for a 33-yard touchdown at 1:07 of the first quarter to make it 14-7 after Lukasz Smolen's extra point.

Virginia Union, which came in averaging 238 rushing yards per game behind CIAA Offensive Player of the Year Curtis Allen, managed to keep pace early. The Panthers answered with a methodical six-play, 11-yard drive that consumed nearly three minutes. On fourth-and-one from the two-yard line, Jaehlan Joyner plunged in for a one-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7 at 4:57 of the first quarter.

Allen, who led all of Division II with 2,098 rushing yards during the regular season, finished with 183 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. But the Golden Bulls defense, anchored by first-team All-CIAA selections Vincent Hill and Cadricus Stanley, contained him when it mattered most.

The Panthers pulled even at 14-14 early in the second quarter when Allen capped an 11-play, 65-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run at 11:44. Allen broke free on the left side for the score, and Brady Myers's extra point tied the game.

But Johnson C. Smith responded immediately with an eight-play, 71-yard drive that ended with Durham finding Proctor for a 25-yard touchdown with 7:15 remaining in the second quarter. Smolen's kick gave the Golden Bulls a 21-14 lead they would never relinquish.

The Golden Bulls took that seven-point advantage into halftime and seized control in the third quarter.

Durham engineered a nine-play, 80-yard scoring drive to open the second half. On second-and-13 from the Johnson C. Smith 42-yard line, Durham dropped back and connected with Proctor down the left sideline. Proctor outran the Virginia Union secondary for a 58-yard touchdown at 5:30 of the third quarter, extending the lead to 28-14 after Smolen's conversion.

Two plays later, Virginia Union quarterback RJ Rosales threw an interception to Tynan Tucker at the Panthers' 29-yard line. Tucker returned it 29 yards to the Virginia Union 23, setting up another Johnson C. Smith scoring opportunity.

The Golden Bulls converted that turnover into points, driving 23 yards in seven plays. Durham capped the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown at 2:33 of the third quarter to make it 35-14. It marked Durham's only rushing touchdown of the game.

Virginia Union, trying to become the first CIAA program to win three consecutive championships since the conference split into divisions in 2002, mounted one final charge in the fourth quarter. The Panthers put together a 12-play, 75-yard drive that took more than four minutes off the clock. Allen finished it with a five-yard touchdown run at 4:58 of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 38-21.

That score came after Smolen had kicked a 40-yard field goal at 9:14 of the fourth quarter to give Johnson C. Smith a 38-14 cushion. The field goal capped an 11-play, 49-yard drive that consumed nearly five minutes.

But the Golden Bulls defense, which held Virginia Union to 150 passing yards and forced two interceptions, shut down the Panthers' comeback hopes. Durham then delivered the final blow with 58 seconds remaining, hitting Brigman for a 32-yard touchdown pass that sealed the victory at 45-21. The score completed a six-play, 50-yard drive.

The championship capped a remarkable season for Johnson C. Smith under third-year head coach Maurice Flowers, who was named CIAA Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Bulls to their first championship appearance in 53 years. The victory gave the program 10 wins for the first time in school history and validated a rebuilding effort that began when Flowers, a Johnson C. Smith graduate, took over the program.

Freshman running back Bobby Smith, the CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, provided balance to the Johnson C. Smith attack with 78 net yards on 23 carries. Smith's emergence this season gave the Golden Bulls a formidable ground game to complement Durham's passing prowess, forcing defenses to account for multiple threats.

The Johnson C. Smith defense recorded seven tackles for loss and consistently pressured Rosales, who completed just 10 of 22 passes with two interceptions. Jalen Alexander led the defensive front with six total tackles and two tackles for loss totaling six yards. TyQueron Hines added six total tackles and broke up two passes in the secondary. Elijah Wilson also broke up two passes.

Vincent Hill led all tacklers with seven total stops, while Stanley added six tackles. Kristian Eanes contributed five tackles with one tackle for loss.

Virginia Union, which entered as the top seed after going 7-0 in conference play, struggled to establish rhythm against a Johnson C. Smith defense that had limited Allen to 114 yards in their September meeting. Rosales managed 45 net rushing yards on 12 carries, but the Panthers couldn't sustain drives consistently enough to mount a serious threat after falling behind by three touchdowns.

The Golden Bulls controlled possession for nearly 30 minutes, converting nine of 12 third-down attempts while limiting Virginia Union to four of 12 on third down. That time of possession advantage allowed Johnson C. Smith to dictate tempo and keep Allen off the field for extended stretches.

Latrae Bass and Tucker each recorded interceptions for the Golden Bulls, with Bass picking off Rosales at 9:45 of the first quarter at the Virginia Union 50-yard line. Tucker's interception in the third quarter proved more costly, setting up the touchdown that gave Johnson C. Smith a commanding 35-14 lead.

The championship marked redemption for the Golden Bulls, who had watched Virginia Union celebrate back-to-back titles while building toward this moment. Johnson C. Smith's only loss this season came against these same Panthers in September, a defeat that served as motivation throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Durham's performance showcased the chemistry he developed with his receiving corps throughout the year. Proctor, a first-team All-CIAA selection, proved to be a dynamic threat downfield, averaging 20.9 yards per reception. Brian Lane added three catches for 18 yards, while Cayden Bell-McKethan hauled in a 23-yard reception in the first quarter. Jabreel Murray caught one pass for four yards.

The offensive line, anchored by Lineman of the Year Jamari Mason, provided Durham with protection throughout the afternoon. The Golden Bulls allowed no sacks and opened lanes for Smith's rushing attack, demonstrating the balance that made them one of the conference's most complete teams.

Smolen handled all the kicking duties for Johnson C. Smith, converting seven of eight extra points and making his lone field goal attempt from 40 yards. He also punted twice for 84 yards, with both punts landing inside the 20-yard line. On kickoffs, Smolen sent eight kicks for 481 yards, averaging 60.1 yards per kickoff with three touchbacks.

Virginia Union's bid for a historic three-peat came up short despite Allen's remarkable season that saw him lead Division II in multiple statistical categories. The senior running back finished his career with one of the most productive seasons in conference history but couldn't deliver one final championship for the Panthers.

Zyaire Tart provided a spark in the return game for Virginia Union, returning three kickoffs for 52 yards and handling punt return duties. Ricky Key Jr. led the Panthers' receiving corps with four catches for 79 yards, while Tart added four receptions for 33 yards.

The loss snapped Virginia Union's seven-game winning streak and denied the program a chance to cement a dynasty. Instead, Johnson C. Smith will carry the CIAA banner as conference champions for the first time in more than a half century.

For a program that had gone decades without a championship appearance, Saturday's victory represented more than just a trophy. It validated the vision Flowers brought when he returned to his alma mater and confirmed that Johnson C. Smith football had returned to prominence in the CIAA.

The Golden Bulls now celebrate a championship that bridged generations and brought glory back to Charlotte. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Johnson C. Smith players rushed the field in celebration, culminating a journey that ended with a championship trophy in Durham. The 56-year wait was finally over.

Top Performers

• Kelvin Durham, QB, Johnson C. Smith: 16-of-29 passing, 285 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT; 7 carries, 16 net rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
• Deandre Proctor, WR, Johnson C. Smith: 7 receptions, 146 yards, 2 TDs (long of 58)
• Curtis Allen, RB, Virginia Union: 25 carries, 183 yards, 2 TDs (long of 45)
• Bobby Smith, RB, Johnson C. Smith: 23 carries, 78 net yards
• Reggie Brigman, WR, Johnson C. Smith: 3 receptions, 61 yards, 2 TDs
• Vincent Hill, LB, Johnson C. Smith: 7 total tackles (4 solo, 3 assists)
• Tynan Tucker, DB, Johnson C. Smith: 1 interception, 29-yard return

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C. Smith rallied late to defeat Livingstone 26-21 on Saturday at the Irwin Belk Complex, improving to 9-1 on the season while dropping the Blue Bears to 5-5. The victory clinched a spot in the CIAA championship game next Saturday against Virginia Union at Durham County Stadium.

The Golden Bulls led 20-14 at halftime but fell behind 21-20 early in the third quarter before regaining the lead for good on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Kelvin Durham to Deandre Proctor with 4:59 remaining in the fourth quarter. Durham found Proctor on a left sideline route that capped a six-play, 50-yard drive and gave Johnson C. Smith the lead back after trailing for most of the second half.

Bobby Smith carried the offensive load for the Golden Bulls, rushing 37 times for 164 net yards and a touchdown. His 36-yard run with 3:55 left in the game set up the winning score, moving the ball from the Johnson C. Smith 40 to the Livingstone 24. Smith averaged 4.4 yards per carry and consistently moved the chains on third- and fourth-down situations.

Durham completed 16 of 29 passes for 186 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked twice but also contributed 16 net yards on six rushing attempts when the pocket collapsed. Proctor emerged as his primary target, catching seven passes for 79 yards and the decisive fourth-quarter touchdown.

Johnson C. Smith opened the scoring when Bobby Smith rushed 8 yards for a touchdown with 9:20 left in the first quarter, finishing an eight-play, 80-yard drive. The Blue Bears answered just 13 seconds later when Elijah Alexander connected with Davyn Reid on an 80-yard touchdown strike down the right side, tying the game at 7-7.

The Golden Bulls built their halftime lead with three consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter. Lukasz Smolen kicked a 40-yard field goal with 10:02 remaining in the half to put Johnson C. Smith ahead 10-7. The 16-play, 71-yard drive consumed nearly 10 minutes and featured Bobby Smith's power running and short Durham completions to Proctor and Brian Lane.

Rontay Dunbar returned an interception for a touchdown at 8:31 of the second quarter, extending Johnson C. Smith's lead to 17-7. The pick-six came during a Livingstone drive that had reached the Johnson C. Smith 42-yard line.

Livingstone cut the deficit to 17-14 when Alexander hit Reid for a 65-yard touchdown with 1:49 left in the second quarter. The score came on the second play of a four-play, 98-yard drive that took just 54 seconds and marked the second time the duo connected on a long scoring play.

Johnson C. Smith answered with a 10-play, 44-yard march that ended with Smolen's 48-yard field goal as time expired in the half, giving the Golden Bulls a 20-14 halftime advantage.

The momentum shifted dramatically seven seconds into the third quarter. E'shawn Carter intercepted Durham at the Livingstone 15 and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Blue Bears their first lead since the opening quarter at 21-20 after Jason Zapata's extra point.

Johnson C. Smith's offense struggled for much of the third quarter but the defense kept Livingstone from extending its lead. Vincent Hill led the Golden Bulls with seven solo tackles and three tackles for loss. The defense forced Livingstone into difficult situations throughout, holding the Blue Bears to 0-for-9 on third-down conversions for the game.

Livingstone managed just 38 net yards rushing on 19 attempts, averaging 2.0 yards per carry. Javen Parker led the Blue Bears with 24 net yards on 12 carries, but the offense could not sustain drives on the ground. The Blue Bears completed just 7 of 21 passes, with Alexander going 4-for-7 for 161 yards and two touchdowns before being replaced by Trisitan McClary, who went 3-for-14 for 38 yards and two interceptions.

Reid provided the offensive spark for Livingstone, catching three passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns while also returning two kickoffs for 39 yards. His ability to stretch the field vertically kept the Blue Bears competitive despite their offensive struggles.

Johnson C. Smith converted 7 of 17 third-down attempts and possessed the ball for 41 minutes and 14 seconds compared to Livingstone's 18:46. The Golden Bulls controlled the game through Smith's ground attack and their ability to sustain long drives.

The Blue Bears' special teams struggled in key moments. Javon Pray punted eight times for a 41.3-yard average. Johnson C. Smith averaged 24.7 yards per punt on seven attempts by Smolen.

Johnson C. Smith's go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter started at the 50-yard line following a punt. Durham completed a 21-yard pass to Maliek Carter on third-and-8 to move the ball to the Livingstone 27. Bobby Smith then rushed three times for 3 yards total before Durham found Proctor for the winning touchdown.

Livingstone's final chance came with 1:11 remaining when McClary took over at the Blue Bears' 19-yard line. However, TyQueron Hines intercepted McClary's first pass attempt, giving Johnson C. Smith possession and allowing the Golden Bulls to run out the clock.

Johnson C. Smith's defense recorded three interceptions and held Livingstone to nine first downs. Elijah Wilson intercepted a pass in the second quarter that he returned for minus-15 yards before Dunbar's pick-six gave the Golden Bulls a double-digit lead.

The victory sends Johnson C. Smith to the CIAA championship game against Virginia Union, the team responsible for the Golden Bulls' only loss this season. The Panthers defeated Johnson C. Smith 28-10 earlier this year at Virginia Union, and the Golden Bulls will have a chance to avenge that defeat in next Saturday's title game.

Key Performers

Johnson C. Smith:

• Bobby Smith: 37 rushes, 164 yards, 1 TD
• Deandre Proctor: 7 receptions, 79 yards, 1 TD
• Kelvin Durham: 16-of-29 passing, 186 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Vincent Hill: 7 solo tackles, 3 TFL
• Lukasz Smolen: 2-for-2 field goals (40, 48 yards)

Livingstone:

• Davyn Reid: 3 receptions, 156 yards, 2 TD
• E'shawn Carter: 1 interception return for TD
• Elijah Alexander: 4-of-7 passing, 161 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
• Velson Seide: 8 solo tackles, 9 total tackles

FAYETTEVILLE – Johnson C. Smith scored the winning touchdown with 13 seconds remaining to complete a comeback victory over Fayetteville State on Friday afternoon in Fayetteville. The Golden Bulls improved to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play, while the Broncos fell to 5-4 and 5-1.

Trailing 14-10 with 3:22 left in the game, Johnson C. Smith quarterback Kelvin Durham engineered a nine-play, 69-yard drive that consumed the final three minutes. Bobby Smith finished the march with a six-yard touchdown run, and Lukasz Smolen's extra point provided the final margin.

The winning drive featured Durham's 15-yard scramble to the Fayetteville State 29-yard line on a first-and-15 play, keeping the drive alive after a false start penalty. The Golden Bulls faced another obstacle when Durham was sacked for an 11-yard loss by Shawn Robinson, creating a third-and-21 situation from the 30-yard line. Durham found Clinton Riley for 12 yards, then converted on fourth-and-9 with a 12-yard run to the six-yard line before Smith's decisive score.

Durham completed 20 of 27 passes for 182 yards with one interception. He also rushed nine times for 33 yards and a touchdown, though he absorbed three sacks. Smith carried 31 times for 113 yards and the game-winning score, averaging 3.6 yards per attempt.

Fayetteville State erased a 10-0 deficit with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Bryce Council's 21-yard touchdown run at 13:25 of the final period cut the margin to 10-7. The Broncos took their only lead with 3:28 remaining when Demari Daniels connected with Xayden Watson on a 52-yard touchdown pass, capping a five-play, 92-yard drive that took just 88 seconds.

That scoring drive began at the Fayetteville State eight-yard line following a punt. Daniels completed a 14-yard pass to Unique Kelly, then found Watson streaking down the middle for the touchdown. John Hernandez-Vargas converted the extra point to give the Broncos a 14-10 advantage.

Johnson C. Smith controlled possession for more than 38 minutes compared to Fayetteville State's 21:37. The Golden Bulls ran 68 offensive plays to the Broncos' 50 and held a 328-236 advantage in total yardage.

The game remained scoreless until Johnson C. Smith drove 57 yards in 10 plays on its second possession. The drive stalled at the Fayetteville State 13-yard line, but Smolen converted a 32-yard field goal with 3:36 left in the opening quarter.

Johnson C. Smith extended its lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter. Taking over at the Fayetteville State 30-yard line after a failed fourth-down conversion, the Golden Bulls needed six plays to reach the end zone. Durham capped the drive with a three-yard touchdown run at 2:44 of the second period.

Durham set up the score with a 13-yard completion to Lane, reaching the four-yard line. After a one-yard rush, Durham scored on a three-yard run two plays later.

Fayetteville State struggled to generate offense through the first three quarters. The Broncos managed just 87 rushing yards on 25 attempts and completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards. Daniels accounted for all of Fayetteville State's passing production, finishing 16-for-25 with one touchdown and no interceptions.

Council led the Broncos' ground attack with 78 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, averaging six yards per attempt. His 21-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter came on third-and-7 from the Johnson C. Smith 21-yard line, breaking through the middle for the touchdown.

Deandre Proctor caught six passes for 57 yards to lead Johnson C. Smith's receiving corps. Lane added three receptions for 22 yards, while Cayden Bell-McKethan had one catch for 25 yards. Durham spread the ball to eight different receivers.

Watson's two receptions totaled 62 yards and the touchdown for Fayetteville State. Kelly caught three passes for 35 yards, and Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah had four receptions for 23 yards.

The Golden Bulls converted six of 14 third-down attempts and went one-for-one on fourth down. Fayetteville State converted four of 13 third downs but failed on its only fourth-down attempt in regulation.

Penalties proved costly for both teams. Johnson C. Smith was flagged 10 times for 85 yards, while Fayetteville State committed seven penalties for 67 yards. Several of those infractions came at crucial moments, including multiple pass interference calls and false start penalties that disrupted drives.

Jatavien Taylor recorded an interception for Fayetteville State in the second quarter, returning it three yards to set up the Broncos at their own 26-yard line. The turnover ended a Johnson C. Smith drive that had reached the Fayetteville State 35-yard line.

Vincent Hill led Johnson C. Smith's defense with 10 tackles, including six solo stops. Jaxson Hickson added six tackles and recorded one sack. Matthew Leach paced Fayetteville State with 12 tackles, while Taylor finished with 10 tackles to go along with his interception.

Robinson registered two sacks for 18 yards for the Broncos, including the crucial third-quarter sack that created the third-and-21 situation on the final drive. Joseph Woodard added another sack for Fayetteville State.

The victory kept Johnson C. Smith in contention atop the conference standings with one regular-season game remaining. Fayetteville State saw its four-game winning streak snapped.

Top Performers:

• Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith: 31 rushes, 113 yards, 1 TD
• Kelvin Durham, Johnson C. Smith: 20-of-27 passing, 182 yards; 9 rushes, 33 yards, 1 TD
• Bryce Council, Fayetteville State: 13 rushes, 78 yards, 1 TD
• Demari Daniels, Fayetteville State: 16-of-25 passing, 149 yards, 1 TD
• Deandre Proctor, Johnson C. Smith: 6 receptions, 57 yards

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C. Smith quarterback Kelvin Durham threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Golden Bulls to a 52-27 victory over Winston-Salem State on Saturday at Irwin Belk Complex. The win improved Johnson C. Smith to 6-1 overall while Winston-Salem State dropped to 4-4.

Durham completed 21 of 26 passes with no interceptions, posting a quarterback rating of 226.4. His favorite target was Deandre Proctor, who caught 10 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. The quarterback-receiver combination proved unstoppable throughout the game, connecting on passes of 60 yards, 20 yards, 18 yards, and 16 yards among others.

The Golden Bulls scored on their opening drive, marching 71 yards in eight plays over 5:20. Bobby Smith capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run at 7:19 of the first quarter. Winston-Salem State answered with a 65-yard run by Timothy TJ Ruff that set up a 22-yard field goal by Gilberto Lorenzana, cutting the deficit to 7-3.

Johnson C. Smith extended its lead late in the first half with three consecutive touchdown drives. Durham rushed for a 10-yard score with 20 seconds left in the second quarter, then hit Proctor for a 1-yard touchdown pass at 5:55 of the second quarter. Smith added another rushing touchdown from one yard out with 14 seconds remaining in the half, giving the Golden Bulls a 28-6 halftime advantage.

Winston-Salem State managed just two field goals in the first half despite some offensive success. Noah Marshall rushed for 128 yards on 14 carries, including a 63-yard gain in the second quarter that set up Lorenzana's second field goal. But the Rams converted only four of 10 third-down attempts and struggled to finish drives in the red zone.

The Golden Bulls continued their offensive efficiency in the third quarter. Durham connected with Brian Lane for a 25-yard touchdown pass on third-and-15, completing an eight-play, 77-yard drive. Lane finished with eight catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. The scoring play gave Johnson C. Smith a 35-6 lead with 3:09 left in the third quarter.

Winston-Salem State showed life in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in a span of eight minutes. Ja'Hari Mitchell caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from Daylin Lee at 10:22, then caught another scoring pass later in the quarter. Lee also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown at 5:20 to cut the deficit to 38-21.

Lee completed 16 of 22 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns for Winston-Salem State. Mitchell led the Rams with five receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown, including a 46-yard reception that set up one score. Sean Walker Jr. added three catches for 24 yards and a touchdown.

The Rams' comeback attempt ended when Durham hit Proctor for a 60-yard touchdown pass with 51 seconds remaining. The play came on second-and-11 from the Johnson C. Smith 40-yard line and sealed the victory. Proctor's final reception gave him 156 yards on the day, averaging 15.6 yards per catch.

Smith rushed 18 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns for Johnson C. Smith, complementing Durham's passing performance. The Golden Bulls accumulated 521 total yards of offense, converting five of seven third-down attempts. Their balanced attack featured 371 passing yards and 150 rushing yards.

Ruff provided a spark for Winston-Salem State with 87 rushing yards on seven carries, averaging 12.4 yards per attempt. His 65-yard run in the first quarter represented the longest play from scrimmage for either team until Proctor's final touchdown. Marshall added 122 yards on the ground despite being tackled for loss multiple times.

On defense, Latrae Bass led Johnson C. Smith with eight solo tackles. Steny Joseph recorded six total tackles, including two tackles for loss totaling five yards. The Golden Bulls defense held Winston-Salem State to 222 rushing yards but allowed the Rams to convert four of 10 third-down attempts.

Yetristan Brown paced the Winston-Salem State defense with six total tackles. Daniel Williams added six tackles and one tackle for loss. The Rams defense struggled to contain Durham and Proctor, allowing the duo to connect repeatedly on intermediate and deep routes.

Johnson C. Smith punted just once all game, a 38-yard kick in the third quarter. Lukasz Smolen handled all kicking duties for the Golden Bulls, making one field goal and six extra points while averaging 53.2 yards on nine kickoffs. The special teams unit forced Winston-Salem State to start drives deep in their own territory multiple times.

Winston-Salem State punter Angel Gomez-Corona averaged just 13.0 yards on four punts, including one that lost 23 yards. The poor field position contributed to the Rams' struggles, as they possessed the ball for only 28:49 compared to 31:11 for Johnson C. Smith.

The Golden Bulls scored in every quarter, putting up seven points in the first, 21 in the second, seven in the third, and 17 in the fourth. Their offensive consistency contrasted sharply with Winston-Salem State's uneven performance. The Rams managed three points in each of the first two quarters before being shut out in the third and scoring 21 in the fourth.

Durham also contributed on the ground with 44 yards on five carries, giving him 377 total yards of offense. His ability to extend plays with his legs opened up passing lanes throughout the game. The Golden Bulls quarterback was not sacked and faced minimal pressure from the Winston-Salem State defensive front.

The victory kept Johnson C. Smith in contention near the top of the CIAA standings. The Golden Bulls demonstrated their offensive firepower while limiting turnovers, a combination that proved too much for Winston-Salem State to overcome despite the Rams' fourth-quarter surge.

Top Performers

Johnson C. Smith:

• QB Kelvin Durham: 21-26, 333 yards, 3 TD passing; 44 yards rushing, 1 TD
• WR Deandre Proctor: 10 catches, 156 yards, 2 TD
• WR Brian Lane: 8 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD
• RB Bobby Smith: 18 carries, 61 yards, 2 TD

Winston-Salem State:

• RB Noah Marshall: 14 carries, 122 yards
• QB Daylin Lee: 16-22, 170 yards, 2 TD; 13 yards rushing, 1 TD
• WR Ja'Hari Mitchell: 5 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD
• RB Timothy TJ Ruff: 7 carries, 87 yards

ELIZABETH CITY – Johnson C. Smith maintained its undefeated start to the season with a narrow 21-17 victory over Elizabeth City State at Roebuck Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but the 23rd-ranked Golden Bulls had to overcome a third-quarter deficit and relied on a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown pass to secure their CIAA opener.

The victory improved Johnson C. Smith to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Elizabeth City State dropped to 0-3 and 0-1 in the CIAA despite a spirited performance that saw them take their first lead of the game in the third quarter.

Elizabeth City State struck first, methodically driving 41 yards over 11 plays before Benjamin Turner connected on a 23-yard field goal with 7:18 remaining in the opening quarter. The drive consumed nearly seven minutes and set an early tone for what would become a back-and-forth contest.

Johnson C. Smith's response came swiftly and explosively. After taking over at their own 33-yard line, the Golden Bulls needed just three plays to find the end zone. The decisive moment came when Antonio Crim broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run, giving Johnson C. Smith a 7-3 lead after Lukasz Smolen's extra point.

The Golden Bulls extended their advantage early in the second quarter with a more sustained scoring drive. Starting from their own 17-yard line, Johnson C. Smith marched 83 yards in seven plays, capped by Bobby Smith's 5-yard touchdown run. The drive showcased the Golden Bulls' balanced attack, mixing run and pass to keep the Vikings' defense off balance.

Elizabeth City State's offense had struggled to find consistency through much of the first half, but they delivered the game's most spectacular play just before intermission. After the Golden Bulls turned the ball over on downs at the Vikings' 17-yard line, quarterback Christopher Perkins dropped back and found Ka'Trez Bracey on a slant pattern. What started as a routine completion turned into a 91-yard house call as Bracey broke through the Johnson C. Smith secondary for Elizabeth City State's longest play from scrimmage this season.

The explosive touchdown pulled the Vikings within 14-10 at halftime and provided crucial momentum heading into the locker room. Johnson C. Smith had controlled much of the first half, outgaining Elizabeth City State 199 yards to 124, but found themselves with just a four-point advantage.

Elizabeth City State carried that momentum into the third quarter, engineering the game's most impressive sustained drive. Starting from their own 10-yard line after a punt, the Vikings methodically moved downfield with a 13-play, 90-yard march that consumed over five minutes of clock time.

The drive featured contributions from multiple players, with Shamar Sutton providing a 10-yard run and 12-yard reception to help move the chains. Perkins found his rhythm, completing passes to Troy Smith and connecting with Bracey again for a 29-yard gain that set up the go-ahead score. Traquan Johnson finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, giving Elizabeth City State its first lead at 17-14 with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter.

The lead stood through the remainder of the third quarter as both defenses tightened. Johnson C. Smith mounted several threats but couldn't find the end zone, settling for a missed 29-yard field goal attempt by Smolen early in the fourth quarter, a disappointing end to what had been a nearly eight minute drive.

With time running short and facing the prospect of their first loss, Johnson C. Smith's offense finally broke through with 3:51 remaining. Taking over at their own 38-yard line, the Golden Bulls needed just one play to reclaim the lead. Quarterback Kelvin Durham found Reginald Daniel streaking downfield, and the 62-yard touchdown connection restored Johnson C. Smith's advantage at 21-17.

Elizabeth City State had one final opportunity to answer, but their last drive stalled near midfield when Christopher Perkins' fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 2:35 remaining. Johnson C. Smith then controlled the ball for the final minutes, running out the clock to preserve the victory.

The statistical battle reflected the competitive nature of the game. Johnson C. Smith held slight edges in total offense (358-298) and rushing yards (160-107), while the passing games were nearly identical with the Golden Bulls throwing for 198 yards compared to Elizabeth City State's 191.

Durham completed 18 of 24 passes for Johnson C. Smith, finishing with one touchdown and one interception. His counterpart Perkins connected on 15 of 30 attempts for Elizabeth City State, throwing one touchdown without an interception despite facing consistent pressure that resulted in three sacks.

In the ground game, Smith led Johnson C. Smith with 66 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown, while Crim added 54 yards on just four attempts, including his game-changing 56-yard score. For Elizabeth City State, Johnson carried 17 times for 62 yards and the Vikings' lone rushing touchdown.

The receiving corps for both teams featured standout performances. Johnson C. Smith's Deandre Proctor caught seven passes for 35 yards, while Daniel's lone reception went for the game-winning touchdown. Elizabeth City State's Bracey stole the show with just two catches for 120 yards and a touchdown, with his 91-yard score serving as the game's most memorable play.

Defensively, both teams generated pressure and created turnovers. Johnson C. Smith recorded three sacks, led by Jalen Alexander and Jaxson Hickson who each brought down Perkins once. Elizabeth City State managed one sack and came up with the game's lone interception when Sterling Chavis picked off Durham in the second quarter.

The victory keeps Johnson C. Smith's perfect record intact as they prepare for a challenging road test against defending CIAA champion Virginia Union. For Elizabeth City State, the narrow loss represented their most competitive performance of the young season, providing building blocks as they prepare for next week's Down East Viking Football Classic against Fayetteville State.

Key Performers

Johnson C. Smith:

• Kelvin Durham: 18/24, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Bobby Smith: 16 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
• Antonio Crim: 4 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches, 68 yards
• Reginald Daniel: 1 catch, 62 yards, 1 TD

Elizabeth City State:

• Christopher Perkins: 15/30, 191 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
• Ka'Trez Bracey: 2 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD
• Traquan Johnson: 17 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD
• Sterling Chavis: 1 interception

The NCAA Division II Football Committee released its first regional rankings of the 2024 season on Monday, with Wingate University (7-1) securing the number one position in Super Region Two. The rankings serve as a crucial indicator for playoff positioning, with the top seven teams typically qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Bulldogs' top ranking puts them in prime position to potentially secure a first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs, marking another milestone in what has been a remarkable season for the North Carolina program. Wingate's defensive excellence has been a key factor in their success, as they currently lead several national statistical categories.

West Alabama (7-1) and undefeated Valdosta State (8-0) occupy the second and third spots respectively, while Johnson C. Smith (8-1) rounds out the top four. The Golden Bulls' high ranking represents a significant achievement for the Charlotte-based program only two years removed from a two-win season.

The rankings feature a strong showing from North Carolina schools, with Winston-Salem State (6-2) at seventh, and Lenoir-Rhyne (7-2) at eighth. Carson-Newman (7-1) holds the fifth position, followed by Virginia Union (7-1) and sixth while Miles (7-1) and West Florida (6-2) round out the top ten.

The playoff format for Super Region Two will see the top seed receive a first-round bye, while seeds two through four will host playoff games against lower-ranked opponents. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 23 at campus sites, with the second round following on November 30. The national quarterfinals will take place on December 7, leading up to the semifinals on November 14. The national championship game is set for November 21 in McKinney, Texas.

The release of these rankings sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season, as teams jockey for playoff position in the final weeks. With four North Carolina schools in the top eight, the state is well-represented in the chase for the Division II national championship.

CHARLOTTE – In a stunning upset that reshapes the conference standings, Fayetteville State dominated fourth-ranked Johnson C. Smith 27-0 on Saturday at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, ending the Golden Bulls' eight-game winning streak.

The Broncos (4-4, 3-3) controlled every phase of the game against Johnson C. Smith (8-1, 5-1), combining an efficient offense with a smothering defense that held one of the region's top teams scoreless. The victory marked Fayetteville State's most significant win of the season and introduced uncertainty into JCSU's playoff positioning just days before the release of the initial NCAA Division II Super Region Two rankings.

After a scoreless first quarter, Fayetteville State broke through with an impressive 16-play, 90-yard drive that showcased their offensive capabilities. Quarterback Joe Owens Jr. connected with Kameron King on a 7-yard touchdown pass, giving the Broncos a 7-0 lead with 11:08 remaining in the second quarter.

The Broncos extended their lead before halftime when Der Alston Jr. scored on a 10-yard run, capping a seven-play, 68-yard drive to make it 14-0. Fayetteville State's offense continued to find success against a JCSU defense that had been among the region's best, accumulating 353 total yards.

Owens orchestrated another lengthy drive in the third quarter, leading the Broncos 100 yards in 11 plays. He finished the drive himself with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 21-0. The quarterback finished with 233 passing yards, completing 24 of 32 attempts.

Julius Cobbs sealed the victory with 1:55 remaining, returning an interception 53 yards for the final touchdown. The defensive score highlighted a dominant performance by the Broncos' defense, which limited JCSU to just 192 total yards and 30 yards rushing.

Harris-Strayhor led all receivers with eight catches for 95 yards, while Julia Milligan added two receptions for 60 yards. The Broncos' ground game was effective, with Alston Jr. gaining 39 yards and Jamari Slade breaking free for a 32-yard run.

JCSU's typically potent offense struggled throughout the afternoon. Quarterback Darius Ocean completed 15 of 35 passes for 162 yards but threw two interceptions. Brevin Caldwell caught eight passes for 75 yards in the losing effort.

The Broncos' defense pressured Ocean consistently, recording two sacks and seven tackles for loss. Caleb Legrand led the defensive effort with seven tackles and a pass breakup, while Taevion Cox added five tackles including 2.5 for loss.

Despite the loss, JCSU's Benari Black had an outstanding defensive performance with 16 total tackles, including 0.5 tackles for loss.

Fayetteville State controlled the clock, holding the ball for over 35 minutes while converting 7 of 14 third downs. The Broncos' defense held JCSU to just 4 of 13 on third down conversions and stopped them on both red zone opportunities.

The upset victory gives Fayetteville State momentum heading into their final games, while Johnson C. Smith must regroup quickly to maintain their position in the conference title race.

WINSTON-SALEM – Johnson C. Smith University continued its historic season Saturday afternoon, defeating Winston-Salem State 24-15 in front of 8,460 fans at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Golden Bulls improved to 8-0 on the season while maintaining their top-20 national ranking in NCAA Division II.

Quarterback Darius Ocean led a balanced JCSU offense, completing 23 of 38 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. His primary target, Brevi Caldwell, hauled in 11 receptions for 127 yards, consistently moving the chains throughout the contest.

The Golden Bulls established control early, with running back Kamarr Edmonds finding the end zone on a 6-yard run late in the first quarter. Edmonds finished with an impressive 102 yards on just 11 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His versatility was on display when he caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Ocean in the third quarter, extending JCSU’s lead to 17-0.

Winston-Salem State’s offense struggled to find rhythm against JCSU’s swarming defense. The Rams were limited to just 39 rushing yards on 23 attempts, while quarterback Daylin Lee completed only 10 of 25 passes for 116 yards. Despite the offensive challenges, WSSU’s defense kept them in the game, led by Jupe Alston’s 11 tackles.

The game’s momentum briefly shifted in the third quarter when WSSU’s Narique Smith intercepted Ocean and returned it 37 yards for a pick-six, cutting the lead to 17-7. However, JCSU responded with a methodical drive in the fourth quarter, capped by Quavaris Crouch’s 2-yard touchdown run to push the lead back to 24-7.

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The Rams mounted a late comeback attempt, with Lee finding Kaleb Washington for a touchdown with 1:57 remaining in the game. However, JCSU’s defense held firm to secure the victory.

Johnson C. Smith’s defense was anchored by Jack Smith and Benari Black, who each recorded seven tackles. The Golden Bulls controlled the time of possession battle, holding the ball for over 37 minutes while converting 6 of 16 third-down attempts.

A notable difference in the game came in the punting department. While WSSU’s Devin Versteegen averaged an impressive 50.2 yards on 10 punts, including seven kicks of 50+ yards, JCSU’s Jacob Meneses helped control field position by placing three of his five punts inside the 20-yard line.

The victory marks another milestone in JCSU’s remarkable season, as they entered the game ranked 19th in the AFCA Division II Poll and 21st in the D2football.com Poll. The Golden Bulls’ balanced attack generated 412 total yards (262 passing, 150 rushing) while their defense limited WSSU to just 155 total yards.

WSSU’s offense managed only six first downs throughout the game, struggling particularly in the first half when they were held scoreless. The Rams’ top rusher, Trevon Hester, was limited to 16 yards on 12 carries against JCSU’s stout defensive front.

For Johnson C. Smith, the victory keeps their perfect season intact as they continue their march through CIAA competition. Their defense has been particularly impressive, showing versatility in both stopping the run and defending the pass, with three different players recording pass breakups against WSSU.

Winston-Salem State falls to 6-3 on the season, despite another strong defensive showing. The Rams’ defense, led by Alston and Justin Fleming’s 10 tackles, forced one turnover and recorded multiple tackles for loss, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities.

Up Next

Both teams have in-state CIAA rival Fayetteville State on the schedule next with Johnson C. Smith hosting the Broncos next Saturday for Senior Day while Winston-Salem State takes a week off before hosting Fayetteville State for Homecoming to close the season.

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C. Smith quarterback Darius Ocean threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers as the Golden Bulls defeated the Shaw Bears 21-14 on Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Complex, preserving their perfect record.

Ocean connected with Brevin Caldwell 15 times for 182 yards and a touchdown, leading an efficient passing attack that helped Johnson C. Smith improve to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The Golden Bulls remain the lone undefeated team in the state of North Carolina.

Shaw (4-4, 2-3) opened the scoring when quarterback Christian Peters found Ah’sha Belcher for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The Golden Bulls answered quickly as Ocean hit Blake McCullough for a 23-yard score to tie the game at 7-7.

After a scoreless second quarter, Johnson C. Smith took control in the second half. Ocean found Avante George for an 8-yard touchdown in the third quarter and later connected with Caldwell on a 12-yard score, capping a 100-yard drive to build a 21-7 lead.

Shaw’s Travon Tensley, who finished with 96 rushing yards on 20 carries, scored on a 1-yard run with 2:18 remaining to narrow the gap. However, Johnson C. Smith’s defense held firm in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Despite controlling possession for over 36 minutes and outgaining Johnson C. Smith 355-325 in total yards, Shaw was unable to overcome the Golden Bulls’ defensive effort, led by Benari Black’s 15 tackles.

Up Next

The Golden Bulls will look to maintain their unbeaten record next week at Winston-Salem State, while Shaw aims to rebound from their fourth loss of the season with another road game at Fayetteville State.

CHARLOTTE – In a tight matchup on a warm Saturday afternoon, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls secured a 21-16 victory over Virginia Union at Irwin Belk Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. With the win, JCSU improves to 4-0 on the season.

JCSU’s offense, led by quarterback Darius Ocean, outgained VUU 400 yards to 180. Ocean completed 17 of 28 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown. His primary target was receiver Brevin Caldwell, who caught 9 passes for 140 yards.

The ground game proved crucial for JCSU, with running back Quavari Crouch scoring two rushing touchdowns. Crouch and teammate Kamarro Edmonds each rushed for 53 yards on the day.

Virginia Union’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, managing only 40 rushing yards on 24 attempts. Quarterback Mark Wright completed 13 of 19 passes for 140 yards, with Ricky Key Jr. being his top receiver, catching 4 passes for 73 yards.

JCSU took an early lead in the first quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Crouch. VUU responded with a 42-yard field goal by Brady Myers. The second quarter saw JCSU extend their lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ocean to Crouch, while VUU’s Jada Byers scored on a 1-yard run.

The third quarter belonged to JCSU, with Crouch scoring his second rushing touchdown. VUU attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Byers scoring another touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Despite the loss, VUU’s defense showed resilience, forcing two JCSU fumbles and blocking a field goal attempt. Jerome Jones led the VUU defense with 10 tackles, including one for a loss.

Up Next

JCSU looks to extend their season-opening win streak on the road at Bluefield State in another CIAA matchup

ELIZABETH CITY – In a high-stakes showdown at Roebuck Stadium, the Elizabeth City State Vikings clashed with the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Saturday afternoon matchup, which was part of the homecoming celebrations, showcased both the indomitable spirit of the Vikings and the unyielding determination of the Golden Bulls.

First Half: Vikings Surge Ahead

The Vikings got off to a roaring start when Carson Hancock kicked a 34-yard field goal, setting the tone for a hard-fought contest. The Vikings' formidable "Code Blue" defense made several crucial stops, allowing junior quarterback Donoven Davenport to capitalize with a remarkable 37-yard touchdown run. Hancock's successful field goal attempt added to the momentum, giving the Vikings a commanding 10-0 lead.

As the first quarter unfolded, the Vikings maintained their grip on the game. Hancock continued to impress, nailing a 26-yard field goal. Demorian Smith led the defensive charge, racking up a team-high six tackles. A blocked Vikings field goal attempt led to a Johnson C. Smith score, but with only 10 seconds remaining in the half, Davenport connected with Ian Edwards for an 18-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings entered halftime with a comfortable 20-7 lead.

Second Half: Golden Bulls Stage a Comeback

The second half saw a remarkable turnaround as the Golden Bulls mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Vikings 21-0. The Vikings' lead slowly slipped away, and their hopes of securing a homecoming victory began to fade. In the end, it was the Golden Bulls who emerged victorious with a final score of 21-20, spoiling the Vikings' homecoming festivities.

Key Takeaways

• The game showcased the tenacity of both teams, with the Golden Bulls displaying incredible resilience in the second half to secure the win.
• Robert Adams played a pivotal role for the Golden Bulls, completing 11 of 19 passes for 125 yards.
• Ja'Qun Wilkins was a defensive force for the Golden Bulls, blocking a kick, returning a missed field goal for a touchdown, and recording an interception.

What's Next

The Vikings football team will return to Roebuck Stadium on October 7th for their annual pink game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where they will face off against Virginia Union with a kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. On the other hand, the Golden Bulls will hit the road for their third consecutive away game as they take on the Shaw University Bears on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Durham County Stadium.

LINCOLN, PA – Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, Johnson C. Smith University relied on its ground game to secure a hard-fought 27-20 win over the Lincoln (Pa.) University Lions at the LU Athletic Stadium on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

In a closely contested matchup, the Golden Bulls (3-1, 2-0 CIAA) demonstrated their offensive prowess early in the game. Kicking off the scoring, Al Garcia nailed a 42-yard field goal, capping a seven-play drive in the first quarter. Robert Adams extended JCSU's lead to 10-0 with a one-yard rushing touchdown with just under two minutes left in the opening quarter. However, Lincoln (Pa.) responded as Elijah Snell found the end zone with a five-yard run, narrowing the gap to 10-7.

The game took a thrilling turn when Isaiah Freeman connected with Eli Riddick for a 65-yard touchdown, giving Lincoln (Pa.) their first and only lead of the game. JCSU quickly answered, regaining the lead with Shydem McCullough's one-yard rushing touchdown, making it 17-14. Jacob Newman extended the Golden Bulls' advantage with a 21-yard rushing touchdown. Although the Lions added one more touchdown, the Golden Bulls secured the win with three more points, emerging victorious with a final score of 27-20.

Key offensive performances included Robert Adams completing 14 of 28 passes for 127 yards and a rushing touchdown, while Jacob Newnam rushed for 104 yards on 20 carries, contributing one touchdown. On the defensive front, Jack Smith made a significant impact, recording six tackles and three breakups in the win.

JCSU looks ahead to their next challenge on the road, facing the Elizabeth City State University Vikings on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 pm.