Sept. 8, 2007

Final Stats

 Johnson C. Smith University (1-1) traveled down to Georgia to take on the Tigers of Savannah State University (1-1) in the 14^th annual Joe Turner Classic. The Tigers used a rather potent ground attack to defeat the Golden Bulls 24-10. Savannah State drew first blood on a 20-yard quarterback keeper by JaCorey Kilcrease with 3:14 remaining in the first quarter. The touchdown capped off a six-play, 77 yard drive that took 2:29 seconds.

The Tigers recovered a Jonathan Metcalf fumble that set-up good field position on the SSU 45-yard line. A major holding against the Tigers gave JCSU a little breathing room but on a third and long, Kilcrease found Deleon Hollinger for a first down with 14:46 minutes left. The Tigers turned that fumble into three more points on a 41-yard field goal by Luis Justiniano increasing the lead to 10-0.

The Golden Bulls would finally hit the scoreboard on a 36-yard field goal by Herbert Collins, III to end the first half.  They would have ample opportunities to find the end zone but came up short each time.  Finally in the third quarter, junior quarterback Carlton Richardson found senior Brett Lofton wide open for a 29-yard touchdown.

Richardson would be picked off by Antwan Allen with 1 minute in regulation to seal the deal for the Tigers. Fortunately for the Golden Bulls, Allen fumbled and Richardson recovered the ball at the JCSU 13-yard line. Freshman Ryan Carter entered the game and found Miguel Moore for a first down. On the very next play, he too threw an interception to end the game.

Despite a balanced offensive outing by the gold and blue, which produced 183 passing yards and 128 on the ground, the defense could not stop Savannah State's ground attack. The Tigers amassed 328 rushing yards but only 47 in the air.

Richardson completed 14-of-24 attempts for 161 yards and a score while Metcalf had 17 carries for 54 yards. The Tigers' Antwan Edwards had 14 carries for 103 yards and one touchdown.

Johnson C. Smith moves on to face Charleston Southern University next week, September 15, 2007. Kick-off is slated for 1:30 pm in Charleston, S.C. Savannah State will host the Bethune-Cookman College Wildcats at 1:00 p.m.