Sept. 22, 2007

Final Stats

RALEIGH, N.C. - For several reasons, Johnson C. Smith University came into their first conference game with winning on their mind. A win would keep them at first place in the CIAA's western division, give JCSU their first win over St. Augustine's since the Falcons reinstituted their program in 2003, and break JCSU's two game losing streak. Johnson C. Smith (2-2, 1-0CIAA) emerged victorious over St. Augustine's College (0-4, 0-1 CIAA) by a score of 33-30. Herbert Collins, III converted a 25-yard field with eight seconds left to propel JCSU to victory.

During the first half, it didn't appear as if the JCSU wanted that win. That's why there are two halves to every football game. On their initial possession to start the game, JCSU went three-and-out. St. Augustine's hit the scoreboard first on a two-yard run by Lester Graham. JCSU recorded their initial first down on a defensive pass interference giving them field position at the SAC 44-yard line.

Two consecutive face masks against the Falcons put JCSU on the SAC 9-yard line. Senior tailback Marco Kirven toted the ball three yards into the end zone to begin the second quarter. Collins converted the point-after-touchdown to knot the score at 7-all with 14:53 remaining in the first stanza.

After a less than ordinary on-side kick by SAC, JCSU got the ball on the SAC 37-yard line. Unfortunately, Smith could not turn that in to any points. On SAC's very next drive, senior corner back De'Audra Dix employed his nose for the football and returned a Kevin Williams' interception 42-yards for a touchdown. Collins again hit the PAT and Smith took the lead 14-10.

During the first half, St. Augustine's used their passing game to drive down the field. Williams found Jone' White for a 22-yard pass-reception to give the Falcons the lead again 16-14. At halftime, the Falcons had 210 yards of total offense compared to 98 for the Golden Bulls.

The third quarter was all Johnson C. Smith including two 30-yard field goals by Collins. The gold and blue also had a record-breaking 99-yard touchdown pass from junior Carlton Richardson to freshman Jeremy Franklin to give Smith their first lead of the game 27-23.

Despite Steven Williams' blocked PAT after a late touchdown by the Falcons, Fred Williams was called for an incidental face mask giving the Falcons another shot at tying the game. St. Augustine's tied the ball game with 1:43 remaining in regulation on the second attempt by Addison Daniels.

An unsportsmanlike conduct on the Falcon band put SAC to kick-off from the 15-yard line as opposed to the 30. Another penalty sent the Falcons to kick-off from the 10-yard line. Dix had a 23 yard return that placed the ball on the SAC 38-yard line. Smith then used up one minute and 31 seconds to give Collins a chance at the short field goal. Collins hit the 25-yarder and sealed the deal for the Golden Bulls.

Despite being hit by the injury bug by several players, Johnson C. Smith played hard until the end. Herbert Collins, III was exceptional on the day as he made 4-of-4 field goals (three 30-yarders and one 25-yard). He also converted 2-of-2 extra point attempts.

JCSU was led by Jeremy Franklin who caught 5 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown. Carlton Richardson completed 11-of 22 passes for 222 yards and a score. He also had 8 carries for 31 yards. Marco Kirven narrowly missed the century mark with 81 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown.

Defensively, Fred Williams led all JCSU defenders with 8 total tackles (6 solo, 2 assisted) and 2.5 for a loss of 8 yards.

Smith moves on to face Shaw University (2-2) on Sunday, September 30, 2007. Kick-off will take place at 4:00 p.m. at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, N.C.