Sept. 2, 2006

The Johnson C. Smith University football team traveled nearly six hours to take on the Pioneers of Glenville State College in what was an action-packed, nail-biting football game in Glenville, W.Va. Late offensive efforts by Marquis Belton coupled with a tag-team defensive endeavor by seniors Omar Bizzell and DJ Haynewsorth sealed the 23-20 victory for the Golden Bulls.

Not since 1982 had Johnson C. Smith begun their season with a 2-0 record. The Pioneer football team managed only three second half points as the visiting Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University came from behind to defeat the Pioneers, 23-20. The Golden Bulls move to 2-0 on the season while the Pioneers fall to 0-1. The loss snapped a seven-game win streak for the Pioneers.

"This was a big win for the players and the university," remarked a delighted head coach Daryl C. McNeill.b "Anytime you win a game out of the conference, given their (Glenville State) record last year (9-2) and the players they return, it is a great feeling. We are excited about our kids, how they played and how they were able to come back and win the football game."

The Pioneers opened the scoring in the first quarter after Alex Amick knocked home a 42-yard field goal to give the Pioneers a 3-0 lead. Just prior to the end of the first quarter, the Golden Bulls put their first points of the day on the board as tailback Yannick Murray scored on an eight-yard run. The extra point was blocked, leaving the Golden Bulls with a 6-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter opened with the Golden Bulls adding a 37-yard field goal by Herbert Collins.

With the Pioneers down 9-3, they would fight back to regain the lead with 4:38 to play in the opening half as wide receiver Tavon McGee scored on a six-yard reverse on third down. Alex Amick added the extra point to make it 10-9 for the Pioneers.

On the ensuing possession, the Golden Bulls' Carlton Richardson fumbled and Dylan Shaffer of the Pioneers recovered at the Golden Bulls' 29-yard line. The Pioneers would quickly march into the endzone as Omar Taylor scored on a six-yard scamper. Alex Amick's extra point would give the Pioneers a 17-9 lead at intermission.

A wild play would begin the second half of action. The Pioneers kick off to the Golden Bulls landed on the ground untouched at the Golden Bulls' 26-yard line, then bounced back toward the Pioneers. The ball landed in the lap of the Glenville State, and the Pioneers took control at the Golden Bulls' 29-yard line. Seven plays later, Glenville State would score what would turn out to be their final points of the day on a Alex Amick's 21-yard field goal attempt. That gave the Pioneers a 20-9 lead with 11:07 remaining in the third quarter.

Johnson C. Smith would cut into the Pioneer lead with 5:59 remaining in the third quarter as Brett Lofton scored on an 11-yard pass from Richardson. The extra point was added and the Pioneers lead was only 20-16.

The score would remain at 20-16 for the Pioneers until the 3:12 mark of the fourth quarter when senior Marquis Belton scored on a 12-yard pass from Richardson. The extra point was added on and the Golden Bulls took a 23-20 lead.

The Pioneers would begin their final drive of the game at their own 36-yard line. They would steadily march down the field, reaching the four yard line with just under one minute to play. On first and goal, running back Omar Taylor was tackled for a one-yard loss at the five yard line. Glenville State, looking at second and goal, then called a timeout with 35 seconds to play. After the timeout, quarterback Mike Williams' pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage by Omar Bizzell and eventually intercepted by defensive end DJ Haynesworth at the seven-yard line. The interception preserved a stunning road victory for the Golden Bulls.

On the day, the Pioneers gained 363 yards while allowing 347 to the Gold and Blue. In a key stat, the Pioneers scored on only three of five possessions in the red zone, while the visiting Golden Bulls were a perfect four of four in the red zone.

Individually, quarterback Carlton Richardson completed 13 of 19 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. With the injured Kevin Allen out, Yannick Murray and Henry Willoughby shared rushing duties. The pair combined for 111 yards on the day and a score. On the receiving end of things, seniors Marquis Belton and Brian Vaughan had 5 receptions each for 65 and 63 yards respectively. Belton added the go-ahead touchdown to his work for the day.

Defensively, the Golden Bulls were paced once again by Fred Williams' 14 tackles. Eddie Wilson added 11 tackles, 1.5 for a loss of 8 yards while Steven Williams and Omar Bizzell added 10 tackles each. Bizzell also broke up the game saving pass on the afternoon.

The Gold and Blue dominated the rush defense holding the Pioneers to a mere 84 yards on the ground.

"I am very enthused and pleased with the way our coaches have come together and made this happen," said McNeill. "We are a new staff, and understand the challenges that come along with that, but these guys are working very hard and I am grateful to them."

JCSU will host the Bulldogs of Bowie State University on September 9, 2006 at the Irwin Belk Complex on campus. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The Bulldogs defated West Virginia State University, 38-0 in their season opener today.