Oct. 14, 2006

Johnson C. Smith University fell to 5-2, 3-2 CIAA in the first of a three-game home-stand against the visiting Falcons of St. Augustine's College, 15-9. The Falcons (2-5, 2-3 CIAA) came into this game with nothing to lose as they were virtually out of contention for the CIAA west. JCSU, on the other hand, needed a win to remain in the race.

The gold and blue were playing without junior center Robert Peterson forcing the coaching staff to make some major rotations on the front line. Though starting at excellent field position (their own 48 or better) on each of their first three drives, it would take JCSU until their fifth drive of the game to finally sink a Drew Vezina 30-yard field goal with 6:37 remaining in the first half.

In the third quarter, Travoris Carter handled SAC's entire drive rushing his way (45 yards) into the end zone. The score capped a three play, 45 yard drive. With 4:16 remaining in the quarter, Donja' Goodson found tight end Eddie Minter in the back of the end zone for a score. Vezina missed the point after touchdown and the score remained 9-7.

In the middle of the fourth quarter, St. Augustine's downed a punt at the JCSU one-yard line. To the crowd, it appeared as if the ball crossed the plane, but the officials ruled otherwise and JCSU had to begin in dangerous territory at their own one-yard line. Dangerous is an understatement because on the very next play, Goodson rushed the ball to the three yard line. The ball came loose on what appeared to be a fumble. Everyone on the field thought Goodson was down, however, no whistle was blown. A very heads-up play by SAC's Marsea Chestnut scooped the ball and ran it three yards into the end zone virtually untouched giving SAC the lead (15-9) and swinging the momentum in the Falcon's direction.

On the ensuing drive, Goodson found Belton on consecutive passes for 25 yards putting the ball on the Falcons' 30-yard line. An offside penalty against SAC, and three incomplete passes later, the Bulls were to attempt the 42-yard field goal. Vezina's longest had been 46 yards. Then JCSU was charged with a delay of game penalty and now the attempt became 47 yards. Vezina missed it by about 4 inches as the ball hit the cross-bar.

JCSU held SAC to consecutive three and outs, giving the offense another try at the end zone. However, on the ensuing punt, George Harkness was charged with roughing the kicker resulting in a 15 yard penalty and more importantly a first down for the Falcons with 1:42 remaining in regulation.

Johnson C. Smith was held to a season low 107 yards of total offense and only allowed 187. Ironically enough, one player accounted for most of their team's stats. Senior wide receiver Marquis Belton had 5 receptions for 97 yards while SAC's Carter had 26 carries for 110 yards and a score.

"We just could not get anything going up front tonight," said a disheartened head coach Daryl C. McNeill. "St. Augustine's is a great defensive team and it showed tonight. Now our focus has turned to Fayetteville State."

Defensively, Ed Wilson led the way with 15 tackles (3 solo, 12 assisted) and also had a fumble recovery. Elijah Ashley had 10 tackles (3 solo, 7 assisted) one for a loss of two yards, a forced fumble and a half a sack for a loss of a yard. Kevin Jones was the Falcons' leading defender with11 tackles (6 solo, 5 assisted), 2.5 for a loss of 5 yards and half a sack for a loss of two yards. He had significant help from Alew Hall who was all over the field with 10 tackles, 6.0 for a loss of 33 yards and 4.5 sacks for a loss of 30 yards.

The gold and blue will host the Broncos of Fayetteville State University on Saturday, October 21, 2006. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Irwin Belk Complex.