Oct. 21, 2006

Final Stats

Johnson C. Smith University (6-2, 4-2 CIAA), already playing a season of firsts, reached yet another milestone Saturday night, October 21, 2006. They won their first game at the Irwin Belk Complex since it opened (Sept. 6, 2003). In addition, the gold and blue are assured their first winning season since 1998 (6-4) by defeating the Broncos of Fayetteville State University, 10-7.

JCSU, playing in the second of a three-game home-stand, hosted the Broncos for their first trip to Charlotte since 2002 and their first game at the Irwin Belk Complex. JCSU had not defeated the Broncos since 1999.

The first half looked more like a defensive shoot-out between both schools as neither team could get anything going offensively. It would take a 35-yard field goal from junior Drew Vezina to score the first points of the game with 3:24 left in the first quarter. That would be the score going into the intermission. At the half, there was a total of 136 yards of total offense between both schools. FSU ran 25 plays for 79 yards while JCSU had 27 plays for 67 yards.

Finally, in the fourth quarter, some offense was ignited. FSU started their drive with excellent field position at the JCSU 35-yard line. A little under two minutes and five plays later, the Broncos found themselves in the end zone on a eight yard pass from Darius Coleman to Edward Agans with 8:54 remaining in regulation.

Just when it appeared JCSU had their back up against the wall (4th and 14), sophomore quarterback Carlton Richardson found none other than senior wide-out Marquis Belton for a 30-yard reception and a first down at the FSU 18-yard line. After a two yard gain by Henry Willoughby, Richardson again found Belton at the one-yard line and another first down. On the very next play, senior fullback Ernest Hodge, powered up the middle and Vezina hit the extra point attempt to give JCSU the 10-7 advantage with 1:32 remaining in the game.

The JCSU defense which has been stellar all season long, displayed nothing different tonight. Omar Bizzell was the game's leading defender with a career high 18 tackles (5 solo, 13 assisted), 4.5 for a loss of 21 yards and 3.0 sacks for a loss of 18 yards. The nations leading defender (Ed Wilson) was not far behind with 14 tackles (1 solo, 13 assisted), half for a loss of three yards, and half a sack also for a loss of three yards.

"I knew this was going to be a defensive battle tonight," said a delighted and relieved head coach Daryl McNeill. "I am so happy for our kids, alumni, the university and our president Dr. Yancy. The monkey is finally off our backs."

FSU was led by Anthony Walls and Joel Kuvuna who combined for 25 tackles, 4 for a loss of 26 yards and three sacks for a loss of 25 yards.

Offensively, Richardson completed 12 of 23 passes for 159 yards. He had one interception in the game. Belton had 7 receptions for 88 yards and is now 94 yards away from becoming the all-time pass-receiver in JCSU history.

Next week, JCSU will say good-bye to 16 seniors playing in their final game as a Golden Bull but will say hello and welcome back to alumni and friends of the university. JCSU will celebrate its Homecoming when they take on the Tigers of Savannah State University. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and senior citizens.