Sept. 9, 2006

Johnson C. Smith University missed two field goals and a very important point after touchdown lifting Bowie State University to a 14-13 win in Charlotte, NC. In front of a near capacity crowd of 4,192 fans, the Golden Bulls proved that they are definitely a much improved team from last year. Historically speaking, JCSU and Bowie State always play close games. In the last nine meetings between the schools, there has only been one game (2003) in which the victor won by more than a touchdown.

Emotions were riding high in this game even before the first whistle was blown. When both teams were introduced and made their ways to the field, several flags were thrown resulting in personal foul penalties against both teams.

For the second straight season, Bowie State survived a scare from JCSU and held on to escape the Queen City with a 14-13 victory. . "It's definitely a heart-breaking loss tonight," remarked a puzzled head coach Daryl C. McNeill. Though we were not victorious, I think everyone can see now that we are a much better team from last year."

The first half was all Bowie State commencing with a Lamar Manigo 10-yard pass to Sean Napper in the left corner of the JCSU end zone at the 3:16 mark of the first quarter. John Riley converted the extra point, giving the guests a 7-0 lead. BSU's Nathaniel Queen recorded his second TD of the season with 4:41 left in period two, rushing six yards over the left tackle to take a 14-0 advantage into the half. Queen rushed for a career high 176 yards on 33 carries to lead the Bulldogs on offense. Going into the intermission, the Bulldogs had a 14-0 lead and appeared to have the momentum.

Similar to last week, the Gold and Blue found themselves making a second half comeback. On their first possession of the second half, the much improved Golden Bulls cut their halftime deficit to 14-7. Yannick Murray capped off a 9-play, 52 yard drive with a two yard touchdown run at the 11:22 mark of the third quarter. Murray led Johnson C. Smith in rushing with 43 yards on six carries.

Johnson C. Smith (2-1 / 0-1 in the CIAA) again found the end zone with 3:52 left to play in the fourth quarter, when Ernest Hodge pounded in from 1-yard out, capping off a 15 play-74 yard drive by the Golden Bulls. However, Herbert Collins, III missed the extra point. Two big 15 yard penalties against Bowie State aided in JCSU's drive and scoring opportunity.

JCSU's defense held to Bulldogs to a three-and-out situation late in the fourth quarter giving the Golden Bulls one last try at the end zone. On a fourth-and-20 situation, Donja' Goodson found a wide open Eddie Minter down mid-field for 44 yards. Three incomplete passes later, it was time for Collins to attempt a career long 49-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the game. The kick fell short of its intended mark, preserving the one point victory for the Bulldogs. When asked about the missed field goal, quarterback Carlton Richardson humbly responded "We should have not put him (Collins) in the situation to make such a long field goal."

It is fair to say that the Bulldogs dominated the ground game playing without pre-season All-CIAA member Isaac Redman. BSU out ran the Bulls 204 yards to 23. JCSU, on the other hand, controlled the aerial attack racking up on 180 yards compared to 56 for the Bulldogs.

For the third week in a row, JCSU's Frederick Williams, who also heads the conference in total tackles, was the leading defender of the day with 14 total tackles. Miguel Dean led Bowie State accounting for eight (2 solo and 6 assisted).

The Golden Bulls are off this week and return to action on September 23, 2006 as they take on the Panthers of Virginia Union University. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Richmond, VA. The Panthers defeated West Virginia Wesleyan College 27-10.