Jeremy Franklin had nine catches and 94 yards in his first game this season, despite the 51-10 loss to ECSU
Charlotte, NC - The Johnson C. Smith University football team suffered their first loss at home to Elizabeth City State University 51-10 Saturday evening inside the Irwin Belk Complex. JCSU drops to 0-2 overall, while the Vikings improve to 1-1; the results do not count towards either team conference record.
On the first play from scrimmage, junior quarterback
Ryan Carter completed a 14 yard pass to junior receiver
Jeremy Franklin. Unfortunately, Franklin fumbled the ball and ECSU recovered at the JCSU 48 yard line. The game was mostly downhill from there for the Golden Bulls.
The Vikings scored 21 uncontested points in the first quarter. JCSU scored their first and only touchdown in the second quarter off a two yard burst into the end zone by sophomore running back Archie Barrow. The touchdown completed a six play, 45 yard drive. ECSU responded in the quarter with a 53 yard punt return for a touchdown by Reggie Smith.
J.C. Smith trailed 28-7 at halftime. Elizabeth City tacked on another touchdown in the third with a 27 yard pass connection from Creven Powell to Smith. The Golden Bulls scored their last points at the beginning of the fourth with a 38 yard field goal from junior place kicker
Julius Wright. ECSU scored 16 points in the fourth to account for the 51-10 final.
Carter completed 19 passes out of 30 attempts for 159 yards with two interceptions. Franklin had nine catches for 94 yards and junior safety
Lawyer Montgomery had nine tackles (7 solo, 2 assisted).
Powell had 259 yards on 14-of-23 passing for three touchdowns. Cedric Blacknall rushed for 74 yards on 12 carries. Smith hauled in 82 yards and two touchdown receptions, while Dexter Manley had one catch for 57 yards and a TD.
The Golden Bulls were 4-of-14 on third down conversions and produced 264 yards of total offense.
Johnson C. Smith returns to the gridiron on Saturday, September 12th to face Edward Waters College in Kingsland, GA. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00pm from Chris Gilliam Stadium.
