Archie Barrow had an impressive performance with 80 yards off 11 carries and a TD in the 34-24 loss to No. 24 St. Augustine's
Box Score vs. St. Augustine's
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University football team's winless woes continue after a 34-24 Homecoming loss to No. 24 Saint Augustine's College Saturday afternoon inside a packed Irwin Belk Complex. JCSU moves to 1-7 overall and 0-5 in the CIAA, while the Falcons improve to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the conference.
St. Augustine's won the toss and elected to receive. The Falcons marched 59 yards in eight plays (seven runs) for the game opening touchdown. CIAA rushing leader Walter Sanders dashed 13 yards on a 4th and three play for the score.
The Golden Bulls went three and out on their opening offensive drive. Junior punter
Tyler Rabb (Shelby, NC) belted a 45 yard punt to force SAC to start at their own 21 yard line. Unfortunately, the Falcons would get the ball in the end zone again with Sanders rushing. This time he broke loose for a 45 yard rushing TD to put JCSU into a 14-0 hole midway through the first quarter.
Senior receiver
Jeremy Franklin (Casselberry, FL) had a big 67 yard kick return to get JCSU deep into Falcons' territory (21-yard line). However, senior quarterback
Ryan Carter (Charlotte, NC) committed his only turnover on the Golden Bulls next offensive possession. Carter's pass was intercepted at the SAC two yard line by Steven Stanback and returned 50 yards.
After two plays, the Falcons went up 21-0 just before the end of the first. Teddy Bacote found Tyron Laughinghouse on a 39 yard touchdown pass with 2:38 on the clock. Sanders scored his third touchdown of the contest to complete a 10 play, 80 yard drive to open the second quarter.
J.C. Smith had some struggles on offense in the first half; the only points came from a 33-yard field yard from Rabb towards the end of the second quarter. The Golden Bulls came out sharp to start the third. Carter completed a six yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver
Avius Capers (Charlotte, NC) to complete a seven play, 68 yard drive. Junior running back
Archie Barrow (Winston-Salem, NC) picked 43 yards on the drive, including a 32 yard gainer.
The Golden Bulls defense held and forced a punt, but freshman receiver
Chrishawn Rhyne (Winston-Salem, NC) fumbled on the special teams play allowing the Falcons to recover. Defense stood strong on consecutive drives and the JCSU offense capitalized. Carter connected on a touchdown reception with Franklin, who forced his way into the end zone on a seven yard toss to the left side. J.C. Smith scored 17 unanswered points, but trailed 28-17.
St. Aug returned to the end zone in their fourth quarter opening drive. Bacote scored on a one yard QB sneak to conclude a 14 play, 60 yard drive that took 6:12 off the clock. Barrow had 32 yard kick return to put the Golden Bulls on the SAC 36. Barrow finished what was started with a two touchdown run to draw JCSU within 10 (34-24).
The Falcons drained the clock with a consistent running attack, but failed to score again. Johnson C. Smith did not have success on the final offensive drive; failing to convert on fourth down.
Carter and Franklin, along with seniors
Nicholas Banks (Denmark, SC),
Joshua Battle (Fitzgerald, GA),
Markus Gray (Denmark, SC), Girard Miller (Winston-Salem, NC),
Lawyer Montgomery (Buffalo, NY), Mike Morgan (Sumter, SC),
Andre Saxon (Greenwood, SC),
Marques Reese (Atlanta, GA), and
Tyreece Williams (Shelby, NC) were saluted pregame as they played their final game on McGirt Field.
Barrow finished the day with 80 yards off 11 carries and a touchdown. Carter completed 13-of-22 for 112 yards passing, two touchdowns, and one INT; he also gained 62 yards rushing off 21 attempts. Franklin had five catches for 42 yards and a TD.
Sanders led the Falcons to yet another division victory with 208 yards off 33 carries and three touchdowns. Bacote was 11-of-17 for 177 yards and one TD.
Sophomore linebacker
Michael Coats (Greenwood, SC) and junior linebacker
Perrin Carr IV (Brandywine, MD) led the Golden Bulls' defense with eight tackles apiece. Sophomore defensive end
Derrick Johnson (Charlotte, NC) got to the quarterback twice for sacks in a four tackle performance.
Johnson C. Smith has to pick up the pieces and return to action on Saturday, October 30th against divisional rival Fayetteville State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm inside Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville, NC.
