Despite recovering three fumbles, the Golden Bulls' defense fell one stop short of victory in a 39-33 loss to Shaw
Box Score
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University football team was dealt a 39-33 divisional loss to Shaw University on Saturday, October 26th during their Homecoming contest at the Irwin Belk Complex. JCSU moves to 4-4 overall and 2-4 in the CIAA, while the Bears improve to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference.
The Golden Bulls struck first with a touchdown connection from junior quarterback
Keahn Wallace (Miami, FL) to junior receiver
Avius Capers (Charlotte, NC). Wallace hit Capers in the right corner of the end zone from two yards out for an early 7-0 lead.
The score took just three plays and was set up by a fumble recovery by junior defensive end
Jovontay Williams (Stone Mountain, GA). Marquise Grizzle loss the football in the backfield for the Bears and Williams managed to secure the recovery.
Junior linebacker
Anthony Allen (Lithonia, GA) recovered another fumble on the ensuing Bears' offensive drive. Shaw got into the red zone after a 47 kickoff return by DeShawn Beck and later followed with a 22 yard rush by Tyrone Craig. Quinshon Odom fumbled at the JCSU two yard line and Allen recovered it at the spot.
Unfortunately, the Golden Bulls' offense started their next drive at their own two yard line. Junior running back
LeAnder Barney (Erie, PA) was tackled in the end zone giving the Bears a safety. The first quarter ended with JCSU ahead 7-2. Andres Magallon added three more points on the board for Shaw with a 30 yard field goal.
JCSU matched the score later in the quarter with a 38 yard field goal from freshman kicker
Erik Amaya (Kannapolis, NC). On the ensuing drive, Grizzle scored off a 40 yard run up the middle. The touchdown gave Shaw a 12-10 lead, their first of the game. The first half ended with the score the same.
The Golden Bulls fell into a deeper deficit after being outscored 20-9 in the third quarter. Amaya kicked a 22 yard field goal and senior running back
Denzel Hartley (Lithonia, GA) had a 25 yard touchdown run. The extra point attempt missed after the TD, which accounted for JCSU's nine points.
Trevius Folston checked in at quarterback and engineered the three touchdown drives in the third. Ta'Juan Brown had a 53 yard TD reception from Folston at the beginning of the quarter. Folston had a two yard scramble cross the goal line later in the period, followed up by Grizzle with a 10 yard touchdown run.
The run from Hartley took place towards the end of the third and made the score 32-19 in favor of Shaw. Junior quarterback
Andrew Alexander (Charlotte, NC) stepped in for an injured Wallace throughout the second half. He threw a 16 yard touchdown pass to Capers for the first score of the fourth quarter.
JCSU closed the gap and only faced a 32-26 deficit with 9:58 remaining in the game. The Bears advantage grew with a 44 yard TD from Folston to David Jordan on the next possession. The Golden Bulls eventually responded with their own touchdown reception. Alexander linked up with freshman offensive back
Evan Jones (Stone Mountain, GA) for an eight yard score.
Down 39-33 with 3:29 on the clock, JCSU had a golden opportunity with a late turnover. Grizzle fumbled near midfield and sophomore linebacker
Austin Jacques (Springdale, MD) recovered at the Shaw 46 yard line. Despite the turnover, the Golden Bulls offense stalled and gave the ball back to the Bears.
Shaw ran out the clock and advanced in the standings. JCSU lost their third consecutive games and fourth loss in five contests; the team started the season 3-0.
Alexander impressively managed the offense in the second half to produced 174 yards passing, completing 18 of 31 attempts with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Wallace completed 12 of 18 passes for 77 yards with a TD and an interception before leaving the game. Senior receiver
Chris Patterson (Pendleton, SC) caught nine passes for 82, followed by Capers with six catches for 51 yards and two scores.
Hartley had 42 yards rushing off six carries and a touchdown, while Barney had a season-low seven yards off 11 attempts. Allen had a team-high seven tackles (five solo) and a fumble recovery.
The Golden Bulls look to snap their winless streak in the next contest against Saint Augustine's University on Saturday, November 2nd. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at Southeast Raleigh High School in Raleigh, NC.
