JCSU celebrates their fifth consecutive victory in the Commemorative Classic with a 34-17 win over Livingstone
Box Score Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University football team sparked the 2013 season with a 34-17 victory over Livingstone College in the annual Commemorative Classic played at Charlotte Memorial Stadium on September 7th. JCSU instantly moves to first place in the CIAA Southern Division with a 1-0 record overall, in conference, and division; while the Blue Bears fall to 0-1 in the same categories.
The first quarter started off with a defensive tone from both teams. Freshman kicker
Erik Amaya (Kannapolis, NC) managed to score the only points of the quarter with a 36 yard field goal. The scoring became much more rampant in the second quarter for JCSU. Junior quarterback
Andrew Alexander (Charlotte, NC) connected with sophomore receiver
Fred Scott (Stone Mountain, GA) on two separate occasions for touchdowns.
First, Alexander hit Scott for a 28 yard scoring reception to give the Golden Bulls a 10-0 lead. Alexander later found Scott for a 12 yard score to put JCSU ahead 20-0. Amaya kicked a 34 yard field goal in between the scoring drives. Livingstone finally put three points on the scoreboard with a 25 yard boot from Leonardo Manzo. The field goal concluded a nine play, 67 yard drive for the Blue Bears.
Junior linebacker
Darius Wallace (Sumter, SC) blocked a punt deep in Livingstone territory slightly before the first half drew to a close. The Golden Bulls recovered on the two yard line and junior running back
LeAnder Barney (Erie, PA) crossed the goal line on his first carry. JCSU held a 27-3 lead going into the locker rooms at halftime.
Livingstone produced two scoring drives in the second half. Justin Forte threw a halfback pass to Jalen Hendricks for a 10 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. Drew Powell found Miles Harris for a 21 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The score brought the Blue Bears' deficit to 27-17 with 8:33 remaining in regulation.
Alexander sealed the win and capped off his day with a third touchdown throw at the 3:07 mark. This time he connected with senior tight end
Jimmy Drye, Jr. (Concord, NC) from 16 yards out.
JCSU generated 306 yards of total offense off 65 plays including 124 yards on the ground. Alexander was a productive 11-of-26 passing for 182 yards and three TDs. Barney rushed for 107 yards off 18 attempts and a rushing score.
Fred Scott was named Commemorative Classic Most Valuable Player with six catches, 107 yards, and two touchdowns receiving.
Freshman punter
Matias Lambrecht (Venice, FL) did a great job flipping the field for the Golden Bulls' defense. Lambrecht had six punts averaging 46.7 yards each with a long of 62 yards. On defense, junior linebacker
Jerel Miller (Rock Hill, SC) led the team with 11 tackles (4 solo) including two for a loss of 15 yards, a force fumble, and a sack and a half on the night.
JCSU forced and recovered three fumbles and got to the quarterback for nine sacks. Livingstone was held to 49 yards rushing off 32 attempts.
The Golden Bulls look to build momentum against their next opponent Bowie State University. JCSU will clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday, September 14th in the Eddie McGirt Classic at Irwin Belk Complex. The McGirt Classic marks the JCSU home opener with a 2:00 p.m. kickoff.
