CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Johnson C. Smith University football team delivered a thrilling overtime victory Saturday, defeating Virginia State University 39-33 at the Irwin Belk Complex. The Golden Bulls rallied behind a balanced offensive attack and a decisive touchdown in overtime to secure the win.
JCSU (6-2, 5-1 CIAA) established control early, taking a 3-0 lead after a 25-yard field goal by
Alexis Rosario-Beltran capped a 16-play, 77-yard opening drive.
The Golden Bulls extended their advantage in the second quarter when
Fabian Duncan scored on an 11-yard run to make it 10-0. Virginia State responded with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Rahsaan Matthews Jr. to Jaylen Pretlow, cutting the deficit to 10-7.
JCSU answered with a 36-yard touchdown reception by
Brian Lane from quarterback
Damien Mazil. After Virginia State added a rushing touchdown, the Golden Bulls capitalized on a defensive two-point conversion return by
Divine Ohiaeri to maintain their lead.
Duncan added another touchdown, catching an 11-yard pass from Mazil with 1:15 remaining in the first half. The score gave Johnson C. Smith a 26-13 advantage heading into halftime.
Virginia State (7-2, 6-1 CIAA) mounted a comeback in the third quarter, scoring twice to tie the game at 26-26. However, the Golden Bulls responded with an explosive play as Mazil connected with Reggie Brigman for a 64-yard touchdown.
The Trojans continued to battle, tying the game at 33-33 with a touchdown pass from Matthews Jr. to Nazir McKenzie. Neither team managed another score, sending the contest into overtime.
In the extra period, Johnson C. Smith needed just three plays to find the end zone. Duncan broke through for a 14-yard rushing touchdown, securing the 39-33 victory and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Mazil led the Golden Bulls' offensive effort with 256 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Duncan contributed 203 total yards, including two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Brigman added 98 receiving yards, highlighted by his 64-yard scoring reception.
For Virginia State, Matthews Jr. accounted for 476 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Pretlow recorded 117 receiving yards and a touchdown.
