Courtesy of JCSU Athletics
CHARLOTTE – The Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) football team is 3-0 this season, for the first time since 2013, and scored over 50 points that same year (58 points against Bowie State, 58-41). The Golden Bulls had an impressive display of dominance in this HBCU football contest, JCSU took control of the game right from the start and never looked back defeating Lincoln (Pa) 52-6 on Saturday afternoon.
Ja’qun Wilkins set the tone with an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, followed by Jacob Meneses’ successful kick, putting JCSU up 7-0. Quavaris Crouch extended the lead with a two-yard run, capping off an 11-play, 73-yard drive.
In the second quarter, Meneses added a 27-yard field goal after a 10-play, 60-yard drive, increasing the lead to 17-0. Crouch struck again with a 32-yard run, completing a quick one-play, 32-yard drive in just three seconds. Meneses’ kick brought the score to 24-0.
The Lions Isaiah Freeman finally put his team on the board with a five-yard run, but the kick failed, making it 24-6, which would be the lone score for the Lions.
Right before halftime Kamarro Edmonds responded with an 11-yard run for JCSU, finishing a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
Crouch continued his stellar performance with another two-yard run, concluding a five-play, 92-yard drive. Meneses’ kick extended the lead to 38-6. Brevin Caldwell caught an 80-yard pass from Darius Ocean on a single play, with Meneses’ kick making it 45-6.
In the final quarter, Mason Lawson sealed the game with a 10-yard run, ending a six-play, 67-yard drive. Meneses’ kick brought the final score to 52-6.
Benari Black led the defense with a total of 8 tackles, including five solo. He also contributed 1.5 tackles for loss for one yard. Jack Smith was another key player, recording seven tackles. He added one tackle for loss.
Both players were instrumental in maintaining a strong defensive front, helping to secure a decisive victory for Johnson C. Smith.
Darius Ocean had an outstanding performance in the passing game for JCSU. He completed 18 out of 26 pass attempts, amassing a total of 331 yards. Ocean threw for one touchdown and had no interceptions, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making skills. His longest pass of the game was an impressive 80 yards, and he managed to avoid being sacked throughout the game.
Edmonds and Crouch led the rushing attack for JCSU with impressive performances. Edmonds carried the ball eight times, gaining 52 yards. He scored one touchdown, with his longest run being 12 yards. Crouch had five carries, gaining 43 yards. He scored three touchdowns, with his longest run being 32 yards.
Up next, the JCSU football will take on the defending CIAA champs, the Panthers of Virginia Union University on Saturday, September 21. This HBCU football Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m.