CHARLOTTE, N.C. - CIAA head-to-head action was in full force this weekend and produced some big results, highlighted by Johnson C. Smith who squeezed out a 21-16 victory over reigning champion Virginia Union to improve to 4-0.
Winston-Salem State def. Virginia State, 15-14
Coming off a week two victory, Winston-Salem State had the tall task of facing off with Virginia State on their home turf. The Trojans held a 14-6 lead with just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but a 78-yard touchdown run by the Rams cut the lead to two points with time winding down. Winston-Salem would eventually connect on a game-winning 20-yard field goal to clinch their third victory of the season.
Shaw def. Lincoln (PA), 48-14
Shaw displayed a strong, balanced offensive attack this weekend with 249 yards through the air and 245 yards on the ground as they took care of business with a 48-14 win against Lincoln (PA). Despite the loss, the Lions still displayed a formidable offensive attack of their own, totaling 274 yards of offense.
Fayetteville State def. Elizabeth City State, 31-7
The first half of the West End Classic was relatively quiet, as Fayetteville State carried a 7-0 lead into the break. The second half sang a much different tune as the Broncos would explode for 24 points while holding the Vikings to just seven points total, en route to the 31-7 victory.
Bowie State def. Livingstone, 31-17
Bowie State and Livingstone went head-to-head for the fourth time in as many seasons this weekend. The Bulldogs carried a 17-0 lead heading into halftime and continued to keep their foot on the gas, as they’d add another two touchdowns and come out on top, 31-17. Both teams found much success on the ground, as Bowie State rushed for 207 yards while the Blue Bears managed 173 yards.
Johnson C. Smith def. Virginia Union, 21-16
The weekend concluded with undefeated Johnson C. Smith hitting the road to take on Virginia Union. The game was a gritty, low-scoring affair, with the Golden Bulls taking a 14-9 lead into halftime. After a fourth-quarter touchdown, the Panthers cut the deficit back to five but were unable to take the lead, as Johnson C. Smith came out on top, 21-16, and remains undefeated at 4-0.
Next week's schedule will see 10 teams take the field in week four of the 2024 football season.
WEEKLY HONORS
Below are the weekly honors:
NAME: Darius Ocean
POSITION: Quarterback
CLASS: Junior
HOMETOWN: Raleigh, N.C.
Ocean led the passing attack, completing 17 of 28 attempts for 282 yards. He threw one touchdown and had no interceptions, with his longest pass being 56 yards. He was sacked twice.
NAME: Trevon Hester
POSITION: Running Back
CLASS: Junior
HOMETOWN: Greensboro, N.C.
Trevon had a huge day for the Rams against Virginia State on September 21st. On 28 rushing attempts, Hester rushed for 143 yards. Trevon played a key role in the game-winning drive in the 15-14 victory over Virginia State. He finished with a net of 141 yards and his longest run was for 23 yards.
NAME: Ah'shaan Belcher
POSITION: Wide Receiver
CLASS: R-Senioe
HOMETOWN: Jamesville, N.C.
Belcher topped last week's record-breaking performance with a three-total touchdown outing catching two first-half scores and throwing for a touchdown at the second-quarter buzzer.
NAME: Keith Quick
POSITION: Offensive Lineman
CLASS: Senior
HOMETOWN: Greensboro, N.C.
Quick graded out the highest among the OL, he helped the line secure the game-winning field goal helping the Rams secure the 15-14 victory. He anchored the line that totaled 257 yards rushing yards and 372 total offense.
NAME: Jalen Alexander
POSITION: Defensive End
CLASS: Junior
HOMETOWN: Charlotte, N.C.
Jalen Alexander was a force on the field, recording eight total tackles (5 solo and 3 assisted). He made 3.5 tackles for loss (TFL) totaling 11 yards and achieved 2 sacks for a loss of 9 yards.
NAME: Elijah Casey
POSITION: Linebacker
CLASS: Junior
HOMETOWN: Douglasville, GA.
Elijah recorded a total of 9 tackles, including 3 solo tackles and 6 assisted tackles in FSU's victory over ECSU. His impact on the game was further highlighted by his 1.0 tackle for loss, contributing to a loss of 1 yard for the opposing team. He was also instrumental in holding ECSU's offense to only 154 yards for the entire game.
NAME: Reagzon Mackey
POSITION: Cornerback
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Raleigh, N.C.
Mackey helped lead a Shaw secondary that locked down the pre-season CIAA QB selection forcing three interceptions and just 84 yards. The sophomore from Gastonia, NC came away with five total tackles, one tackle for loss, and an interception returned for a 45-yard touchdown sealing the Bears 48-14 CIAA opening win over Lincoln.
NAME: Gilberto Lorenzana
POSITION: Kicker/Punter
CLASS: R-Freshman
HOMETOWN: Huntersville, N.C.
Against Virginia State, Lorozanna recorded 288 kickoff yards, with one touchback. Lorenzana also went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts. Lorozanna was the hero for the Rams, as he kicked the game-winning 20-yard field goal with three seconds left to go sealing the 15-14 victory for the Rams.
NAME: Kevin Taylor
POSITION: Quarterback
CLASS: Sophomore
HOMETOWN: Waldorf, MD.
Taylor led BSU's passing attack with 145 yards through the air, tossing two touchdowns and one interception. The signal caller also added 47 yards and one touchdown on the ground in the Bulldogs victory over Livingstone, 31-17.
The freshman quarterback has improved each game this season, tacking 437 passing yards on 39-72 pass completions and five TDs.