CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 29, 2025) – Week Four of CIAA football delivered high-powered offenses, game-changing defensive performances, and pivotal results that are already shaping the championship race. Virginia Union, Fayetteville State, and Livingstone all remained undefeated in conference play, while Winston-Salem State and Johnson C. Smith earned critical bounce-back wins to keep pace. Here’s how the action unfolded across the league:
No. 19 Virginia Union 59, Shaw 7
Virginia Union absolutely overwhelmed Shaw in Durham, treating the Bears as a showcase for their dominance. The Panthers piled up 633 total yards, including 483 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, to secure a statement victory.
From the opening kick, VUU dictated tempo. Curtis Allen carried 17 times for 278 yards and two scores, including a 65-yard burst in the second quarter that opened the floodgate. His efforts in the game earned him Offensive Back of the Week honors. The Panthers also found success through the air, as quarterback RJ Rosales managed the passing game efficiently, completing 10 of 16 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, VUU forced two turnovers, notched seven sacks, and smothered Shaw’s offense throughout.
Shaw’s lone highlight came in the third quarter when freshman Fabian Diggs capped a 75-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Alexander Marsh finished with 140 passing yards, while defenders Darry Felix (11 tackles, 1 interception) and Jaden Perkins (7 tackles) provided bright spots in the loss.
Winston-Salem State 28, Bowie State 21
This one had all the ingredients of a classic: big plays, back-and-forth momentum, and a finish decided in the final frame. For Winston-Salem State, it was a day that proved their passing attack is among the most dangerous in the conference.
Quarterback Daylin Lee was sharp, going 18-of-29 for 190 yards and four touchdowns, with no interceptions. His top target, Offensive Receiver of the Week Davontay Deloatch, delivered a career day with 12 receptions for 88 yards and three scores, including a clutch 49-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that pushed the Rams ahead.
Bowie State battled throughout. Quarterback Malakai Anthony threw for 232 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Micah Robinson and Antwain Banks on key drives. The Bulldogs capitalized on early WSSU miscues to stay close, but the Rams’ defense came up big in the final minutes, forcing a turnover on Bowie’s last possession to preserve the win. WSSU improves to 1-1 in the CIAA, while Bowie State drops to 0-1 despite showing fight.
Fayetteville State 34, Virginia State 14
Fayetteville State delivered one of the weekend’s signature wins, taking down Virginia State to remain unbeaten in CIAA play. The Broncos’ offense was balanced and explosive, compiling 323 total yards against a Trojan defense that had been stout through the first three weeks.
Quarterback Demari Daniels orchestrated the attack, passing for 198 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. Running back Bryc Council complemented the air game with 77 rushing yards, highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown run that provided a two-score cushion in the third quarter.
Virginia State countered with quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr., who threw for 280 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos’ defense clamped down late, forcing an interception on a potential game-tying drive in the fourth quarter. The victory kept FSU perfect in league play and dropped VSU to 0-1 in the CIAA.
Johnson C. Smith 69, Bluefield State 13
Johnson C. Smith responded forcefully after its first setback of the season, showing balance and control in a home win over Bluefield State. Quarterback Kelvin Durham passed for 297 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing score, keeping the Golden Bulls’ offense steady throughout.
Running back Bobby Smith carried 15 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns, helping JCSU wear down the Big Blue defense in the second half. His dominance on the ground helped him take home the latest Rookie of the Week honor, the first of his young career. Bluefield State’s Brice Koontz threw for 210 yards and a touchdown, but two costly turnovers in the second half stalled drives and erased any chance of a rally. JCSU pulled away with 7 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure the win and improve to 4-1 overall, 1-1 in the CIAA.
Livingstone 31, Lincoln (PA) 7
Livingstone produced its most complete performance of the season, combining defensive dominance with efficient offense to remain perfect in CIAA play. The Blue Bears jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead and never looked back.
Defensive lineman Kenyon Garner continued his dominant season and earned his second consecutive Defensive Lineman of the Week award, recording a sack and a forced fumble, while linebacker William Garner added two tackles and an interception. The unit set the tone early, consistently giving Livingstone short fields to work with.
Quarterback Elijah Alexander accounted for two touchdowns and managed the game with confidence. Lincoln’s lone score came in the fourth quarter on a short touchdown pass from Hamas Duren, who finished with 137 passing yards but was undone by an interceptions and relentless pressure from the Blue Bears’ defense.
CIAA WEEK FOUR TAKEAWAYS
WEEK FOUR PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Quarterback – Kelvin Durham, Johnson C. Smith
Durham delivered a masterful performance, bouncing back in a huge way to lead Johnson C. Smith’s explosive offensive outburst. The Golden Bulls’ signal-caller was nearly flawless, connecting on 18 of 22 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns in the 69-13 victory over Bluefield State. Durham showed his big-play ability with a 65-yard strike while also keeping the offense efficient and balanced. His command of the game fueled JCSU’s offensive rhythm from start to finish.
Offensive Back – Curtis Allen, Virginia Union
Allen was unstoppable, carving through Shaw’s defense with a dominant ground attack that set the tone for Virginia Union’s 59-7 statement win. On just 17 carries, Allen piled up an incredible 256 rushing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing both speed in the open field and power between the tackles. Every time he touched the ball, he was a threat to break loose, keeping the Panthers’ offense rolling all afternoon.
Wide Receiver – Davontay Deloatch, Winston-Salem State
Deloatch was the go-to weapon for the Rams’ passing game, making clutch plays when his team needed them most. Hauling in 12 receptions for 88 yards, Deloatch found the end zone three times, including back-to-back touchdowns in the first quarter to set the tone with an early 13-0 lead. His reliable hands and ability to finish drives were key in WSSU’s hard-fought 28-21 win, proving he’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the conference.
Offensive Lineman – Joseph Rounds, Virginia Union
Rounds anchored the trenches for a Virginia Union offense that steamrolled its way to victory. His dominance up front helped the Panthers amass a staggering 611 yards of total offense while keeping the pocket completely clean — not allowing a single sack. Rounds’ physical presence and leadership paved the way for a balanced attack that overwhelmed Shaw from the opening whistle to the final horn.
Defensive Lineman – Kenyon Garner, Livingstone
Garner was a nightmare in the backfield, disrupting plays and dictating the line of scrimmage. He tallied six total tackles, including four solo stops, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Garner racked up two sacks, forced a fumble, and even recovered one, constantly pressuring the quarterback and creating chaos for Livingstone’s defense. His relentless energy set the tone for the Blue Bears’ front line.
Linebacker – Jamieson Alston, Winston-Salem State
Alston put together a dominant performance at linebacker, flying to the football and living in the opponent’s backfield. He racked up 13 total tackles, with nine solo stops, and made game-changing plays with six tackles for loss that pushed opponents back 27 yards. His ability to diagnose plays and deliver punishing hits gave the Rams a defensive edge in their big win.
Defensive Back – Samuel Graham, Bowie State
Graham showcased his versatility and playmaking instincts, proving to be the backbone of the Bulldogs’ secondary. He piled up 10 tackles, including six solo stops, while also making game-changing plays with a strip sack and forced fumble. Add in a key pass breakup, and Graham’s all-around effort kept Bowie State’s defense a step ahead, shutting down both the air and ground attack.
Special Teams – Lukasz Smolen, Johnson C. Smith
Smolen made history while powering the Golden Bulls’ special teams. He was automatic, going a perfect nine-for-nine on extra points — a school record — in JCSU’s 69-13 rout. On kickoffs, Smolen boomed 11 attempts for 712 yards, with nine sailing into the end zone for touchbacks. His consistency and leg strength ensured Johnson C. Smith controlled field position all game long.
Rookie – Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith
Smith continued to shine as one of the CIAA’s most exciting young playmakers. The rookie running back showcased poise and power, rushing for 93 yards on 15 carries and finding the end zone twice in the Golden Bulls’ victory. His ability to keep drives alive and punch in scores added another layer of explosiveness to JCSU’s high-powered offense.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
For more information, visit theciaa.com and follow the CIAA on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.