For the first time since 1969Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls DEFEAT CIAAA FOOTBALL MOUNTAIN, CIAAA FOOTBALL MOUNTAIN, 45-21 in conference title game.
While this is Johnson C. Smith’s second CIAA championship in school history, it is its first in the championship game, having lost in the opening game in 1970 and 1972.
Golden bulls take revenge on panthers, who beat them 28-10 in the regular season On September 20.
The win also ends Virginia Commonwealth’s championship streak entering this contest.
Kelvin Durham had a career performance for the Golden Bulls, going 29-of-29 passing yards with a career-tying 455 passing yards with five passing touchdowns.
His top receiver, Deandre Proctor, had a season-high 146 seven receiving yards and scored two touchdowns. Reggie Brigman made two of his three receptions from 61 yards out.
Despite the loss, CIAA quarterback Curtis Allen had a strong performance, rushing for 253 yards and 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson C. Smith set the tone for the game on the first defensive possession with a fumble by Daryl Taybron, forcing a fumble attempt by Allen and a handoff in Plus territory.
Two plays later, the Golden Bulls found the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Brigman for Durham’s first points of the game.
On one Virginia Commonwealth offensive possession, the ball was once again passed to Johnson C. Smith, a layup by Latrae Bass.
This time, the Panthers, as an errant fumble by the Golden Bulls receivers, overcame the return to pick off a touchdown, leading to an open layup for Jayden Earley.
However, the offense finished with Jaehlan Joyner punching into the end zone for a touchdown to even the score.
It was the first drive between both teams that ended with the Golden Bulls leading 21-14 at 21-14.
In the second half, Johnson C. Smith began to create separation after limiting Virginia Commonwealth to one field goal at the half, then limiting Virginia Commonwealth to one field goal.
After averting disaster, preventing a turnover, Durham found Prockfield for Durham’s 58-yard touchdown pass.
Then, on Virginia Commonwealth’s first offensive play after the score, they turned the ball over once again, getting a high-sail pass that was intercepted by Tynan Tucker.
The Golden Bulls would build on their lead with a QB keeper converted by Durham for a touchdown in a 35-14 win.
That would be the beginning of the end for Virginia Commonwealth as Johnson C. Smith converted a field goal and scored another touchdown for Insurance.
Johnson C. Smith is now looking forward to what would become the Division II Playoff Championship in school history.
Ranked third in a series of rankings in the most recent Super Regional, it is guaranteed to host first-round contests.
Meanwhile, Virginia Commonwealth II is expected to make the playoff field, but the questions now will be whether they will start at home or on the road after this loss.
The NCAA is expected to announce Tomorrow’s Sectional by Sectional by 6:00 a.m. tomorrow on NCAA.com.
