CHARLOTTE – In a tight matchup on a warm Saturday afternoon, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls secured a 21-16 victory over Virginia Union at Irwin Belk Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. With the win, JCSU improves to 4-0 on the season.
JCSU’s offense, led by quarterback Darius Ocean, outgained VUU 400 yards to 180. Ocean completed 17 of 28 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown. His primary target was receiver Brevin Caldwell, who caught 9 passes for 140 yards.
The ground game proved crucial for JCSU, with running back Quavari Crouch scoring two rushing touchdowns. Crouch and teammate Kamarro Edmonds each rushed for 53 yards on the day.
Virginia Union’s offense struggled to find its rhythm, managing only 40 rushing yards on 24 attempts. Quarterback Mark Wright completed 13 of 19 passes for 140 yards, with Ricky Key Jr. being his top receiver, catching 4 passes for 73 yards.
JCSU took an early lead in the first quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Crouch. VUU responded with a 42-yard field goal by Brady Myers. The second quarter saw JCSU extend their lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ocean to Crouch, while VUU’s Jada Byers scored on a 1-yard run.
The third quarter belonged to JCSU, with Crouch scoring his second rushing touchdown. VUU attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, with Byers scoring another touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
Despite the loss, VUU’s defense showed resilience, forcing two JCSU fumbles and blocking a field goal attempt. Jerome Jones led the VUU defense with 10 tackles, including one for a loss.
Up Next
JCSU looks to extend their season-opening win streak on the road at Bluefield State in another CIAA matchup
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