ELIZABETH CITY – In a high-stakes showdown at Roebuck Stadium, the Elizabeth City State Vikings clashed with the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Saturday afternoon matchup, which was part of the homecoming celebrations, showcased both the indomitable spirit of the Vikings and the unyielding determination of the Golden Bulls.
First Half: Vikings Surge Ahead
The Vikings got off to a roaring start when Carson Hancock kicked a 34-yard field goal, setting the tone for a hard-fought contest. The Vikings' formidable "Code Blue" defense made several crucial stops, allowing junior quarterback Donoven Davenport to capitalize with a remarkable 37-yard touchdown run. Hancock's successful field goal attempt added to the momentum, giving the Vikings a commanding 10-0 lead.
As the first quarter unfolded, the Vikings maintained their grip on the game. Hancock continued to impress, nailing a 26-yard field goal. Demorian Smith led the defensive charge, racking up a team-high six tackles. A blocked Vikings field goal attempt led to a Johnson C. Smith score, but with only 10 seconds remaining in the half, Davenport connected with Ian Edwards for an 18-yard touchdown pass. The Vikings entered halftime with a comfortable 20-7 lead.
Second Half: Golden Bulls Stage a Comeback
The second half saw a remarkable turnaround as the Golden Bulls mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Vikings 21-0. The Vikings' lead slowly slipped away, and their hopes of securing a homecoming victory began to fade. In the end, it was the Golden Bulls who emerged victorious with a final score of 21-20, spoiling the Vikings' homecoming festivities.
Key Takeaways
- The game showcased the tenacity of both teams, with the Golden Bulls displaying incredible resilience in the second half to secure the win.
- Robert Adams played a pivotal role for the Golden Bulls, completing 11 of 19 passes for 125 yards.
- Ja'Qun Wilkins was a defensive force for the Golden Bulls, blocking a kick, returning a missed field goal for a touchdown, and recording an interception.
What's Next
The Vikings football team will return to Roebuck Stadium on October 7th for their annual pink game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where they will face off against Virginia Union with a kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. On the other hand, the Golden Bulls will hit the road for their third consecutive away game as they take on the Shaw University Bears on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Durham County Stadium.
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