WINSTON-SALEM – Johnson C. Smith University continued its historic season Saturday afternoon, defeating Winston-Salem State 24-15 in front of 8,460 fans at Bowman Gray Stadium. The Golden Bulls improved to 8-0 on the season while maintaining their top-20 national ranking in NCAA Division II.
Quarterback Darius Ocean led a balanced JCSU offense, completing 23 of 38 passes for 262 yards and a touchdown. His primary target, Brevi Caldwell, hauled in 11 receptions for 127 yards, consistently moving the chains throughout the contest.
The Golden Bulls established control early, with running back Kamarr Edmonds finding the end zone on a 6-yard run late in the first quarter. Edmonds finished with an impressive 102 yards on just 11 carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His versatility was on display when he caught a 27-yard touchdown pass from Ocean in the third quarter, extending JCSU’s lead to 17-0.
Winston-Salem State’s offense struggled to find rhythm against JCSU’s swarming defense. The Rams were limited to just 39 rushing yards on 23 attempts, while quarterback Daylin Lee completed only 10 of 25 passes for 116 yards. Despite the offensive challenges, WSSU’s defense kept them in the game, led by Jupe Alston’s 11 tackles.
The game’s momentum briefly shifted in the third quarter when WSSU’s Narique Smith intercepted Ocean and returned it 37 yards for a pick-six, cutting the lead to 17-7. However, JCSU responded with a methodical drive in the fourth quarter, capped by Quavaris Crouch’s 2-yard touchdown run to push the lead back to 24-7.
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The Rams mounted a late comeback attempt, with Lee finding Kaleb Washington for a touchdown with 1:57 remaining in the game. However, JCSU’s defense held firm to secure the victory.
Johnson C. Smith’s defense was anchored by Jack Smith and Benari Black, who each recorded seven tackles. The Golden Bulls controlled the time of possession battle, holding the ball for over 37 minutes while converting 6 of 16 third-down attempts.
A notable difference in the game came in the punting department. While WSSU’s Devin Versteegen averaged an impressive 50.2 yards on 10 punts, including seven kicks of 50+ yards, JCSU’s Jacob Meneses helped control field position by placing three of his five punts inside the 20-yard line.
The victory marks another milestone in JCSU’s remarkable season, as they entered the game ranked 19th in the AFCA Division II Poll and 21st in the D2football.com Poll. The Golden Bulls’ balanced attack generated 412 total yards (262 passing, 150 rushing) while their defense limited WSSU to just 155 total yards.
WSSU’s offense managed only six first downs throughout the game, struggling particularly in the first half when they were held scoreless. The Rams’ top rusher, Trevon Hester, was limited to 16 yards on 12 carries against JCSU’s stout defensive front.
For Johnson C. Smith, the victory keeps their perfect season intact as they continue their march through CIAA competition. Their defense has been particularly impressive, showing versatility in both stopping the run and defending the pass, with three different players recording pass breakups against WSSU.
Winston-Salem State falls to 6-3 on the season, despite another strong defensive showing. The Rams’ defense, led by Alston and Justin Fleming’s 10 tackles, forced one turnover and recorded multiple tackles for loss, but the offense couldn’t capitalize on these opportunities.
Up Next
Both teams have in-state CIAA rival Fayetteville State on the schedule next with Johnson C. Smith hosting the Broncos next Saturday for Senior Day while Winston-Salem State takes a week off before hosting Fayetteville State for Homecoming to close the season.
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