Johnson C. Smith’s fight to stay in the CIAA championship race will live on another week following a 52-27 win over Winston-Salem State.
The Golden Bulls have now won four straight since suffering their only loss of the season against Virginia Union, improving to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in CIAA play.
This is the third time in the last four games Johnson C. Smith has scored at least 50 points, marking the most it has had in a season in school history.
Star quarterback Kelvin Durham led an efficient passing attack for the Golden Bulls, compiling 351 passing yards on 73% completions and scoring three touchdowns. He also rushed for 74 yards on six attempts, including two touchdowns.
For the second straight game, top receivers Deandre Proctor and Brian Lane each recorded over 100 receiving yards, combining for 263 on 18 receptions and accounting for all of the team’s passing touchdowns.
Freshman running back Bobby Smith notched his first career 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 102 rushing yards on 21 attempts and two touchdowns.
Johnson C. Smith took control of this game in the first half, out-gaining Winston-Salem State 253-135 and taking a 28-6 lead at halftime.
The Golden Bulls limited WSSU to three first downs in the first half, holding them to 0-4 on third-down conversion attempts.
Although the Rams would fight valiantly, with quarterback Daylin Lee accounting for three touchdowns in the final period, the damage was done as the Golden Bulls sealed the win with a 60-yard touchdown pass connection from Durham to Proctor.
With the win, Johnson C. Smith keeps pace with Fayetteville State and Virginia Union, each of whom garnered wins over Shaw and Bowie State, respectively, to remain unbeaten in conference competition.
Next week, it is win or go home for the Golden Bulls when they go on the road, facing elimination in the CIAA championship race in a matchup against Fayetteville State.
