Virginia Union 15, Johnson C. Smith 7

September 17, 2005

Charlotte, NC - The Panthers of Virginia Union University (2-2, 1-0 CIAA) capitalized on several opportunities en route to a 15-7 victory over Johnson C. Smith University (0-4, 0-1 CIAA) in Charlotte, NC. The first quarter was a defensive standoff between both teams as neither the Panthers or Golden Bulls would score within the first 15 minutes of play.

The theory that the first team to score would ultimately win the game held true tonight as the Panthers converted on a 70-yard touchdown pass from John Grier to Herb Jones with 13:32 remaining in the 2nd quarter to take the first lead of the game.

JCSU's first and only score of the day came via a handoff that turned into a fumble by Grier. The fumble was recovered by senior George Pope, III giving the Golden Bulls great field position at the 18-yard line. Freshman tailback, Andre' Williams ran the ball to the 13-yard line for a 2nd and five situation. On the very next play, freshman quarterback Carlton Richardson found a wide open Ernest Hodge in the end zone for six points. A good point after touchdown by Herbert Collins, III tied the score at seven-all.

While many of the 2,700 fans in attendance thought this would have been an overtime thriller, the Panthers had another thought in mind. Michael Hampton broke several tackles running 42 yards into the end zone and putting the Panthers up by a touchdown. A fake kick on the ensuing PAT resulted in a two-point conversion and an eight point lead.

"We played well enough to win," said a disheartened Daryl C. McNeill. "We had a couple breakdowns in our special teams that allowed them to score in the end. We know this is something we need to work on in order to be successful."

Next up for JCSU will be the Tigers of St. Paul's College (1-3, 0-1 CIAA) in the 2nd of a three-game home stand. Game time is slated for 6:00 pm at the Irwin Belk Complex. Virginia Union will host the Rams of Winston-Salem State at 6:00 pm in Richmond, VA.