Johnson C. Smith 40, Virginia Union 37, OT

RICHMOND, VA – September 23, 2006 - It took five overtime sessions, which equated to nearly four hours of gridiron play to propel Johnson C. Smith University (3-1, 1-1 CIAA) to a 40-37 victory over the home Panthers of Virginia Union University (2-2, 0-2 CIAA).

JCSU ended a seven-game losing streak to the Panthers dating back to 1997. The last time the Golden Bulls defeated Virginia Union was in 1996 (38-25) and coincidentally, Daryl C. McNeill was the head coach. This was also JCSU’s first conference victory since the 2003 season when they defeated Livingstone College 20-18.

“In my 24 years of coaching, this is the most exciting game I have ever coached,” remarked a delighted but exhausted Daryl C. McNeill. “I have never been through five overtimes in my career. Our kids never gave up. Both teams were picked to finish last in their respective divisions, and this game is a testament that both programs are up and coming”.

The game would start out as all JCSU beginning with the throw and catch by quarterback Donja’ Goodson, making his first start of the season for an injured Carlton Richardson and senior wide-out Marquis Belton. The two connected for a 34 yard touchdown with 7:41 remaining in the first quarter. On the next drive by the Panthers, junior cornerback De’Audra Dix blocked a punt returning it 40-yards for a touchdown putting the Bulls up 14-0.

The second quarter would again see the Bulls score on a nine yard pass from Goodson to senior tight end Eddie Minter. That would be the only score of the second half sending JCSU into the intermission up by 21 points.

Just when JCSU thought they had the game sealed, here came the Panthers. Virginia Union held JCSU to a three-and-out on their initial drive out of the locker room. Lamar Little connected with Philip Taylor twice in the right corner of the end zone to give VUU their first score of the game. On the ensuing kick-off Dix used some skillful running to take the ball 91 yards for a touchdown. Little once again found a wide open Taylor in the end zone cutting the deficit to 14 points (38-14).

The fourth quarter would be all VUU. The Panthers scored quick in the quarter only using two plays for 80 yards to bring the lead to within one touchdown. On the very next drive for JCSU, Goodson threw an interception giving Virginia Union excellent field position on JCSU’s 20-yard line. The Panthers turned that into 7 points and all of a sudden JCSU’s lead was now a tied ball game with 1 minute and 18 seconds in regulation.

In the first overtime, Dix blocked the field goal attempt giving his time a chance at the victory. The Gold and Blue would come up short on a missed 42-yard field goal attempt by Drew Vezina.

The second overtime saw Goodson throw another interception on just the second play of the drive. All the Panthers had to do was score with either a field goal or a touchdown. Here came Dix again. He blocked yet another field goal attempt giving JCSU another chance at the victory.

Lamar Little finally found an open target in the middle of the end zone in the third overtime. NCAA rules specify that in the third overtime and longer, each team has to go for a two point conversion after a touchdown…and the Panther failed to convert on the play. JCSU used a few pass plays to put them at the one yard line where similar to last week Ernest Hodge powered the ball into the end zone knotting the game at 34-all. JCSU failed the two-point conversion and here came overtime number four.

Vezina missed a 50-yard field goal attempt and now the Panthers had a chance at victory. With the ball at the JCSU 20-yard line, Little connected with someone from JCSU’s team (Steven Williams) for an interception and more life for the Gold and Blue.

In the fifth over time, Virginia Union went on offense first. Hugo Flores-Diaz converted a 26-yard field goal to put the Panthers up 37-34. JCSU either had to kick a field goal to tie or score a touchdown. It would only take two plays for junior Yannick Murray using a hosts of blockers for him to march 25 yards down the field and putting JCSU up 40-37.

Frederick Williams was the team’s leading defender with 15 tackles (2 solo, 13 assisted). However, the game ball would definitely have to go to De’Audra Dix who blocked two field goals, blocked a punt returning it 40 yards for a touchdown. He also returned a  kick-off 91 yards for a touchdown.

On paper, the Panthers should have won the game racking up on 502 yards of total offense compared to 262 for the Golden Bulls. However, special teams won this game.

“De’Audra Dix had one of the best games in Smith history from a special teams perspective,” said McNeill. “I am glad we were able to come out with the victory and I am so happy for our kids, our program, and the university.”

Next up for the Golden Bull will be the Tigers of St. Paul’s College on September 30, 2006. SPC defeated Fayetteville State 24-21 this evening. Game time is scheduled for 1:30 pm in Lawrenceville, Va.