How good is JC Smith? D2 titan Valdosta State a challenge

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Johnson C. Smith defensive end Jalen Alexander (6), a South Mecklenburg High graduate, snagged an interception and half a sack in the Golden Bulls' 45-9 win against Morehouse in Boston.

The competitive part of Johnson C. Smith’s football season is here.

The Golden Bulls, who play Division II No. 12 Valdosta State Saturday at McGirt Field, warmed up with a 45-9 rout of Morehouse. The Blazers, who advanced to the 2024 national title game, beat Clark Atlanta 31-28 in coach Graham Craig’s debut. Valdosta State, which went ahead for good on Matt Rolader’s 24-yard field goal with 8:03 in the fourth quarter, outgained Clark Atlanta 423-355, with 188 yards on the ground.

JCSU didn’t have much trouble against Morehouse, jumping to a 26-3 advantage at intermission and cruising in the second half. Offensively, the Golden Bulls racked up 512 yards, with 303 passing. Among their 68 plays, 45 were runs, which was the opposite of what coach Maurice Flowers’ offensive tendencies. It didn’t matter much since JCSU had its way in every phase.

Quarterback Kelvin Durham was as good as pledged in his JCSU debut, connecting on 15-of-19 passes for 270 yards and three scores. A capable runner as well, Durham, a transfer from Fort Valley State, added 25 yards on four carries and another score.

Durham wasn’t perfect with an interception among the four misfires, but he spread the ball around, made the right reads and benefited from a clean pocket that didn’t yield a sack.

The Golden Bulls were close to flawless against Morehouse. Eight JCSU receivers caught at least one pass, and none of them were two-time All-CIAA Brevin Caldwell. Newcomer Brian Lane led the pack with six receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown while Deandre Proctor added four catches for 39 yards and a score while Reggie Daniel grabbed a pair for a touchdown.

Defensive dominance

The standouts for JCSU, which allowed 327 yards and forced four turnovers, were numerous. Elijah Wilson accounted for half of the Golden Bulls’ four interceptions along with four tackles and Daryl Taybron led the way with seven tackles. 

The new linebacker pairing of Harding High graduate Quavaris Crouch (three tackles and an interception) and Vincent Hill (three tackles, half-sack) were solid. Defensive end Jalen Alexander (South Mecklenburg) grabbed an interception to go with three tackles.

Miscues

There’s plenty for the Golden Bulls to clean up with Valdosta State coming to Charlotte for the second of three road games to open their season. JCSU committed 11 penalties for 110 yards and went 3-for7 on point-after kicks. Both could pose problematic against the Blazers

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