JC Smith (3-0) avoids trap to set up clash at Virginia Union

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Johnson C. Smith running back Bobby Smith has become an immediate contributor for the Golden Bulls with a pair of rushing touchdowns in his first three games. He rushed for 66 yards and a score on 16 carries in a 21-17 win against Elizabeth City State on Sept. 13, 2025.

Sometimes, it’s best to just get away.

Johnson C. Smith improved to 3-0 with a 21-17 win at Elizabeth City State, but it wasn’t easy. After falling behind 14-3 in the second quarter, the Vikings reeled off a pair of touchdowns to go ahead midway through the third quarter only to have the No. 23 (Division II media national poll) Golden Bulls rally on Kelvin Durham’s 62-yard scoring pass to Reggie Daniel – his lone catch of the game – with 3:51 to play.

JCSU found nearly found out the peril of looking past a winless opponent. ECSU (0-3), which lost previously to Chowan (28-24) and FCS Hampton (27-20) were on the verge of snagging an upset win until Durham and Daniels connected to flip the result.  Statistically, the Golden Bulls and Vikings were relatively even with JCSU compiling 358 yards compared to the Vikings’ 298 and the Golden Bulls held possession for 30 minutes, 29 seconds.

Red zone efficiency was an issue for JCSU, which turned one of four trips inside ECSU’s 20 into a touchdown. The others resulted in fourth down failure, and a missed 29-yard field goal try. The Vikings made good on both possessions inside the Golden Bulls’ 20.

Riding with KD 

Quarterback Kelvin Durham turned in another strong performance, hitting 18-of-24 passes for 198 yards and the game-winning score to Daniel. He added 18 rushing yards on four carries. 

Durham continues to spread the ball, with six Golden Bulls catching at least one pass and four grabbing at least two. Biggie Proctor led the way with seven receptions for 35 yards while running backs Antonio Crim and Avante caught three for 53 and two for 23 respectively.

MATT LACZKO | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Johnson C. Smith is 11-1 over the last two seasons when limiting opponents to 17 points or fewer, including three in as many games in 2025.

New backs contribute

With Kamarro Edmonds out (leg), there are more opportunities for Golden Bulls backs to rise to the occasion. In addition to his work as a receiver, Crim, a transfer from UNC Pembroke, showed his worth with four carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. His 56-yard gallop in the first quarter put JCSU in front 7-3. Bobby Smith led JCSU with 66 yards rushing and a score on 16 carries. 

Magic number 

For Smith’s defense, it’s 17. That’s what Elizabeth City mustered, and it’s a season-high allowed by the Golden Bulls, who are 11-1 over the last two seasons against teams scoring 17 points or less. The exception is Livingstone, which beat JCSU 15-10 in last year’s finale.

The Golden Bulls limited ECSU to 298 yards, but 91 came on a Christopher Perkins pass to Ka’Trez Bracey to cut the Vikings’ deficit to 14-10 in the second quarter. Otherwise, JCSU forced Elizabeth City State to earn everything. 

Kristian Eanes paced the Golden Bulls with six tackles and Jalen Alexander was in on a sack for the third straight game. As team JCSU racked up three sacks and six tackles for loss against the Vikings.

Anticipating Virginia Union

After averting an upset at ECSU, the Golden Bulls turn their attention to Virginia Union (1-1, No. 13 coaches, No. 15 media) in a clash of nationally ranked squads. CIAA coaches picked the Panthers first in their preseason poll while the Golden Bulls were second. 

The game counts in the conference standings for JCSU while it’s not for Virginia Union due to the CIAA including only the final seven conference games in its standings. Smith’s win at ECSU, as a result, is considered a nonconference game.

Virginia Union, which lost to Edward Waters 41-38 Saturday on Ryan Gagne’s 35-yard field goal on the final play, rallied from a 28-17 deficit at the end of the third. The Panthers are paced by running back Curtis Allen, (332 yards rushing, four TDs in two games) rushed for 151 yards and two scores on 24 carries against Edward Waters.

The headline corrects Johnson C. Smith's overall record.

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