Oct. 27, 2007

Final Stats

Charlotte, NC - The Broncos play the role of "the spoiler" during Johnson C. Smith's Homecoming game and keep their hopes alive for the CIAA Western Division crown with a 31-21 victory.

Fayetteville State got off to a great start on the very first drive. Freshman running back Travis Green (Ahoskie, NC) capped off an 11 play, 53 yard drive with a one yard touchdown dash; putting the Broncos up 7-0. On the ensuing kickoff, JCSU's DeAudra Dix made a big return to the 50 yard line before fumbling. Freshman safety Nate Hudgens recovered for FSU, putting the offense in excellent field position.

The offense wasted no time going for the score. On the play following the fumble recovery, Bryan Hardy (Vanceboro, NC) threw a 30 yard touchdown strike to junior receiver Bobby Wilder. The score put Fayetteville State up 14-0 with a little less than five minutes taken off the clock.

Dix attempted to redeem himself with a second consecutive electrifying kickoff return; putting the Golden Bulls inside FSU territory at the 37 yard line. The offense could not move the ball after four downs and turned the ball over on downs to the Broncos. After a three and out by Fayetteville State's offense, JCSU moved down the field inside Broncos territory. The Golden Bulls looked like they would score, until junior safety Barry Dunn made an interception at the two yard line returning it for 27 yards.

Freshman tailback Richard Medlin had a huge first half. The Garner, NC native rushed for 94 yards on 16 attempts, but he fumbled on FSU's next possession; Johnson C. Smith would recover and drive down the field. Kevin Allen finished a five play 76 yards drive with a four yard touchdown run; making the score 14-7 and leaving the Golden Bulls down by seven.

JCSU tied the score (14-14) after a work horse rushing drive. Allen picked up the bulk of a seven play 78 yard drive and crossed the goal line for the second time of the day.

The Broncos responded before the end of the first half. Hardy launched a 31 yard pass to Wilder for the second touchdown connection for the duo. The score gave FSU a 21-14 lead, which was the score going into halftime.

Junior QB Carlton Richardson put the scoreboard even at 21 to start the third quarter with a 23 yard pass to freshman Jeremy Franklin. That would be the Golden Bulls' last score of the contest. After a two yard rushing touchdown by freshman running back Jarrod Lewis (Jacksonville, NC) and 27 yard field goal by senior place kicker Eric Lamoureux (Roxbury, NH); the Broncos would earn a 31-21 victory and their third straight win of the season.

Both offenses produced over 400 total yards (FSU 415, JCSU 410) with key players on both teams. Hardy had two passing touchdowns, threw for 160 yards and rushed for 90 yards finishing off a spectacular game. Allen had 129 yards on the ground and two TD scores for Johnson C. Smith.

Fayetteville State has been the Golden Bulls' Homecoming opponent three times since 2002 and spoiled their celebration all three times with victories. The win improves the Broncos record to 4-5 overall and 4-2 in the CIAA; while Johnson C. Smith loses their sixth straight and falls to 2-7 overall and 1-5 in the CIAA standings.

The Broncos return to Jeralds Stadium next Saturday, November 3rd to face the Panthers of Virginia Union University at 1:30pm. FSU can capture the CIAA Western Division title with a win and a loss by divisional rival Shaw University. This last home and regular season match up will also serve as a recognition day for the Fayetteville State senior football players.