The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for JCSU football. The Golden Bulls started 8-0 and quickly became one of the hottest teams in HBCU football, drawing national attention with their dominant defense and explosive offense. However, the team stumbled down the stretch, losing their final two games and narrowly missing both the CIAA championship game and a potential NCAA Division II playoff berth. The late-season heartbreak has only fueled the returning players. Guys like Brevin Caldwell, who knows the Golden Bulls’ 2025 campaign is his last chance to bring a championship back to the Queen City for JCSU.

WATCH: Brick x Brick with JCSU Football | Spring Ball ’25 | First Day Out

The Charlotte, NC native stars in the premiere episode of the new spring season of Brick x Brick with JCSU Football. HBCU Gameday’s behind-the-scenes docuseries has covered the HBCU football program’s rebuild during Maurice Flower’s tenure in Charlotte.

In the mic-’d-up portion of the episode, Caldwell showcases his determination and professional mindset. He gives viewers a glimpse into the work ethic of a top HBCU football player, as he’s one of the first players on the field before practice in the “First Day Out” episode of the series.

HBCU to NFL

“I’m aspiring for a professional opportunity,” said Caldwell on Brick x Brick. “So it’s just being a pro at everything I do, man. The way that I train, the way that I practice, the way that I live, the way I eat. Taking that professional mindset, applying it here while I’m a senior, and just dominate. So that’s all I can do. And then I try to spread that energy to my teammates.”

That drive is a defining trait of the former West Charlotte High School standout, who arrived at JCSU with big goals and has steadily grown into a leader both on and off the field. Since joining the Golden Bulls, Brevin Caldwell has developed into one of the CIAA’s premier receivers. Over the past two seasons, he has posted multiple 100-yard games and has consistently been one of the top targets in the conference thanks to his route discipline, sure hands, and ability to stretch the field.

“I feel like we pieced it together (last year), man. We found ways to beat really good opponents, obviously let two slip away at the very end. But, you know, that’s what this year is for.” Caldwell has some unfinished business on the personal side too, as his omission from the AFCA DII All-America team is also fueling the 6 foot 1, 185 lb receiver during the offseason. “I feel like I missed out on All-American last year. I was AFCA All-Region. One out of eight guys and four guys got selected for All-American. I wasn’t, you know, a part of the cut.”

CIAA’s Best

During his time at JCSU, Caldwell has built a reputation as one of the top wideouts in the conference. Known for his precise route-running and strong hands, he’s been a consistent threat in the Golden Bulls’ offense. In his career, Caldwell has totaled 180 receptions for 2,286 yards and 14 touchdowns. His standout 2024 performance earned him First team All-CIAA honors and Team Offensive MVP.

But this spring, with a new quarterback under center, the stakes—and potential—are even higher. Enter Fort Valley State transfer Kelvin Durham, one of the top Division II HBCU football quarterbacks in the country. The dynamic dual-threat veteran brings a versatile skill set and big-play ability to the JCSU offense. Caldwell and Durham have already begun to develop chemistry. Developing a connection could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Golden Bulls’ passing attack in 2025.

Brevin Caldwell on Brick x Brick with JCSU Football | Spring Ball ’25 | First Day Out

“I’ve taken it upon myself to hone in on that chemistry. All the hours that aren’t seen behind closed doors. As soon as he got here, he hit me up. And, you know, we’ve been working ever since. He’s a great natural passer, man, the touch on the deep balls. I mean, I don’t think it gets too much better.”

Caldwell’s attitude seems to resonate with his coaches and teammates as well. He sets a standard for what it means to be a senior leader at an HBCU football program.

“This year, you know, especially this spring is just focusing on the little things that I feel like I could have done better last season. Everybody’s trying to fine-tune their game before the fall. But, you know, I’m here on a mission. Like I said, it’s a professional mindset, and so I’m trying to get myself ready for the pro level, you know. And I know taking those little steps, you know, everything every day is our is our motto. That’s how I’m going to get there. ” Caldwell says in the premiere episode of a special four-episode Spring Ball ’25 season of the ‘HBCU Hard Knocks’ style series on HBCU Gameday.

Brick x Brick, produced by Filmmaker and HBCU Gameday Partner Wali Pitt, gives fans an all-access look into the culture, grind, and brotherhood of JCSU football. As Caldwell anchors the first episode, his journey reflects the dedication, resilience, and pride found within the HBCU sports community. New episodes of Brick x Brick with JCSU Football premiere weekly on the HBCUGameday.com homepage, the Gameday app, and the HBCU Gameday YouTube Channel. Brick x Brick will also air on Fox Soul, Sundays at 7 PM as part of on HBCU Gameday’s flagship show on the Fox affiliated network.

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A Historic First: HBCU Football at Harvard

Following a 2024 campaign that saw JCSU go 8-0 before falling short of the CIAA championship game. The Golden Bulls look to build on its first back to back winning seasons in over a decade by facing opening the season against Morehouse College in the HBCU Kickoff Classic at Harvard University on August 30, 2025. This will be the first-ever football game played on Harvard’s campus by two HBCU football programs. In 2019, Harvard hosted Howard University in Boston for its first game against an HBCU. A game that has grown into the Truth and Service Classic. A yearly matchup between the Crimson and the Bison at Audi Field in Washington, DC.

Last year, JCSU opened its season at the Red Tails Classic with a nationally televised 21-13 win over Tuskegee University. The next week, JCSU headed down to Atlanta on a short week for a big road win over Morehouse. This season, the Golden Bulls start with Morehouse in its week zero Classic, but instead of a big road game to follow, JCSU football will host the 2024 NCAA Division II runner-up, Valdosta State.

Coach Flowers on historic matchup in Boston

“Well, the 25 golden Bulls schedule, wow, it’s really a competitive one. We’re approaching it knowing that every team on the schedule is going to be better (than last year). We are making sure that we do our part by preparing ourselves to be a better football team. The first game of the season with Morehouse at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, so I mean amazing opportunity that came about from both schools from Morehouse and Johnson C Smith, both have Strong alumni in that area, and so that’s how the game came about and we’re just glad to be able to be the first two HBCUs to play a football game in Massachusetts.”

High-Stakes Home Opener

For its home opener on September 6th, JCSU football hosts NCAA Division II runner-up Valdosta State. The Golden Bulls’ matchup with Valdosta State gives JCSU a prime opportunity to test itself against one of the top DII programs in the nation early in the season. Valdosta State has long been a dominant force in Division II football, including knocking off CIAA champion Virginia Union in the playoffs last year. This will be a critical measuring stick for the Golden Bulls as they aim to build themselves into one of the top HBCU programs and one of the top teams in Division II football.

Coach Flowers on hosting Valdosta

“Our philosophy on scheduling really has grown as we have grown as a football program. We speak often about the process of just doing the things that make you better as an individual on doing the things that make you better as a team and we realize that that becoming a championship program does not happen overnight and so in our process of building the JCSU Football program, we knew that we could not just start scheduling top teams,” said JCSU football head coach Maurice Flowers. As he heads into his fourth season at the helm of HBCU football in Charlotte, NC, Coach Flowers believes his program is finally ready to take on some of the top DII teams in the country. Including one from their own backyard, as JCSU prepares for another spring scrimmage against Wingate University.

Working with Wingate

“You know Wingate was just coming off of the schedule when we were hired and we were asked to renew, but we knew our program wasn’t ready at that time so what we wanted to do was make sure we were building for that. And so that’s what we did and like even the scrimmage with Wingate last year came at that time when our program had been growing to be able to compete with better teams. And Wingate is a team that is gonna compete for the championship in the region every year. Wingate is going to be a top 25 team, Wingate is going to be a team that’s going to go to the playoffs and so you know that’s those are measuring stick opportunities. So that’s what we’re taking the Wingate scrimmage as is a measuring stick opportunity.

“The game with Valdosta State, you don’t step out there in that deep water if you don’t feel like you’re ready, and so, when I say that deep water, that means to play against a team that is a perennial division II power. When you look at division II championship programs that’s one of the first two teams that you look at for the last couple of decades and so you know great opportunity for our program and then for our university to be able to host the game with them on campus so we’re looking forward to it.”

Building on a Historic 2024 Season

JCSU’s status as a true championship contender was solidified during the 2024 season when the Golden Bulls made history with an unprecedented 8-0 start. Their success garnered national attention, leading to multiple features on ESPN’s College GameDay. The program’s resurgence has also been chronicled in the HBCU Gameday Original series Brick x Brick. Which has been covering the program since Coach Flowers’ first win in 2022. The “HBCU Hard Knocks” series provides an inside look at the team’s journey, challenges, and triumphs. The documentary-style series resonated with fans in the HBCU football landscape and is now aired nationally on Sundays at 7 pm on Fox Soul as part of HBCU Gameday’s flagship weekly show on the network.

A Season of High Expectations

With the momentum of their historic 2024 season propelling them forward, JCSU enters 2025 with aspirations of a championship run. The two high-profile matchups to begin the season provide an opportunity for the Golden Bulls to showcase their brand of football on a national stage. Whether making history at Harvard or facing off against one of Division II’s elite programs. JCSU is prepared to prove it on the gridiron in 2025.

2025 JCSU Football Schedule

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HBCU Gameday’s “Brick X Brick” series on Johnson C. Smith women’s basketball is scheduled to continue. The show is broadcast at 7 PM on Sunday on Fox Soul per usual. 

Currently sitting at 5-11, the Golden Bulls face a pivotal matchup against Shaw University on Tuesday. Warren’s tenure ended with a 14-13 record last season, culminating in a quarterfinal exit at the CIAA Tournament. Despite challenges, her leadership reflected the resilience and competitive spirit often associated with HBCU athletics.

Before her appointment as head coach, Warren joined Johnson C. Smith’s University’s Department of Athletics in 2023 as an assistant coach and assistant athletics director for Student Affairs. Her diverse background includes roles in coaching and athletics administration at institutions such as Austin Peay University and Daytona State College. At each stop, she brought a passion for mentoring student-athletes.

Warren’s playing career is equally impressive, beginning at Daytona State College, where she captained a Mid-Florida Conference championship team and earned multiple All-Conference honors. She later transferred to Bethune-Cookman University, another HBCU, where she contributed to two regular-season MEAC titles and back-to-back WNIT appearances.

Murphy, the interim coach, will lead the Golden Bulls through this transitional period as the HBCU looks to keep up in a competitive CIAA field. 

The post HBCU basketball: JCSU women’s coach is out appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The first two seasons of ‘Brick x Brick’ followed the football program at JCSU as head coach Maurice Flowers took over a 2-win program and turned them into one of the top teams in HBCU football. Now, the show follows the JCSU women’s hoops program and coach Monterika Warren. The second-year Golden Bulls head coach leads a team of nine players and two coaches into their 2025 CIAA season.

Brick x Brick with JCSU Women’s Basketball

The HBCU Gameday Original Series continues to give viewers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to JCSU athletics, this time covering HBCU women’s basketball like never before. From Practice to shootaround and inside the locker room during games, HBCU filmmaker Wali Pitt combines these elements with in-game highlights to create a compelling narrative that tells the story both on and off the court.

“I’ve wanted the chance to tell an HBCU women’s hoops story for a while now,” said Pitt. “When I met Coach Warren last year, it felt very similar to meeting Coach Flowers back in 2022, the CIAA is one of the toughest leagues in women’s basketball and I think fans will appreciate how hard this team competes as underdogs in a tough conference.”

The first two episodes follow JCSU as they look to get two big conference wins over Lincoln University and Virginia Union the week before Winter Break. The Golden Bulls came into both games with only nine active players but still believed they had what they needed to win. Coach Warren and company find themselves fighting against not only the championship-caliber opponents across from them on the court but also the battle within, as they work to build themselves into a winning HBCU women’s basketball program.

Fans can watch episodes digitally on the HBCUGameday.com homepage, the Gameday app, the HBCU Gameday YouTube page, and on TV every Sunday at 7 pm on the Fox Soul channel.

Episode 01

Witness HBCU women’s hoops like never before as HBCU Gameday takes its ‘HBCU Hard Knocks’ docuseries ‘Brick x Brick’ to the hardwood with the women’s hoops program at Johnson C. Smith University.

The post HBCU women’s hoops gets overdue spotlight in new docuseries appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

HBCU Gameday on Fox Soul

HBCU Gameday has extended its reach in the media landscape with a new agreement with Fox Soul. Beginning October 27, HBCU Gameday will broadcast a weekly sports show on the network every Sunday at 7 pm EST and 4 pm PST. The show is simply called HBCU Gameday.

For a majority of the episodes during the football season, HBCU Gameday will feature segments from the Wali Pitt docuseries “Brick x Brick.” The series follows head coach Maurice Flowers as he leads Johnson C. Smith University into the championship picture in the CIAA. Through the season’s first seven games, JCSU sits at 7-0 with an unbeaten record.

The partnership with Fox Soul will allow HBCU Gameday to reach many new viewers. Fox Soul is available on Roku, YouTube, YouTube TV, Vizio, LG, Tubi, Xumo, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Plex, Apple TV, Fire TV, Amazon News, Fox Local and Samsung TV Plus.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and our cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make history in Charlotte, NC.

The post JCSU football HC Maurice Flowers candid in Brick x Brick Finale appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Virginia Union University (Grade: A+)

• Preseason Rank: 2nd
• Final Standing: 1st (6-1 conference, 7-3 overall)
• Offensive Ranking: 1st in Total Offense (479.4 yards/game, 61 TDs)
• Defensive Ranking: 4th in Total Defense (295.2 yards/game, 22 TDs allowed)

Highlights:

• Jada Byers, the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, dominated the field, amassing 1,497 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. He set school records with 5,311 career rushing yards and 70 touchdowns. This includes a single-game record of 324 yards and six touchdowns against Bowie State.
• Virginia Union clinched the CIAA Championship, defeating Virginia State in a decisive victory.
• The Panthers secured a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs, representing HBCUs on the national stage.
• VUU’s loss to Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), did not count as conference defeats due to CIAA scheduling rules impacted by St. Augustine’s absence from football this year.

Summary: Virginia Union showcased exceptional prowess on both offense and defense, leading the CIAA. This reinforced its status as a powerhouse among HBCU football programs.

Johnson C. Smith University (Grade: A)

• Preseason Rank: 4th
• Final Standing: 2nd (5-2conference, 8-2 overall)
• Offensive Ranking: 3rd in Total Offense (378.4 yards/game, 32 TDs)
• Defensive Ranking: 1st in Total Defense (246.2 yards/game, 17 TDs allowed)

Highlights:

• Head Coach Maurice Flowers was named CIAA Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Bulls to an impressive season.
• Benari Black, the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, led a stout defense with 113 tackles. He spearheaded the top-ranked defense in the conference.
• JCSU achieved significant victories over Tuskegee and Morehouse from the SIAC, and delivered Virginia Union their only on-field CIAA loss.
• Despite their strong performance, they suffered a crucial conference loss to Fayetteville State.

Summary: JCSU exceeded preseason expectations. They solidified their reputation within the CIAA and HBCU football. The team combined a formidable defense with strategic coaching. This made them one of the season’s standout teams.

Virginia State University (Grade: B)

• Preseason Rank: 1st
• Final Standing: 3rd (6-1 conference, 7-4 overall)
• Offensive Ranking: 2nd in Total Offense (385.7 yards/game, 43 TDs)
• Defensive Ranking: 2nd in Total Defense (283.5 yards/game, 19 TDs allowed)

Highlights:

• The Trojans secured a notable win against Benedict from the SIAC.
• Bruno Onwuazor earned CIAA Lineman of the Year, contributing to an offense that averaged 6.3 yards per play.
• Defensive Rookie of the Year, Marquis Edmond, bolstered an already strong defense.
• Virginia State’s only victory over a team with a winning record was against Benedict, limiting their impact against top-tier opponents.

Summary: Virginia State showed statistical strength. However, they fell short in securing wins against leading teams within the CIAA. This impacted their overall grade. This happened despite their perfect conference record adjusted by CIAA rules.

Go to Page Two for more CIAA grades

The post HBCU Football: CIAA football grades 2024 appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

North Carolina A&T emerged as a lightning rod for criticism, with alumni and fans lamenting the school’s struggles since leaving the MEAC. “A&T is just SAD!” wrote one commenter. Others pointed to coaching issues and missed opportunities, like a controversial game against Winston-Salem State where luck, not dominance, seemed to favor the Aggies.

“If they hadn’t caught a lucky break from the refs in the last seconds of regulation, the Rams would have actually beaten them, which was never projected to even be a close game,” one commenter theorized. NC A&T is currently 1-10.

Florida A&M, another powerhouse, faced scrutiny for falling short of championship expectations. Once a perennial SWAC contender, fans expressed shock at their decline, with one stating, “What a fall from grace.” While some argued injuries derailed their season, others simply called it a case of poor execution. FAMU is currently 5-5 with two games remaining after losing just five regular season games over the previous three seasons.

Even Division II schools weren’t immune to critique. Johnson C. Smith University drew attention for a season that started with promise but ended in heartbreak. 

“Smith had a good season, but losing two games to inferior teams cost them the CIAA Championship,” one commenter explained. Meanwhile, Fayetteville State and Lane College also surfaced as disappointments, overshadowed by higher expectations.

Commenters highlighted broader concerns about budget constraints, leadership decisions, and the challenges of competing in the current landscape of HBCU football. Jackson State, while not directly criticized for their performance, was praised for successfully navigating challenges where others faltered, serving as a foil to North Carolina A&T’s struggles.

Ultimately, the conversation reflected both passion and frustration among fans, signaling high standards for HBCU football programs and a demand for accountability from administrators, coaches, and players alike.

The post HBCU Football’s Most Disappointing Team In 2024? appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Charlotte, N.C. – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is delighted to announce the 2024 Football All-Conference selections and superlatives. Among the winners are the CIAA Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year from Johnson C. Smith University. Read about the winners from JCSU football as well as the players named to the all-conference team. Watch episodes of the HBCU Gameday Original Series ‘Brick x Brick with JCSU football’ below and airing on Fox Soul on Sundays at 7 pm ET.

Coach of the Year – Maurice Flowers (Johnson C. Smith University)
After an impressive 8-2 campaign, Johnson C. Smith head coach Maurice Flowers is named the Coach of the Year. Flowers led the team to an 8-0 start and helped coach a stout defense that allowed 17 or fewer points in nine of the team’s ten games. The Golden Bulls spent the last month in the regional rankings and were a team that struck fear into their opponents on a weekly basis. 

Defensive Player of the Year – Benari Black (Johnson C. Smith University)
Johnson C. Smith’s Benari Black is the Defensive Player of the Year honoree after a stellar season that saw him spearhead one of the conference’s best defenses. Black’s 113 tackles were good for first in the conference, as he was the only player to eclipse double-digits. He also added three sacks and three pass break-ups en route to earning the honor, also adding in a CIAA Linebacker of the Week honor to boot. 

First-Team All-CIAA

Offensive Linemen:
Kyle Estep (JCSU) 

Wide Receivers:
Brevin Caldwell (JCSU) 

Quarterback:
Darius Ocean (JCSU) 

Defensive Linemen: 
Lamone Hill Jr. (JCSU) 

Linebackers:  
Benari Black (JCSU) 

Defensive Backs: 
Shamar Baker (JCSU) 

Second-Team All-CIAA

Offensive Linemen: 
Jamari Mason (JCSU)

Joshua Beatty (JCSU) 

Kick Returner:
Ja’qun Wilkins (JCSU)

Linebackers: 
Jack Smith (JCSU) 

Defensive Backs: 
Ja’qun Wilkins (JCSU) 

Rookie Team

Kevin Haynes, Jr.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and our cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make history in Charlotte, NC.

The post JCSU football picks up CIAA superlatives for historic season appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

HBCU Gameday on Fox Soul

HBCU Gameday has extended its reach in the media landscape with a new agreement with Fox Soul. Beginning October 27, HBCU Gameday will broadcast a weekly sports show on the network every Sunday at 7 pm EST and 4 pm PST. The show is simply called HBCU Gameday.

For a majority of the episodes during the football season, HBCU Gameday will feature segments from the Wali Pitt docuseries “Brick x Brick.” The series follows head coach Maurice Flowers as he leads Johnson C. Smith University into the championship picture in the CIAA. Through the season’s first seven games, JCSU sits at 7-0 with an unbeaten record.

The partnership with Fox Soul will allow HBCU Gameday to reach many new viewers. Fox Soul is available on Roku, YouTube, YouTube TV, Vizio, LG, Tubi, Xumo, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Plex, Apple TV, Fire TV, Amazon News, Fox Local and Samsung TV Plus.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and our cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make history in Charlotte, NC.

The post Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU football vs Livingstone | One Heartbeat appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

HBCU Gameday on Fox Soul

HBCU Gameday has extended its reach in the media landscape with a new agreement with Fox Soul. Beginning October 27, HBCU Gameday will broadcast a weekly sports show on the network every Sunday at 7 pm EST and 4 pm PST. The show is simply called HBCU Gameday.

For a majority of the episodes during the football season, HBCU Gameday will feature segments from the Wali Pitt docuseries “Brick x Brick.” The series follows head coach Maurice Flowers as he leads Johnson C. Smith University into the championship picture in the CIAA. Through the season’s first seven games, JCSU sits at 7-0 with an unbeaten record.

The partnership with Fox Soul will allow HBCU Gameday to reach many new viewers. Fox Soul is available on Roku, YouTube, YouTube TV, Vizio, LG, Tubi, Xumo, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Plex, Apple TV, Fire TV, Amazon News, Fox Local and Samsung TV Plus.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and our cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make history in Charlotte, NC.

The post ‘No Excuses,’ JCSU football falls in emotional Brick x Brick episode appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Charlotte, NC – With week 9 of football in the rearview and a pivotal week 10 on the horizon, one team in the conference has solidified a spot in the 2024 CIAA Football Championship (Nov. 16th – Salem, VA) with others in tight contention. As it stands, Virginia Union University, Johnson C Smith University & Virginia State University sit in first, second and third place respectively. Regardless of how Week 10 plays out, VUU has already earned a spot in the CIAA Championship, however, final seedings and regular season champions are yet to be finalized.

Lets take a look below at the possible week 10 scenarios:

1. If VUU wins & JCSU wins: Both teams would advance to the Championship. At 7-0, Virginia Union would win the regular season and be the #1 seed in the Championship. At 6-1, Johnson C Smith would earn the #2 seed. Note, with the adjusted 7-game conference schedule, the VUU vs. JCSU game that took place on September 21st was denoted a conference game for JCSU only and not VUU.
Championship Game: #1 VUU (7-0) vs. #2 JCSU (6-1)

2. If VUU wins, JCSU loses & WSSU wins: At 7-0, VUU would win the regular season and be the #1 seed in the Championship. JCSU, VSU & WSSU would be tied at 5-2, however, JCSU would advance as determined by head-to-head against both VSU & WSSU.
Championship Game: #1 VUU (7-0) vs. #2 JCSU (5-2)

3. If VUU loses & JCSU loses: VSU & VUU will both advance to the Championship. With both teams at 6-1, they would be co-champions of the regular season and Virginia State would be the #1 seed in the Championship as determined by head-to-head.
Championship Game: #1 VSU (6-1) vs. #2 VUU (6-1)

4. If VUU loses & JCSU wins: VSU, VUU & JCSU would be co-champions of the regular season, however, this creates a 3-way tie for Championship consideration. To determine who moves on to the Championship, the first tiebreaker is winning percentage within the 7-game conference schedule, with each team at 6-1, all would be tied. The next tiebreaker is head-to-head competition, also, within the 7-game conference schedule. In this case, because VSU, VUU & JCSU did not all compete head-to-head within the 7-game conference schedule, head-to-head competition cannot be considered. The next tie breaker is point differential against common opponents. VSU, VUU & JCSU only had one common opponent, Bluefield State. At +91, VUU would move on to the Championship. VSU & JCSU remain tied +39. With only VSU & JCSU in contention for the final Championship spot, the tie breaker procedures reset between the two teams. The first tiebreaker, conference winning percentage, would remain tied. However, the second tiebreaker, head-to-head favors JCSU. JCSU would move on to the Championship as the #2 seed. 
Championship Game: #1 VUU (6-1) vs. #2 JCSU (6-1)

The post CIAA releases championship game tiebreaker scenarios appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

HBCU Gameday on Fox Soul

HBCU Gameday has extended its reach in the media landscape with a new agreement with Fox Soul. Beginning October 27, HBCU Gameday will broadcast a weekly sports show on the network every Sunday at 7 pm ET and 4 pm PT. The show is simply called HBCU Gameday.

For a majority of the episodes during the football season, HBCU Gameday will feature segments from the Wali Pitt docuseries “Brick x Brick.” The series follows head coach Maurice Flowers as he leads Johnson C. Smith University, a Charlotte, NC HBCU, into the championship picture in the CIAA. Through the first seven games of the season, JCSU sits at 7-0 with an unbeaten record.

The partnership with Fox Soul will allow HBCU Gameday to reach many new viewers. Fox Soul is available on Roku, YouTube, YouTube TV, Vizio, LG, Tubi, Xumo, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Plex, Apple TV, Fire TV, Amazon News, Fox Local and Samsung TV Plus.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU vs WSSU | Still Perfect

Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) football took its 7-0 record on the road to Winston-Salem State, at one of the most hostile stadiums in CIAA football, but managed to keep a cool head and leave Bowman Gray Stadium 8-0.

The post JCSU football reacts to first loss of the season appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

CHARLOTTE, NC – On a crisp Saturday afternoon, the Fayetteville State Broncos took to the field with determination and grit, ready to face the undefeated Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) Golden Bulls. The Broncos, sitting at 4-4 for the season and 3-3 in CIAA play, knew they had a tough challenge ahead. But what unfolded was a masterclass in defensive football, as Fayetteville State shut out the Golden Bulls 27-0, handing them their first loss of the season.

“Total team effort today,” jeered Head Coach Richard Hayes. “Offensively, we had a game plan and wanted to come out and attack them. Joe did a pretty good job managing the offense today. Defensively, I feel like we stuffed them. Those guys played really hard, and I am really proud of their effort of our defense. We held them under 200 yards and no points on the board for the No. 16 ranked team in the country. We aren’t done yet!”

From the first whistle, it was clear that Fayetteville State’s defense was in top form. The Broncos held JCSU to a mere 192 total yards, a testament to their relentless pressure and strategic prowess. Joe Owens, Jr., the Broncos’ quarterback, led the charge on offense. He threw for 233 yards, connecting for one touchdown and suffering one interception. Owens also showcased his versatility by adding 45 yards and another touchdown on the ground.

Derrick Alston, Jr. bolstered the rushing attack, gaining 39 yards and scoring a touchdown, while Kameron King was a reliable target in the air, pulling in five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. But it was the defense that truly shone. Julius Cobbs made a standout play with an interception returned for a touchdown, while Solomon Barnes and Kaydin Thomas added crucial tackles and a sack to stifle the Golden Bulls’ offense.

The game began with a tense first quarter, but it was Fayetteville State who struck first. With 11:08 left in the second quarter, the Broncos broke the deadlock, taking a 7-0 lead. They didn’t stop there. Another score before halftime extended their lead to 14-0, putting the pressure squarely on JCSU.

As the third quarter wound down, Fayetteville State continued to dominate. With just 1:24 left in the quarter, they scored again, making it 21-0. The Broncos weren’t finished yet. They added another touchdown, sealing a commanding 27-0 lead. JCSU could not mount a comeback and were left scoreless as the final whistle blew.

The game was a showcase of Fayetteville State’s strengths. They out-gained JCSU 353-192, including a 120-30 advantage on the ground. The Broncos won the turnover battle 2-1, converting those turnovers into 13 points. They were efficient on third downs, converting 50% of their attempts, and perfect on fourth down.

Fayetteville State’s defense was impenetrable, allowing zero points in two Johnson C. Smith trips to the red zone and forcing one red zone turnover. They didn’t allow a single sack and managed two touchdown-scoring drives of 90 or more yards, the longest spanning 100 yards. The Broncos also controlled the time of possession, holding the ball for 35:34 compared to the Golden Bulls’ 24:26.

Owens’ performance was particularly noteworthy, completing 75% of his passes (24-for-32) and averaging 7.3 yards per attempt. On the other side, Darius Ocean led the Golden Bulls’ passing attack, completing 15 of his 35 attempts for 162 yards but was intercepted twice. Brevin Caldwell was Johnson C. Smith’s leading receiver with 75 yards.

The fans were ecstatic. One tweeted, “What a game! Our defense was unstoppable today. Proud to be a Bronco!” Another shared, “Joe Owens, Jr. was on fire! Great win for Fayetteville State!” The excitement was palpable as fans celebrated the Broncos’ dominant victory and the end of Johnson C. Smith’s undefeated streak.

With this victory, the Broncos set their sights on their final regular season game against Winston-Salem State Rams in Winston-Salem, NC. The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, with a kick-off at 1:00 PM. The Broncos hope to carry this momentum forward and finish the season strong.

The post JCSU undefeated season ends at the hands of Fayetteville State appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

HBCU Gameday on Fox Soul

HBCU Gameday has extended its reach in the media landscape with a new agreement with Fox Soul. Beginning October 27, HBCU Gameday will broadcast a weekly sports show on the network every Sunday at 7pm EST and 4pm PST. The show is simply called HBCU Gameday.

For a majority of the episodes during the football season, HBCU Gameday will feature segments from the Wali Pitt docuseries “Brick x Brick.” The series follows head coach Maurice Flowers as he leads Johnson C. Smith University, a Charlotte, NC HBCU, into the championship picture in the CIAA. Through the first seven games of the season, JCSU sits at 7-0 with an unbeaten record.

The partnership with Fox Soul will allow HBCU Gameday to reach many new viewers. Fox Soul is available on Roku, YouTube, YouTube TV, Vizio, LG, Tubi, Xumo, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Plex, Apple TV, Fire TV, Amazon News, Fox Local and Samsung TV Plus.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU football vs Shaw U | Homecoming

There’s nothing like homecoming, especially when your school is 6-0 and having its best \season since 1969. Go inside Homecoming in Charlotte, NC for another epic late-game win with Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) football in the latest episode of Brick x Brick with JCSU football.

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post HBCU Hard Knocks: Brick x Brick follows JCSU to 8-0 vs WSSU appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Newton was recently in town for a camp for kids over the weekend at Johnson C. Smith University, and he took the time out to leave a message for the football program. The video was posted on the school’s instagram page. 

“Needless to say — yo what’s good? What’s poppin? Cam Newton here man, I want to give a special shout out to the Johnson C Smith football team. Faculty, staff, football players, coaches, everybody involved as well as the fans. Man, I’m rooting for you. Keep rocking and rolling. And as always, say one pinky, one thumb, one love.”

Johnson C. Smith was in the middle of a win against Winston-Salem State University on Saturday when Newton made the video. The Division II HBCU squad is now 8-0 and nationally ranked as it continues its best season in over half a century. 

Newton, of course, remains a beloved figure in Charlotte where he spent much of the previous decade as the star quarterback of the Carolina Panthers franchise. He also has several ties to HBCUs. His father, Cecil Sr., played football at Savannah State. His older brother, Cecil Jr., played his college ball at Tennessee State University. His youngest brother, Caylin, started his career at Howard University where he led the program to a huge upset over UNLV back in 2017.

The post Cam Newton shows support for rising HBCU football program appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The Top Contenders

Johnson C. Smith has put together a flawless season so far, boasting an 8-0 record overall and 5-0 in the CIAA. They’ve claimed wins over the conference’s top teams, including Virginia Union, Virginia State, and Winston-Salem State. However, their victory over Virginia Union was not counted as a conference game, which leaves Virginia Union technically undefeated in the CIAA as well.

Virginia Union, currently 5-0 in conference play and 6-2 overall, is hot on Johnson C. Smith’s heels. They’ve also displayed strength, particularly with a key win over Winston-Salem State. Their final regular-season matchup is against Virginia State, a game with massive implications for both teams.

Virginia State stands at 4-1 in the CIAA, with a 5-3 overall record. It faced Winston-Salem State but took a loss in a game that didn’t impact its conference standings. This gives Virginia State an extra boost in their run for the title. Their season-ender against Virginia Union will be one of the most anticipated games of the season, as both teams are fighting for a top-two finish.

Winston-Salem State is not technically out of contention with a 4-2 conference record and a 6-3 overall record. While it has had a strong season, a recent loss has put them just a step behind the top three contenders. It would need the three teams ahead of it to end the season with two conference losses as its win at Virginia State earlier in the season didn’t count as a loss for VSU.

Remaining Challenges and Final Games

Johnson C. Smith faces Fayetteville State next, a team with a strong championship history, having been a staple in the CIAA Championship Game for the past few seasons. This could be Johnson C. Smith’s toughest game yet, as Fayetteville State is known for delivering under high-stakes situations. After that, Johnson C. Smith closes their regular season against Livingstone in a classic rivalry game that could add one final twist to their undefeated run.

For Virginia Union and Virginia State, their season-ending showdown could be a de facto playoff. If both teams maintain their records, this game will likely decide who earns a championship slot. The potential for an intense battle adds further excitement to an already competitive season.

CIAA Championship Hopes on the Line

As the 2024 CIAA season races toward its conclusion, these HBCU teams are each pushing to secure their place in the championship. With only two spots available, every play, every drive, and every game could shape the final outcome. While Johnson C. Smith and Virginia Union are currently in control, the unpredictable nature of college football means that anything can happen in these final weeks.

Whoever prevails will not only earn the CIAA title but also bring pride to their HBCU, representing the top level of talent and competition in the conference.

The post HBCU Football: CIAA Championship race narrows with two weeks to go appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

JCSU’s defense set the tone early, stifling WSSU’s offense and limiting it to just 155 total yards. WSSU managed only six first downs in the game and was held to 39 rushing yards, averaging just 1.7 yards per carry.

The Golden Bulls’ defensive front dominated, preventing the Rams from establishing any momentum on the ground. The Rams’ passing game fared little better, as quarterback Daylin Lee completed just 10 of 25 passes, often facing pressure that forced hurried throws and incompletions.

JCSU’s offense, meanwhile, found success through a balanced attack. Running back Kamarr Edmonds was instrumental, scoring the game’s opening touchdown on a 6-yard rush and later breaking free for a 56-yard run in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Darius Ocean connected with Edmonds for a 27-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, building a 17-0 lead that JCSU wouldn’t relinquish.

Though WSSU briefly rallied with a 37-yard interception return by Narique Smith, cutting the score to 17-7, the Golden Bulls answered back with a clock-controlling drive capped by a short touchdown run by Quavari Crouch. A late WSSU touchdown wasn’t enough to overcome the Golden Bulls’ dominant performance.

This victory not only solidifies JCSU’s standing as an elite HBCU program this season but also reaffirms their place in CIAA history. Returning home to face Fayetteville State, the Golden Bulls’ undefeated season and championship hopes continue to draw the attention of HBCU fans and alumni nationwide.

The post HBCU football: JCSU continues historic streak with milestone win appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

But beyond the high stakes of this matchup, the game holds special significance for twin brothers Ibrahim and Mohamed Meite, who will be facing off for the first time. Born in Greensboro, N.C., with roots in Côte D’Ivoire, the Meite brothers grew up close, but their friendly rivalry has only strengthened their bond, their sister, Koko Lombeko, told the CIAA. “The boys have always been close—they’re twins! But they’re also fiercely competitive, and playing against each other has been a dream,” she shared.

Mohamed, a senior offensive lineman for Winston-Salem State, joined the Rams this season. His decision to join WSSU came after a pivotal moment, when he received a call from Coach Holmes with an offer. “He felt it was a sign,” Lombeko explained. “Mohamed had been going through a difficult time, and Winston-Salem State, a place he admired since childhood, became the beacon he needed.”

Meanwhile, Ibrahim, a four-year veteran at Johnson C. Smith, embraced the opportunities HBCU life in the city of Charlotte offers. Lombeko added, “Ibrahim chose JCSU for the vibrant city life and the unique opportunities that come with attending an HBCU like Johnson C. Smith.”

The game will be a family affair, with relatives, including their father and sister, cheering them on and capturing the moment live for loved ones who can’t attend.

Don’t miss the action on Saturday, October 26, at 1:00 P.M., as Johnson C. Smith and Winston-Salem State go head-to-head in what promises to be an unforgettable HBCU matchup.

The post HBCU football game features brothers on opposite sides appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Game Notes

Shaw took a 7-0 lead over Johnson C. Smith after scoring the game’s first points on the first drive of the game. Johnson C. Smith then scored to take a 21-7 lead before the Bears put a touchdown on the board to narrow the advantage and make it a 21-14 game. Shaw had one last chance to tie the game with less than a minute left with the ball in JCSU territory but came up short on fourth down to end the threat.

» Shaw outgained Johnson C. Smith 355-325, including a 138-60 advantage on the ground.
» Shaw had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period when they put up seven points.
» Shaw converted 4 of 11 third downs while Johnson C. Smith was successful on 3 of 10.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU football vs VA State | Get Perfect

JCSU is the hottest team in HBCU football heading into the second half of the season. The Golden Bulls battle not just CIAA preseason favorite Virginia State, but the rising expectations as the only undefeated HBCU after 5 weeks. Can JCSU block out the noise of ESPN’s College GameDay and NFL scouts to go 6-0?

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU football vs Shaw U | Homecoming appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Game Notes

Shaw took a 7-0 lead over Johnson C. Smith after scoring the game’s first points on the first drive of the game. Johnson C. Smith then scored to take a 21-7 lead before the Bears put a touchdown on the board to narrow the advantage and make it a 21-14 game. Shaw had one last chance to tie the game with less than a minute left with the ball in JCSU territory but came up short on fourth down to end the threat. Game Notes

» Shaw outgained Johnson C. Smith 355-325, including a 138-60 advantage on the ground.
» Shaw had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period when they put up seven points.
» Shaw converted 4 of 11 third downs while Johnson C. Smith was successful on 3 of 10.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

In the latest episode, JCSU is the hottest team in HBCU football heading into the second half of the season. The Golden Bulls battle not just CIAA preseason favorite Virginia State, but the rising expectations as the only undefeated HBCU after 5 weeks. Can JCSU block out the noise of ESPN’s College GameDay and NFL scouts to go 6-0

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post JCSU football dodges bullet ahead of huge CIAA road test appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C Smith University maintained its perfect HBCU football season by defeating Shaw inside Irwin Belk Stadium with a final score of 21-14 on Saturday afternoon. This win keeps Johnson C. Smith undefeated at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the CIAA, while Shaw drops to 4-4 and 2-2.

Shaw’s Ah’sha Belcher scored an 8-yard pass from Christi Peters at 08:47, giving Shaw an early 7-0 lead. Johnson C Smith responded with Blake McCullough catching a 23-yard pass from Darius Ocean as the quarter ended, leveling the score at 7-7.
In the third quarter Avante George pulled JCSU ahead with an 8-yard pass from Ocean at 09:55, after an 11-play, 72-yard drive, making it 14-7.

In the final quarter, Darius Ocean connected with Brevin Caldwell for a 12-yard pass at 04:20, extending their lead to 21-7 after a 10-play drive. Shaw’s Travon Tensley closed the gap with a 1-yard run at 02:18, finishing a 3-play, 31-yard drive, making the final score 21-14.

Notable Performances
Johnson C. Smith:
Darius Ocean threw for 265 yards.
Brevin Caldwell had 182 receiving yards.
Quavaris Crouch contributed 29 receiving yards.

Shaw:
Christi Peters threw for 217 yards.
Travon Tensley ran for 96 yards.
Ah’sha Belcher added 81 receiving yards.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

In the latest episode, JCSU is the hottest team in HBCU football heading into the second half of the season. The Golden Bulls battle not just CIAA preseason favorite Virginia State, but the rising expectations as the only undefeated HBCU after 5 weeks. Can JCSU block out the noise of ESPN’s College GameDay and NFL scouts to go 6-0

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post HBCU Football: JCSU survives homecoming scare, moves to 7-0 appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Game Recap

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), one of the oldest HBCU football programs in the country, continued its remarkable season by defeating Virginia State 21-17. This victory allowed JCSU to remain undefeated at 6-0, marking its best start since winning the CIAA title in 1969. The win, achieved at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, propels the Golden Bulls to 3-0 in conference play, keeping them in prime position for another potential CIAA championship run.

This 6-0 start is a testament to the resurgence of Johnson C. Smith, located in the heart of Charlotte, and shows their intent to reclaim their place among the top programs in the CIAA. As one of the oldest HBCU football programs in the country, JCSU is writing a new chapter in its history, hoping to continue this hot streak and make a run for the CIAA title. The Golden Bulls’ success is a shining example of the pride and competitive spirit that HBCU sports bring to the national stage.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU football vs VA State | Get Perfect appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Game Breakdown

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), one of the oldest HBCU football programs in the country, continued its remarkable season by defeating Virginia State 21-17. This victory allowed JCSU to remain undefeated at 6-0, marking its best start since winning the CIAA title in 1969. The win, achieved at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, propels the Golden Bulls to 3-0 in conference play, keeping them in prime position for another potential CIAA championship run.

JCSU’s defense was a force throughout the game, with standout performances from Benari Black, who had 16 tackles, and TyQueron Hines, who grabbed one of the two key interceptions. The Golden Bulls’ ability to control the clock, holding a 31:33 to 28:27 advantage in time of possession, allowed them to outlast Virginia State’s late push.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

The title of the latest episode, ‘Refuse to Lose’, is about a portion of the team’s mantra that appears throughout the series. After the hard-fought victory, Coach Flowers repeated the “refuse to lose” portion of the mantra a few extra times to emphasize the team’s grit in the win.

JCSU vs VA Union | Refuse to Lose

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post JCSU football HC on Golden Bulls being only unbeaten HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The game was a tightly contested affair, with JCSU needing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience to overcome a determined Virginia State team. After a scoreless first quarter, JCSU struck first in the second quarter when Quavaris Crouch ran in a 7-yard touchdown to cap off an impressive 83-yard drive, giving the Golden Bulls a 7-0 lead. Virginia State responded early in the third quarter with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Williams, but JCSU quickly answered. Quarterback Darius Ocean connected with Brevin Caldwell on a 53-yard bomb to regain the lead at 14-7. 

Though Virginia State tied the game at 14 with another touchdown later in the third quarter, JCSU once again found an answer. Avante George’s 13-yard touchdown run on the next drive capped an 8-play, 76-yard possession, putting JCSU back on top at 21-14. Despite a field goal by Virginia State in the fourth quarter that cut the lead to four, the Golden Bulls’ defense held strong. Jack Smith’s interception in the final minute secured the win, as the defense forced two critical turnovers in the second half.

JCSU’s defense was a force throughout the game, with standout performances from Benari Black, who had 16 tackles, and TyQueron Hines, who grabbed one of the two key interceptions. The Golden Bulls’ ability to control the clock, holding a 31:33 to 28:27 advantage in time of possession, allowed them to outlast Virginia State’s late push.

This 6-0 start is a testament to the resurgence of Johnson C. Smith, located in the heart of Charlotte, and shows their intent to reclaim their place among the top programs in the CIAA. As one of the oldest HBCU football programs in the country, JCSU is writing a new chapter in its history, hoping to continue this hot streak and make a run for the CIAA title. The Golden Bulls’ success is a shining example of the pride and competitive spirit that HBCU sports bring to the national stage.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

The title of the latest episode, ‘Refuse to Lose’, refers to a portion of the team’s mantra that appears throughout the series. After the hard-fought victory, Coach Flowers repeated the “refuse to lose” portion of the mantra a few extra times to emphasize the team’s grit in the win.

JCSU vs VA Union | Refuse to Lose

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

The post HBCU football program off to hottest start in 55 years appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Anna Cockrell is the daughter of Kieth Cockrell, the vice chair of the board of trustees for Johnson C. Smith University, and had a hall of fame high school track career in Charlotte at Providence Day under current Johnson C Smith University track coach Carol Lawrence.

Johnson C. Smith University’s social media accounts were ablaze with images and video of the Olympian’s visit taken by JCSU biology major Jay Smarr. Cockrell met with the team at the school’s track and football field, the Irwin Belk Complex. Wearing an official Team USA jacket and sporting her Olympic silver medal, the 2021 NCAA champion in the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles spoke to the team about the sacrifices she made during her collegiate career that ultimately led to her Olympic success.

“Nothing was going to stop me from what I had to do like that’s really how I felt,” Cockrell says in the video. “I mean Coach Lawerence knows this, I’ve sacrificed a lot,” she tells the HBCU track squad. ” I was in LA for college, then I left LA to move to Texas when I went pro, my coach took a job at Arkansas, and the last thing I wanted to do was move to Arkansas.”

Those sacrifices helped her go from NCAA National Champion to the women’s 400m hurdle final at the Tokyo Olympics and eventually become an Olympic Silver Medalist in Paris in the summer of 2024.

The Irwin Belk Complex at Johnson C Smith University features an Olympic-sized track and has been the site of several major track and field events including the US Paralympic Track and Field trials and the AAU Summer Games. Positioned just beneath the skyline of the city of Charlotte it had to imagine Cockrell didn’t run a race or two on the HBCU track during her 6-time All-American high school career.

Cockrell ranks No. 1 all-time in North Carolina history in three events: 100m hurdles (13.17), 300m hurdles (40.42), and the 400m hurdles (55.20).  She was a 16-time NCISAA state champion in the 100m (2013-16), 200m (2016), 100m hurdles (2013-16), 300m hurdles (2013-16), 4x100m (2013) and 4x400m (2014-15) and was a 2-time World Junior Champion in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay as a high school senior and the Pan Am Champion in the 400m hurdles as a junior.  

The post Olympic Silver Medalist visits hometown HBCU track team appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Florida A&M, the reigning HBCU national champions, is ranked 22nd in the American Football Coaches Association Poll at the FCS level. 

Johnson C. Smith made its entry into the Division II AFCA rankings, ranking 24th among D2 programs. 

Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) football is off to a historic start in the 2024 season, boasting a 5-0 record for the first time since 1969. Under head coach Maurice Flowers, the Golden Bulls have shown remarkable improvement, led by standout performances from quarterback Darius Ocean and running back Quavaris Crouch. Key victories include a 21-13 win over Tuskegee in the Red Tails Classic and a pivotal 21-16 triumph over defending CIAA champions Virginia Union. JCSU’s strong offense and tenacious defense have positioned them as serious contenders in the CIAA this season.

It has been quite the start for one of the first two programs — along with rival Livingstone College — in HBCU football.

Florida A&M’s 2024 football season has been marked by highs and lows. The Rattlers started strong, securing a thrilling 24-23 comeback win over Norfolk State in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. They followed this up with a victory against South Carolina State. However, the reigning HBCU national champions faced tough losses against FBS opponents, falling 56-9 to Miami and 34-12 to Troy, bringing their record to 2-2. A scheduled game against Alabama A&M was postponed due to Tropical Storm Helene, pushing their next matchup to late November.

The post HBCU football squads ranked nationally entering Oct. appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

SALEM, Va. – The Golden Bulls of Charlotte, NC HBCU Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) football scored the majority of their points in the second quarter as JCSU defeated Bluefield State, 42-3, in Salem, Va.  JCSU’s Tyrek Williams caught a 27-yard pass from Darius Ocean, as Jacob Meneses adding the extra point putting JCSU up 7-0.  Avante George scored on a one-yard run, with Meneses again successful on the kick, extending the lead to 14-0. 

Williams caught another touchdown pass from Ocean, this time for 42 yards. Meneses’ kick was good, capping a 99-yard drive in 9 plays over 3:37, making it 21-0. Brian Morgan caught a seven-yard pass from Darius Ocean, with Meneses converting the extra point, pushing the score to 28-0.

In the third quarter, Bluefield State Danny Dales kicked a 26-yard field goal, putting them on the board at 28-3.

In the fourth, Mason Lawson scored on a one-yard run, with Meneses adding the extra point, increasing the lead to 35-3. Trenton Lodge saw action and ran in for a two-yard touchdown, with Meneses’ kick good, sealing the game at 42-3.

JCSU dominated the game with strong offensive plays and solid defense, leading to a decisive victory.

Brick x Brick Docuseries with JCSU Football

The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade. Season 2 is unfolding to reveal the Golden Bulls as a CIAA championship contender, as they continue to make HBCU football history in Charlotte, NC.

The title of the latest episode, ‘Refuse to Lose’, is about a portion of the team’s mantra that appears throughout the series. After the hard-fought victory, Coach Flowers repeated the “refuse to lose” portion of the mantra a few extra times to emphasize the team’s grit in the win.

Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU vs VA Union | Refuse to Lose

Brick x Brick SzN II FULL EPISODES

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The Charlotte, North Carolina HBCU is amid a football resurgence, and HBCU Gameday cameras have captured the turnaround at Johnson C. Smith under head coach Maurice Flowers since his first win in 2022. Season 1 of Brick x Brick showed the Golden Bulls increase their win total from two to seven games, the most at the HBCU in over a decade.

Season 2 follows a currently undefeated JCSU football program as they have gone from upstart to usurper, by beating the defending CIAA champion Virginia Union Panthers at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina in an emotional rollercoaster of a game that wasn’t decided until the final moments of the fourth quarter.

The title of the latest episode, ‘Refuse to Lose’, is about a portion of the team’s mantra that appears throughout the series. After the hard-fought victory, Coach Flowers repeated the “refuse to lose” portion of the mantra a few extra times to emphasize the team’s grit in the win.

“I knew when I heard him repeat it about three extra times that it would be the title of the episode,” said series producer Wali Pitt. “That was the biggest win for Smith in the three years that I’ve been covering them, it was a signature win for the program and a signature episode for the series.”

The Golden Bulls have grabbed the attention of the HBCU football world with their 4-0 start to the 2024 season, and the brick x brick motto has become an integral part of the identity of the team. “like we always say, day by day, brick by brick, just gotta keep going, keep the momentum going,” said all-CIAA linebacker Benari Black during the postgame press conference after the win against VA Union. “But like I said, we’ll celebrate tonight but tomorrow, we’re right back at it,” the Charlotte, North Carolina native continued.

JCSU football hits the road to face Bluefield State on Sept 28, and production of Brick x Brick, HCU football’s Hard Knocks docuseries will continue the week of Oct 5 when the Golden Bulls host Virginia State University. Watch full episodes of ‘Brick x Brick SzN II with JCSU Football’ on the hbcugameday.com homepage, the Gameday app, and on the HBCU Gameday YouTube channel.

Brick x Brick SzN II

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Laying the Groundwork for Success

When Coach Maurice Flowers took over at JCSU, the football program needed a reset. His first season was a tough one, with the Golden Bulls finishing 2-7, but Flowers knew that laying a strong foundation was the key to future success. “That first year taught us a lot of lessons, and we’ve built from there,” Flowers explained on the HBCU Gameday D2 Football Show. “Now, this team is turning those hard lessons into wins.”

Johnson C. Smith has deep roots in HBCU football. The program’s legacy dates back to 1892, when it played the first-ever football game between two Black colleges, defeating Livingstone College 5-0. Now, Coach Flowers is pushing to add a new chapter to the school’s storied history, one that puts the Golden Bulls on a path to dominance in not just HBCU, but Division II football as a whole.

Key Players Leading the Charge

This season, Johnson C. Smith is being powered by standout players on both offense and defense. Quarterback Darius Ocean has been a revelation, throwing for 968 yards and 7 touchdowns in just four games. Ocean’s poise and playmaking ability have helped turn the Golden Bulls into a well-rounded offensive powerhouse. “Darius has matured into a leader for this team,” Flowers said. “He’s making smart decisions and keeping the offense moving.”

Running back Quavaris Crouch has been just as impactful, rushing for 287 yards and 6 touchdowns, including a 75-yard sprint that electrified the crowd at the Red Tails Classic. “Quavaris gives us a big-play threat on every snap,” Flowers said. Wide receiver Brevin Caldwell has been another major weapon, hauling in 36 catches for 522 yards and 6 touchdowns, making him Ocean’s go-to target.

Johnson C. Smith’s defense is also playing lights out, allowing just 239 rushing yards through the first four games. Shamar Baker has been a standout in the secondary, recording 3 interceptions, including a 38-yard pick-six that helped seal one of their wins. “Our defense has been a rock this year,” Flowers noted. “We’ve controlled the line of scrimmage, and that’s given us the edge in tight games.”

Building for the Future

While this season’s goal is clear—set a new win record and compete at the highest level of HBCU football—Coach Flowers is also focused on the future. Johnson C. Smith has made major investments in the football program, upgrading facilities and enhancing recruiting efforts, particularly in the Charlotte area. “Getting local players who care about this university and this community has been huge for us,” Flowers said.

With a committed coach, standout players, and the backing of the university, Johnson C. Smith is laying the groundwork for long-term success in HBCU football. As they push toward what could be a record-setting season, the Golden Bulls are showing that their turnaround is more than just a moment—it’s a movement.

“Everything is coming together for this program,” Flowers said. “We’re not just building for this year; we’re building something that will last.”

With four wins already in the books, Johnson C. Smith is ready to make a statement in 2024. The path ahead looks bright for the Golden Bulls, and all eyes in HBCU football are watching as they chase history.

HBCU Gameday productions have been embedded within the JCSU football program for the past two seasons filming the “Brick x Brick with JCSU Football” docu-series. Catch up on Season 1 on YouTube and watch episodes from Season 2 below.

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Game recap courtesy of JCSU athletics below.

CHARLOTTE – In a thrilling game, Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) football displayed a strong offensive performance to secure a 21-16 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association victory over defending CIAA Champions, Virginia Union University on Saturday night inside Irwin Belk Complex. The Golden Bulls are 4-0 for the first time since 1982.

JCSU (4-0, 1-0) struck first with a four-yard touchdown run by Quavaris Crouch, capping a 14-play, 70-yard drive as the Golden Bulls led 7-0.  

VUU (1-2, 0-1) responded with a 42-yard field goal by Brady Myers to cut the JCSU lead to 7-3. 

In the second quarter, JCSU extended their lead with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Darius Ocean to Crouch, completing a 70-yard drive leading 14-3. VUU narrowed the gap with a one-yard touchdown run by Jada Byers, though the extra point attempt failed, VUU was down 14-9 before halftime.. 

Crouch scored again with a one-yard run, finishing a marathon 19-play, 99-yard drive 21-9 late in the third quarter. 

Late in the fourth quarter, VUU fought back with a three-yard touchdown run by Byers, to cap off a 74-yard drive, 21-16. 

Ocean led the passing attack, completing 17 of 28 attempts for 282 yards. He threw one touchdown and had no interceptions, with his longest pass being 56 yards. He was sacked twice. 

Kamarro Edmonds carried the ball 14 times, for 53 yards. His longest run was 13 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per carry. 

Quavaris Crouch had 19 rushing attempts and also rushed for 53 yards. He scored two touchdowns, with his longest run being 14 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. 

Jalen Alexander was a force on the field, recording eight total tackles (5 solo and 3 assisted). He made 3.5 tackles for loss (TFL) totaling 11 yards and achieved 2 sacks for a loss of 9 yards. 

Benari Black also had a strong game, contributing seven total tackles (4 solo and 3 assisted). 

WATCH HBCU GAMEDAY ORIGINAL SERIES BRICK X BRICK WITH JCSU FOOTBALL

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Brick x Brick began in 2022 as a segment on JCSU football head coach Maurice Flowers’ first win over Elizabeth City State University. From there, HBCU Gameday and JCSU partnered on a documentary of the Golden Bulls’ spring ball program, highlighted by a trip to Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers for a special spring practice. That project bloomed into a five-part series, culminating with an all-access episode where filmmaker Wali Pitt traveled to Fort Lauderdale, FL with JCSU football on their trip to the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl.

Episodes four and five of season two of ‘Brick x Brick’ follow the Golden Bulls to Atlanta for a ‘Business Trip’ against Morehouse and take you behind the scenes of the JCSU football home opener against Lincoln where Smith was looking to ‘Protect the Crib.’

Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU vs Morehouse | Business Trip

Follow JCSU football as they load the team bus in Charlotte, NC, and head for Atlanta to take on Morehouse College at historic B.T. Harvey Stadium. After a win over Tuskegee in the Red Tails Classic, the Golden Bulls look to prove they can handle business on the road against a tough non-conference opponent.

Brick x Brick SzN II | JCSU vs Lincoln | Protect the Crib

After going 2-0 on the road to start the season, JCSU football returned to Charlotte, NC for its home opener against CIAA foe Lincoln University. The Golden Bulls’ packed the Irwin Belk Complex and showed what type of atmosphere you can expect in Charlotte with a winning football team.

JCSU vs VA Union

The Golden Bulls are 3-0 and welcome the defending CIAA champion Virginia Union (VA Union) Panthers to Uptown Charlotte and the Irwin Belk Complex for a 6 pm kickoff. Union is coming off a tough 33-21 loss to Virginia HBCU rival Hampton and has had a long road to becoming a CIAA football champion.

The Panthers come to Charlotte with an all-CIAA running back and one of the first two HBCU Legacy Bowl selections of 2025. Brigton, NJ native Jada Byers has been one of the top backs in the CIAA for a few seasons and he’s continuing his dominance in 2024 averaging 158 yards per game and scoring five touchdowns on the year.

The Golden Bulls will counter Virginia Union’s steady dose of Jada Byers with the three-headed backfield of Quavaris Crouch, Kamarro Edmunds, and Avante George, who collectively average 164 yards per game.

The JCSU football program’s 3-0 record shows they have gone from rebuilding to resurging. Still, the matchup against VA Union will show if they are already a CIAA championship-caliber team in year three under head coach Maurice Flowers.

HBCU Gameday cameras will be in Charlotte covering the contest for the next episode of ‘Brick x Brick with JCSU Football.’ Full episodes are available on the HBCUGameday.com homepage, the Gameday, and on the HBCU Gameday YouTube Channel. You can also find exclusive content on all HBCU Gameday social media platforms.

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Quavaris Crouch had a storybook high school career where he dominated both sides of the ball at Harding High. Crouch ran for 3,142 yards and 31 touchdowns at the running back position, while running up 14 sacks on defense, en route to winning a State championship and the 2017 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. Crouch, a highly touted 5-star recruit signed with the University of Tennessee and like many of the top high school players coming out of Charlotte, NC was on a direct path from the Queen City to the NFL.

But that wasn’t the path that Crouch’s career would take, after two seasons at the University of Tennessee and one at Michigan State, Crouch found himself out of football and at a pivotal crossroads in his personal life.

After returning home to restart his career at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2023, Crouch was delivered another tough blow when he discovered he wasn’t eligible to play because of issues with his transcript. Seemingly out of options to continue his playing career, Crouch overheard a conversation about his hometown HBCU football program at Johnson C. Smith University while visiting his old stomping grounds of Harding High School.

“It hit me right then,” Crouch told Cameron Williams of the Charlotte Post. “There is a Division II school right there in front of you in the middle of the city. So, I took that opportunity to get signed up.”

Crouch now finds himself under the tutelage of JCSU football head coach Maurice Flowers, who coached current Green Bay Packers running back and Charlotte native Emanual Wilson at Fort Valley State University, another Division II HBCU. Wilson’s success in the NFL proves that Quavaris Crouch’s NFL path may have been deferred but not denied, as he still has two years of eligibility to make a name for himself as one of the top backs in HBCU football.

Crouch enrolled at JCSU in January of 2024 and is already turning heads only three weeks into the season. Crouch had a breakout performance right out of the gate in week one against Tuskegee University at the Red Tails Classic. He had 21 carries 161 yards and a 75-yard touchdown as the Golden Bulls won a close 21-13 contest in Montgomery, AL.

Week three versus Lincoln University saw Quavaris Crouch return to play running back in Charlotte, NC for the first time since his time as a high school superstar at Harding. Crouch only ran the ball five times during the blowout win but he did find the endzone on three different occasions, twice from the wildcat formation at the goalline and one 29-yard touchdown straight through the teeth of the Lincoln defense.

“I feel like it’s special, you know god always got a plan for me, and I’m just grateful he let me just go through it… I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be able to come out here and play with my boys” Crouch told HBCU Gameday after his comeback game in Charlotte. “Everybody knows my story, how it was almost already over… I feel like god never made no mistakes, he brought me right back where everything started, Charlotte, North Carolina. I feel like JCSU is another version of Harden.”

HBCU Gameday is currently in production of season 2 of its ‘Hard Knocks’ style documentary series titled “Brick x Brick,” which has chronicled the resurgence of JCSU football beginning with Coach Flowers’ first win in 2022, through the Golden Bulls’ 2023 spring football program, crucial moments of its 7-4 season and a behind-the-scenes exclusive on their trip to the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl. Watch full episodes of Brick x Brick with JCSU football on the hbcugameday.com homepage and the HBCU Gameday app.

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CHARLOTTE –  The Johnson C. Smith (JCSU) football team is 3-0 this season, for the first time since 2013, and scored over 50 points that same year (58 points against Bowie State, 58-41). The Golden Bulls had an impressive display of dominance in this HBCU football contest, JCSU took control of the game right from the start and never looked back defeating Lincoln (Pa) 52-6 on Saturday afternoon.

 
Ja’qun Wilkins set the tone with an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, followed by Jacob Meneses’ successful kick, putting JCSU up 7-0.  Quavaris Crouch extended the lead with a two-yard run, capping off an 11-play, 73-yard drive.
 
In the second quarter, Meneses added a 27-yard field goal after a 10-play, 60-yard drive, increasing the lead to 17-0. Crouch struck again with a 32-yard run, completing a quick one-play, 32-yard drive in just three seconds. Meneses’ kick brought the score to 24-0.
 
The Lions Isaiah Freeman finally put his team on the board with a five-yard run, but the kick failed, making it 24-6, which would be the lone score for the Lions.
 
Right before halftime Kamarro Edmonds responded with an 11-yard run for JCSU, finishing a 10-play, 75-yard drive.
 
Crouch continued his stellar performance with another two-yard run, concluding a five-play, 92-yard drive. Meneses’ kick extended the lead to 38-6. Brevin Caldwell caught an 80-yard pass from Darius Ocean on a single play, with Meneses’ kick making it 45-6.
 
In the final quarter, Mason Lawson sealed the game with a 10-yard run, ending a six-play, 67-yard drive. Meneses’ kick brought the final score to 52-6.
 
Benari Black led the defense with a total of 8 tackles, including five solo. He also contributed 1.5 tackles for loss for one yard. Jack Smith was another key player, recording seven tackles.  He added one tackle for loss.
 
Both players were instrumental in maintaining a strong defensive front, helping to secure a decisive victory for Johnson C. Smith.

 
Darius Ocean had an outstanding performance in the passing game for JCSU. He completed 18 out of 26 pass attempts, amassing a total of 331 yards. Ocean threw for one touchdown and had no interceptions, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making skills. His longest pass of the game was an impressive 80 yards, and he managed to avoid being sacked throughout the game.
 
Edmonds and Crouch led the rushing attack for JCSU with impressive performances. Edmonds carried the ball eight times, gaining 52 yards. He scored one touchdown, with his longest run being 12 yards. Crouch had five carries, gaining 43 yards. He scored three touchdowns, with his longest run being 32 yards.
 
Up next, the JCSU football will take on the defending CIAA champs, the Panthers of Virginia Union University on Saturday, September 21. This HBCU football Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m.

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JCSU football hit the road in Week 0 for a neutral site matchup with Tuskegee University in the Red Tails Classic, gutting out a hard-fought 21-13 win that proved they can take down a good team in a big game. The challenge for the Golden Bulls in week 1, was to show they can be dominant on the road. JCSU football packed up the busses in Charlotte, North Carolina, and headed south to Atlanta, Georgia to take on Morehouse College, a team in a similar position to where Smith was three years ago, rebuilding from scratch with a first-year head coach. And while JCSU’s seven wins in 2023 were more than the school had won in a decade, they were still in search of a dominant signature win on the road that shows the HBCU football world that not only can Smith win, but that Smith can win big.

The first half in Atlanta saw the scrappy Morehouse Tigers sticking close to the Golden Bulls on the scoreboard, countering an 8-yard touchdown pass from Darius Ocean to Brevin Caldwell with a 75-yard passing TD from Patrick Blake to Ajani Williams on the first play of the very next drive to tie the game at 7 in the first quarter. The rest of the half was also played tight until Darius Ocean found Brevin Caldwell in the endzone a second time for a 27-yard score with two minutes left in the half, giving JCSU a 14-7 lead going into halftime.

HBCU Gameday was in Atlanta filming with JCSU football for its HBCU Hard Knocks docuseries Brick x Brick and caught impassioned halftime speeches from not only head coach Maurice Flowers but Sophomore defensive lineman Ari Rodriguez, who gave a similar speech at halftime last season on the road against Fayetteville State that aired in episode three of season one of Brick x Brick.

However, the difference between this year and last, was how JCSU responded on the field in the second half.

The defense made its presence known early in the third quarter with a 38 yard pick six from Shamar Baker, and being in Atlanta the weekend after the passing of Rich Homie Quan, it was only right he ‘hit the Quan’ after scoring, the signature dance of the fallen hip-hop star.

Later in the quarter, Darius Ocean hit Brevin Caldwell for a third touchdown pass. Caldwell, an all-CIAA wideout followed up a 7 catch, 90 yard, two TD performance at the Red Tails Classic with a 9 catch, 140 yard, three TD performance against Morehouse, and is one of the best receivers in DII football after two weeks, leading the NCAA in touchdown catches while being tied for fifth in the nation in receiving yards.

East Carolina University transfer Kamarro Edmonds diced his way to a second solid performance of the year. A dynamic 40-yard run to set up a two-yard score for Edmonds and gave Smith a 34-7 lead early in the fourth quarter.

The attendance at B.T. Harvey Stadium was listed at 2725 and it felt like most of them came from Charlotte to support the Golden Bulls on the road. By the time the clock hit zero, JCSU President Valerie Kinloch was dancing to the band with the rest of the JCSU faithful celebrating the 37-13 win over Morehouse. Giving head coach Maurice Flowers and his team a dominant signature win on the road, as Johnson C Smith continues to build itself into a winning program.

Watch the postgame interviews with coach Flowers and Brevin Caldwell and stay tuned for the next episode of Brick x Brick SzN II with JCSU football. The first two episodes are out now on the HBCUGameday.com homepage and the HBCU Gameday app.

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The game was highlighted by standout performances, particularly from JCSU QB Darius Ocean and RB Quavaris Crouch. Ocean showcased his passing prowess, completing 13 of 25 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns, while Crouch dominated the ground game with 161 rushing yards on 21 attempts, including a 75-yard touchdown run that set the tone early in the second half.

The first quarter saw Johnson C. Smith take a 7-0 lead with a touchdown pass from Ocean to Brevin Caldwell. Tuskegee University responded in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Raequan Beal to Karon Taylor, but a missed extra point kept them trailing 7-6. In the third quarter, Crouch’s explosive run extended Johnson C. Smith’s lead, though Tuskegee answered with a rushing touchdown by Johnny Morris III. However, Tuskegee’s failure to convert the extra point left them behind 14-13.

The decisive moment came late in the third quarter when Ocean connected with Caldwell for a 37-yard touchdown pass, sealing the game for JCSU. Despite Tuskegee’s efforts, Johnson C. Smith’s defense held firm, preventing any further scoring. The victory marks a significant win for Johnson C. Smith, setting a strong tone for its season.

JCSU will look to improve to 2-0 next week when it takes on Morehouse College next week.

Here are five key plays from the Red Tails Classic between Johnson C. Smith University and Tuskegee University:

1. Darius Ocean’s 7-yard Touchdown Pass to Brevin Caldwell (1st Quarter): This play gave Johnson C. Smith an early 7-0 lead, setting the tone for the game.
2. Quavaris Crouch’s 75-yard Touchdown Run (3rd Quarter): This explosive run extended Johnson C. Smith’s lead to 14-7, proving to be a momentum-shifting play.
3. Johnny Morris III’s 1-yard Touchdown Run (3rd Quarter): Tuskegee closed the gap to 14-13 with this rushing touchdown, but a missed extra point kept them from tying the game.
4. Darius Ocean’s 37-yard Touchdown Pass to Brevin Caldwell (3rd Quarter): This play put Johnson C. Smith ahead 21-13, providing the final margin of victory.
5. Johnson C. Smith’s Defensive Stand in the 4th Quarter: The defense held firm, preventing Tuskegee from scoring and securing the win for Johnson C. Smith.

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After winning the second most games in school history in its first winning season in 10 years, JCSU football comes into the year carrying the unfamiliar burden of expectation. Picked to finish fourth in the 2024 CIAA preseason rankings, the Golden Bulls’ fall showed that you can build team chemistry while hitting each other for 3 straight weeks.

Filmed over two practice days, Brick x Brick | Inside Fall Camp goes inside the huddle of an HBCU fall camp to show fans what it’s really like during the dog days of a mid-August practice. We get a first-hand look at how rough it can get in the trenches during O-line vs D-line one-on-one drills.

Brick x Brick | Inside Fall Camp | Photo Gallery

The most important position battle for Johnson C Smith football coming into 2024 was at quarterback, but for newly named QB1 Darius Ocean, it was just as important to help build up the other quarterbacks on the team as it was for him to try to beat them out for the position.

With his quarterback locked in, JCSU football head coach Maurice Flowers had to install his offense. The only problem? They have to go against a defense that finished number two statistically in Division II football in 2023.

After a grueling hot day of fall camp, it was time for a little motivation before hitting the locker room. Ric Elias, CEO of Charlotte, NC media giant Red Ventures stopped by Fall Camp to speak to the team about his 3 keys to having a successful team and reminded the Golden Bulls that everything changes once you have the expectation of success.

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What started as a spring football segment for Gameday’s flagship HBCU football program ‘No Huddle’, blossomed into its own five-part series, giving fans an intimate look at a 2023 season that was one of the best in JCSU football history. The Golden Bulls are coming into the 2024 season with more expectations than ever and have given HBCU Gameday unprecedented access for the production of season 2.

“The partnership with JCSU football has been amazing in terms of the access they let me have, not just with the camera but they let us tell the story organically and really showcase the ups and downs of building an HBCU football program in real-time,” says series producer Wali Pitt.

“Every single day. It matters, it counts,” Head Strength & Conditioning Coach/Defensive Line Coach Kevon Fly tells the team before their 16th and final summer workout, hammering home the message throughout the session.

“With this being an in-house production you can expect Season 2 of Brick x Brick to come in a bunch of different forms of content spread throughout the gameday digital space. We’re starting the season with a shorter, hype video-type episode, but fall camp may end up being a 30-minute piece or longer, I’m really trying to let the story dictate what type of episode comes out of it, which as a creative is a dope space to be in,” Pitt says about what to expect from the second season of Brick x Brick.

Brick x Brick SZN II | Last Workout of the Summer | PRODUCTION STILLS

Full episodes of season 2 of Brick x Brick starring Johnson C Smith football will air exclusively on hbcugameday.com and the HBCU Gameday app, with featured content being regularly uploaded to Gameday’s YouTube and social media channels.

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Danielle Williams, Johnson C. Smith University alumna, cruised nicely to victory in the fourth heat of the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, clocking 12.59 inside Stade de France.

Williams, has advanced to the semifinals which will take place on Friday, Aug. 9, at 6:05 a.m. The race will be shown on all NBC networks.

Danielle Williams’ career at Johnson C. Smith University was nothing short of extraordinary. She amassed nine NCAA titles and dominated the CIAA with 13 championships, establishing herself as one of the most decorated athletes in the university’s history. Her collegiate success set the stage for her professional career, where she continued to excel on the international stage. Williams’ breakthrough came in 2015 at the World Championships in Beijing, where she won the gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles with an impressive time of 12.57 seconds, showcasing her talent to a global audience.

Beyond her victory in Beijing, Williams has remained a significant force in track and field, representing Jamaica in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. Her achievements earned her a prestigious induction into the USTFCCCA NCAA Division II Track & Field Athlete Hall of Fame in 2020. Williams’ journey from collegiate star to international champion highlights her dedication, skill, and enduring impact on the sport. Her legacy continues to inspire both current athletes and future generations in track and field.

In addition to Williams, the Charlotte-based HBCU also has a tie to American sprinter Anna Cockrell. Cockrell won silver in the 400m. She is the daughter of Kieth Cockrell, the vice chair of the board of trustees for HBCU Johnson C. Smith University. Her track coach at Providence High School in Charlotte was Carol Lawrence, who is currently in charge of the track program at Johnson C. Smith.

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Building a Championship Football Program at Johnson C. Smith

Maurice Flowers is guiding Johnson C. Smith through a transformative phase in HBCU football.

“We’re on schedule,” Flowers stated. “Our big thing is just to make sure we’re having improvement day by day, week by week, month by month. We’ve taken steps in our process each year, and we’re looking to continue building our championship culture and program.”

The Golden Bulls concluded the 2023 season with a 7-4 record, their best start since at least 2012. This notable achievement has led to a high preseason ranking, reflecting the team’s progress. Flowers acknowledged the significance of this ranking but emphasized the need for ongoing effort.

“It feels good, but we also know we’ve earned it,” he said. “Our goal is to build a championship program, not just a team that’s good one year.”

Defensive Excellence

One of Johnson C. Smith’s strengths is its defense, which finished first in total defense last season among HBCU teams. Junior linebacker Benari Black, a preseason All-CIAA selection, is pivotal to this robust defensive lineup. Black’s leadership will be essential as the Golden Bulls aim to maintain their defensive prowess.

Home Field Advantage for Rivals

This season, Johnson C. Smith will host five conference games at home, offering them a significant advantage. The opportunity to leverage the home field could be crucial as they strive to exceed their preseason expectations.

Looking Ahead for HBCU Football

With their preseason CIAA ranking at fourth, the Golden Bulls have a chance to build on last year’s success and aim for even greater achievements.

“The next step for us is to have back-to-back winning seasons and be a challenger in the conference,” Flowers emphasized. “We want to stay on that track and aim for playoff bids.”

Conclusion

As the 2024 HBCU football season begins, the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls are set to prove that their preseason ranking is well-deserved. With Coach Maurice Flowers’ strategic vision, a strong defense led by Benari Black, and a favorable home schedule, the Golden Bulls are poised to make a significant impact.

Click here for more on Flowers and his way of building Johnson C. Smith.

For the latest updates, game previews, and in-depth analysis of HBCU football, stay tuned to HBCU Gameday.

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Williams ran a 12.53 in the Jamaican 100m hurdles finals – good for second to Ackera Nugent who shattered the Jamaican Record, running a blistering 12.28s. Her mark is the current world-leading time and the eighth-fastest-ever run by a woman in the event.

Williams will be taking her talents in Paris, making her debut at the Olympics. But she’s far from a novice on the world stage. She’s a two-time winner of the World Championships in the 100m hurdles, and the reigning world champion.

Following in the footsteps of her sister, Shermaine Williams, Danielle Williams attended Johnson C. Smith where she was a standout at the Division II level. Both sisters have run for the Jamaican national team in international competitions.

Danielle Williams won nine NCAA titles (eight individual, one relay), 13 CIAA championships (11 individual, two relay), earned 13 All-America honors between 2013 and 2014. She also won USTFCCCA National Women’s Indoor Track or Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year three times during her time at the Charlotte, NC-based HBCU. 

Danielle Williams inked her way into the NCAA Division II record books as a junior in 2013 when she scored 30½ points thanks to event titles in the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay, as well as a runner-up finish in the 100 Hurdles. She set current divisional records in the 200 (22.62) and 4×100 relay (44.05), clocked the second-fastest performance in divisional history in the 100H (12.89) and notched the fifth fastest performance in the 100 (11.24).

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CHARLOTTE – After conducting a national search, Johnson C Smith University Director of Athletics Dr. Denisha Hendricks has named Da’Nesha Miller the new women’s volleyball head coach at the Charlotte HBCU.  Miller brings a wealth of experience, determination, and enthusiasm to her new role as a CIAA head coach, underpinned by a solid six-year background in coaching and a history of building athletes with character and skill.

In her most recent position as an assistant coach at Fayetteville State University (FSU), Coach Miller played a pivotal role in the team’s daily operations. She was instrumental in recruiting, planning, and executing practices, analyzing video and scouting opponents, coordinating team travel and game-day operations, and ensuring adherence to NCAA Division II and CIAA compliance rules. Miller also had primary responsibility for the team’s academic support services. Under her guidance, the Fayetteville, NC HBCU was the 2022 Southern Division Champion, and she mentored multiple players who earned CIAA post-season accolades.

In 2020, Miller joined her alma mater, Hilton Head Island High School, as an assistant coach. Her college volleyball was on pause due to COVID-19. That year, the team won the AAAA State Championship, with four players earning NFHS post-season accolades. This was only the second state championship in the school’s history – Miller played on the team that won the first! Miller’s role as head coach of Carolina Advantage Volleyball Club’s 17s Team in 2022 further showcased her coaching prowess. She led the team to notable finishes, including first place in Silver at the Charlotte AAU tournament and first place in Gold at the SC Grand Prix. Under her leadership, the team earned the distinction of qualifying for AAU Nationals.

Coach Miller’s coaching journey began while she was still in college. In 2018 and 2019, Miller was the head coach of Shockwave Volleyball Club’s 15s and 17s teams, where she developed and implemented comprehensive training programs, led practices, and fostered a positive team atmosphere. Her efforts bore fruit as the teams achieved impressive finishes, including second place in Gold at the Carilion New Year’s Classic and Mizuno Capitol Hill tournaments.

A standout HBCU student-athlete herself, Miller’s accolades include being a nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year, captain of the 2019 and 2021 CIAA Volleyball Championship teams, and member of the 2019 CIAA Track and Field Championship team. She made the CIAA Volleyball All-Conference First Team each year she played and was the 2019 & 2021 CIAA Volleyball Tournament MVP and 2021 Fayetteville State University Student-Athlete of the Year. In 2019 and 2021, Miller finished in the top eight nationally for Division II Triple-Doubles (kills, assists, blocks/digs).

Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology and is completing her Master of Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Management. With her extensive experience, passion for the sport, and commitment to student-athlete development, Coach Da’Nesha Miller is set to make a significant impact at Johnson C Smith University. The Golden Bulls community eagerly anticipates the growth and success of the volleyball program under her leadership.

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Dr. Kelly was informed of her honor via her friend and former colleague at Saint Augustine’s University, Anthony Jeffries.

“I am honored and incredibly humbled to be selected for the JCSU Athletics Hall of Fame,” says Dr. Kelly. “I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my journey, and I share this honor with everyone who has been a part of it. This recognition is a testament to the incredible support system at JCSU and beyond.”

Other inductees include Ronnie Armstrong (Football), Rochelle Bodie (Basketball), Leford Green (Track & Field), Anthony Holloman (Football), Carl Lyles (Football), Roosevelt McGruder, LaTondra Morrow (Track & Field/Basketball), Benard Parker (Football), and Joi Surratt (Basketball).

Kelly, a St. Croix, USVI native, is currently the Director of Athletics at Albany State University. She boasts one of the most diverse resumes in college athletics, having served in various roles at all three NCAA divisions. Prior to her appointment at Albany State, she served as the Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator at Vanderbilt University, a Power 5 institution in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). In addition to her time at Vanderbilt, she worked at Dartmouth College as the Senior Associate AD/SWA before being promoted to Executive Associate AD/SWA (2018-2020), Keene State College as Director of Athletics and Recreation (2016-2018), Saint Augustine’s University as Associate AD/SWA as well as Assistant Professor and Department Chair (2009-2016), and Johnson C. Smith University as Sports Information Director (2002-2009).

Dr. Kristene Kelly served as Sports Information Director at Johnson C. Smith University for six and a half years. During her tenure at her beloved alma mater, she earned many accolades, including being awarded the John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year award (2005), and becoming only the second female to receive that honor. She served in multiple leadership roles at her HBCU, the CIAA, and nationally on NCAA Division II committees. In fact, Kelly served as the Co-chair of the highly successful 2007 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Additionally, Kelly is a graduate of the NCAA’s Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Females (2007).

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the university in 2000. She went on to receive her master’s degree in human performance and sports studies from the University of Tennessee and received her doctoral degree from the United States Sports Academy. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has been married to Jonathan for twenty years, and together they have one son, Jonathan, Jr., a rising senior at Albany State University.

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Vice President Kamala Harris continued her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour by returning to Charlotte, NC for an event about investing in communities, building wealth, and ensuring every American has the ability to thrive.

“I feel very strongly that we need to be in the community listening and giving people information about the work that we’ve done that will help folks,” Harris told the crowd. Because I’m very aware that we can do all this good stuff in Washington D.C., – but if it doesn’t hit the streets – it doesn’t matter.”

During a moderated conversation at HBCU Johnson C. Smith University with Michael Ealy and Bakari Sellers, the Vice President highlighted how the Biden-Harris Administration has taken historic steps to advance economic opportunity by taking on medical debt, creating jobs, investing in small businesses, increasing access to capital, improving access to housing, forgiving student loans, and championing additional policies that put money in people’s pockets and build wealth.

“The numbers I have are that Black entrepreneurs are three times less likely to apply for small business loans and one of the main reasons why is folks don’t want to be disappointed,” Harris said. “We know that’s like. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and to believe that you will be taken seriously and treated fairly.”

Harris wants to get the word out that entrepreneurs are welcome and encouraged to grow.

Vice President Harris was joined in Charlotte by administration officials, state and local leaders, business leaders, and entrepreneurs on Stephen Joyner Sr. Court at Brayboy Gymnasium. This includes Department of Housing and Urban Development Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman, Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and the offices of U.S. Rep. Adams (NC-12) and U.S. Rep. Jackson (NC-14).

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The Golden Bulls will now play a total of five home games inside Irwin Belk Complex. It kicks off the season against SIAC foe Tuskegee University in the Red Tails Classic in Week Zero.

Johnson C Smith is coming off a 7-4 season in 2023, including a 27-20 win over Lincoln last fall. That game was played in Lincoln, PA. JCSU played in the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl against Fort Valley State University.

Rounding out the home schedules, JCSU will host the two CIAA Virginia schools, Virginia Union and Virginia State, a bye week before hosting Shaw for Homecoming and closing out the home season with Fayetteville State.

Both schools had an opening on their schedules as HBCU Saint Augustine’s University announced that it will be pausing its football program for the 2024 season as the school looks to stabilize itself due to accreditation issues. Lincoln was originally scheduled to play Saint Augustine’s on Sept. 14.

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The camp was free to kids ages 6-13 and as expected the 300 slots filled up quickly with local youth eager to share the field with the starting quarterback of the Carolina Panthers.

The 22-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner spoke to local media about the opportunity to give back to a community he feels has embraced him after his rookie season in Carolina.

“I’ve been blessed to where I feel like I’ve been embraced, and a lot of people have been able to interact with me and watch me, but for me, being able to come in and interact and actually be with kids and people in the community and be able to have those interactions is something I’ve been looking forward to for a really long time,” Young told Channel 9 news.

Johnson C Smith University President Dr. Valerie Kinloch attended the camp and welcomed Bryce and the Panthers to the home field of the city’s flagship HBCU. The Panthers also presented Dr. Kinloch with a personalized jersey with her name on the back and she did a jersey swap with Bryce Young where he received his own blue and gold No. 9 JCSU jersey.

Also in attendance at the camp were over a dozen of Young’s Panther teammates. Adam Thielen, Taylor Moton, and Austin Corbett were just a few names helping out local campers perform drills and compete for the title of the fastest camper.

The Carolina Panthers and Johnson C Smith have built a strong bond as neighbors in the Charlotte community. In April of 2023, the Panthers hosted the Johnson C Smith football team at Bank of America Stadium for a spring practice while the Golden Bulls field was getting new field turf, which happens to be the same turf that the Panthers play on at Bank of America Stadium.

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TUSKEGEE, Ala. ^__ The time for the 2024 Boeing Red Tails Classic was announced on Thursday afternoon, with television and kickoff set for Tuskegee University’s season-opening trip down 85 South to face fellow HBCU Johnson C Smith (JCSU) at the historic Cramton Bowl. The Golden Tigers and Golden Bulls will play Sunday, Sept. 1 at 6:00 p.m. CT in a nationally televised game on ESPNU, the fifth consecutive year the game will make an appearance on the ESPN family of networks since the game’s creation. Tuskegee is currently 1-3 in the classic, including a win last season over Fort Valley State.

The two programs last played in the inaugural Inner City Classic in Atlanta, Ga. on Sept. 8, 2012, with Tuskegee earning a 35-17 victory. Tuskegee leads the all-time series by a 12-5-1 count, with eight of the games being decided by 10 points or less.  The series has had several streaks, with Tuskegee having won the last eight meetings dating back to 1970.

Both HBCU programs are coming off 7-4 records in 2023, while also finishing 6-2 in their respective conference standings.

“We are excited to once again open our upcoming football season with a nationally televised game in the Red Tails Classic,” Tuskegee head coach Aaron James said. “Our program has enjoyed tremendous support over the past few seasons with Montgomery being one of our surrounding areas, while we also look to bring home a win again like we did in 2023.”

“The Red Tails Classic has so much tradition and playing against Tuskegee University, one of the most storied championships football programs makes it meaningful,” Johnson C Smith head coach Maurice Flowers said. “It is an honor to be able to play in the Red Tails Classic. We are excited, this is great for our football program to be playing in a nationally televised game.”

Ticket and tailgate information for the 2024 Boeing Red Tails Classic airing on the ESPN family of networks can be found on the Montgomery Kickoff Games website, or by clicking here.

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CHARLOTTE – Johnson C Smith University (JCSU) President, Dr. Valerie Kinloch has announced Antwain Banks as the Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach. His appointment, which is on an interim basis for the year, is effective May 15, 2024. Banks will be reporting directly to Dr. Denisha Hendricks (new Athletics Director).

Before getting the role at Johnson C Smith (JCSU) Coach Banks spent three seasons at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) as Associate Head Coach. While there, he was in charge of the defensive schemes and alignments. He also served as IUPUI’s Director of Operations. He coached and helped to develop two players named to the Horizon All-Freshmen Team as well as a player named to the Horizon All-League Third Team. One of his proudest accomplishments was the team posting a 3.58 Team GPA, which was the highest Team GPA in the past ten years.

He returned to IUPUI after spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Alabama A&M (AAMU). Coach Banks, who was named one of the top five assistant coaches in the SWAC by Stadium Insider’s Jeff Goodman during the 2020-21 season, was instrumental in helping to lead the team to their most regular season wins since 2015-16.

In 2020-21, they owned the nation’s top RPI early in the season, becoming the first-ever HBCU team to claim the nation’s top spot. AAMU boasted a pair of All-SWAC sophomore guards in Garrett Hicks and Jalen Johnson in Banks’ final season with the program and went 5-1 against in-state mid-major foes over the final two seasons with victories over Alabama State, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, Troy and South Alabama. That AAMU team was ranked as one of the nation’s top defensive teams, finishing No. 4 in three-point field goal percentage defense and No. 14 in field goal percentage defense. 

Before AAMU, Antwain Banks was an Assistant Coach at Clayton State (Ga.) University where he helped the Lakers to a 24-7 mark in 2017-18, including a Peach Belt Conference Co-Championship and an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Clayton State’s 24 victories were the second-most in program history while the Lakers went 19-3 in league play. They finished the year fourth in the regional rankings and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Before joining IUPUI in 2015, Coach Banks was head coach at Kentucky State University, serving at the top of the Thorobreds program for four seasons. After serving two years as an assistant coach and one year as interim head coach there, he was eventually promoted to head coach. Prior to his time at Kentucky State, Coach Banks spent seven years as a member of the Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast) basketball program (two as a player and five as a coach). He helped IUS reach 166 victories (.712 winning percentage) and five appearances at the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship. Additionally, Coach Banks helped to lead the Grenadiers to the KIAC Tournament finals in six out of seven years. He also coached four NAIA All-American Honorable Mention athletes and eight KIAC All-Conference players during his five years at IUS.

A graduate of South Bend Adams High School, Antwain Banks was Second Team All-Conference and was selected to the Sunburst All-Star Game during his senior year. He helped lead the Eagles to an IHSAA Sectional Championship during the 1997-98 season. After high school, he attended Ancilla Junior College where he started as point guard for two years. At Ancilla, Coach Banks helped his team to the first-ever Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) conference tournament appearance in school history.

His Bachelor’s Degree is from Indiana University Southeast and his Master’s Degree is from Western Kentucky University. Coach Banks has participated in leadership trainings such as the Leadership Academy for Assistant Coaches hosted by the NCAA. Recently, he was named to the 2023-2024 Achieving Coaching Excellence Program.

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In January of 2023, the NCAA Division II delegates approved a measure allowing teams to scrimmage against other four-year universities during the spring ball period. The scrimmage has to occur on or after the 10th day of the spring practice period and it specifies that a student-athlete’s participation in such a scrimmage does not trigger the use of a season of competition.

“This proposal provides opportunities for an enhanced collegiate experience in Division II football, where student-athletes can now participate against another team in the spring that they normally wouldn’t get to,” said Andy Peterson, director of athletics at Northwest Missouri State.

For JCSU, it allows them to get some live ball, full-contact action against another team during the spring, a time in which they would usually just be competing against themselves, not against one of the top DII teams in the Charlotte Metro Area.

“When you have an opportunity to go against a team that’s a championship-caliber team that has won SAC championships and went to the playoffs… When you have a chance to go toe to toe with them man… whew, I’m at a loss for words for what that can do for our program,” said Johnson C Smith head coach Maurice Flowers.

“It’s just a great opportunity to go against a quality program, and a championship program, and a program that honestly, is where we’re trying to be.”

JCSU VS WINGATE SPRING SCRIMMAGE PHOTO GALLERY

Located 30 minutes outside of Charlotte, NC, the Wingate University football program has been to the Division II playoffs in four of the last five seasons. Finishing 8-3 in 2023, as winners of seven of its final eight games and losing three games by 14 total points.

The joint practice/scrimmage between Johnson C Smith University and Wingate began like any regular season game with both teams going through their usual pregame warmups. But once the full contact sessions began, the energy in Irwin Belk Stadium went to another level.

“They’re a very, very good program, and, you know, our young men were very excited to see someone other than themselves, and with what we’re trying to build here at JCSU is a program that knows how to handle themselves the right way on and off the field, in the classroom, and also in an event like this, I mean, because emotions were running high, and, I mean you could just feel it in the air, it was a different type of vibe out there.” Said Coach Flowers of the joint practice with Wingate.

‘We wanna show that we belong, that we’re a good football team, and the only way we can do that is to go toe to toe with good football teams and that’s what Wingate is.”

HBCU Gameday has been following the JCSU football program for a docuseries titled “Brick x Brick | Changing the Culture at Johnson C Smith.” Giving HBCU football fans a “hard-knocks style” look at what changing the culture of a football program looks like.

From grueling 5 am practices to game-day triumphs, Brick x Brick showcases the hard work, determination, and spirit that aimed to change the culture of a program with a challenging past.

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The Salisbury, NC native graduated from JCSU in 1996, where he was a four-year letterman as a player. Dixon helped the Golden Bulls to a pair of CIAA Southern Division titles and a championship game appearance during his time in Charlotte, NC.  He was named the team’s most improved player following his junior season and the top defensive player after his senior season.

Before leaping into coaching at the collegiate level, Larry Dixon was the head coach at Garinger High School in Charlotte for three seasons, leading Garinger to a North Carolina High School sectional championship while earning Mecklenburg County Coach of the Year honors from the Charlotte Observer.

His journey as a college coach has taken him all over. He began as an assistant at St. Andrews University and has had stints at South Carolina State, East Carolina, Winthrop, Georgia Southern, and South Florida.

After a coaching change at USF, Larry Dixon found himself looking for another place to call home when we got a call from NC State head coach Kevin Keatts while shopping at a mall.

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors had just voted to allow two more assistant coaches on men’s basketball staffs and coach Keatts wanted Larry Dixon to fill one of those new roles.

“I’ve enjoyed working for Coach Keatts,” Dixon told the Salisbury Post in a recent interview. “We all have input and can offer our opinions and suggestions, and he makes the final decisions. I’m very involved in recruiting, not on-the-road recruiting, but I’m on the phone a lot. We all watch film and do scouting. Coach (Levi) Watkins and I work with the bigs on practice days.”

NC State has one of the most exciting big men in the NCAA tournament in 6-foot-9, 275-pound D.J Burns.

“Burns has always been able to score the ball,” Dixon told the Post. “I think we’ve got the best low-post, back-to-the-basket scorer in the country, The difference in Burns in the ACC tournament was his focus. He was locked in.”

The Wolfpack have continued to be “locked in” as their magical ACC tournament run has turned into a magical Final Four run that has captivated the nation.

“I’m enjoying it all,” Dixon said in his interview with the Salisbury Post. “The fan support we had when we got back to the campus and for the NCAA selection watch show was incredible. It’s a very good time to be at NC State, and it’s wonderful to know that this team will be remembered.”

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“It was a great run here at Smith,” Joyner said in a brief tweet released by the school.

The Winston-Salem, NC native was a star guard at Atkins High School before coming to JCSU as a player from 1969-1973.

After a stint as an assistant coach at Virginia Union University, Stephen Joyner received his first head coaching position with Smith’s women’s team in 1980, building the Golden Bulls into one of the CIAA’s most competitive programs. He guided the women’s team to its first appearance in the NCAA South Atlantic Regional Tournament. After compiling a 92-87 record with the women’s team, Joyner took over as the head men’s coach in 1987. 

He led Johnson C. Smith to three CIAA Tournament titles (2001, 2008, 2009) – the only tournament titles in school history. 

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