JCSU Football Looks To Stay Hot In Matchup With Winston-Salem State

A fierce CIAA battle awaits as Johnson C. Smith takes on Winston-Salem State this Saturday. The Oct. 25 matchup pits two teams fighting for the top spot in the standings.

"Every game has been a big ball game for us," said JCSU head coach Maurice Flowers, according to HBCU Gameday. "That's what we've said since the beginning of the season, and it holds true right now."

The Golden Bulls have won their last two games against WSSU: a feat not seen in nearly 50 years. "Winston-Salem State wants to beat Johnson C. Smith," Flowers said. "This is a rivalry game. We've beaten them two years in a row for the first time since '75-'76, and we know they're coming hungry."

Last week's game saw the defense smash records with nine sacks. Cadricus Stanley and Kevin Haynes Jr. stood out on the line. Haynes earned CIAA weekly honors, while a now-healthy Tynan Tucker adds strength to pass coverage.

Under center, Kelvin Durham shows command with 17 scores and just five picks. His 165 rating and 250-plus yards per game tell only part of the story. "He knows the system and he knows me," Flowers said. "When I recruited him, he was a boy. Now he's definitely a young man."

New talent drives the team's success. Bobby Smith runs the ball, while Reggie Daniel and Brian Lane catch passes. Marcus Andrews anchors the line. "When you start freshmen at those spots, you're not just happy for right now. You're happy for the future of the program," Flowers said.

The team learned from last year's late stumble. After eight straight wins, they dropped their final two games. "We know these last three will be the toughest ones," Flowers said. "Experience is what we're leaning on. We've been there, done that — now it's about what we've learned."

In an unusual move, WSSU's Robert Massey contacted Flowers about tickets. "Normally we don't talk during game week," Flowers said. "But I'm going to oblige."

Fans can watch the action as part of HBCU Gameday's "Brick x Brick" series. Kickoff starts at 1 p.m. on the Golden Bulls' field.