Football
'99
By Taleasha Reavis
Johnson C. Smith (1-2, 1-3) beat Elizabeth City State (0-3, 0-4), 27-6, in the Big Sun Football Classic "Battle of the Beach" held in Myrtle Beach, SC. This marks Coach Tim Harkness' first collegiate win. The Golden Bulls were consistent in their scoring, having a touchdown in each quarter. William Harris was the leading rusher, carrying the ball eight (8) times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Desmond Brown completed five (5) passes for 109 yards, as well as, carried the ball four (4) times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Viking Rayshawn Askew had 22 carries for 67 yards and scored the sole TD for his team. Askew also displayed his punting skills, with seven (7) punts for 239 yards. Alvin Wilson led the defensive charge for Elizabeth City State, taking down 19 (7 solo, 12 assisted) opponents and returning an interception for 14-yards.
The Blue Bears of Livingstone College (1-1, 2-2) redeemed themselves this weekend by crushing Bowie State (1-1, 2-2), 42-14. The Blue Bears owned the second quarter of this match-up. They scored 4 consecutive touchdowns to put 28 unanswered points on the board. Bowie State allowed Livingstone to gain 448 rushing and 140 passing yards in the game. Carlton Jones was on fire, gaining 160 yards on 20 carries and recording 3 touchdowns. Quarterback D'Andre Hopper also did his share, running the ball 15 times for 135 yards and a TD. For the Bulldogs, quarterback Jimmy Whitehead completed 16 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. Michael Bryant was the reception leader, with seven (7) for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Winston-Salem State (1-0, 1-2) traveled to Richmond, VA and blanked Virginia Union (1-1, 2-2), 17-0. The Rams began their conquest in the second quarter with a 37-yard field goal by Shawn Thomas to give them three points. Quarterback Tory Woodbury opted to run in the third quarter and scored a touchdown. Woodbury completed 1 of 7 pass attempts for 14 yards against the Panthers. Terrie Newkirk ran 160 yards on 32 carries and had a 14-yard reception for a touchdown. DeRon Alexander was the leading defensive player with 10 tackles (5 solo, 5 assisted), a forced fumble and an interception. Winston-Salem State held Virginia Union to 157 yards of total offense. Quarterback Jasun Thompson was 7 for 14 and added 68 yards to the passing total. Andre Braxton was the rushing leader with 12 carries for 57 yards. Farrell Payton tallied 14 tackles (11 solo, 3 assisted), two (2) for a loss of yards.
Coach Rudy Abrams and the Eagles of N.C. Central (0-1, 1-3) recorded their first win of the 1999 season against Benedict, 28-19. The crowd of more than 3,000 fans watched as the Eagles amassed 430 yards of total offense. Darrell Nesbitt had 16 carries for 156 yards and scored each of the four (4) touchdowns to lead the Eagle assault. In his role as quarterback, Nesbitt completed three (3) passes for 82 yards. Chris Gilmore was the defensive leader, with 11 (4 solo, 7 assisted) touchdowns, four (4) for a loss of 6-yards and returned an interception for 18-yards.
Virginia State (2-0, 2-2) stepped out of conference and lost to Savannah State, 31-21. The Trojans were held to only six (6) rushing yards during the game, which forced them to use their running game. Antonio Hawkins completed 18 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown in the game. Damon Thompson returned a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to no avail for the Trojans.
In other non-conference action, Fayetteville State (1-2, 1-3) fell to Liberty, 48-14. Quarterback Chris Stewart completed 15 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown. He also ran the ball twice, scoring a touchdown for his team. Defensively, Shawn Morgan was the leading tackler with 13 (10 solo, 3 assisted).