JCSU falls to Tuskegee 35-17 in the inaugural Inner City Classic

ATLANTA, Georgia  - The Johnson C. Smith University football team suffered a 35-17 loss to Tuskegee University in the inaugural Inner City Classic held in Lakewood Stadium. JCSU falls to 0-2 overall, while the Golden Tigers improve to 1-1 on the season.

JCSU jumped out to a 10-0 first quarter against Tuskegee. Following a made 23 yard field goal by junior place kicker Alfred Ntiamoah (Los Angeles, CA), the Golden Bulls defense forced a fumble on the next possession. Senior defensive end Derrick Johnson II (Charlotte, NC) forced the fumble and it was recovered by senior Dylan Steele (Orlando, FL) and returned to the Tuskegee 30 yard line.

Sophomore quarterback Keahn Wallace (Homestead, FL) eventually connected with Terrell Hutchison (Chester, SC) for an eight yard touchdown reception. JCSU forced the Golden Tigers to punt and had an opportunity to really gain some momentum. Unfortunately, freshman returner Fred Scott (Stone Mountain, GA) bobbled the punt and Tuskegee recovered on the JCSU two yard line.

Derrick Washington crossed the goal line on a two yard run to draw the Golden Tigers within three (10-7). JCSU relinquished the lead in the second quarter after a nine yard touchdown by Desmond Reece. Tuskegee missed the extra point to account for a 13-10 advantage.

The Golden Bulls responded with a nine play, 76 yard drive for a TD. The drive was capped by a 35 yard touchdown toss from Wallace to senior receiver Matthew Jeffries. Jeffries juggled in the reception over a defender for JCSU to move ahead 17-13 against the Golden Tigers.



The score remained the same heading into the second half. Wallace suffered a significant injury to his lower leg and did not play at all after halftime.

Tuskegee produced 22 unanswered points in the second half of the contest. Golden Tiger running back Derrick Washington ended the game with 155 yards off 17 carries and two touchdowns to earn MVP honors.

Senior running back Dedrick Anderson (Winston-Salem, NC) picked the Offensive Player of the Game award with 82 yards rushing and 38 yards receiving. Quavon Taylor was named Defensive Player of the Game with 12 tackles (10 solo).

JCSU returns to Charlotte, NC to host Concordia College of Selma for the home opener on Saturday, September 15th. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. inside the Irwin Belk Complex. The Golden Bulls will celebrate the first home game with the Eddie McGirt Classic.

COURTESY JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION