Shaw Bears Cruises Against Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls, 42-9

DURHAM, N.C. – Despite a rainy first half, it was all smiles for the Shaw University football program as the Bears topped Johnson C. Smith University 42-9 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Saturday afternoon at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

Shaw now stands 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the CIAA while JCSU drops to 1-6 overall and 1-4 in the league. The Bears improve to 2-1 in the Southern Division while the Golden Bulls remain winless at 0-3 in the South.

The Bears put together 368 yards of total offense, including 91 on the ground and 183 through the air. Senior Keon Marsh (Queens, NY) was brilliant connecting 14-of-15 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. He also had a seven yard rushing TD while senior Coleman Blackston (Baltimore, MD) turned in a dynamic performance of 114 yards on nine carries and a touchdown.

After a scoreless first quarter, Shaw scored twice in the second, driving 80 yards in two plays for a 66 yard rushing TD for Blackston. Senior Marquis Gorham (Greenville, NC) then scored after 51 yard punt return to stretch the Bears lead 14-3 at halftime. JCSU's lone score came from a 35 yard field goal by Brandon Howard.

Shaw would run away in the second half when senior Dorrel McClain (Raleigh, NC) scored on an eight yard scamper at the 11:46 mark of the third quarter. The Golden Bulls struggled offensively, partially because of the Bears dominating defense.

BOX SCORE

Things really got going for Shaw when senior Devon Hunt (Hamlet, NC) got a pick-six on JCSU's second drive that provided a 28-3 advantage for Shaw with 10:40 left in the third quarter. Shaw would outscore the Golden Bulls 21-0 in the third frame before Antonio Wallace found Jachin Watkins for a 19 yard reception TD in the fourth. However, the Bears offensive power early on proved to be too much for the Golden Bulls as the Bears cruised to the victory.

The Bears defense had two players record a team-best seven tackles, including Hunt and junior Eric Walker (Miami, FL).

Shaw will return to Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27 versus Winston-Salem State University for homecoming and senior day. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw football and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit shawbears.com.

SHAW UNIVERSITY BEARS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS