Sometimes when you mess with the bull you get the horns. The Maroon Tigers found out the hard way as the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University dealt Morehouse its second loss of the season 37-13.
Quick Summary
Quarterback Darius Ocean opened up the scoring for the visitors with a quick strike to wide receiver Brevin Caldwell for an eight-yard touchdown pass, capping an 11-play, 80-yard drive.
Morehouse responded immediately with a big play similar to the week one highlight. In his first start of the season, Patrick Blake launched a 75-yard bomb to Ajani Williams. Williams sprinted into the end zone for his first of two touchdown receptions.
Johnson C. Smith regained the lead on another Ocean to Caldwell touchdown from 27 yards out. This score pushed the Golden Bulls to a 14-7 lead, which they carried into halftime.
Second Half Surge
The Golden Bulls came out snorting and scratching in the third. Shamar Baker intercepted a pass and returned it up the JC Smith sideline for a 38-yard touchdown.
Halfway through the third Ocean went back to his favorite receiver. This time he found Caldwell with a Maroon Tigers defensive back attached to his jersey. Caldwell made the catch, shook off the defender, and sprinted into the end zone for his third touchdown reception of the day. The junior from Charlotte ended the day with 9 receptions and 140 yards to go with his three scores.
Miles Scott, who replaced Blake at quarterback for Morehouse in the third quarter closed the gap a bit. The true freshman from Atholton, MD fired a strike to Williams in front of the Maroon Tigers bench. Williams shook off a would-be tackler and raced 43 yards down the sideline for his second touchdown. The sophomore receiver ended the day with 7 catches for 157 yards.
Jacob Meneses kicked a 32-yard field goal to put the nail in the Maroon Tigers’ coffin.
“Last season, both offensively and defensively, we did not have a lot of explosive plays,” said Head Coach Maurice Flowers. “So it has been a point of emphasis for our ball club. Our defense was number one in Division II but we didn’t have enough interceptions for pick sixes. We had two today and one was dropped.”
Key Statistics
The Golden Bulls racked up 414 total offensive yards compared to Morehouse’s 263. The Johnson C. Smith defense held the Morehouse rush to 49 yards and intercepted three passes.
Morehouse’s biggest statistic was 14 for 114. The penalty bug was an extra man on the field. As in their season opener, the Maroon Tigers consistently hindered their progress with untimely penalties.
Looking Ahead
New head coach Terance Mathis had hoped to secure his first victory with the Maroon Tigers, but the team now faces a bigger challenge as they prepare to face Division 1 MEAC foe Howard University in the HBCU NY Classic at MetLife Stadium next week. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
JC Smith will look to continue their momentum and add to their 2-0 record when they face the Lincoln University Lions at home in Charlotte on September 14.
100+ GAME and HALFTIME PHOTOS
All photos by Jason McDonald, JM Photography for CORE360 Sports