Shaw Defense Holds Strong To Get Homecoming Victory

RALEIGH, NC — The Shaw Bears survived a scare from Johnson C. Smith University by winning 20-14 over the pesky Golden Bulls. Over 3,528 fans witnessed a hard-fought ShawU homecoming game on the campus of Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School.

The old saying, “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” should hold true, especially to the Johnson C. Smith Football team, who is currently winless in all of their seven games.

Andre Brandon, who finished the game with 14 rushing attempts with 124 yards, scored his lone touchdown as he opened up the score with a 1-yard touchdown run at 3:23 in the First Quarter.

“I’m excited. We came in and got the job done,” Brandon reviewed on the Bears’ victory. He added, “I knew from the 2019 season, we came in and crashed their homecoming, so we knew they were trying to do the same thing for us. We knew we couldn’t go for that, so we had to tighten up and get the job done.” On Johnson C. Smith, he commented, “We knew that they were going to give it their all. We had to go and overpower them to get the W.”

Freshman Kicker Devin Versteegen from Rolesville, NC, was another spectacular performer for Shaw, where he added two of his three field goals at 2:16 in the 2nd Quarter and 10:04 in the 4th. His other one occurred during an extra point after Sophomore Wide Receiver Ah’shaan Belcher caught a 45-yard reception from Redshirt Junior Quarterback Torrin Campbell at 1:29 in the 3rd Quarter.

On the homecoming victory, the Rolesville native commented, “It was fun. The environment was fun with the crowd and everything.” The tailgate was fun. It was a cool environment to be in.” On the Bulls’ hard-fought effort, Versteegen observed, “I think they did really good. Shoutouts to their punter. He had some great balls that he placed.” He added, “I didn’t watch too much of the offense and defense, but I know they put up a good fight.”

Johnson C. Smith put their only points up on the scoreboard during the 2nd Half. The first opportunity came at 36 seconds left in the 3rd Quarter when the homegrown Senior Quarterback Antonio Wallace of Charlotte, NC rushed a one-yard touchdown. Then, with 4:29 to go, freshman running back Davion Nelson recorded a three-yard touchdown run.

Golden Bulls Head Coach Kermit Blount had to be proud of his team’s effort, despite the loss. He explained, “I feel good about this young group that we have. We’re going to battle every day. We’re also going to battle every weekend that we come out.” He added, “We’re getting to the point where we’re starting to feel confident about what we’re capable of doing. We just have to put it all together.” He explained, “It will give us a bunch of confidence going back home.”

Next week, Shaw returns home to the George Williams Athletic Complex, to host Winston-Salem State University for their Senior Day at 1 PM. On the other hand, Johnson C. Smith hosts Saint Augustine’s University in Charlotte, NC, also at 1 PM.