Well balanced attack by JCS University dooms Albany State in Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic

Johnson C. Smith running back Fabian Duncan (1) celebrates his touchdown in Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic game. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

CANTON, Ohio – Two conference champions square off at this year's Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. 

Johnson C. Smith University easily defeated Albany State, 27-7, securing the "Clash at the Classic" trophy.

"Just to get a win here, first off, this event is outstanding," said Maurice Flowers, head football coach. "For our young men to come in, this is a trip they're going to remember for the rest of their lives."

They had a well-balanced offense, finishing with 184 passing yards and 185 rushing yards.

But the head coach was looking to establish the pass game. "Last week we came out looking to establish the run, but we didn't get our passing game going last week. We feel like our receiving core is the biggest weapons we have." Flowers elaborated. 

They both worked well.

And the run game was dominated by junior Fabian Duncan, who finished the game with 144 rushing yards. "It was about great preparation and believing in what I can do," said Duncan.

Damien Mazil (11) scrambles upfield to evade defender De'Avary Weeks during game action. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

Breakdown of the Game

Johnson C. Smith’s first drive ended with kicker Chris Mejia nailing a 43-yard field goal with 11:47 remaining.

Albany State's drive came up short, going four-and-out in Johnson C. Smith territory in the next possession. Albany State punts it away with just over four minutes left in the quarter.

A big sack by Johnson C. Smith backs them up 17 yards as the game continues to go back and forth.

Faban Duncan has been a bright spot with a 24-yard run and perhaps the most exciting play of the game as the possession winds down the first quarter, leading 3-0.

Chris Mejia kicks another field goal at the top of the second quarter for the Golden Bulls. 

Reagzon Mackey (11), head coach Maurice Flowers (c), and Fabian Duncan talk at the post-game press conference. (Photo: Gene Simmns/Ohsfbmedia. com)

Johnson C. Smith is putting together the best drives of the game with just over 9 minutes left, then a holding call on Cameron Watts brings the ball back to the 38-yard line.

Then a quick slant completion to Reggie Brigman sets up a 4-yard touchdown by Fabian Duncan to put the Golden Bulls up 13-0 with just under 8 minutes left in the half.

Albany State just can't get their offense going as they punt again with 4:55 remaining.

Fabian Duncan has been the workhorse on a late second-quarter drive and sets up a long pass from Damien Mazil to Reginald Daniel, setting up at the 13-yard line.

They continue to give the ball to Duncan as he scores his second touchdown on a 2-yard run to put the Golden Bulls ahead 20-0 heading into halftime.

Fabian Duncan scores on a 39-yard run up the left boundary to push the score up to 27-0, playing under a minute in the quarter.

Wide receiver Brian Lane makes an effort to stay in bounds while Evan Lynn approaches quickly. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

On the next possession, Albany State quarterback Jeffery Davis throws an interception to Jamaris Stevens.

Golden Bulls running back Kamarro Edmonds fumbles the ball at the goal line with 5:49 remaining, resulting in a touchback and possession to Albany State.

This would create a strong motivation for Albany State.

Albany State finally gets on the board with 11:31 in the fourth quarter, a Jaquan Graham reception from Zavier Izazarry as they trail 7-27.

This game was all Johnson C. Smith after a late-game interception by Salen Streater with just under 90 seconds left in the game. 

Johnson C. Smith improved to 1-1 and will play Winston-Salem State University on the road. Albany State fell to 0-2 and will face Savannah State University on the road also.