WINSTON-SALEM, NC (Oct 15) – On Saturday, Saint Augustine’s University hung tough against Winston-Salem State University in the first half of a 45-10 CIAA football loss at Bowman Gray Stadium.
The defeat dropped the Falcons to 1-1 in the Southern Division, 2-2 in the CIAA and 2-5 overall. The Rams improved to 2-0 in the division, 4-0 in the CIAA and 5-2 overall. The contest was for first place in the Southern Division.
The Falcons moved the ball against the Rams in the first half. They drove inside the Rams 20 on their first two possessions, but managed only three points. Sean Smith (R-So./Valdosta, GA) booted a career-long 40-yard field goal on the second drive after the first drive ended on an interception at the Rams 1.
The field goal cut the deficit to 7-3 early in the second quarter. The Rams then took control, scoring on five straight possessions – including four touchdowns – to build a comfortable lead in the second half. Meanwhile, the Falcons scored once more on a 17-yard pass from D.J. Johnson (So./Richmond, VA) to Sam Boyd (Jr./Houston, TX) in the third quarter. Smith kicked the extra point.
The Falcons gained 351 offensive yards but hurt themselves with three turnovers and 13 penalties for 84 yards. Rovonta Johnson (R-So./Lakeland, FL) led the Falcons with 90 yards on 19 carries and Boyd caught six passes for 57 yards and a score. Johnson passed for 142 yards and rushed for 69 yards.
Defensive back Miguel Marshall (Jr./Woodbridge, VA) recorded seven tackles including two for loss and defensive back Denzel Malone-Huff (Jr./Gadsden, AL) added six tackles. Defensive back Darius Cole (So./Pittsboro, NC) blocked a field goal attempt and Tyree Chance (So./Garner, NC) forced a fumble.
Te’Vaughn Hurse carried 11 times for 114 yards and one touchdown for the Rams, who gained 424 offensive yards. Kerrion Moore rushed for two touchdowns and Rod Tinsley passed for two scores. Linebacker Jayron Rankin led the Rams on defense with six tackles including 1.5 sacks and defensive end Jerrell Bright added five tackles including 2.5 sacks.
Both teams ran the ball well. The Falcons gained 209 rushing yards and the Rams finished with 238 yards on the ground.
After a three-game road stretch, the Falcons return to the George Williams Athletic Complex for a homecoming matchup against Fayetteville State University on Saturday, Oct. 22. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
— Office of Sports Information
