RALEIGH, NC (Oct 22) – On Saturday, Saint Augustine’s University’s Rovonta Johnson (So./Lakeland, FL) rushed for 101 yards and one touchdown on 21 carries in a 39-16 CIAA football loss to Fayetteville State University at the George Williams Athletic Complex on Homecoming Day.
Rovonta Johnson scored on a two-yard run and D.J. Johnson (So./Richmond, VA) ran in the two-point conversion to give the Falcons an 8-0 lead in the first quarter. The Falcons were outscored 16-2 in the second quarter to trail 16-10 at halftime. Calvin Williams (So./Union, SC) scored two points for the Falcons in the second quarter when he returned a blocked extra-point attempt for a score.
The Broncos (3-0 Southern Division, 3-2 CIAA, 3-5 overall) scored 21 consecutive points in the second half for a 37-10 lead. SAU’s D.J. Johnson found Lenwood Joyner (So./Miami, FL) for a 26-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter but the two-point attempt was intercepted and returned for a score for the final margin.
A packed stadium full of Falcon fans watched the homecoming contest. At halftime, SAU President Dr. Everett B. Ward and N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper were recognized, and the Alumni and Royal Courts were introduced. The world-renowned SAU track and field program was highlighted for winning its 38th NCAA Division II national title this past spring, and Rio Olympians Tia-Adana Belle (Sr./St. George, Barbados) and Burkheart Ellis, Jr. (Graduate/Raleigh, NC) were honored.
On the field, Rovonta Johnson hit the century mark for the second time this season. He gained 105 yards on 22 carries in a 35-31 victory over Lincoln (Pa.) University on Sept. 24.
The Falcons (1-2 Southern Division, 2-3 CIAA, 2-6 overall) managed to outgain the Broncos (357-335) despite the loss. Dre Williams (So./Miami, FL) caught two passes for 43 yards and Sam Boyd (Jr./Houston, TX) grabbed a 45-yard pass from D.J. Johnson to set up Rovonta Johnson’s scoring run. On defense, linebacker Tray King (Jr./Kershaw, SC) and defensive back Denzell Malone-Huff (Jr./Gadsden, AL) recorded 11 and nine tackles, respectively.
Stevie Green sparked the Broncos with 154 yards and two touchdowns on 30 rushes and Gedari Liverman had six receptions for 61 yards. Defensive back Eric Henderson II had nine tackles.
The Falcons will hit the road next Saturday, Oct. 29 for a divisional matchup against Johnson C. Smith University at the Irwin Belk Complex in Charlotte, N.C. Game time is 1 p.m.
— Office of Sports Information
