On Saturday, the Johnson C. Smith College (JCSU) Golden Bulls pulled off one of many largest wins within the HBCU’s historical past, taking down No. 14 Valdosta State in a press release victory that shook up the Division II panorama.
Head coach Maurice Flowers referred to as it a “workforce win” that validated every thing his program has been constructing towards.
“Massive win, massive win at house for the Golden Bulls… one of many greater wins at JCSU must be, but it surely was an earned win. I’m so happy with our younger males,” Flowers mentioned. “Once you say a workforce win, this was a workforce win. Protection stepped up, offense made performs after they needed to, and particular groups confirmed our resilience.”
Durham Leads the Cost
Quarterback Kelvin Durham, a switch and the all-time main passer at Fort Valley State, powered the Golden Bulls’ upset with two dashing touchdowns and one passing rating. Whereas official stats weren’t instantly obtainable postgame, Durham’s playmaking stood out in opposition to a nationwide energy.
After lacking an early landing, Durham regrouped and delivered when it mattered.
“He regarded me within the eye and mentioned, ‘I bought it, coach, I’ll get it again,’” Flowers recalled. “That’s who he’s — a competitor. He competes daily, and it’s contagious.”
Durham credited his coaches and teammates for protecting him locked in after a sluggish begin.
“I didn’t begin the sport how I needed, however my coaches and teammates saved me inspired. They’d my again,” Durham mentioned. “There’s a cause we had this sport. It was time to point out the world how gifted we’re.”
Overcoming Adversity
JCSU pulled off the win with out a number of key gamers, together with All-American vast receiver Brevin Caldwell, first-team All-CIAA defensive finish Lamon Hill, and working again Kamarro Edmunds, who left the sport with a decrease leg harm.. Linebacker Quavaris Crouch was additionally ejected early for concentrating on. Nonetheless, Flowers emphasised that JCSU’s depth carried the day.
“We don’t bat an eye fixed when a man goes down, as a result of it’s a chance,” Flowers mentioned. “That is essentially the most gifted roster we’ve had since we’ve been right here.”
The protection leaned on standout switch Rontay Dunbar, who has rapidly emerged as a lockdown nook.
“We performed in opposition to him for 2 years, and he locked down our facet of the sphere,” Flowers mentioned. “When he hit the portal, we jumped in. We’re not shocked by how he’s performing.”
Brick x Brick Unique
Saturday’s upset will even reside past the field rating. The Brick x Brick with JCSU soccer cameras have been rolling, capturing each second of the Golden Bulls’ breakthrough victory. Produced by HBCU Gameday, Brick x Brick with JCSU Soccer is an all-access docuseries that dives into the grind, tradition, and resilience behind this system rebuild at Charlotte, NC’s premier HBCU.
This win over Valdosta State shall be featured within the new season at present in manufacturing, giving followers an inside take a look at how JCSU rose to the problem in opposition to a nationwide energy.
Greater Than the CIAA
The victory was extra than simply one other early-season win — it was a measuring stick for the place JCSU soccer is headed.
“Valdosta State’s received nationwide championships. They’re coming off a nationwide championship sport look. This win in 2025 is greater than the win we had in opposition to Virginia Union in 2024,” Flowers mentioned. “To even suppose you possibly can win within the playoffs, you should beat groups which have been within the playoffs.”
Durham agreed, noting that this was the highest-ranked workforce he’s confronted.
“It was time to point out the world how gifted we’re,” he mentioned.
What’s Subsequent
The HBCU will now face the problem of avoiding a letdown because it turns its focus to Elizabeth Metropolis State. Flowers made it clear that staying sharp is simply as essential as celebrating historical past.
“We’re gonna have a good time this one, however we all know Elizabeth Metropolis is subsequent. That’s the place you possibly can have a letdown sport. We’ve talked about all of it summer season — we now have to remain targeted.”
The win over Valdosta State will resonate within the CIAA and throughout the Division II panorama, signaling that JCSU is able to step onto the nationwide stage.
