WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University football team (0-3) was held scoreless through three quarters Saturday, falling 31-6 to Johnson C. Smith University in its 2026 CIAA opener inside Bowman Gray Stadium.
The Golden Bulls controlled possession in the opening quarter, holding the ball for 10:15 while recording six first downs. Winston-Salem State recorded one first down, 12 rushing yards and 12 passing yards. The Rams' defense kept JCSU off the scoreboard when Mecca Carr-Bordeaux recorded a 7-yard tackle for loss to help stall a Golden Bulls drive that ended with a missed 36-yard field goal.
Johnson C. Smith broke through in the second quarter, scoring 10 points on a 15-yard field goal and a 31-yard touchdown pass from Damien Mazil to Brian Lane. The Rams forced a red-zone turnover when Avir Johnson forced a fumble that Sofiyan Oumarou recovered.
Winston-Salem State's offense was held without a first down in the second quarter and finished the period with minus-1 rushing yard, no passing yards and an 0-for-3 mark on third down.
The Rams controlled possession for 10:01 in the third quarter and rushed for 69 yards while converting two of three third-down attempts. The Winston-Salem State defense stopped JCSU on fourth-and-8 at the WSSU 29-yard line before Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman forced a fumble that Oumarou recovered at the WSSU 7-yard line.
JCSU added to its lead later in the quarter when Jamaris Stevens returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown, giving the Golden Bulls a 17-0 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
Winston-Salem State controlled the clock for 12:02 in the fourth quarter and recorded seven first downs. The Rams put together their longest scoring drive of the game, marching 89 yards on 14 plays before Jayvion Danzy scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 4:30 remaining.
Johnson C. Smith answered with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 70-yard touchdown pass from Mazil to Lane. JCSU finished the quarter with 94 passing yards on 3-of-3 passing to secure the 31-6 victory.
Winston-Salem State finished with 191 total yards, including 103 rushing and 88 passing, while recording 14 first downs and converting five of 13 third-down attempts. The Rams held the ball for 31:54.
Danzy led the Rams on the ground with 63 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Chancellor Smith led the defense with nine total tackles, while Oumarou recorded two fumble recoveries. Johnson added seven tackles and one forced fumble.
Through the air, Taron Biles-Walker led the Rams with four receptions for 31 yards and added a 6-yard punt return.
WSSU Top Performers
Jayvion Danzy
- 16 rushing attempts
- 63 rushing yards
- 1 rushing touchdown
Chancellor Smith
Sofiyan Oumarou
- 2 fumble recoveries
- 1 total tackle
Avir Johnson
- 7 total tackles
- 1 forced fumble
Taron Biles-Walker
- 4 receptions
- 31 receiving yards
- 6-yard punt return
Up Next
Winston-Salem State will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 19, traveling to Salisbury, North Carolina, to face Livingstone College. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.
