JCSU punches ticket back to CIAA title game with 27-14 win over Livingstone

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) - Two years after heartbreak in Salisbury, Johnson C. Smith handled business with everything on the line.

The Golden Bulls comfortably held off rival Livingstone 27-14 to claim the latest victory in the Commemorative Classic series.

North Meck alum Fabian Duncan scored the first two touchdowns for JCSU, then Damien Mazil and Reggie Daniel connected for a 45-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

This win sends the Golden Bulls back to the CIAA title game for a second-straight year.

“I’m just so happy for our coaching staff and our players,” head coach Maurice Flowers said. “It makes me reflective at how much growth this program has had.”

JCUS was in the same position in 2024 — beat Livingstone in the final game of the regular season, and clinch a spot in the CIAA championship and likely the Division II playoffs.

The Golden Bulls fell 15-10 against the Blue Bears and missed out on both in heartbreaking fashion.

“To advance to the CIAA championship is just a bonus,” Flowers said. “But winning this game, on this field, where we had taken one of the biggest heartbreaks you could ever take and to get this win, it’s major for the program.”

Last season, JCSU won the conference for the first time since 1969 with a dominant 45-21 win over Virginia Union.

Now the two teams will meet again at Durham County Memorial Stadium once again with the CIAA title on the line.

The Golden Bulls and Panthers will meet on Nov. 7 at Durham County Memorial Stadium to decide this year’s conference champion.

Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m..