Sports
Johnson C. Smith Falls to Virginia Union in CIAA Championship Heartbreaker
Johnson C. Smith lost the CIAA Championship game to Virginia Union, 15-14, after Virginia Union scored the final six points. The loss ends JCSU's title hopes, while Virginia Union secures its third CIAA championship in four years and a fifth straight Division II playoff berth.
DURHAM, N.C. â Johnson C. Smith University's football team came up just short in the CIAA Championship game on Saturday, falling to Virginia Union University 15-14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium. The Golden Bulls, who were seeking their first CIAA title since 2019, led for much of the game but could not hold off a late surge from the Panthers, who scored the final six points to reclaim the conference crown.
The loss is a bitter pill for a Johnson C. Smith program that had high hopes after defeating Virginia Union last season to reach the championship game. This year, the Golden Bulls returned to the title contest with a repeat in sight, but Virginia Union's defense and timely scoring proved decisive.
Johnson C. Smith Head Coach Flowers expressed pride in his team's accomplishments earlier in the week. "I'm proud of what this team has accomplished," Flowers said on Thursday. "We've battled all year, and to be back in this position is a testament to our players' hard work and resilience." Despite the defeat, Flowers' squad finishes the season as one of the top teams in the conference.
For Virginia Union, the victory marks the program's third CIAA championship in four years and the 10th in school history. The Panthers also earn a berth in the Division II playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, continuing a remarkable run of success. This streak is the longest for a historically Black college or university (HBCU) since Albany State made consecutive playoff appearances from 2004 to 2011.
The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams trading blows throughout. Johnson C. Smith held a narrow lead late into the contest, but Virginia Union's final scoring drive sealed the outcome. The Panthers' ability to capitalize in crunch time proved to be the difference.
For the Johnson C. Smith community, the loss is disappointing but the season remains a source of pride. The Golden Bulls have been a consistent contender in the CIAA, and their return to the championship game underscores the program's strength under Coach Flowers. As the team looks ahead to next season, the experience of this deep playoff run will serve as a foundation for future success.
Virginia Union now turns its attention to the Division II playoffs, where the Panthers will aim to make a deep run. For Johnson C. Smith, the offseason brings a chance to regroup and reload, with the goal of returning to the championship stage and finishing the job.