By Sylvester âNunnieâ Robinson
The Fort Valley State University Wildcats defeated the determined but youthful Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls 23-10 in the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl played at magnificently appointed Drv-PK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Both teams entered the contest with identical 7-3 won/loss records. The brainchild of this amazing event was Alabama State University graduate Vinson Robenson, who yearned to highlight HBCUs not in the playoffs. The bowl featured schools representing the oldest historically Black conference, the Central Collegiate Athletic Association/CIAA and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference/SIAC. After months of preparation and with the support of several stakeholders including former Orange Bowl chairman Keith Tribble, the City of Fort Lauderdale, District 4 Commissioner Warren Sterling, and myriad Broward constituents, the Florida Beach Bowl became a reality as the combatants took the field under weather conditions that were foreboding and ominous. Intermittent rain and strong wind gusts caused fans to seek temporary cover if they werenât seated under the stadiumâs canopy, but the prevailing conditions didnât prevent the game from being played. Frankly, the players seemed undaunted by the weather, concentrating more on winning the game.
Statistically , FVSU ruled the day in most of the prominent areas: score, 23-10; rushing, 38 attempts for 76 yards to 28 attempts for 54 yards; 167passing yards to 96; and total yards, 52 plays for 243 to 60 plays for 150. The only offensive category J.C. Smith held a slight advantage was first downs, 11 to 10. The turnover battle was fairly even with both teams fumbling twice, while the Wildcats intercepted one pass which was returned 21 yard.
Quarterback Kelvin Durham from Homestead, Florida was named MVP after a stellar performance in which he completed 10-14 passes for 167 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. Brandon Marshall, who caught one touchdown pass for 9 yards, also rushed 25 times for 68 yards with one touchdown. His longest run from scrimmage was 15 yards.
Smith didnât get on the scoreboard until the second half when Alejandro Morillon-Garcia kicked a 39 field goal to make the score 16-3. FVSU answered J.C. Smith almost immediately, scoring on an 84 TD pass from QB Kevin Durham to wideout Jaren Lawson, making the score 23-3. Running back Jacob Newman finally scored a TD for the Golden Bulls with 2:14 remaining in the third quarter, making the final score 23-10.
It was fairly clear early in game that Fort Valley was the more experienced, dominant team, and the Golden Bullsâ youth wouldnât be served in this Battle on the Beach. After listening to head coach Maurice Flowers touch on the character, the will and determination and the youth (only 10 seniors), the future looks extremely bright for the Johnson C. Smith football and athletic program. The support and presence of the president ( Dr.Valerie KinLoch and provost Dr. Thierno Thiam) at the game spoke volumes about the direction of the program. And their band, though small in number, was entertaining- showmanship par excellence, precise in movement and enthusiastic.
Fort Valley State University, under the capable leadership of head coach Shawn Gibbs, appears to be a program progressing toward conference and national prominence on the division ll level. Youth and experience are on their side as they return a plethora of starters from the team that won the first Florida Beach Bowl. The Wildcat band was superb, their halftime performance second to none. I must also congratulate the faithful Fort Valley alumni, followers and supporters who traveled well while demonstrating their love for their university. Go Wildcats!!!
The Westside Gazette and publisher Bobby R. Henry and staff wish to congratulate all participants, partners, supporters and stakeholders on the beginnings of what is sure to become another annual attraction for South Florida and the HBCUÂ community.
