Falcons Quarterback Passes For Career-High 308 Yards

RALEIGH, NC (Oct 1) – On Saturday, D.J. Johnson (So./Richmond, VA) threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns for Saint Augustine's University in a 50-21 CIAA football loss to Virginia Union University at Hovey Field in Richmond, Va.

The passing yards were a career-high for Johnson in a Falcons uniform. He also rushed for 60 yards to lead the Falcons, who dropped to 1-1 in the CIAA and 1-4 overall.

Sam Boyd (Jr./Houston, TX) caught seven passes for a career-high 131 yards and one touchdown and Lenwood Joyner (So./Miami, FL) had six receptions for 93 yards and a score. Charles Edmond (Fr./High Point, NC) grabbed three passes for 80 yards.

Joyner caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to tie the score at 7-7 in the first quarter. The Panthers (2-0 CIAA, 3-2 overall) then reeled off 29 consecutive points to take a commanding 36-7 lead early in the third quarter.

Rovonta Johnson (R-So./Lakeland, FL) pulled the Falcons within 36-13 on a six-yard scoring run. The Falcons added a safety in the third quarter when CIAA Rookie of the Week Larry Blanton (Fr./Charlotte, NC) made a tackle in the Panthers end zone.

Down 43-15 in the fourth quarter, Johnson connected with Boyd on a four-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers added a touchdown for the final score.

The Falcons were led defensively by linebackers Antonio McCullough (Jr./Tampa, FL) and Tray King (Jr./Kershaw, SC). McCullough amassed 11 tackles and King added 10 tackles. Defensive back Denzel Malone-Huff (Jr./Gadsden, AL) intercepted a pass and defensive lineman Darius Goodman (Jr./Richmond, VA) recovered a fumble.

For the Panthers, Shawheem Dowdy threw for 247 yards, five touchdowns and one interception. CIAA rushing leader William Stanback rushed 25 times for 159 yards and one touchdown and Lavatiae Kelly had eight receptions for 100 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, Willie Bailey led the Panthers with seven tackles.

Next Saturday, the Falcons visit Livingstone College in the second of three straight road games. Game time is 1 p.m. in Salisbury, N.C.