D.J. Johnson Sparks Falcons With Four TD Passes

RALEIGH, NC (Sept 24) - D.J. Johnson (So./Richmond, VA) threw four touchdown passes to lead Saint Augustine's University past Lincoln University 35-31 in its CIAA football opener at the George Williams Athletic Complex.

The win was the first for the Falcons (1-0 CIAA, 1-3 overall) this season after playing a challenging non-conference schedule. Two of their first three opponents were Division I FCS foes.

Johnson tossed scoring passes of 48 and 33 yards to Aaron Linen (Jr./Oakland, CA) and seven and 26 yards to Sam Boyd (Jr/Houston, TX). His 26-yarder to Boyd gave the Falcons a 35-25 lead with just under six minutes left.

After pulling within four, the Lions (0-1 CIAA, 1-3 overall) threatened late but the Falcons held on for the win. The Falcons won their second straight CIAA game dating back to last year when they topped Shaw University in the season finale.

Rovonta Johnson (R-So./Lakeland, FL) rushed for 105 yards on 22 carries and Linen caught two passes for 81 yards. Johnson also rushed 11 times for 76 yards.

Linebacker Larry Blanton (Fr./Charlotte, NC) led the Falcons with 10 tackles and defensive back Denzel Malone-Huff (Jr./Gadsden, AL) scored on a 26-yard fumble return for the Falcons, who forced three turnovers.

Defensive lineman Chasz Cosby (Jr./Charlotte, NC) and linebacker Antonio McCullough (Jr./Tampa, FL) each had eight tackles. McCullough forced the fumble that Malone-Huff returned for a score.

The Falcons will play again next Saturday against Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va. at 1 p.m.