Salisbury, N.C.- In the 132nd Commemorative Classic held on Saturday, November 9, Livingstone triumphed over JCSU in a close and thrilling game, with a final score of 15-10.
The rivalry between Livingstone College and Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) dates back to the very first game of Black college football.
This annual matchup, known as the Commemorative Classic, honors that historic event. The first game was played on December 27, 1892, on Livingstone's snowy front lawn in Salisbury, North Carolina, when JCSU was still known as Biddle College. This game has since become a celebrated tradition and a symbol of pride for both schools, drawing passionate fans and alumni each year to honor Black college football's beginnings.
Here's a recap of the key moments from the game:
- 2nd Quarter: JCSU took an early lead with Jacob Meneses kicking a 27-yard field goal after an 11-play, 73-yard drive, making it 3-0.
- 2nd Quarter: Livingstone answered back with Jason Zapata's 39-yard field goal following an 8-play, 36-yard drive, leveling the score at 3-3.
- 3rd Quarter: Livingstone took the lead when Calvin Scott scored on a 64-yard pass from quarterback Brenton Hilton, capping a swift 5-play, 80-yard drive and bringing the score to 9-3.
- 4th Quarter: Livingstone extended their lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Hilton to Bryce Robinson, concluding a 14-play, 67-yard drive to make it 15-3.
- 4th Quarter: JCSU fought back with a touchdown pass from Darius Ocean to Keion Joyner after an 18-play, 70-yard drive, closing the score gap to 15-10.
Livingstone's victory in the Commemorative Classic capped off a strong season, as they finished their 2024 campaign with an impressive 6-3 overall record.
