Bowie State University football received two Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Week Four honors as Maximus Jones was selected CIAA Offensive Back of the Week and Dalan Johnson was named CIAA Defensive Lineman of the Week. This recognition followed the Bowie State Bulldogs’ 34-23 victory over Elizabeth City State University on Sept. 26, 2026, at Roebuck Stadium.
The victory marked Bowie State’s first of the 2026 season and the first career win for first-year head coach Dawson Odums. The Bulldogs improved to 1-3 overall and 1-1 in CIAA play after holding Elizabeth City State scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Maximus Jones Leads Bowie State’s Ground Attack
Jones, a junior running back, carried the ball 23 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Elizabeth City State. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry, helping Bowie State produce 254 rushing yards on 46 attempts. The Bulldogs recorded 25 total first downs and controlled the clock for 30:15.
Jones made a pivotal play during Bowie State’s fourth-quarter comeback. After Elizabeth City State took a 23-21 lead, Jones scored on a 29-yard touchdown run as the Bulldogs rallied for the 34-23 victory and held the Vikings scoreless in the final quarter.
Through four games, Jones had 295 rushing yards on 69 carries, averaged 4.3 yards per attempt and scored two touchdowns. He entered the 2026 season after rushing for 572 yards on 128 carries and seven touchdowns in 2025.
Dalan Johnson Bolsters Bowie State’s Defense
Johnson, a redshirt senior defensive lineman, recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack against Elizabeth City State. His sack resulted in a six-yard loss.
Bowie State’s defense recorded five sacks for 44 yards and limited Elizabeth City State to 228 total yards. The Vikings averaged 3.7 yards per play, converted 4 of 14 third-down opportunities and failed to score in the fourth quarter.
Johnson entered the season as a Preseason All-CIAA Team selection. He recorded 24 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks during the 2025 season.
Bowie State Football Scheduled to Host Shaw University
Bowie State was scheduled to host Shaw University on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. The game was identified as Cool Mac Day – Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day and will honor the legacy of the late Dr. Clyde Doughty Jr.
MSB Take
Jones and Johnson earned CIAA recognition after making significant contributions in Bowie State’s first victory of the season. Jones supplied the key fourth-quarter touchdown, while Johnson helped lead a defensive effort that recorded five sacks and shut out Elizabeth City State in the final period.
The Bulldogs entered their next scheduled game at 1-3 overall and 1-1 in CIAA play.
Source: Original report
