WINGATE – Virginia Union stunned 17th-ranked Wingate 34-31 in overtime Saturday, ending the Bulldogs' season in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs at Irwin Belk Stadium.
Panthers backup quarterback RJ Rosales scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in overtime after Wingate's Caleb Bonesteel had given the Bulldogs a brief 31-28 lead with a 39-yard field goal on the opening possession of the extra period.
The loss spoiled an outstanding defensive season for Wingate (9-2), which entered the contest allowing just 10 points per game and ranking second nationally in total defense. Virginia Union (9-3) managed 404 total yards against the typically stingy Bulldog defense.
The game featured multiple momentum swings, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Wingate appeared poised for victory when defensive backs Bryan Bordeaux and Joseph Reddish combined to sack Rosales in the end zone for a safety, giving the Bulldogs a 28-21 lead with 6:33 remaining in regulation.
However, Rosales, who entered in relief of starter Mark Wright, engineered a 13-play, 48-yard drive that culminated in his 9-yard touchdown pass to Jeremi Frances with just 20 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
Wright threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns before departing, while Rosales added 49 passing yards and the crucial scoring strike to Frances. Running back Jada Byers, who entered averaging nearly 150 yards per game, was held to 92 yards on 23 carries by Wingate's defense.
Wingate freshman quarterback Brooks Bentley completed 18 of 28 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns, including a 26-yard score to Austin Cain that gave the Bulldogs a 26-21 lead in the third quarter. Evan McCray led all receivers with 113 yards on four catches, including an 18-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.
The loss marked a bitter end for Wingate, which had won seven straight games and captured the South Atlantic Conference championship. The Bulldogs were making their sixth NCAA playoff appearance and fourth time hosting a first-round game.
Virginia Union advances to face the winner of West Alabama and Lenoir-Rhyne in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs next Saturday.
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