MARS HILL – JaQuan Kelly punched in a one-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining to lift Winston-Salem State to a 28-25 victory over Mars Hill at Meares Stadium on Saturday night, capping off a back-and-forth battle that saw four lead changes in the final 15 minutes.
The Rams improved to 1-1 on the season after trailing 25-21 with just over two minutes left in the game. Winston-Salem State's final drive covered 75 yards in eight plays and took 1:34 off the clock, with quarterback Daylin Lee completing three crucial passes to set up Kelly's game-winning score.
First Quarter Fireworks Set the Tone
The game opened with immediate offensive fireworks. After Mars Hill won the coin toss and deferred, Winston-Salem State took advantage of excellent field position following a Christopher McCorkle interception return to the Mars Hill 45-yard line. Four plays later, Lee found Kaleb Washington on a 31-yard touchdown strike with 9:44 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Rams an early 7-0 advantage.
Mars Hill responded quickly on their ensuing drive, marching 53 yards in nine plays before settling for a 32-yard field goal by Lon Teachey to cut the deficit to 7-3. The Lions then took their first lead of the game just over two minutes later when quarterback JR Martin connected with David Hargro on a spectacular 55-yard touchdown pass, completing a two-play, 57-yard drive that consumed only 44 seconds.
The explosive first quarter saw both teams combine for 17 points, setting the stage for what would become a see-saw battle throughout the evening.
Defense Creates Opportunities in Third Quarter
Winston-Salem State entered halftime trailing 10-7, but the third quarter belonged to the Rams' defense and opportunistic offense. Just six seconds into the second half, linebacker Jamieson Alston intercepted a Martin pass at the Mars Hill 30-yard line, setting up Winston-Salem State in prime scoring position.
The Rams capitalized immediately, with Kelly scoring on a one-yard plunge three plays later to regain the lead at 14-10 with 13:19 remaining in the third quarter. The touchdown capped a quick 30-yard drive that took just 1:35 off the clock.
Winston-Salem State extended their advantage later in the third quarter with their most impressive drive of the game. Starting from their own 15-yard line, the Rams methodically marched 85 yards in 12 plays, controlling the ball for over six minutes. The drive culminated when Lee found Timothy "TJ" Ruff II on a four-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 21-10 with 1:36 left in the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter Drama Unfolds
Mars Hill refused to fold, mounting a determined comeback in the final 15 minutes. The Lions drove 75 yards in 10 plays, with Jon Gullette capping the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. Mars Hill attempted a two-point conversion, with Hargro completing a pass to make the score 21-18 with 12:33 remaining.
The momentum fully shifted to Mars Hill on Winston-Salem State's next possession. With the Rams driving, Lee was sacked for a five-yard loss and fumbled, with Mars Hill's Tristen McBride recovering at the Winston-Salem State 35-yard line. The turnover gave the Lions excellent field position with 3:35 left on the clock.
Mars Hill capitalized on the short field, scoring four plays later when Martin found Charlie Guinade on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 2:05 remaining. Teachey's extra point gave the Lions their first lead since the first quarter at 25-21.
Rams Respond When It Matters Most
Facing a four-point deficit with just over two minutes remaining, Winston-Salem State's offense found another gear. Lee completed three passes for 56 yards during the game-winning drive, including a crucial 17-yard connection to Davontay Deloatch on third-and-10 from the Rams' own 25-yard line.
The drive's biggest play came when Lee found Washington for a 31-yard gain down to the Mars Hill 13-yard line, giving Winston-Salem State first-and-goal with under a minute to play. Three plays later, Kelly dove across the goal line for his second touchdown of the game.
Mars Hill had one final opportunity with 31 seconds remaining, but the Lions' desperation drive stalled at their own 49-yard line as time expired.
Statistical Snapshot
Winston-Salem State was outgained 452-320 in total offense but made the most of their opportunities when it mattered. Lee completed 19 of 37 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His favorite target was Washington, who hauled in four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
On the ground, Kelly carried the ball 15 times for 71 net yards and two scores, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Ruff provided a complementary ground threat with 45 net yards on six attempts, including a long of 20 yards.
Mars Hill's Martin completed 20 of 42 passes for 267 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Lions' rushing attack was led by Gullette, who gained 122 yards on 17 carries and found the end zone once. Hargro led all receivers with three catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions held advantages in several key statistical categories, including total offense (452-320), first downs (24-20), and average yards per play (5.9-4.9). However, Mars Hill's two turnovers proved costly, while Winston-Salem State protected the ball better with just one turnover.
Defensive Standouts
Winston-Salem State's defense was led by linebacker Khalil Stimpson, who recorded seven tackles (five solo) and broke up two passes. Kairon Martin contributed six solo tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss totaling four yards.
The Rams' secondary came up big with two interceptions, including McCorkle's 30-yard return in the first quarter and Alston's crucial third-quarter pick that led to Winston-Salem State's go-ahead touchdown.
Mars Hill's defense was paced by Steven Reid, who totaled 12 tackles (four solo, eight assists), and Isaac Weaver, who added 10 tackles while contributing a sack.
Key Performers
Winston-Salem State:
- Daylin Lee: 19-of-37, 198 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
- JaQuan Kelly: 15 carries, 71 yards, 2 TDs
- Kaleb Washington: 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
- Khalil Stimpson: 7 tackles, 2 pass breakups
- Christopher McCorkle: 1 interception, 30-yard return
Mars Hill:
- JR Martin: 20-of-42, 267 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- Jon Gullette: 17 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD
- David Hargro: 3 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD
- Steven Reid: 12 tackles (4 solo, 8 assists)
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