WILSON – Jackson Parrish carried 39 times for 221 yards and three touchdowns as Barton outlasted Chowan 28-21 on Saturday afternoon at Truist Stadium in Wilson, North Carolina. The Bulldogs improved to 2-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while the Hawks fell to 2-5 and 1-2.

Parrish's workload defined the game. His 39 carries represented 85% of Barton's rushing attempts and nearly two-thirds of the team's total offensive plays. He scored from two yards out twice in the second quarter, added another two-yard touchdown run in the third, and capped the winning drive with a five-yard score with 2:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The running back's longest gain, a 46-yard burst in the third quarter, set up his third touchdown and gave Barton a 21-13 lead. That run came on second-and-5 from the Barton 37-yard line and put the Bulldogs at the Chowan 17. Three plays later, Parrish punched it in from two yards out at the 8:39 mark of the third quarter.

Chowan struck first when Maurice Smith scored on a 16-yard run with 12:12 left in the opening quarter, capping a five-play, 74-yard drive. The extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the Hawks with a 6-0 advantage. That lead held until the second quarter when Barton put together a 14-play, 96-yard drive that consumed 7:27 and ended with Al Lee's one-yard touchdown run at 9:20 of the second period.

The Hawks answered immediately. Operating out of a two-quarterback system, Chowan used passes from both Smith and Jaden Leonard on a five-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Leonard connected with Luke Krall for 66 yards to set up Smith's 15-yard touchdown pass to Dezmo Randolph. Jack Beylo's extra point gave Chowan a 13-7 lead with 5:38 remaining in the half.

Barton responded with another lengthy drive, this one covering 11 plays and 75 yards in 4:36. Parrish carried eight times on the possession, including the final two-yard touchdown run that put the Bulldogs ahead 14-13 at the 1:02 mark of the second quarter. Chowan drove into Barton territory in the final minute of the half, but Javon Wesley intercepted a pass from NyJal Johnson at the Barton 9-yard line to end the threat.

The third quarter belonged to Barton's ground game. After a three-and-out by Chowan to open the second half, Barton needed just five plays to extend its lead. Luke Smith's five-yard completion to Jaidan Lee on first down got the drive started, and Parrish handled the rest. His 46-yard run put the ball at the Chowan 17, and he added runs of 10, five, and two yards, the last for the touchdown that made it 21-13.

Chowan's offense stalled midway through the third quarter when the Hawks turned the ball over on downs at the Barton 32. The possession had shown promise after Johnson converted a fourth-and-1 with a 10-yard run by Dominic Haney, but three plays gained just seven yards and Johnson's fourth-down pass fell incomplete.

The Hawks finally broke through on their next possession, a 14-play, 99-yard drive that started at their own 1-yard line with 1:03 left in the third quarter. The drive spanned the quarter break and included two fourth-down conversions. A roughing the kicker penalty on Barton gave Chowan a first down on what would have been fourth-and-2 from their own 9-yard line. Later, a pass interference penalty on third-and-5 moved the ball from the Barton 35 to the 26.

Jalen Razor carried five times for 25 yards on the drive, and Johnson completed four passes for 57 yards, including a 31-yard connection with Randolph that moved the ball to the Barton 40. Smith entered the game and threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Maliqu Frazier at 8:38 of the fourth quarter. Smith then found Randolph for the two-point conversion that tied the game at 21.

Barton's winning drive covered 12 plays and 75 yards, taking 6:24 off the clock. Chowan committed four penalties on the possession, including three offside infractions that extended Barton drives. The first offside gave Barton a first down on third-and-4 from the Barton 31. Another offside on a fourth-down incomplete pass moved the ball from the Chowan 43 to the 38 and kept the drive alive. A personal foul penalty after a five-yard run by Parrish gave Barton first-and-goal from the 7-yard line.

Parrish's final touchdown came on first-and-goal from the 5-yard line after Al Lee's incomplete pass drew a roughing the passer penalty. Andrew Bontekoe's extra point made it 28-21 with 2:14 to play.

Chowan drove from its own 25 to the Barton 30 in the final two minutes, but the Hawks faced fourth-and-10 after three straight incomplete passes. Johnson hit Jakobe Lane for seven yards on fourth down, three yards short of the first down marker, and Barton ran out the final seven seconds.

The statistical breakdown showed two contrasting approaches. Chowan passed for 297 yards on 21-of-37 attempts with two touchdowns and one interception. Johnson completed 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and both scores. Justin Taylor went 11-for-25 for 196 yards and the one interception. Smith, who started the game at quarterback, completed both passes he attempted for 107 yards but also rushed twice for 18 yards and both Chowan touchdowns.

Barton managed just 97 passing yards on 7-of-13 attempts, all from Lee (six completions on 12 attempts for 92 yards) and Smith (one-for-one for five yards). The Bulldogs rushed for 223 yards and four touchdowns, with Parrish accounting for 99% of that production.

Chowan gained 407 total yards to Barton's 320 but committed 12 penalties for 79 yards compared to Barton's three for 29. The Hawks converted seven of 14 third downs and two of four fourth downs. Barton went seven-for-11 on third down and did not face a fourth down until taking a knee to end the game.

Randolph led Chowan's receivers with five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. Cam Richardson caught four passes for 56 yards. Kyle Horvath and Lane each had four receptions. Razor carried six times for 28 yards and caught two passes for 26 yards. Haney rushed twice for 10 yards and caught three passes for 29 yards.

Isaiah Jacobs paced Barton's receiving corps with three catches for 46 yards. Tiquez Mallette had one reception for 29 yards. On defense, Ja'Correy Bible recorded 10 solo tackles and 12 total for Barton. Keno Jones added eight tackles. Beylo led Chowan with 12 tackles, while Frazier had seven.

Top Performers

• Jackson Parrish, Barton: 39 rushes, 221 yards, 3 TDs (5.7 avg)
• NyJal Johnson, Chowan: 10-of-12 passing, 101 yards, 2 TDs; 4 rushes, 17 yards
• Dezmo Randolph, Chowan: 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD; 1 two-point conversion
• Ja'Correy Bible, Barton: 12 tackles, 1 QB hurry, 1 pass breakup

WILSON – Barton College's football team faced a harsh reality check in their 2025 season opener, falling 35-7 to Virginia State University Thursday evening at Truist Stadium in what became a lopsided affair that exposed several areas needing immediate attention for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs (0-1) found themselves in an early hole as Virginia State jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead in the first quarter alone. Barton's defense struggled to contain Trojans quarterback Rahsaan Matthews, who torched the secondary for 343 passing yards while finding receivers with alarming ease throughout the contest.

The early struggles that plagued Barton from the opening kickoff were evident as Virginia State's talented skill position players found success against the Bulldogs' defense. The Bulldogs allowed Virginia State to score on their first three possessions, including a devastating 58-yard touchdown pass that came just over a minute into the game.

Offensively, Barton faced significant challenges establishing any rhythm against a Virginia State defense that seemed to have an answer for every play call. The Bulldogs managed just 115 total yards compared to Virginia State's overwhelming 569, with the ground game particularly struggling as Barton finished with negative-3 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

Senior quarterback Trevor Nored, expected to be a leader for this Barton squad, completed 10 of 14 passes for 114 yards but found himself under constant pressure. The Waldorf, Maryland native was sacked twice, though he did connect with sophomore running back Jackson Parrish for Barton's lone touchdown in the fourth quarter.

That scoring drive represented Barton's most sustained success of the evening, as Nored methodically moved the Bulldogs 71 yards in eight plays, capping the drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Parrish with 9:42 remaining in the game. The Graham, North Carolina product's touchdown reception prevented what appeared destined to be a shutout and provided the home crowd of 3,335 with their only opportunity to celebrate.

Defensively, senior linebacker Ja'Correy Bible provided the lone bright spot for Barton, leading all tacklers with 13 total tackles in a tireless effort to slow down Virginia State's multi-faceted attack. The San Antonio, Texas native was seemingly everywhere on the field, making tackles from sideline to sideline while trying to rally his teammates throughout the difficult evening.

The statistical disparities painted a stark picture of Barton's struggles. Virginia State controlled the clock for over 40 minutes compared to Barton's 19:46, forcing the Bulldogs into eight punting situations while Virginia State punted just twice. Barton's inability to convert on third downs (2-of-10) and sustain drives left their defense on the field for extended periods, contributing to the mounting fatigue as the game progressed.

For first-year players and newcomers to the program, the opener served as a sobering introduction to college football at this level. The speed and physicality displayed by Virginia State exposed areas where Barton must improve quickly if they hope to compete effectively in conference play.

Special teams also presented challenges for Barton, with punter Andrew Bontekoe working overtime throughout the evening. Despite the heavy workload, Bontekoe averaged a respectable 36.8 yards per punt and placed two kicks inside the 20-yard line, providing some field position assistance when the offense struggled.

Looking ahead, Barton faces another significant test next Saturday when they travel to Institute, West Virginia, to face West Virginia State at noon. The road environment will present additional challenges for a young Bulldogs squad still searching for their identity.

The team must learn from this experience and use it as motivation while building on the character they showed by continuing to fight throughout the game as they prepare for next week.

The loss, while disappointing, represents just the first chapter in what the program hopes will be a season of growth and development. With 11 games remaining on the schedule, Barton has ample opportunities to address the issues exposed Thursday night and show the progress expected from a program building toward sustained success.

For Barton fans, patience may be required as this team finds its footing, but the foundation for improvement was evident in moments throughout the contest, particularly in Bible's defensive leadership and the late scoring drive that showed the offense's potential when everything clicks together.

WINGATE – The Wingate University Bulldogs’ defense was impenetrable for the second consecutive week, shutting out Barton College with a commanding 50-0 victory in South Atlantic Conference football action at Irwin Belk Stadium. This win advances Wingate’s record to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the SAC, while Barton drops to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in league play. This victory marks the second time in program history that Wingate has achieved back-to-back shutouts, a feat not accomplished since the 2015 season. Over the past two weeks, Wingate has outscored its opponents 83-0.

The Bulldogs’ defense dominated the game, allowing only 89 total yards from Barton, including just eight rushing yards. Barton’s seven turnovers, five fumbles, and two interceptions, highlighted Wingate’s relentless pressure and defensive prowess. The Bulldogs controlled the clock, possessing the ball for nearly 35 minutes, and held a 20-7 advantage in first downs.

Wingate’s offense was equally impressive, amassing 345 yards, with 189 rushing yards and 156 passing yards. Brooks Bentley led the charge, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. Matt Flanders added three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, while O’Brien Barnett and Corey Siemer each contributed rushing touchdowns. Ethan Wallace, Xavier Pugh, and Noah Bell also added scores, showcasing Wingate’s balanced offensive attack.

The game’s momentum was established early, with Wingate scoring on its first drive, highlighted by a 33-yard field goal from Caleb Bonesteel. The Bulldogs quickly built on their lead, with Corey Siemer’s one-yard touchdown run capping off an 11-play, 71-yard drive. The defense continued to stifle Barton, with Dontorian Best’s interception setting up another Wingate touchdown.

By halftime, Wingate had amassed a 33-0 lead, thanks to additional scores from Noah Bell and Matt Flanders. The Bulldogs continued their dominance in the second half, with Brandon Perry’s interception and subsequent fumble recovery leading to O’Brien Barnett’s three-yard touchdown run. Xavier Pugh added a five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the 50-0 victory.

Wingate’s defense shone brightly, with standout performances from Brandon Perry, Dontorian Best, and Guy Taylor, who each forced and recovered turnovers. Jasiah Hill’s late fumble recovery thwarted Barton’s final drive, cementing the shutout.

The Bulldogs’ dominant performance underscores their defensive strength and offensive efficiency as they look to continue their winning momentum in the South Atlantic Conference.

Up Next

Wingate (4-10 is on the road at Limestone while Barton (2-4) hosts Lenoir-Rhyne (5-1).

The picturesque town of Cullowhee, North Carolina, will play host to a highly-anticipated Southern Conference football clash this Saturday when #8 Western Carolina welcomes its fierce rival, #3 Furman, to the hallowed grounds of E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The ESPN+ game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and fans can expect an epic encounter as both teams come into the game with impressive national rankings. In what marks only the fourth game in their storied rivalry where both teams enter the arena with national rankings, this clash brings memories of the golden era of Catamount football. The last time Western Carolina and Furman shared the spotlight with numerical rankings by their names was in 1983 when the ninth-ranked Catamounts exacted sweet revenge by defeating their second-ranked rivals in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, a 14-7 triumph in Greenville. Western Carolina holds a 2-1 record in ranked matchups, boasting a perfect 1-0 record on their home turf.

The 2023 season has seen Western Carolina emerge as the Cinderella story, rising to a Top-10 ranking after a remarkable string of five consecutive wins. Leading the charge is running back Desmond Reid, whose 847 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns have made him a strong contender for All-American recognition. Quarterback Cole Gonzales, now in his sophomore season, has elevated his game with 1,532 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing a potent connection with a dynamic receiving corps led by Censere Lee, boasting 421 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.  On the other side, Furman entered the season as the preseason favorites in the Southern Conference and has lived up to the billing through the first six games. Running back Dominic Roberto, with 394 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, and quarterback Tyler Huff, boasting 1,057 passing yards and 10 total touchdowns, anchor the Paladins' offense. The defense has excelled against the run, allowing a meager 3.1 yards per carry. However, the key to success this weekend for Furman lies in their secondary's ability to generate turnovers, currently tallying an impressive 7 interceptions.

East Carolina Gears Up to Face Charlotte in First-Ever Conference Matchup

East Carolina’s football team is set to face American Athletic Conference newcomer Charlotte on October 21. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+. This will be Charlotte's first-ever encounter with an in-state conference opponent, setting the stage for a memorable showdown. East Carolina, led by fifth-year head coach Mike Houston, enters the game with a 1-5 overall record and a 0-2 mark in the AAC. In the Pirates’ last outing, they fell 31-10 to SMU, despite running 16 more offensive plays than their opponent. Mason Garcia led a pair of scoring drives, completing 12 of 26 passes for a career-high 155 yards and rushing for a team-best 38 yards on 12 carries. Wide receiver Chase Sowell emerged as a standout, delivering his second consecutive seven-catch game and a career-high 120 yards. Charlotte, with a 1-5 record and a 0-2 conference record, is coming off a 14-0 loss to Navy. The upcoming clash promises an exciting faceoff between the two teams as they each aim to secure a crucial first win in the American Athletic Conference this season.

Barton Football Set to Rebound Against Wingate in Homecoming Showdown

Barton is set to host Wingate in a crucial Homecoming matchup. The Bulldogs, who have a 47-3 record against undefeated and nationally-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne, are looking to maintain their stronghold in the Piedmont Division standings. Jordan Terrell, the school's all-time leading rusher, is just 12 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard milestone for the third consecutive season. Terrell has been a standout for the Bulldogs, averaging 141.1 yards per game on the ground. Junior quarterback Jaquan Lynch has shown his prowess with 1,076 yards passing and a total of 16 touchdowns. The defensive charge for the Bulldogs is led by junior linebacker Shane Perry, who boasts a team-high 64 tackles. On the other hand, Wingate's football program has a remarkable track record, culminating in an 11-3 record last year and a spot in the 2022 NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals. Wingate holds the edge in the all-time series with Barton, leading 2-1. Barton College, as an Associate Member of the South Atlantic Conference until the end of the 2024 season, is under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Chip Hester, while Joe Reich serves as the Wingate Head Football Coach. The Homecoming showdown promises to be a thrilling match between Barton and Wingate, with both teams aiming to secure a pivotal victory in front of their passionate fans. 

HICKORY – In a South Atlantic Conference showdown on a perfect Homecoming afternoon, the No. 12/13 Lenoir-Rhyne Football Team delivered a dominating performance, thrashing Barton by a resounding 44-point margin at Moretz Stadium. The Bears, who remain unbeaten with a 7-0 record, showcased their offensive prowess and unyielding defense to secure the emphatic victory. 

The Barton Bulldogs initially struck first, putting three points on the board with a field goal just 7:36 into the first quarter. However, Lenoir-Rhyne quickly found their rhythm, outscoring the visitors 40-0 for the remainder of the game. The Bears' defense proved relentless, limiting Barton to a mere eight first downs and 148 total yards of offense throughout the contest. In contrast, Lenoir-Rhyne's offense amassed a remarkable 515 yards, overwhelming their opponents.

Reigning SAC Offensive Player of the Week, Jaquan Lynch, who had been on fire, was stifled by the Bears' tenacious defense. Lynch was held to a mere 66 yards passing on 6-of-14 completions, accompanied by an interception, and just eight yards rushing on eight attempts.

The Bears started the game with a flourish, as Deondre Lester hauled in a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Ferguson. Although Barton responded with a field goal, the Bears dominated the first half, scoring 27 unanswered points. Dwayne McGee and Lester added to the lead with touchdowns, and a trick play saw Songa Yates connect with DeAree Rogers for another score. The Bears headed into halftime with a commanding 34-3 lead.

The second half saw Lenoir-Rhyne continuing their relentless performance, scoring two more field goals and a quarterback sneak by Sean White, bringing the final score to 47-3. Jalen Ferguson finished the game with an impressive 241 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Dwayne McGee rushed for 92 yards. DeAree Rogers played a pivotal role, with 11 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive end, Jon Ross Maye and Malik Taylor each recorded six tackles, and the Lenoir-Rhyne defense tallied three sacks, with Taylor also forcing a fumble.

Beyond the box score, the game marked the one-year anniversary of a significant injury for DB T.J. Blanding, who had an interception, his second of the year. The crowd was announced as a sellout, showcasing the immense support for the Bears. Lenoir-Rhyne's win extended their winning streak to nine games, dating back to the end of the 2022 season, making it the second-longest current winning streak in Division II. The Bears continue to impress, holding a 54-12 record in games where they are nationally ranked.

The Bears' exceptional passing game performance was a highlight, with a 24-for-30 completion rate, marking the second-highest in a single game during the NCAA Era. DeAree Rogers' 11 receptions ranked as the third-most in a game during the NCAA Era, and his 150 receiving yards were the seventh-highest during that period. The Bulldogs managed just 44 total plays, making it the fifth fewest allowed in the NCAA Era. Moreover, Lenoir-Rhyne's home defense remains stout, conceding just one touchdown all season, which occurred in the home opener against St. Augustine's.

Looking ahead, Lenoir-Rhyne is set to take on Newberry in Newberry, South Carolina, next Saturday at 4 p.m. as they aim to maintain their undefeated streak. On the other hand, Barton looks to bounce back from the loss when they host Wingate for Homecoming at Truist Stadium next Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

Duke and NC State Set to Renew Rivalry: A Look at the Upcoming Clash

The anticipation is building for the 84th installment of the Duke-NC State football rivalry, set to take place this Saturday night at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Both teams are gearing up for a classic battle that promises to be memorable for fans of both sides. The history between these two ACC charter members dates back nearly a century, with Duke holding a narrow lead in the series, 41-37-5. However, recent history has favored the Wolfpack, with NC State boasting a 15-3 record against the Blue Devils since 1990. The most remarkable stretch for the Wolfpack came between 1994 and 2008 when they enjoyed an 11-game winning streak. The proximity of the two stadiums, a mere 22 miles apart, adds to the intensity of the rivalry. It's a game where bragging rights are not the only things at stake.

Dave Doeren, in his 11th year as head coach for the Wolfpack, has seen limited action against the Blue Devils. In his inaugural season in 2018, Duke emerged victorious in a 38-20 victory in Durham. In 2020, the Pack won 31-20 in a home game at Carter-Finley Stadium. This weekend's clash will mark just the third meeting between these teams during Doeren's tenure. The Wolfpack is currently making waves in college football under Coach Doeren. Notably, they lead the ACC in third-down conversion defense, boasting an impressive .293 success rate, which ranks 14th in the entire FBS. Dave Doeren is also on the verge of tying the school record for coaching victories, and a win in this rivalry game could put him in the history books.

NC State is also demonstrating its prowess in the red zone, going 12-for-12 inside the 10-yard line this season, with 11 touchdowns and one field goal. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion is making waves, accounting for 28% of the Wolfpack's receptions and becoming the first true freshman in school history to record two 100+ yard games in a season. In the last outing, quarterback MJ Morris made a significant impact with a career-best four touchdowns and 265 passing yards, despite it being only his third career start. Running back Delbert Mimms has been impressive too, ranking sixth in the ACC and 24th nationally with six rushing touchdowns, which is two more than any Pack player had in all of 2022.

The Wolfpack's defense has been no slouch either, ranking 11th in the FBS in team sacks, thanks to reserve defensive end Red Hibbler. However, they have been dealing with the loss of two of their top four safeties for the season, which poses a challenge for their defensive unit. Linebacker Payton Wilson is having an incredible season, leading the ACC in tackles with an average of 11.7 per game, which is the fourth-best in the FBS. He was named the Butkus National LB of the Month for September and has earned ACC LB of the Week honors three times already this year. 

On the other side of the rivalry, Duke is coming off a strong start to the season, with a 4-1 record. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has won the turnover battle in 12 of their last 18 games, leading to 115 points off those turnovers. Elko's record through his first 18 games is the best start to a head coaching stint in school history. 

This year's Blue Devils rank highly in both scoring offense and defense within the ACC. Their scoring offense ranks 6th with an average of 32.6 points per game, while their defense is leading the conference, allowing a mere 11.2 points per game. They are one of only two ACC schools averaging 30.0 points per game and allowing just 15.0 points per outing, with Miami being the other school achieving these impressive numbers.

All eyes are now set on Saturday night as these two longstanding rivals prepare for another intense and highly anticipated battle. The history, the records, and the proximity between the stadiums all contribute to making this a must-watch ACC matchup. The kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be televised live by ACC Network.

Saturday Showdown: Barton Bulldogs Face Undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in Crucial SAC Matchup

This Saturday, the college football world's attention turns to Moretz Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina, as the Barton Bulldogs prepare to take on the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in a highly anticipated SAC matchup. The clash will feature the two teams with the best overall records in the conference, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the gridiron.

The Bears, currently boasting a perfect 6-0 record, will put their unblemished mark on the line as they aim to continue their remarkable winning streak. Not only are they on an eight-game winning streak, but their six consecutive victories in 2023 have propelled them to a strong position in the South Atlantic Conference.

Lurking just one game behind the Bears in the SAC standings is the Barton Bulldogs, who bring a commendable 5-1 record to Moretz Stadium. Their lone loss this season came at the hands of Mars Hill, but they are determined to make a statement and potentially seize the driver's seat in the conference with a win and the tiebreaker over Lenoir-Rhyne.

A win for the Bears would take them a significant step closer to clinching the Piedmont Division Championship, but the Bulldogs are poised to disrupt those plans with their strong performance this season.

The matchup is filled with intriguing storylines and streaks on the line. Lenoir-Rhyne has not only won its last six games but also the final two games of the 2022 season, which makes for an impressive eight-game winning streak. This streak currently ties them for the second-longest in all of NCAA Division II, with only Harding boasting a longer streak of 10 consecutive victories. Western Colorado, like the Bears, has also won eight straight.

Moreover, the 2023 season marks just the third time since 1970 that Lenoir-Rhyne has started with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing their consistency and dominance on the field. Previous seasons with such a strong start came in 2014 and 2019.

Adding to the anticipation, Lenoir-Rhyne has a perfect 12-0 record against Barton in their history, a record that the Bulldogs are surely eager to change. This long-standing dominance has also translated into a seven-game winning streak in conference play, which ranks eighth in NCAA Division II.

In national rankings, Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game ranked No. 12 in the AFCA national poll and No. 13 in the d2football.com poll. The Bears have historically performed well when nationally ranked, with a record of 53-12.

At Moretz Stadium, their home field, the Bears have been particularly formidable when ranked, boasting a record of 29-5. This bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming game.

As the stage is set for this Saturday's showdown between the Barton Bulldogs and the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears, college football fans are in for an exciting clash that could have a significant impact on the South Atlantic Conference standings. With both teams showcasing impressive records and a hunger for victory, it promises to be a game that football enthusiasts won't want to miss.

MARS HILL – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference (SAC) showdown, the Mars Hill football team (3-0, 2-0 SAC) emerged victorious over the previously undefeated Barton Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 SAC) with a final score of 16-14. The game, which featured two division leaders, delivered an intense battle of wills on Saturday afternoon at Mears Stadium and the Ammons Family Athletic Center.

The Lions of Mars Hill found themselves trailing 14-10 at halftime after Lon Teachey notched one of his three field goals as time expired in the second quarter. However, the Mars Hill defense came alive in the second half, shutting out Barton entirely. With just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Teachey nailed a 25-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to a single point.

The pivotal moment arrived in the fourth quarter when Tarshawn Reed's sack on Barton's Jaquan Lynch forced a game-changing fumble, recovered by Damipi Lamboni. Within a little over a minute, Teachey delivered the game-winning 34-yard field goal, securing the Lions' remarkable comeback.

Mars Hill initiated the scoring in the first quarter, with JR Martin connecting with Malik Laurent for an impressive 60-yard touchdown reception. Barton countered in the second quarter, with Kameron Johnson hauling in a 65-yard pass from Lynch, followed by Lynch's one-yard touchdown rush, propelling them to a 14-7 lead before halftime.

Statistically, Mars Hill outgained Barton 476-258, particularly excelling in their ground game, accumulating 316 rushing yards. JR Martin, the Lions' quarterback, led the charge with 167 rushing yards and 160 passing yards, amassing a total of 327 yards. Additionally, the Lions' defense contained the prolific Jordan Terrell, limiting him to just 47 rushing yards on 18 carries.

Next up, Mars Hill will hit the road to face Limestone in Gaffney, South Carolina, on Saturday, September 30, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. On the other hand, Barton will look to bounce back as they travel to Greeneville, Tennessee, to take on Tusculum at 2:00 p.m. on the same day in a crucial conference matchup.

The Elon Phoenix and the Campbell Fighting Camels are set to face off in an exciting CAA matchup today at Barker-Lane Stadium in Buies Creek. This match-up promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams have shown great potential in their previous games and are looking to move up the CAA standings. Kickoff is set for 6 pm and will be broadcast on FloSport.

Elon has had a mixed start to their season, falling in close matchups to FBS Wake Forest and a strong NC FCS Gardner-Webb squad before winning their CAA opener against North Carolina A&T last Saturday. Defensively, the Phoenix are coming off of a strong effort where they held the Aggies to an impressive 140 yards of total offense. The Phoenix defense, led by defensive back, and former Grimsley High standout, Caleb Curtain along with Asheville’s Marvin Pearson is going to need another strong effort to take down a Campbell team that is averaging over forty points a game.

Campbell’s Hajj-Malik Williams is averaging over 250 yards passing per game over the first three weeks of the season and has thrown for five touchdowns without any interceptions. The senior signal-caller has also rushed for three touchdowns as part of a three-headed running game alongside running backs NaQuari Rogers and former Charlotte Catholic star Lamagea McDowell who have each also rushed for three touchdowns.

This game is crucial for both teams. For the Phoenix, a win could help turn their season around and boost their morale as they head into a stretch of games against ranked FCS teams. For the Camels, another win would solidify their strong start to the season and keep their momentum going in their first season in the CAA.

Mars Hill Hosts Barton in Battle of Unbeatens

Barton travels to take on Mars Hill in a South Atlantic battle of unbeatens with important divisional implications this early in the season. Kickoff is set for 1 pm and will be broadcast on FloSports. Former Eastern Randolph star Jordan Terrell, who was named the national offensive player of the week and leads all rushers in the country with 194 yards per game, leads a Barton offense that has averaged over thirty points a game and knocked off Division 1 Davidson two weeks ago. Mars Hill is coming off a resounding 35-20 victory over Catawba, powered by standout performances from North Carolina products Jon Gullette (Reagan) and Simeon Thompson (Erwin).

ECU Looks For First Win of Season Against Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb travels to Greenville to take on their second FBS foe in a month in an East Carolina squad looking to avoid an 0-4 start to the season. The Runnin’ Bulldogs lost a close two-point matchup on the road at Tennessee State last week after knocking off in-state FCS rival Elon the previous week. The Pirates had a lead on the road at Appalachian State last week before faltering in the second half. Both teams are featuring strong running games with Narii Gaither leading a ground-focused Gardner-Webb offense and Rahjai Harris pacing a balanced Pirates offense. Kickoff is set for 6 pm and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Jervon Newton scored his first of three rushing touchdowns just 2:20 into the contest, punching it home from six yards out.  Later in the first quarter, Jordan Tyrell's nine-yard scamper tied the contest at seven.

Newton scored both touchdowns for the Lions in the second, a 10-yard rush and later punching it in from two yards out to put Mars Hill up 21-0 with 5:25 left in the half. As the clocks hit zero, Jackson Brooks potted a 37-yard field goal attempt to send the Bulldogs into the half trailing 21-10.

After a scoreless third, Kameron Johnson was on the receiving end of a 40-yard pass play from Jaquan Lynch to pull Barton within five. The Bulldogs then converted the 2-point attempt to bring the game within a field goal.

Mars Hill extended their lead with under three minutes to play as Andre Labat chipped in a 20-yard field goal.

Despite being outgained 346-288, the Lions held the advantage on the ground with 153 rushing yards with Newton accounting for 150.  Tyrell led the Bulldogs with 96 on the ground.  Jimmy Urzua went 10-of-17 for 135 yards while Lynch went 17-of-25 for 231 yards and one touchdown.

Jake Watson led the Lions with 11 tackles followed by seven apiece from Tarshawn Reed and Landon Honeycutt.  Both Reed and Honeycutt also forced a fumble apiece.

The Lions return home on Saturday, October 1 when they host Limestone.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. inside Meares Stadium.

Story courtesy of Mars Hill Athletics

WILSON – In a unique game where both squads were playing their first football games in over seventy years, the Barton College Bulldogs fell 30-28 to Erskine on Saturday afternoon.

Barton started the game with a bang on a reverse pass from wide receiver Kameron Johnson to quarterback Tyler Flippen for a 58-yard touchdown. Flippen, a former Northern Guilford standout, managed to complete the offensive trifecta, passing and running for a touchdown on the day as well.

Eastern Randolph’s Jordan Terrell led the Bulldogs on the ground rushing and added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter and a receiving score in the fourth quarter to bring the Bulldogs within two points.

Dionte Osbey was in the backfield afternoon, racking up three sacks and ten tackles on the afternoon. Graham Walston from North Johnston was 4 of 4 on extra points attempts. Former Cleveland star Jacquez Durham’s big kickoff return at the beginning of the game set up the game’s initial score.

Barton (0-1) will host Wingate (0-0) on March 13th at Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium.