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.