WINGATE – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference football clash, the Wingate University Bulldogs came up just short, succumbing to Limestone University with a final score of 17-10 this past Saturday. Despite their best efforts, the Bulldogs couldn't overcome a trio of costly first-half turnovers, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of their resilient opponents.

Limestone University, now boasting a 4-3 overall record and an impressive 4-1 standing within the SAC, managed to edge out the Bulldogs, who fell to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in league play. The matchup unfolded as a fierce battle of determination, with Limestone's 339 total yards—comprising 285 passing and 54 rushing yards—just surpassing Wingate's 338 yards of offense, featuring 298 passing yards and 40 rushing yards.

Key statistics from the game reveal a closely fought contest. Limestone secured 19 of the 31 first downs, with a relatively low three-for-17 conversion rate on third downs but an efficient four-for-five on fourth downs. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs struggled on third down, going four-for-13, and failed to convert their single fourth-down attempt. Crucially, Wingate was responsible for three of the four turnovers in the game.

Wingate QB Brooks Bentley Photo Credit: Anna Torras (Wingate Athletics)

The game's pivotal moments included Bentley's impressive 44-yard pass to Carlos Estranza, which culminated in a fumble at the 10-yard line, allowing Limestone to take over. A 99-yard drive by the Saints resulted in a touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0. However, Wingate fought back, with Daniel Morrison's interception at the Limestone 25 leading to a quick score that tied the game at 7-7 heading into halftime.

The second half was marked by intense action, as Limestone managed to regain the lead with an early drive, while a field goal put them ahead 10-7. A 53-yard drive later in the frame increased their lead to 17-7. Wingate rallied in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to a single score, but ultimately fell short of a comeback.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs remain determined to bounce back in their upcoming games. Next on the schedule is a road trip to face Barton on Saturday at 2 p.m. With their sights set on redemption, the Bulldogs look forward to their return home on October 28, when they will host Lenoir-Rhyne at 6 p.m. in front of their loyal fans.

GAFFNEY, SC – The eighth-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs trailed 14-0 in the opening quarter Saturday afternoon, but responded by scoring the next 28 points and 35 of the final 38 points of the contest en route to a 35-17 victory at Limestone University in South Atlantic Conference football action. Wingate improves to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the SAC, while the Saints fall to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in league play. This is the fourth time in the last six seasons the 'Dogs have started a season 5-0.

Wingate RB Nijere Peoples (Photo Credit: Wingate Athletics)

KEY STATS

• Wingate had 465 yards of offense; Limestone had 311 yards
• The 'Dogs had 261 passing yards and 204 rushing yards
• Limestone had 174 passing yards and 137 rushing yards
• The Bulldogs held a 25-17 advantage in first downs
• The Saints had the only two turnovers of the day; one fumble and one interception
• The 'Dogs held the ball for 40:38 on the afternoon
• Wingate converted eight-of-14 third downs
• The Bulldogs scored on five of six red zone opportunities
• WU had the only four sacks of the afternoon
• Limestone went five-for-12 on third down while scoring on two-of-three red zone trips

KEY BULLDOGS

• Shaw Crocker completed 20 of 29 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns
• Kamal Desor had seven catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns
• RJ Mobley hauled in six receptions for 94 yards
• Ra'Quan Simmons added four catches for 63 yards
• Trevor Grant had a three-yard TD grab
• Nijere Peoples ran for 86 yards and a touchdown
• Kalen Clark added 86 rushing yards on 13 carries
• Alexander Wilson added 17 rushing yards and a touchdown
• Tre Morrison piled up eight tackles, two TFLs, and two pass break-ups
• Davon Gilmore added eight stops with a pair of TFLs
• Marquise Fleming had seven tackles, two TFLs, a sack, and a forced fumble
• Raymond Owens collected five tackles with a sack
• Justin Armwood had two tackles and an interception
• Sirod Cook registered three tackles, a TFL, and a fumble recovery
• Jordon Anderson added a sack for the Bulldogs
• McLean Robertson made all five PATs
• Ethan Evans averaged 37 yards per punt on a pair of punts, putting both inside the 20. He also had two touchbacks on six kickoffs

FIRST QUARTER

• Limestone scored on both drives in the opening quarter to race out to a 14-0 lead
• Jerkoya Patton's 17-yard run on third and goal gave the Saints a two-score lead with four minutes left

SECOND QUARTER

• The Bulldogs outscored Limestone 28-0 in the second quarter
• A 13-play, 75-yard drive got Wingate on the board
• Crocker hit Wilson for 10 yards on fourth and three to keep the drive alive
• Peoples scored from four yards out to get Wingate on the board
• A four-play, 70-yard drive tied it
• Clark's 29-yard run started the drive, while a 16-yard Desor catch got it to the LU 10
• Crocker hit Grant from three yards out to tie it
• Wingate added a four-play, 60-yard drive to take the lead
• Crocker hit Mobley for 42 yards to start the drive, getting it inside the Limestone 20
• Crocker connected with Desor from five yards out to give the Bulldogs the lead
• WU capped the quarter with an 11-play, 88-yard drive
• Crocker's 16-yard scramble on third and seven kept the drive alive
• He hit Desor for 14 yards and Simmons for 30 yards to get it to the Limestone 14
• Crocker found Desor in the end zone again to cap the 28-point quarter

SECOND HALF

• A Fleming sack and Cook recovery around midfield halted Limestone's first drive
• Wingate's drive was halted inside the LU five on downs
• Austin Kemp capped a 74-yard drive with a 38-yard field goal to make it 28-17
• The Bulldogs took a 35-17 lead with a 32-yard drive midway through the fourth
• Evans pinned the Saints inside their own 10, then the defense forced a three-and-out
• The Limestone punt went just 22 yards, setting WU up at the LU 32
• Wilson got the ball to the one with a four-yard run
• He scored on the next play to put Wingate on top by 18
• Armwood's interception on the ensuing drive halted the Limestone drive at the WU 30

UP NEXT

• Wingate is on the road for two more weeks
• The Bulldogs are at Barton at 4 p.m. next week
• The road trip ends at UVA Wise Oct. 23 at 12 p.m.
• The 'Dogs return home Oct. 30 to host Lenoir-Rhyne at 6 p.m.