WINSTON-SALEM – For more than two quarters Saturday night, Winston-Salem State's defense kept giving the Rams a chance.

Eventually, Rayvon Durant and Mars Hill broke through.

Durant rushed for a career-high 201 yards and two touchdowns, while the Lions' defense held Winston-Salem State to just 83 yards of offense in a 17-0 victory at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Mars Hill improved to 1-0 with its first shutout since 2012. Winston-Salem State dropped to 0-2 after being blanked in its home opener before a crowd of 8,700.

The final margin did not reflect how long the game remained in doubt.

Neither team scored in the first half, although Mars Hill controlled much of the football and twice moved deep enough into WSSU territory to attempt field goals. Matthias Newsome missed attempts from 21 and 30 yards in the second quarter, leaving the game scoreless at halftime.

Mars Hill's inability to turn drives into points helped keep WSSU within reach despite a sizable difference in offensive production.

The breakthrough finally came with 6:25 remaining in the third quarter.

Facing third-and-1 from the Mars Hill 48, Durant burst through the Rams' defense and went 52 yards for the game's first touchdown. The three-play scoring drive covered 61 yards in only 53 seconds and gave the Lions a 7-0 advantage.

Winston-Salem State responded with one of its best possessions of the night.

The Rams converted a third-and-25 when Deiondre Goldston found Sean Walker Jr. for 26 yards, then moved to the Mars Hill 28 after an 18-yard completion to Jamison Funderburk. But Caden Hilemon intercepted Goldston in the end zone, ending the threat and preserving the Lions' seven-point lead.

It was a fitting result for a Mars Hill defense that controlled the game.

WSSU finished with only 17 rushing yards on 24 attempts and 66 yards through the air. The Rams averaged 1.8 yards per play, converted only two of 11 third downs and never reached the red zone.

Mars Hill recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss. Jamarion Farrior led the Lions with eight tackles, while Isaac Weaver, Aden Allsbrook and Russell Barnett recorded four apiece. Hilemon supplied the game's only turnover with his third-quarter interception.

Mars Hill's offense wasn't explosive outside of Durant, but the Lions steadily wore down the WSSU defense.

They ran 72 offensive plays and held the ball for more than 35 minutes, finishing with 366 yards. Of those, 289 came on the ground as Mars Hill averaged 5.8 yards on 50 rushing attempts.

Durant accounted for most of that production. The senior carried 28 times for 201 yards, averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. Nate Crosby Jr. added 51 yards on 12 carries, while quarterback Lukas Kachilo completed 12 of 22 passes for 77 yards without an interception.

Still leading only 7-0 midway through the fourth quarter, Mars Hill put together the kind of possession that had defined the night. The Lions marched 55 yards in nine plays while taking 5:29 off the clock before Newsome connected on a 22-yard field goal with 5:02 remaining.

WSSU went backward on its ensuing possession, and Mars Hill took over at the Rams' 35 following a 28-yard punt return.

Durant finished the job.

After runs by Crosby on the first two plays, Durant ripped off 32 yards to the WSSU 1 before scoring on the next snap. His second touchdown made it 17-0 with 2:34 remaining and effectively ended any hope of a Rams comeback.

Winston-Salem State's Jamison Funderburk led the Rams with 36 rushing yards and added 19 receiving yards. Walker caught four passes for 37 yards. Defensively, Camden Martin and Maurice Odom each finished with 11 tackles.

Both teams now turn toward conference play against another North Carolina opponent.

Mars Hill opens its home schedule and South Atlantic Conference slate Saturday against Catawba. Winston-Salem State remains at Bowman Gray Stadium to open CIAA play against Johnson C. Smith.

SALISBURY – Catawba scored 21 unanswered points across the second half to defeat Mars Hill 42-28 on Friday night at Shuford Stadium. The Indians improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while the Lions dropped to 3-2 and 2-1.

The game featured five lead changes and was tied 21-21 at halftime before Catawba's offense found its rhythm after the break.

Preston Brown completed 17 of 27 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns for Catawba, adding a rushing score despite losing nine yards on the ground. His ability to spread the ball around proved crucial, connecting with eight different receivers. Brown found the end zone through the air on throws of 13 yards to Kevin Lalin, 26 yards to Marquece Williams, and 18 yards to Jalen Brown.

The real story for Catawba was Lalin's performance on the ground. The running back carried 25 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-sealing 26-yard touchdown run with 2:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. Lalin added a receiving touchdown and consistently moved the chains, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

Mars Hill quarterback JR Martin put together an impressive stat line in a losing effort, completing 25 of 40 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns. However, he threw one interception and was sacked three times for 40 yards in losses. Martin also rushed for a touchdown but managed just one net yard on 11 rushing attempts after losing 42 yards to sacks and negative plays.

The Lions opened the scoring with an 84-yard drive capped by a 62-yard touchdown pass from Martin to Edward Louis Jr. The connection tied the game at 7-7 just 1:35 after Catawba had taken an early lead. Louis Jr. finished with four catches for 90 yards and the touchdown.

Charlie Guinade emerged as Martin's favorite target, hauling in seven passes for 78 yards and a 31-yard touchdown that tied the game at 21-21 with 47 seconds left in the first half. Guinade also returned one punt for 12 yards.

The first half featured explosive plays and quick-strike scoring. Neither team punted until late in the second quarter, as the offenses combined for six touchdowns in the first 30 minutes. Mars Hill's David Hargro caught a three-yard touchdown pass to cut Catawba's lead to 21-14 in the second quarter, part of a 10-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 5:26.

Catawba's defense made the critical difference after halftime. Evan Simons led all defenders with 12 total tackles, including three tackles for loss totaling 31 yards. Simons recorded two sacks for 28 yards and intercepted Martin's pass in the first quarter, returning it 23 yards to set up the Indians' first touchdown. His quarterback pressure disrupted Mars Hill's timing throughout the second half.

The turning point came midway through the third quarter. After Mars Hill failed to sustain any offensive momentum following the halftime intermission, Catawba mounted a 10-play, 78-yard drive that culminated in Brown's 26-yard touchdown pass to Williams. The score gave Catawba a 28-21 lead with 3:22 left in the third quarter, and Mars Hill never recovered.

Early in the fourth quarter, Brown connected with Jalen Brown for an 18-yard touchdown on a six-play, 65-yard drive, extending the lead to 35-21. Mars Hill responded with Martin's eight-yard rushing touchdown to pull within 35-28, but the Lions couldn't get stops when they needed them most.

Catawba converted eight of 13 third-down attempts and went 4-for-4 in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all four trips inside the 20-yard line. Mars Hill went 3-for-3 in the red zone but struggled on third down, converting just four of 12 attempts. The Lions also failed on all three fourth-down tries.

Bo Pryor led Catawba's receivers with seven catches for 72 yards, consistently finding soft spots in Mars Hill's coverage. Bennett Galloway added 50 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, providing a complementary rushing threat to Lalin's dominance.

Catawba controlled time of possession, holding the ball for 34:03 compared to Mars Hill's 25:57. The Indians outgained the Lions 425 to 366 in total offense and rushed for 218 yards on 43 attempts.

Bryson Sims handled all kicking duties for Catawba, converting all six extra points and averaging 62.7 yards on seven kickoffs with four touchbacks.

Key Performers:

• Kevin Lalin (CAT): 25 rushes for 173 yards and 2 TDs; 1 catch for 13 yards and 1 TD
• Evan Simons (CAT): 12 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT
• JR Martin (MHU): 25-40 passing, 307 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT; 1 rushing TD
• Preston Brown (CAT): 17-27 passing, 207 yards, 3 TDs; 1 rushing TD
• Charlie Guinade (MHU): 7 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

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)

MARS HILL - After 49 years of coaching and 32 seasons leading Mars Hill University's football program, Tim Clifton will retire following the 2025 season, marking the end of one of the most successful tenures in Division II football history.

The university announced Kevin Barnette, who has served as defensive coordinator for the past 31 years, will take over as head coach, ensuring continuity for a program that has become a South Atlantic Conference powerhouse under Clifton's leadership.

Clifton's decision to step away stems from a desire to spend more time with family, particularly his four grandchildren, including a granddaughter born this summer. His retirement closes a remarkable chapter that saw him become the winningest coach in Mars Hill history with 173 victories while ranking second in the SAC in both overall and conference wins.

The veteran coach's resume speaks to sustained excellence. He's coached 20 All-Americans, mentored over 100 All-Conference players, and developed six athletes who reached the NFL. Most notably, he coached Jonas Randolph, who won the 2011 Harlon Hill Trophy, the SAC's only winner of Division II football's highest individual honor.

Recent success reinforces Clifton's enduring impact. Over the past four seasons, Mars Hill captured two Mountain Division Championships while posting a 28-12 overall record and 24-9 conference mark.

Director of Athletics Rick Baker, who worked alongside Clifton for 31 years, praised the retiring coach's commitment to developing character alongside competitive success.

Barnette brings deep institutional knowledge to his new role. A Mars Hill native and alumnus, he played defensive back from 1981-84, earning second-team All-American honors and setting school records for interceptions in a game and season. Inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998, Barnette returned to campus in 1988 after coaching stops at Asheville Junior High, Wingate University, and Forest Hills High School.

His 37 years on staff, including more than three decades as defensive coordinator, position him uniquely to maintain the program's culture while advancing his own vision. Barnette holds a master's degree in sports science and serves on the physical education faculty. He and his wife Recy have three children.

Baker emphasized that Barnette shares Clifton's values-driven approach, prioritizing leadership development that extends beyond the playing field.

The Lions open their 2025 season September 6 at home against Winston-Salem State University, beginning a transition year that honors the past while embracing the future.

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+.

MARS HILL – In an electrifying clash between the Mars Hill University Lions and the Wingate University Bulldogs, the Lions engineered a remarkable second-half rally to secure a thrilling 15-10 victory in their 2023 season opener. This NCAA Division II football showdown left fans on the edge of their seats as the Lions moved to a 1-0 record, while the Bulldogs faced a tough 1-1 start to their season.

First Half: Bulldogs Lead with Strong Defense

The game commenced with a scoreless first quarter, setting the stage for a fierce battle between two determined teams. However, the Bulldogs from Wingate University surged ahead in the second quarter, displaying their prowess with a strong defensive performance. The turning point came when Marquez Baxter forced a fumble, which Jaheim Mullen swiftly recovered at the Wingate 26-yard line. This pivotal play allowed the Bulldogs to gain possession and ultimately set them on a path to the scoreboard.

Wingate's offense showcased its skill as it covered 74 yards over seven plays, resulting in a touchdown. Alex Wilson's 33-yard run ignited the drive, positioning the Bulldogs at the Mars Hill 26-yard line. Quarterback Brooks Bentley demonstrated precision by connecting with Carlos Estranza for a 12-yard pass, advancing them to the 14-yard line. Bentley then found Evan McCray for an 11-yard reception, setting up a first-and-goal from the three-yard line. Noah Bell capitalized on this opportunity and plunged into the end zone from three yards out, securing a 7-0 lead for the Bulldogs.

As the half drew to a close, the Bulldogs extended their lead. Noah Bell orchestrated an impressive drive, connecting with Matt Flanders for a 25-yard gain. Caleb Bonesteel sealed the deal with a 20-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-0 in favor of Wingate at halftime.

Second Half: Mars Hill's Resilience Shines

The second half saw a resurgence from Mars Hill University, as they shook off the early deficit and displayed remarkable resilience. Lon Teachey ignited the Lions' scoring with a 41-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 10-3.

The fourth quarter witnessed a dramatic turn of events. With just under four minutes left in the game, JR Martin connected with Beau DeBerry for a 10-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 10-9. Unfortunately for the Lions, the extra-point attempt failed, leaving them trailing by one point with 11:09 left to play.

The defining moment came with under six minutes remaining when a Bulldogs' fumble turned the tide of the game. Tristan Rankin, with keen awareness, scooped up the loose ball and embarked on a breathtaking 55-yard dash to the end zone. This remarkable defensive play not only gave the Lions the lead but also secured their eventual game-winning score.

In the closing minutes, Wingate made a valiant effort to regain control. Noah Bell orchestrated an impressive drive, connecting with Trevor Grant and Damian Sutton to advance to the Mars Hill 40-yard line. However, the Lions' resolute defense stood firm, forcing a turnover on downs with 3:23 left on the clock.

The Bulldogs' defense refused to yield and managed to regain possession with 1:26 remaining. Wingate's connections to Sutton and McCray took them to the Mars Hill 40-yard line once more. However, time was not on their side, and they eventually turned the ball over on downs with 44 seconds to go.

Key Stats and Takeaways

Mars Hill University displayed an impressive blend of offensive and defensive prowess, accumulating 295 total yards of offense, with 153 coming on the ground.

Mars Hill quarterback JR Martin played a pivotal role, throwing for 142 yards and orchestrating a crucial touchdown drive.

Jon Gullette showcased his running abilities, rushing for 107 yards with an average of 5.4 yards per carry.

On the defensive side, Landon Honeycutt led all players with nine tackles, while Tristan Rankin's game-changing fumble recovery and 55-yard return for a touchdown sealed the Lions' victory.

The Mars Hill University Lions have set a formidable tone for their 2023 season with this spectacular comeback victory. The Bulldogs of Wingate University displayed resilience but fell short in the face of Mars Hill's determined effort.

Looking ahead, Mars Hill University will continue their season on Saturday, September 16, when they face Catawba on the road. The matchup promises to deliver more thrilling moments as the Lions embark on their South Atlantic Conference journey.

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

WINGATE - The Wingate University Bulldogs wrapped up the 2021 regular season with a 26-19 victory over visiting Mars Hill University in South Atlantic Conference football action Saturday evening at Irwin Belk Stadium. Wingate moves to 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the SAC, while the Lions fall to 8-3 overall and 6-2 in league play.

KEY STATS

- Mars Hill had 379 yards of offense; Wingate had 300 yards

- MHU had 340 passing yards and 39 rushing yards

- The Bulldogs had 191 passing yards and 109 rushing yards

- The Lions had the only turnover of the game

- Wingate was six-for-15 on third down

- Mars Hill was five-for-14 on third down

- The Lions went zero-for-five on fourth down

- Wingate piled up four sacks on the night; the Lions had one sack

- Mars Hill had 24 first downs; the Bulldogs notched 17

- The 'Dogs had 125 penalty yards while the Lions had 94 penalty yards

KEY BULLDOGS

- Shaw Crocker threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns

- Trevor Grant had seven catches for 51 yards and three touchdowns

- Nijere Peoples had 20 carries for 89 yards

- Ra'Quan Simmons had four receptions for 64 yards

- Jacob Satterfield was two-for-two for 19 yards and a touchdown

- Kamal Desor had a 43-yard reception

- Kalen Clark added 33 rushing yards

- Jaquan Edwards had 12 tackles, two TFLs, a sack, a break-up and three QB hurries

- Kendrick Hicks added nine tackles with a TFL

- Sirod Cook had three TFLs and a pair of sacks, adding three hurries

- Tre Morrison had four tackles, an interception and two break-ups

- Justin Armwood added a sack, break-up and QB hurry

- McLean Robertson hit two field goals including a 52-yarder

- Ethan Evans averaged 41.2 yards per punt with a long of 71 and three inside the 20

FIRST QUARTER

- A Matt McAdoo 75-yard punt return gave Mars Hill an early 7-0 lead

- Wingate got on the board with a 12-play, 52-yard drive

- Crocker hit Simmons for 22 yards to get into MHU territory

- Another 11-yard connection with Simmons got it to the Mars Hill 11

- Robertson connected on a 30-yard field goal to make it 7-3

- Morrison picked off Jimmy Urzua and took it back to the MHU 24

- Satterfield hit Hart Simpson to set up a first and 10 at the Mars Hill 14

- He connected with Grant on the next play for a 14-yard touchdown

- The Lions blocked the extra point and returned it for two points to make it 9-9

- A CJ Jones 22-yard field goal capped a 70-yard MHU drive that gave the Lions a 12-9 lead

- Mars Hill then recovered an onside kick

- Cook's sack on third and 10 set up a fourth and 22 for the Lions on the 25

SECOND QUARTER

- A seven-play, 80-yard TD drive gave Wingate the lead

- Crocker hit Desor for 43 yards on third and three to get it to the MHU 30

- Crocker's connection with Myles Dillon got it to the Mars Hill 14

- Crocker hit Grant from 10 yards out to give WU a 16-12 advantage

- Davon Gilmore's pass break-up on fourth and two gave the 'Dogs the ball back on their own 34

- Crocker's 17-yard hookup with Simmons on third and nine got it to the MHU 25

- Crocker hit Grant from six yards out for a touchdown to make it 23-12 with eight seconds left

THIRD QUARTER

- Wingate stopped Mars Hill on another fourth down try and took over at the MHU 46

- Robertson drilled a 52-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 26-12 advantage

FOURTH QUARTER

- Urzua hit Williams for an 18-yard touchdown to make it a seven-point game with 10:10 to go

- MHU had third and goal at the Wingate three yard line

- An Edwards sack led to a fourth and nine 12

- Edwards had the break-up on the fourth down pass, giving the ball back to the 'Dogs

- A Peoples 51-yard run got the ball to the Mars Hill 32 yard line

- Clark followed with a 12-yard run to get it inside the MHU 20

- The Bulldogs secured the win from there

Story courtesy of Wingate Athletics