HICKORY – Wingate erased a 14-3 halftime deficit to beat Lenoir-Rhyne 20-17 on Saturday at Moretz Stadium, winning on Gunnar Hilsinger’s 25-yard field goal with 1:27 left and sealing it when Anthony Dangerfield intercepted a pass with 51 seconds to play.

The Bulldogs improved to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the South Atlantic Conference. The Bears fell to 3-5 and 2-4.

Hilsinger’s kick capped a 13-play, 77-yard drive that began at the Wingate 15 and used 5:52, right after Lenoir-Rhyne tied the game. Brooks Brien kept it moving with his arm and his legs: a 6-yard completion to Kayden Bash on third-and-5, a 34-yard throw to Xavier Jackson to the Lenoir-Rhyne 25, and a 5-yard run on third-and-4. Jason Willis gained 7 on third-and-11 to set up the kick.

The Bears got the ball back at their 30 with 1:19 left. Elijah Evans sacked Wells Bettenhausen, the next pass fell incomplete, and on third-and-10 Dangerfield picked him off. Brien took a knee to end it.

Wingate’s defense controlled the second half, sacking Bettenhausen six times, five of them in the fourth quarter, and holding the Bears to 51 net rushing yards. Evans had two sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble that Geviaunta Walker recovered. Tyson Brown added two sacks. Dangerfield finished with nine tackles and two pass breakups to go with the interception.

The Bulldogs had to climb out of a hole partly of their own making. Hilsinger’s first field goal, ending a 13-play, 72-yard drive, made it 3-0 in the first quarter. After Bryson Steele intercepted Bettenhausen, Brien’s 23-yard throw to Jackson set up first-and-goal at the 7, but Wingate came away empty, turned over on downs at the 4.

Lenoir-Rhyne then scored twice in less than five minutes late in the second quarter. Carson Spoonts, in for a snap in place of Bettenhausen, threw a 48-yard touchdown to Tye Roberson with 6:35 left in the half. Brodie Bradburn intercepted Brien and returned it 43 yards to the Wingate 15, and LJ Turner scored from 5 yards out with 1:51 left. RJ de Madet picked off Brien again before the break.

Wingate opened the second half with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that Willis finished with a 9-yard touchdown run. After Daniel Deneen Jr. missed a 45-yard field goal for Lenoir-Rhyne, Brien found Damonte James for a 51-yard touchdown on third-and-11 with 1:17 left in the third quarter, putting the Bulldogs up 17-14. Deneen had also missed from 34 yards in the first quarter, and the two misses left six points off the board.

The Bears tied it in the fourth, and the drive could have gone differently. An offside penalty on Wingate during a punt gave Lenoir-Rhyne a first down, Mikel McClellan caught a 35-yard pass, and Spoonts ran 18 yards for what appeared to be a touchdown until a holding penalty brought it back. Bettenhausen was sacked on the next play, and Cole Allbaugh kicked a 37-yard field goal with 7:26 left to make it 17-17.

Wingate outgained Lenoir-Rhyne 398-284 and converted 10 of 17 third downs to the Bears’ 4 of 13. Brien threw for 247 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions and added 26 rushing yards. Jackson had five catches for 108 yards, and Willis ran for 90 yards. For Lenoir-Rhyne, Bettenhausen threw for 185 yards with two interceptions, Jarrod Mewborn and McClellan combined for 12 catches and 146 yards, Turner ran for 47 yards and a touchdown, and Christian Santana had 12 tackles. The Bears turned the ball over three times to Wingate’s two.

“Very disappointing,” Lenoir-Rhyne coach Doug Socha said. “This is a game that comes down to one score. We had bad penalties, turnovers, and not good enough in critical moments. It starts with me and we will all stay focused on improving.”

Each of Lenoir-Rhyne’s five straight losses to Wingate has come by four points or fewer. The Bears still lead the all-time series 24-18.

HICKORY – Mars Hill's defense kept Lenoir-Rhyne off the scoreboard for more than three quarters Saturday night, helping the Lions remain unbeaten with a 15-7 victory at Moretz Stadium.

Mars Hill improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while Lenoir-Rhyne fell to 2-2 and 1-1. 

The Lions limited Lenoir-Rhyne to just 16 rushing yards, recorded seven sacks and intercepted quarterback Wells Bettenhausen twice. Mars Hill finished with a 438-312 advantage in total offense, including 127 yards on the ground. 

The defense made its presence felt immediately. Caden Hilemon intercepted Bettenhausen on Lenoir-Rhyne's opening possession, ending a drive that had reached the Mars Hill 38. 

After a scoreless first quarter, Mars Hill finally broke through with a 12-play, 83-yard drive. Lukas Kachilo helped move the Lions to the Lenoir-Rhyne 6 before Matthias Newsome kicked a 23-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead with 7:38 remaining in the half.

Mars Hill struck again late in the second quarter. Beginning at its own 8, the Lions traveled 92 yards in six plays. A 61-yard completion from Kachilo to JT Way flipped the field before Kachilo found Christopher Morrison Jr. for a 21-yard touchdown and a 10-0 advantage. 

The defense then added points of its own.

Russell Barnett and Sammuel Rwibuka combined for a sack before JyMire Wright dropped Bettenhausen again, pinning Lenoir-Rhyne near its goal line. On fourth-and-21, a failed punt attempt resulted in a safety, sending Mars Hill into halftime ahead 12-0. 

Newsome's 22-yard field goal late in the third quarter extended the lead to 15-0.

Lenoir-Rhyne finally broke through with 7:00 remaining when Bettenhausen connected with Shermon Davis for an 86-yard touchdown, cutting the margin to 15-7. It was the Bears' only scoring play of the night. 

The Bears got one final opportunity, driving from their own 3 to the Mars Hill 27 before an interception ended the threat with 21 seconds remaining. 

Kachilo completed 20 of 41 passes for 311 yards and a touchdown. Charlie Guinade caught eight passes for 127 yards, while Way added 82 yards on three receptions. Rayvon Durant led the rushing attack with 89 yards on 10 carries. 

Bettenhausen threw for 296 yards, but Mars Hill's pass rush repeatedly disrupted the Bears. Barnett recorded 2.5 sacks, Wright had two and Rwibuka added 1.5. Jamarion Farrior led the Lions with 11 tackles and a sack. 

Mars Hill's defense ultimately made a 15-point night stand up, keeping the Lions perfect through three games.

WINGATE – Benedict pulled off one of the most improbable finishes in NCAA Division 2 playoff history, stunning 16th-ranked Wingate 25-24 on a miraculous 86-yard touchdown pass with no time remaining Saturday at Irwin Belk Stadium.

With the ball at their own 14-yard line and the clock showing only three seconds remaining, quarterback Jackson Jensen threw a desperation pass to Tre Simmons. What happened next defied belief. Simmons caught the ball near the 20-yard line, then threw a lateral all the way back across the field to Malik Mullins, who raced down the sideline untouched for the game-winning score as time expired.

The stunning victory capped a furious fourth-quarter rally by the 23rd-ranked Tigers, who overcame a 24-0 third-quarter deficit to advance in the Division 2 playoffs. Benedict improved to 10-2 while Wingate's season ended at 9-3, snapping the Bulldogs' six-game winning streak.

The comeback seemed unlikely after Wingate's Omar Ba intercepted Jensen's pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown with 14:46 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Bulldogs a commanding 24-0 advantage. Benedict had managed just 118 total yards to that point and trailed by three scores midway through the third quarter.

But the Tigers' defense stiffened considerably after that score. Benedict forced three consecutive three-and-out possessions and benefited from crucial Wingate mistakes that shifted momentum. The Tigers held Wingate to just 139 total yards and no points over the final 28 minutes of game action.

Benedict finally broke through late in the third quarter when Jensen directed a six-play, 27-yard drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Malaqhi Jones with 1:03 remaining in the period. Logan Karwacki's extra point made it 24-7, giving the Tigers their first points after falling behind 17-0 in the first quarter.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Benedict's defense and special teams. Isaiah Isidore provided the spark with 10:05 remaining when he blocked a 21-yard field goal attempt by Caleb Bonesteel and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown. The failed extra point left Benedict trailing 24-13, but the Tigers had seized momentum.

Benedict's offense took over at its own 50-yard line after a Kolten Ford punt with 5:59 remaining and methodically moved downfield. Triston Morgan carried five times for 33 yards on the drive, including a critical 27-yard run to the Wingate 21 that gave Benedict first-and-10 deep in Bulldogs territory.

Jensen completed the march with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Charle Simmons with 3:36 remaining. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Benedict trailing 24-19 and needing to get the ball back with little time remaining.

Wingate tried to run out the clock but could only manage 22 yards on six plays before punting back to Benedict with 19 seconds left. The Tigers took over at their own 14-yard line with one final chance.

Jensen's first three passes fell incomplete, all intended for Troy Hillman. Facing fourth-and-10 with the season on the line and the clock at zero, Jensen dropped back one final time. The improbable lateral play that followed sent the Benedict sideline into celebration and silenced the Wingate home crowd who .

Jensen finished 11-of-29 passing for 158 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He added 33 yards rushing on seven carries. Mullins caught four passes for 126 yards and the game-winning touchdown. Morgan led Benedict's ground game with 50 yards on 12 carries.

Wingate quarterback Elijah Holmes completed 14 of 32 passes for 264 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Freshman receiver Jaylen Himes caught four passes for 138 yards and both of Holmes' touchdown passes, scoring on connections of 25 and 34 yards in the first quarter that staked the Bulldogs to their early lead.

The Bulldogs dominated the first half, taking a 17-0 lead into the break. Holmes connected with Himes for touchdown passes on back-to-back drives in the opening quarter. The first score came on a four-play, 68-yard drive capped by the 25-yard connection at 11:56 of the first quarter. The second touchdown came less than five minutes later when Holmes found Himes again, this time for 34 yards to complete a six-play, 63-yard march.

Bonesteel added a 26-yard field goal with 59 seconds left in the first quarter to extend Wingate's advantage to 17-0. The Bulldogs reached the red zone four times but managed just one field goal from those trips, a crucial shortcoming that proved decisive.

Benedict's defense recorded four sacks and limited Wingate to 3-of-14 on third-down conversions. Isaiah Stephens led the Tigers with nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Israe Nwokocha added seven tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack, plus the blocked field goal return for touchdown that sparked the comeback.

The loss ended Wingate's seventh playoff appearance in school history and sixth in the last eight years. The Bulldogs had won at least eight games in nine consecutive seasons and were appearing in their fifth home playoff game.

Benedict advances to face Albany State, the region’s top seed, in the second round of the Division 2 playoffs. The Tigers are making their third playoff appearance in the last four years and earned their second road playoff victory after previously winning at Wingate in 1998 in the teams' first meeting. Wingate had defeated Benedict 23-6 in the second round of the 2022 playoffs before advancing to the national quarterfinals.

The dramatic finish will be remembered as one of the wildest endings in recent playoff history, a fitting conclusion to a game that seemed decided until the final seconds ticked off the clock.

WINGATE – Wingate defensive end Elijah Barnes crashed through the line on a two-point conversion attempt in overtime, sacking Khamoni Robinson and forcing a fumble that Tyson Brown recovered to preserve a 38-37 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday at Irwin Belk Stadium.

The Bulldogs improved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the South Atlantic Conference, extending their winning streak to four games. Lenoir-Rhyne fell to 5-5 and 4-3 in league play. The victory marked Wingate's fourth consecutive win over the Bears.

After both teams scored touchdowns in overtime, Lenoir-Rhyne coach Doug Socha elected to attempt a two-point conversion rather than kick the extra point for a second overtime period. Robinson dropped back to pass, but Barnes broke through for the game-ending sack.

"It was a hard fought emotional game today," Socha said. "We had some missed opportunities and needed one more play."

The game reached overtime after Wingate quarterback Elijah Holmes engineered a nine-play, 74-yard drive in the final 1:53 of regulation. Holmes completed a nine-yard touchdown pass to Carlos Estronza with 19 seconds remaining to tie the score at 31-31.

Wingate needed just three plays to score in overtime. Xavier Pugh carried for five yards, then Holmes found Jaylen Himes for 10 yards to set up Pugh's 10-yard touchdown run. Caleb Bonesteel converted the extra point for a 38-31 lead.

Robinson answered with a six-yard touchdown run on Lenoir-Rhyne's possession, setting up the decisive two-point attempt.

Holmes completed 23 of 36 passes for 350 yards and four touchdowns while adding 50 yards on the ground. Himes caught eight passes for 134 yards and two scores, while Xavier Jackson hauled in five receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. Pugh contributed 71 rushing yards and a score along with three catches for 42 yards.

Robinson finished 21 of 30 for 283 yards and two touchdowns through the air while rushing for two more scores. Alex Boyd recorded his first 100-yard rushing game of the season with 103 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown.

Songa Yates tied a career high with nine receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown, moving into a tie for seventh place on Lenoir-Rhyne's all-time list with 17 career touchdown receptions. Zion Agnew added five catches for 86 yards and a score.

Lenoir-Rhyne jumped ahead early when Robinson connected with Agnew for a 47-yard touchdown on the game's opening drive, capping an eight-play, 75-yard march. The Bears extended their lead to 14-3 when Robinson found Yates for a 52-yard scoring strike on their second possession.

Wingate responded with a 12-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Bonesteel's 24-yard field goal. Holmes completed passes of 23 yards to Himes, 12 yards to Pugh and 10 yards to Estronza during the drive.

The Bears appeared poised to build a commanding lead in the second quarter when they drove inside the Wingate five-yard line. But the Bulldogs' defense held on fourth-and-goal from the two, forcing a turnover on downs.

Lenoir-Rhyne defensive back Desmond Greene intercepted Holmes on Wingate's ensuing possession, his fourth interception of the season. The turnover set up Robinson's seven-yard touchdown run that gave the Bears a 21-3 advantage with 1:45 left in the half.

The Bulldogs cut into the deficit before halftime when Holmes hit Himes for 53 yards on the first play of a drive, then connected with him again for a nine-yard touchdown. That made it 21-10 with 1:19 remaining in the second quarter.

Brayden Cresimore's 44-yard field goal as time expired in the half, Lenoir-Rhyne's longest of the season, extended the Bears' lead to 24-10.

Wingate seized momentum in the third quarter with two touchdown drives. After forcing a three-and-out, the Bulldogs took over at their own 40 and drove 60 yards in six plays. Holmes connected with Jackson for a 35-yard touchdown on third-and-three to make it 24-17.

Following another Lenoir-Rhyne punt, Holmes led a six-play, 64-yard scoring drive. He completed a 19-yard pass to Jackson, then gained 11 yards on a scramble to reach the red zone. Holmes found Himes for an 18-yard touchdown that tied the game at 24-24 with 4:05 left in the third quarter.

Chris Harris gave Wingate prime field position late in the third when he sacked Robinson, forced a fumble and recovered the ball at the Lenoir-Rhyne 33. But the Bulldogs couldn't capitalize.

Lenoir-Rhyne defensive back John Royal intercepted Holmes on third-and-six from the 15-yard line early in the fourth quarter and returned it 52 yards to the Wingate 28. Boyd's five-yard touchdown run six plays later put the Bears ahead 31-24 with 10:58 remaining.

James Ussery intercepted Holmes later in the fourth quarter to give Lenoir-Rhyne possession at its own 41, but the Bears couldn't convert the turnover into points. Ussery finished with a career-high 13 tackles and an interception.

Wingate forced consecutive three-and-outs in the final minutes to set up the game-tying drive. Holmes completed passes of 26 yards to Pugh and 26 yards to Jackson during the march, getting the Bulldogs inside the 10 with 30 seconds left before finding Estronza for the tying score.

Wingate held a 507-453 advantage in total offense. The Bulldogs converted seven of 13 third-down attempts, while Lenoir-Rhyne succeeded on nine of 14. Wingate scored on four of five red zone trips compared to two of four for the Bears.

Jaquan Edwards led Wingate's defense with 10 tackles, while Anthony Dangerfield and Tory Kelly added nine and eight tackles respectively. Harris finished with five tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, the forced fumble and fumble recovery. Jonathen Cross contributed six tackles with a tackle for loss, half a sack and a pass breakup.

Tate O'Bryan set a career high with 76 receiving yards for Lenoir-Rhyne. Greene finished with seven tackles and an interception.

The game marked Lenoir-Rhyne's highest-scoring output of the season.

WINGATE – Xavier Pugh rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries as Wingate defeated Catawba 41-28 on Saturday night at Irwin Belk Stadium, improving to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in South Atlantic Conference play. The Bulldogs amassed 527 total yards without punting once, ending the Indians' four-game winning streak.

Wingate controlled the game from the opening drive, building a 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter before Catawba mounted a late rally that fell short. The Bulldogs held possession for more than 35 minutes and converted seven of 11 third-down attempts while averaging eight yards per play.

"We didn't punt tonight," could have been Wingate's calling card as the offense sustained drives consistently throughout the contest. The Bulldogs' balance on offense—281 rushing yards and 246 passing yards—kept Catawba's defense from finding answers.

First Half Surge

Wingate forced a three-and-out on Catawba's opening possession and took over at its own 26-yard line. The Bulldogs converted their first scoring opportunity into points with a methodical 10-play, 74-yard drive. Quarterback Elijah Holmes connected with Laron Warner for 14 yards to cross into Catawba territory, then found Jaylen Himes for 13 yards to reach the 30. Holmes capped the drive with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Himes at the 7:55 mark of the first quarter.

The Bulldogs needed just 2:28 to strike again after Jake Snapp's 14-yard punt return set up Wingate at its own 29. A 31-yard reception by Xavier Jackson moved the ball to midfield, and Holmes took over from there, scoring on a 33-yard run to make it 14-0 with 2:12 remaining in the opening period.

Wingate extended its advantage early in the second quarter with a 12-play, 88-yard drive that consumed 5:32. Holmes connected with Pugh for 42 yards to reach the Catawba 28, then scrambled for 12 yards to get inside the 10. Pugh finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 21-0 at the 8:36 mark.

Catawba finally broke through late in the half after Wingate kicker Caleb Bonesteel missed a 42-yard field goal attempt wide left. Starting at their own 25 with 2:07 remaining, the Indians used an eight-play, 75-yard drive to get on the scoreboard. Preston Brown completed a 42-yard pass to Bo Pryor to reach the Wingate 25, then ran for 11 yards to move inside the 15. Brown connected with Amari McArthur for a 16-yard touchdown with 45 seconds left in the half, cutting the deficit to 21-7 at intermission.

Second Half Trading Blows

Wingate answered immediately to start the third quarter, marching 80 yards in eight plays. Holmes opened the drive with a 19-yard completion to Himes, then connected with Himes again for 20 yards to reach the Catawba 40. After a 21-yard pass to Silas Tate, Pugh scored from 21 yards out to restore the three-touchdown cushion at 28-7 with 10:51 left in the period.

The Indians showed resilience after a turnover gave them favorable field position at their own 19. Brown was sacked and fumbled on third down, but Catawba recovered. Following a pass interference penalty that gave the Indians a first down at their own 33, Brown hit RJ Jackson for 28 yards to reach Wingate territory. Jay Moore converted a third-and-one with a two-yard run, and Brown found Jalen Brown for a 17-yard touchdown with two seconds remaining in the third quarter, pulling Catawba within 28-14.

Fourth Quarter Separation

Snapp's 46-yard kickoff return to start the fourth quarter set Wingate up at the 50-yard line. On the second play of the drive, Pugh broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 35-14 at 14:14.

Catawba responded with a seven-play, 71-yard drive. Brown converted a third-and-19 with a 26-yard completion to Nick Venezia, and penalties against Wingate helped move the ball into scoring position. Brown scored on a 15-yard run to make it 35-21 with 11:24 remaining.

The Bulldogs countered with a six-play, 46-yard drive. Holmes connected with Xavier Jackson for 25 yards, and Mason Avery added a 13-yard run before Bonesteel kicked a 37-yard field goal at the 9:11 mark to push the advantage to 38-21.

Ephraim Wright forced a fumble on Catawba's next possession, recovered by Ryan Green near midfield. Wingate ran 11 plays and drained 5:45 off the clock, with Avery carrying seven times for 27 yards on the drive. Bonesteel converted a 25-yard field goal to make it 41-21 with 2:02 remaining.

Catawba added a late touchdown when Brown threw a four-yard scoring pass to Jalen Brown with eight seconds left, but the outcome was already decided.

Statistical Standouts

Holmes finished 14-of-24 passing for 246 yards and one touchdown while adding 64 yards and a score on the ground. Pugh also caught two passes for 43 yards, giving him 207 all-purpose yards for the night. Himes led all receivers with seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson added two receptions for 56 yards.

Brown completed 23 of 32 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns for Catawba while leading the team in rushing with 39 yards on 12 carries. Pryor hauled in seven catches for 69 yards, and Jalen Brown caught four passes for 31 yards and two scores.

Defensively, Jaquan Edwards paced Wingate with nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. Eli Lipscomb recorded eight tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Mandjou Berte added 1.5 sacks, and Jasiah Hill contributed six tackles with one tackle for loss.

Jaylen Hinton led Catawba with eight tackles, while Braylon Baker and Kyle Perry each recorded seven tackles with one tackle for loss. Isaiah Herrera notched a sack on a critical third-and-goal play in the third quarter that forced a fumble recovered by Rickey Jones.

The Bulldogs' red-zone efficiency proved decisive—Wingate scored on three of five trips inside the 20, while Catawba converted all four of its red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Wingate's ability to sustain drives and control the clock limited Catawba's offensive possessions to 57 plays compared to 66 for the Bulldogs.

Catawba falls to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play, while Wingate evened its SAC record at 2-2.

Key Performers

Wingate:

• Xavier Pugh: 20 rushes, 164 yards, 3 TDs; 2 catches, 43 yards
• Elijah Holmes: 14-of-24 passing, 246 yards, 1 TD; 9 rushes, 64 yards, 1 TD
• Jaylen Himes: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD
• Jaquan Edwards: 9 tackles, 2.5 TFL
• Eli Lipscomb: 8 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Catawba:

• Preston Brown: 23-of-32 passing, 232 yards, 3 TDs; 12 rushes, 39 yards, 1 TD
• Bo Pryor: 7 catches, 69 yards
• Jaylen Hinton: 8 tackles

WINGATE – The Carson-Newman Eagles handed the No. 19-ranked Wingate Bulldogs their first home defeat of the season, winning 21-14 in South Atlantic Conference action at Irwin Belk Stadium in a contest delayed twice by lightning and played through steady rain. Carson-Newman improved to 3-1 (2-1 SAC), while Wingate dropped to 3-1 (1-1 SAC) in front of 2,257 fans who endured a four-hour, twenty-one-minute marathon of defensive stands and dramatic momentum swings. 

First Half: Slow and Soggy Start

Both teams struggled to gain traction early as weather delays disrupted rhythm, but Carson-Newman’s ground attack managed to break through first. After Isaiah Cane intercepted Wingate quarterback Elijah Holmes on the Bulldogs' first offensive play, the Eagles seized momentum with a methodical 10-play, 47-yard scoring drive capped by Zane Whitson's two-yard touchdown run. Bennett Smith’s extra point gave the visitors a 7-0 edge with just over four minutes left in the opening quarter.

The remainder of the first half was marked by strong defensive play, missed opportunities, and another substantial weather delay. Carson-Newman marched into field goal range late in the second but came up empty when Smith pulled his 45-yard attempt wide left. The teams combined for just seven first downs and traded punts as field position battles dominated the stat sheet. Despite the wet conditions, Wingate managed the only turnover of the game, while Carson-Newman recovered all six of its own fumbles.

Second Half: Breakout Runs and Critical Field Goals

After halftime, Elijah Holmes delivered a needed spark for Wingate, engineering a six-play, 74-yard drive that featured his own 52-yard touchdown burst to knot the score at 7-7. Holmes’ dual-threat ability was on display throughout—he finished with 148 passing yards, a touchdown through the air, and 51 more on the ground, including his score.

Carson-Newman’s offense, built on a deep rotation of running backs, answered when Smith drilled a 39-yard field goal to retake the lead in the third quarter. The Eagles stuck mostly to the run—Jayden Sullins led all rushers with 102 yards, highlighted by a game-changing 60-yard dash late in the fourth. Mario Sanchez was pivotal as well, finding the end zone for the Eagles’ final touchdown and executing a successful two-point conversion, helping Carson-Newman push the margin to 21-7 with under two minutes remaining.

Fourth Quarter: Defensive Resistance and Late Drama

Wingate’s defense kept the outcome in doubt with timely tackles for loss and pressure up front, led by Ryan Green (15 tackles, 2.5 for loss) and Mandjou Berte (13 tackles, 4 for loss, a sack, and two forced fumbles). The Bulldogs forced key punts and set up their offense with favorable field position, including one sequence where Green’s TFL pinned Carson-Newman at its own goal line, eventually resulting in a short field for Wingate. However, missed opportunities loomed large when kicker Caleb Bonesteel missed a crucial 45-yard field goal with 4:37 left, keeping Wingate behind by six.

Carson-Newman chose aggression, converting a fourth-and-one from its own 37 with Sullins' 60-yard gallop, effectively setting up Sanchez’s clinching score. Wingate mounted a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive inside the final minute, capped by Holmes finding Jaylen Himes (seven catches, 110 yards, one TD) on a 16-yard toss. Jayden James and Jasiah Hill contributed tackles for loss as Wingate tried to keep the Eagles in check, but Cade Meeks' recovery of the ensuing onside kick sealed the result for Carson-Newman.

Statistical Context

Carson-Newman controlled the clock, holding possession for over 37 minutes and earning a narrow edge in first downs (14-12). The Eagles ran 59 times for 215 yards and managed just 33 passing yards, relying almost exclusively on their ground game and strong special teams. Meanwhile, Wingate finished with 241 total yards—148 passing, 93 rushing—and outperformed the Eagles on third-down conversions but struggled to sustain drives in key moments. Both teams were perfect in the red zone, but Carson-Newman capitalized on all three trips while Wingate found the end zone just once.

Special teams also played a role, with Wingate’s Christian Teeter averaging 41.3 yards on seven punts (three inside the twenty) and Kayden Bash providing 98 yards on four kickoff returns. Carson-Newman’s Bennett Smith converted from 39 and 52 yards, giving the Eagles a crucial edge as points were scarce in difficult conditions.

Defensive Performances

Wingate’s defense featured multiple standouts who helped keep the game within reach:

• Ryan Green: 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss
• Mandjou Berte: 13 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, sack, two forced fumbles
• Guy Taylor: seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, forced fumble
• Diego Aviles: seven tackles, one tackle for loss

Carson-Newman’s defense was anchored by Mekhi Brown, Martavis Mason, and Terry Lemon, each with at least five tackles and combined contributions in the pass rush and run defense.

Key Stats and Top Performers

• Jayden Sullins: 17 carries, 102 yards (long of 60), key fourth-quarter conversion
• Mario Sanchez: 14 carries, 34 yards, touchdown, two-point conversion
• Zane Whitson: 11 carries, 45 yards, rushing touchdown; also 17 passing yards
• Elijah Holmes: 12-29, 148 yards, passing touchdown, one interception; 51 rushing yards, rushing touchdown
• Jaylen Himes: seven catches, 110 yards, one touchdown
• Christian Teeter: seven punts, 41.3 average (long of 62), three inside the 20

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.

HICKORY – The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears' remarkable season came to a crushing halt on Saturday, as Virginia Union's relentless offense dismantled their NCAA Division II playoff aspirations with a resounding 44-12 victory at Moretz Stadium.

What began as a promising contest quickly devolved into a one-sided affair, with the Panthers demonstrating why they are a formidable playoff contender. Virginia Union's ground game overwhelmed the Bears' defense, accumulating a staggering 345 rushing yards compared to Lenoir-Rhyne's modest 54.

"My heart hurts for our guys, especially our seniors," Head Coach Doug Socha said in the aftermath. "But I'm an optimistic guy. The sun will come up tomorrow, and we'll reset and evaluate every facet of this program."

A Glimmer of Hope, Quickly Extinguished

The game's opening moments suggested a potentially competitive matchup. After Virginia Union's Curtis Allen scored a rushing touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead, the Bears responded with quarterback Jalen Ferguson connecting with Adonis McDaniel for a spectacular 47-yard scoring play.

However, a blocked extra point foreshadowed the Bears' struggles. Virginia Union quickly capitalized, scoring two consecutive touchdowns to build a commanding 20-6 halftime lead.

Offensive Challenges

Ferguson, who had been a beacon of hope all season, fought valiantly but struggled against the Panthers' defense. He completed 19 of 41 passes for 252 yards, with two touchdowns offset by two critical interceptions.

McDaniel provided a silver lining, finishing with eight receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. His performance helped him cross the 1,000-yard mark for the season, becoming just the sixth Bear in program history to achieve this milestone.

Defensive Bright Spots

Despite the lopsided score, several Lenoir-Rhyne defenders showed resilience. Jaelin Willis and Tre'von Cooper each recorded 13 tackles, while six different Bears logged tackles for loss, demonstrating the team's defensive depth and potential.

A Season of Achievement

While the playoff loss stings, the Bears' 10-3 record represents a significant achievement. Socha joined an elite group of Lenoir-Rhyne coaches by winning at least 10 games in his inaugural season, a testament to the program's promising trajectory.

Notably, quarterback Jalen Ferguson concluded the year with a school-record 3,276 passing yards, and veteran John Godwin completed his career having played in a record 49 games.

Looking Forward

"Winning 10 games isn't easy," Socha reflected. "There were so many people around this program that helped us do it. I'm proud of our guys and am excited for what we can accomplish next year."

LIVINGSTON, AL – Powered by quarterback Jalen Ferguson's 411-yard passing performance and three crucial field goals from Jake Brown, the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears went on the road to upset the third-seeded West Alabama Tigers 37-34 on Saturday afternoon.

The Bears (10-2) overcame a potent West Alabama rushing attack and multiple deficits to advance in the Super Region II playoffs, with Brown's 25-yard field goal with 4:46 remaining proving to be the difference maker.

Lenoir-Rhyne's aerial assault was spearheaded by wide receiver Adonis McDaniel, who hauled in seven catches for 202 yards and two touchdowns, including a momentum-shifting 78-yard scoring strike in the third quarter that tied the game at 34. Songa Yates added five receptions for 107 yards as the Bears' passing game helped overcome a ground attack that was limited to just 49 yards on 27 carries.

West Alabama (9-2) dominated the rushing battle, accumulating 229 yards on the ground led by quarterback Spencer Arceneaux's 74 yards and running back Bry Webb's 70 yards. The Tigers appeared to take control early in the third quarter when Arceneaux broke free for a 61-yard touchdown run to put West Alabama ahead 34-24.

However, the Bears' defense stiffened in the fourth quarter, forcing two critical missed field goals by Tigers' kicker Eric Guyton from 28 and 44 yards that could have changed the outcome. Lenoir-Rhyne's defensive effort was anchored by linebacker Jon Willis, who recorded 10 tackles including one for loss.

The first half featured a back-and-forth scoring battle that saw five lead changes. After West Alabama opened the scoring with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Arceneaux to Tre Walker, Ferguson responded with a 4-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7. The Tigers built their largest lead at 27-14 in the second quarter, but the Bears closed the half strong with a touchdown pass to Marcus Simmons and a 32-yard field goal by Brown to pull within 27-24.

Ferguson, who completed 22 of 40 passes without an interception, consistently found success against a Tigers defense that had been allowing just 2.4 yards per rush attempt coming into the contest. The Bears' offensive line provided excellent protection, as Ferguson wasn't sacked despite West Alabama's previously impressive pass rush that had recorded 32 sacks during the regular season.

The victory marked Lenoir-Rhyne's first-ever win against West Alabama in three meetings between the programs, avenging a 2018 loss in their last matchup. The Bears' defense forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception by Dareke Savage with 1:36 remaining that helped seal the victory.

Special teams played a decisive role, with Brown converting all three of his field goal attempts while Guyton missed both of his tries for the Tigers. The Bears' coverage units also contained West Alabama's dangerous return game, limiting the Tigers to an average of 27 yards on kickoff returns.

The win continues Lenoir-Rhyne's recent postseason success, following last year's run to the national semifinals. The Bears' defense showed resilience in the second half, holding West Alabama scoreless in the fourth quarter despite the Tigers averaging 6.7 yards per play for the game.

The Bears' victory sets up their next playoff matchup in the Super Region II semifinals against Virginia Union.

WINGATE – The Wingate Bulldogs captured their first South Atlantic Conference championship since 2017, stifling 19th-ranked Carson-Newman's potent rushing attack in a 28-13 victory Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Stadium.

The Bulldogs' defense, which entered the game as one of the nation's best units, held Carson-Newman to just 84 total yards - including a mere 54 yards rushing. The Eagles had been averaging 295 yards on the ground and 386 total yards per game before meeting Wingate's defensive wall.

Place-kicker Caleb Bonesteel earned MVP honors, connecting on all five of his field goal attempts from distances of 43, 38, 48, 36, and 36 yards. His consistent performance kept the Bulldogs in control throughout a game that remained close into the fourth quarter.

Wingate (9-1) took command in the third quarter after leading just 9-6 at halftime. Jake Snapp's 49-yard kickoff return to open the second half set up the Bulldogs at the Carson-Newman 44-yard line. The drive culminated in Noah Bell's one-yard touchdown plunge on fourth down, extending the lead to 16-6.

The Eagles (9-2) showed life early in the fourth quarter when Zane Whitson scored on a one-yard run to cut the deficit to 19-13. But Wingate responded immediately with an explosive four-play, 81-yard drive, highlighted by quarterback Brooks Bentley's 26-yard run and capped by Corey Siemer's 38-yard touchdown burst.

Siemer finished with 86 yards on 13 carries to lead all rushers, while O'Brien Barnett added 70 yards on 13 attempts for the Bulldogs. The Wingate ground game accumulated 165 yards overall, complemented by Bentley's 91 passing yards.

The Bulldogs' defense, which has now held Carson-Newman under 180 rushing yards in both meetings this season, was led by Kai Russell's 10 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. Daniel Morrison and Dontorian Best each contributed seven tackles, while Joseph Reddish sealed the victory with two fourth-quarter interceptions.

Carson-Newman's offensive struggles were particularly evident in the second half, when they managed just 10 yards of total offense. The Eagles' passing game never found rhythm, completing only 2 of 6 attempts for 30 yards with two interceptions.

The game's tone was set early when Wingate capitalized on field position and Carson-Newman miscues. After a methodical 12-play drive resulted in Bonesteel's first field goal, the Bulldogs quickly added another three points following a fumble recovery by Darius Randolph at the Carson-Newman 25-yard line.

The Eagles briefly showed life in the second quarter with two field goals from Bennett Smith, including a 45-yarder that tied the game at 6-6. However, Wingate reclaimed the lead just before halftime on Bonesteel's 48-yard kick and never trailed again.

The Bulldogs' defense took over in the fourth quarter, with Russell and Morrison recording consecutive sacks that pushed Carson-Newman into a fourth-and-28 situation. The defensive effort helped Wingate control the clock, holding possession for nearly 34 minutes in the contest.

Wingate now awaits Sunday's NCAA Division II playoff selection show to learn its postseason fate. The Bulldogs entered the game ranked second in Super Region 2, positioning themselves for a potential home playoff game when the bracket is announced.

The victory marks Wingate's third conference championship in program history, achieved through a suffocating defensive performance that limited one of the conference's most productive offenses to its lowest output of the season by more than 150 yards.

DURHAM – The Catawba Indians secured their first win of the season, defeating the Shaw Bears 37-28 at Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The game featured multiple lead changes and showcased offensive prowess from both teams.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

Catawba struck quickly, scoring on a 14-yard run by LJ Turner just 36 seconds into the game. Shaw responded with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Travon Tensley's 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.

The second quarter saw both offenses hitting their stride:

- Catawba regained the lead with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Preston Brown to Deuce Linder.

- Shaw answered with two consecutive scores:

  - A 10-yard touchdown pass from Christian Peters to Jon Barnes (PAT blocked)

  - An 8-yard touchdown pass from Peters to Ah'shaan Belcher, followed by a successful two-point conversion

- Catawba tied the game at 21-21 just before halftime with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Quece Williams, concluding a impressive 90-yard drive.

Second Half: Catawba Pulls Ahead

Catawba dominated the third quarter, scoring 9 unanswered points:

- A 27-yard field goal by Bryson Sims

- A 24-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Jordan Mitchell (PAT failed)

Shaw fought back in the fourth quarter with Belcher's second touchdown reception, cutting Catawba's lead to 30-28. However, Catawba sealed the victory with another Brown-to-Linder connection, this time for a 16-yard touchdown.

Key Statistics

- Total Yards: Catawba 419, Shaw 254

- Passing Yards: Catawba 295, Shaw 115

- Rushing Yards: Shaw 139, Catawba 124

- Time of Possession: Catawba 33:45, Shaw 26:15

- Third Down Conversions: Catawba 6/11, Shaw 5/12

Standout Performances

- Catawba's Preston Brown: 24/29 for 295 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs

- Shaw's Travon Tensley: 20 carries for 99 yards, 1 TD

- Catawba's Deuce Linder: 7 receptions for 98 yards, 2 TDs

- Catawba's Kobe Christian: 6 receptions for 101 yards

- Shaw's Ah'shaan Belcher: 4 receptions for 51 yards, 2 TDs (became Shaw's all-time leader in touchdown receptions)

- Catawba's Deno Wardlow: 10 tackles

- Shaw's Jalen Banks: 10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack

Notable Moments

- Shaw won the turnover battle, recovering one Catawba fumble without committing any turnovers themselves.

- Catawba's defense held Shaw to a season-low 254 yards of total offense.

- Shaw's offense was efficient in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all four of their trips.

This victory improved Catawba's record to 1-1 for the season, while Shaw dropped to 2-1. The game showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, with Catawba's aerial attack ultimately proving too much for Shaw's defense to contain.

Up Next

Both teams open conference play next week as Catawba will travel to UVA Wise for their SAC opener and Shaw will host Lincoln (PA) to begin CIAA play.

GREENEVILLE, TN – No. 13/15 Lenoir-Rhyne showcased an impressive performance in the SAC Championship, claiming a dominating victory over Tusculum with a score of 48-7. The Bears, led by quarterback Sean White, left an indelible mark on the game with an exceptional offensive display.

White, named the game's Most Valuable Player, orchestrated the Bears' offensive prowess by completing 19-of-30 passes for 305 yards and an outstanding five touchdowns, all without committing a turnover. This remarkable feat solidified his place in Lenoir-Rhyne's history as the first passer since 1990 to achieve such a touchdown milestone in a single game.

The LR offense, collectively, set a historic record by throwing six touchdown passes, marking the most in the 104-year history of LR Football. The Bears' dominance continued on the defensive end, with Chris Brown forcing a crucial fumble on Tusculum's second play, setting the tone for LR's defensive prowess throughout the game.

Throughout the matchup, Lenoir-Rhyne's defense consistently thwarted Tusculum's attempts, allowing just one first down in the first half and limiting the Pioneers to a mere 50 total yards of offense on 26 plays. The Bears went into halftime with a commanding 20-point lead, showcasing their well-rounded performance on both ends of the field.

The second half saw the Bears extending their lead, with key plays such as Tate O'Bryan's first career touchdown grab and John Godwin's 7-yard strike contributing to LR's 48-0 lead. Songa Yates and O'Bryan continued their impressive performance, each securing two touchdowns.

Tusculum managed to salvage a touchdown late in the game, but it was not enough to overcome Lenoir-Rhyne's dominance. The final score stood at 48-7 in favor of the Bears, securing their 26th all-time conference championship in program history.

Beyond the box score, Lenoir-Rhyne outgained Tusculum 497-156, maintaining possession of the ball for an astonishing 41 minutes and 35 seconds. Yates, with his three receiving touchdowns, tied a program record, while White's 305 passing yards marked a significant milestone for the team.

With this victory, Lenoir-Rhyne clinched a spot in the NCAA Playoff field, eagerly awaiting the postseason draw on Sunday at 6 p.m. on NCAA.com. The Bears' impressive performance in the SAC Championship solidifies their status as a formidable contender as they look ahead to the challenges of the upcoming postseason.

HICKORY – #15 Lenoir-Rhyne clinched the Piedmont Division Championship, celebrating Senior Day at Moretz Stadium with a convincing 28-7 victory over Catawba. A spirited crowd of over 7,000 witnessed this remarkable feat on Saturday, propelling the Bears to the SAC Championship, where they will face Tusculum in a rematch of the first-ever SAC Championship game from the 2020-21 COVID season.

In a matchup that showcased the Bears' dominance, Lenoir-Rhyne took an early lead, with Sean White connecting with DeAree Rogers for a 35-yard strike in the first quarter. White added to the lead with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Deondre Lester. At the close of the first half, White executed a 1-yard QB sneak, tallying three first-half touchdowns and a 21-0 advantage.

Catawba attempted a comeback in the second half, scoring a 3-yard touchdown, but the Bears responded swiftly when White threw his third touchdown pass, connecting with Malakei Sumner. The game's latter half saw solid defensive performances from both teams, with no further scoring.

Lenoir-Rhyne's defense held Catawba to 44 rushing yards on 37 attempts and just 232 total offensive yards on 70 plays. Offensively, the Bears amassed 418 yards and 228 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards per play. Sean White completed 15-of-23 passes for 190 yards, while Dwayne McGee exceeded 1,000 yards on the season, rushing for 96 yards.

Defensively, Jon Ross Maye tallied 14 total tackles and two pass breakups, while D.J. Taylor contributed nine tackles and three sacks. Andre Jefferson recorded four tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. As a team, Lenoir-Rhyne secured seven sacks.

The victory marked the 102nd all-time meeting between Lenoir-Rhyne and Catawba, with each team now having 49 wins and four ties. Notably, the Bears lost their first two fumbles of the season in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Lenoir-Rhyne's seven sacks tied for the second-highest in a single game in the NCAA era.

Lenoir-Rhyne's strong home record continued, with a 60-21 record at home since the start of the 2010 season. The game broke a streak of 16 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown at home.

Lenoir-Rhyne's victory sets the stage for the SAC Championship clash with Tusculum, scheduled for 1 p.m. in Greeneville, Tenn., after the Pioneers secured a win over Mars Hill in overtime.

WINGATE – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference football showdown, the Wingate University Bulldogs delivered a stunning upset, securing a 34-30 victory over the seventh-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. The game, filled with high-stakes drama, ended with a jaw-dropping 75-yard touchdown pass with just 50 seconds left on the clock, catapulting Wingate to victory. 

The Bulldogs’ triumph improves their overall record to 6-3, with a 5-2 record in the South Atlantic Conference, while the highly-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne Bears now stand at 8-1 overall and 6-1 in league play. It’s worth noting that the Bears were one of just 11 remaining NCAA Division II teams without a loss leading up to this thrilling contest.

Wingate receiver Evan McCray goes 75 yards for the win Photo Credit: Anna Torras (Wingate Athletics)

How it Happened:

In the first quarter, Wingate initiated the scoring with a 52-yard, 12-play drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Brooks Bentley to Matt Flanders. Lenoir-Rhyne responded with an 80-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass from Jalen Ferguson to John Goodwin.

The second quarter saw Wingate regain the lead with a field goal, but Lenoir-Rhyne quickly answered with another touchdown pass from Ferguson to Malik Simmons. Wingate surged ahead again with a 47-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to Tremel Jones.

In the third quarter, Wingate took control, embarking on a 71-yard drive, resulting in a field goal. Lenoir-Rhyne swiftly replied with a 63-yard rushing touchdown by Dwayne McGee.

The final quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads. Lenoir-Rhyne managed a field goal to go up by three points, but Wingate responded with a touchdown run by Bentley. Lenoir-Rhyne regained the lead with a touchdown pass from Ferguson to Songa Yates with just over a minute remaining. However, Wingate sealed the win with a sensational 75-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to McCray.

Key Stats:

• Lenoir-Rhyne amassed 262 passing yards and 221 rushing yards for a total of 483 yards.
• Wingate countered with 335 passing yards and 104 rushing yards, resulting in a total of 439 offensive yards.
• Although the Bears held a slight advantage in first downs with 24 compared to Wingate’s 21, they had the game’s only turnover, an interception on a desperation play at the end.
• Wingate controlled the clock, maintaining possession for over 32 minutes of game time.
• Wingate succeeded on seven of 13 third-down conversions, while Lenoir-Rhyne managed just one successful third-down conversion out of nine attempts.

Key contributors for the Bulldogs included Brooks Bentley, who completed 24 of 37 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to contributing 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Evan McCray was instrumental with four receptions for 97 yards, including the game-winning 75-yard touchdown. Tremel Jones and Carlos Estronza also made significant receiving contributions.

On the defensive side, Tre Morrison and Jaheim Mullen led the way with 10 tackles each, while Dontorian Best added nine tackles. Dequan Mosley made a crucial interception to seal the win for Wingate, while Darius Randolph contributed with a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry.

Special teams played a role in the victory, with Caleb Bonesteel hitting all four PATs and adding field goals of 21 and 39 yards.

The victory signifies Wingate’s second consecutive win against Lenoir-Rhyne and a memorable upset of the seventh-ranked team. The game was characterized by dramatic twists and turns, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

Looking ahead, Wingate will face Newberry in their next matchup on the road, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday. Lenoir-Rhyne, on the other hand, will regroup and prepare for their next game on Senior Day, where they will host Catawba at 2 p.m.

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.

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.

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.