Lenoir-Rhyne's 2025 campaign got off to a difficult start Friday night as the Bears dropped their season opener to eighth-ranked West Florida 48-21 in a game that saw the visitors struggle with early mistakes and explosive plays allowed on defense.
The Argos jumped on the Bears immediately, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions to build a commanding 21-0 lead before the first quarter ended. West Florida quarterback Marcus Stokes orchestrated the early barrage, connecting with TJ Lane for an 11-yard touchdown pass just 1:06 into the game after recovering a Lenoir-Rhyne fumble on the opening kickoff.
Stokes continued his efficient night by finding Tyree Holloway for a 71-yard touchdown strike that extended the lead to 15-0. The senior signal-caller capped the first quarter with a one-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Bears in a three-score hole before they could establish any rhythm.
West Florida's offensive efficiency was on full display throughout the first half. The Argos converted on their first six possessions, adding a 29-yard field goal from Brogan Woeber and another touchdown pass from Stokes to Corey Scott to push the advantage to 31-0.
Lenoir-Rhyne finally broke through just before halftime when quarterback Khamoni Robinson, making his first career start, engineered a quick four-play, 65-yard drive. Robinson hit Zion Agnew for a 51-yard completion to set up a six-yard touchdown pass to Tate O'Bryan with no time remaining in the half.
The third quarter provided the game's most competitive stretch as both teams found the end zone twice. West Florida opened the second half with another long touchdown pass from Stokes to Holloway, this time for 33 yards, but the Bears responded with their best football of the night.
Robinson connected with Songa Yates for a 27-yard touchdown pass, completing an 89-yard drive that cut the deficit to 38-14. Four minutes later, running back LJ Turner broke free for a 26-yard touchdown run, capping an 87-yard drive that brought Lenoir-Rhyne within 17 points at 38-21.
However, West Florida's depth and talent eventually wore down the Bears. The Argos added two more field goals and a rushing touchdown from Stokes in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Robinson completed 24 of 35 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in his debut, becoming the first Bears quarterback to throw for at least 300 yards in a season opener since 2018. Agnew led the receiving corps with four catches for 112 yards, while Yates added four receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown.
Turner provided the ground game's lone bright spot, rushing for 35 yards and a score on just five carries. The Bears managed only 62 total rushing yards against a West Florida defense that consistently pressured Robinson, recording six sacks for 42 yards in losses.
Defensively, team captain Tre'von Cooper paced Lenoir-Rhyne with 10 tackles, while Desmond Greene recorded the Bears' first interception of the season. The Bears struggled to contain West Florida's balanced attack, allowing 537 total yards including 353 through the air.
Stokes completed 20 of 30 passes for 353 yards and four touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. Scott led the Argos receivers with nine catches for 172 yards and a touchdown, while Holloway caught just two passes but turned them into 104 yards and two touchdowns.
The loss drops Lenoir-Rhyne to 0-1 on the season and mostly likely ends their 30-week streak in the national rankings. The Bears will look to rebound next Saturday when they travel to Tusculum for their South Atlantic Conference opener.
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