UNC Pembroke football rallies from 13-point halftime deficit to upset No. 19 Wingate, 21-13

PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke delivered a season-opening statement Thursday night, rallying from a 13-point halftime deficit to knock off No. 19 Wingate 21-13 at Grace P. Johnson Stadium. After a slow start and a weather-delayed opening half, the Braves controlled the final two quarters, leaned on long possessions, and finished the comeback with a defensive touchdown in the closing minutes.

Wingate took command before halftime behind a second-quarter surge. The Bulldogs broke through with 6:32 left in the period, putting together a 10-play, 83-yard drive that ended when Brooks Brien found Aaron Griffin for a 15-yard touchdown. Although the extra point was missed, Wingate had the first momentum swing of the night. The Bulldogs added to it after a short field, moving 36 yards in six plays before Ethan Wallace scored from a yard out with 1:12 remaining. Mason Suber’s kick pushed the lead to 13-0, and Pembroke’s final chance before the break ended with a missed 49-yard field goal as time expired.

The game turned after halftime. Wingate opened the third quarter with a promising march to the Pembroke 12, but Suber missed a 29-yard field goal, leaving the Bulldogs empty on a chance to make it a three-score game. UNC Pembroke answered with the kind of drive that changed the tone of the night: 15 plays, 80 yards and more than nine minutes off the clock. Quarterback Josh Ehrlich carried the series both through the air and on the ground, eventually forcing his way into the end zone from one yard out on fourth down. Jared Navidad’s extra point trimmed the deficit to 13-7 and gave the Braves life heading into the final stretch.

Pembroke’s defense then tightened the game completely. Wingate managed just 63 yards on 23 second-half offensive plays, and the Braves repeatedly forced the Bulldogs into uncomfortable passing situations. Meanwhile, the Pembroke offense stayed patient. A drive that began late in the third quarter continued deep into the fourth, eventually covering 71 yards in 16 plays and consuming 8:50. Ehrlich kept the chains moving, including a key fourth-down sequence aided by a Wingate roughing-the-passer penalty, before finding Jake Davids for a six-yard touchdown. Navidad’s kick gave UNC Pembroke its first lead, 14-13, with 7:31 to play.

From there, the Braves protected the margin with defense and field position. Wingate reached midfield on its next possession but turned the ball over on downs at the Pembroke 48. The Braves were forced to punt, giving the Bulldogs one more opportunity with 1:50 left at their own 20. Ten seconds later, Myles Hudson delivered the decisive play, intercepting Brien and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six stretched the lead to 21-13 and capped Pembroke’s 21 unanswered points.

Wingate still had one final possession and moved to its own 43 after a pass interference penalty, but Pembroke’s secondary finished the job. Four straight incompletions, including a fourth-down breakup, sealed the win and ended the Bulldogs’ comeback bid.

Statistically, the game was tight, but Pembroke controlled the details that mattered most. The Braves outgained Wingate 216-204, held a 16-14 edge in first downs and dominated time of possession, 37:59 to 22:01. Ehrlich completed 20 of 31 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while adding 69 net rushing yards and another score. Avery Curtis was his most frequent target, catching 11 passes for 49 yards, while Davids supplied the go-ahead touchdown reception.

For Wingate, Wallace led the offense with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Brien threw for 68 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Bulldogs’ defense had strong individual efforts, including nine tackles from Tyson Brown and 3.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks from David Squires, but three turnovers and a scoreless second half proved costly. UNC Pembroke, meanwhile, opened the season 1-0 by ending a six-game skid against Wingate and earning a ranked win built on resilience, ball control and a closing defensive flourish.

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

WINGATE – Virginia Union stunned 17th-ranked Wingate 34-31 in overtime Saturday, ending the Bulldogs' season in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs at Irwin Belk Stadium.

Panthers backup quarterback RJ Rosales scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in overtime after Wingate's Caleb Bonesteel had given the Bulldogs a brief 31-28 lead with a 39-yard field goal on the opening possession of the extra period.

The loss spoiled an outstanding defensive season for Wingate (9-2), which entered the contest allowing just 10 points per game and ranking second nationally in total defense. Virginia Union (9-3) managed 404 total yards against the typically stingy Bulldog defense.

The game featured multiple momentum swings, with neither team leading by more than seven points. Wingate appeared poised for victory when defensive backs Bryan Bordeaux and Joseph Reddish combined to sack Rosales in the end zone for a safety, giving the Bulldogs a 28-21 lead with 6:33 remaining in regulation.

However, Rosales, who entered in relief of starter Mark Wright, engineered a 13-play, 48-yard drive that culminated in his 9-yard touchdown pass to Jeremi Frances with just 20 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Wright threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns before departing, while Rosales added 49 passing yards and the crucial scoring strike to Frances. Running back Jada Byers, who entered averaging nearly 150 yards per game, was held to 92 yards on 23 carries by Wingate's defense.

Wingate freshman quarterback Brooks Bentley completed 18 of 28 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns, including a 26-yard score to Austin Cain that gave the Bulldogs a 26-21 lead in the third quarter. Evan McCray led all receivers with 113 yards on four catches, including an 18-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.

The loss marked a bitter end for Wingate, which had won seven straight games and captured the South Atlantic Conference championship. The Bulldogs were making their sixth NCAA playoff appearance and fourth time hosting a first-round game.

Virginia Union advances to face the winner of West Alabama and Lenoir-Rhyne in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs next Saturday.

INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA Division II Football Committee released the 2024 championship bracket Sunday afternoon and both Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne will represent North Carolina in the race for the championship, continuing the South Atlantic Conference's strong football tradition.

The Wingate Bulldogs (9-1) earned the No. 2 seed in Super Region Two and will host Virginia Union (8-3) in the first round on November 23 at Irwin Belk Stadium. Meanwhile, Lenoir-Rhyne (9-2) will travel to face third-seeded West Alabama (9-1) in Livingston, Alabama.

Wingate enters postseason play as one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a seven-game winning streak that includes three shutouts. The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 222-50 over their last seven games, culminating with Saturday's 28-13 victory over #19 Carson-Newman in the SAC title game. The victory secured Wingate's third SAC championship in program history.

The Bulldogs' success has been built on one of the nation's most dominant defenses. Wingate leads the nation in third-down defense while ranking second nationally in total defense and red zone defense. They're third in pass defense, fifth in scoring defense and eighth in tackles for loss. Reigning SAC and Region Defensive Player of the Year Marquise Fleming leads the nation in tackles for loss. The defense has held six different opponents to their lowest point total of the season this year.

For Lenoir-Rhyne, the path to the playoffs included bouncing back from an early October loss to Emory & Henry. The Bears responded by winning five of their final six games, with their only loss coming in a tight 14-10 battle against Wingate on November 2. They closed the regular season strong with victories over Catawba (33-14) and Anderson (27-24).

The Bears were particularly effective through the air, with quarterback Jalen Ferguson throwing for 2,613 yards and 14 touchdowns. The team showed good balance, adding 1,349 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns for the season, led by Alex Boyd and Zayvion Turner-Knox. The Bears' defense was a significant strength, forcing 19 interceptions and recording 20 sacks while holding opponents to under 17 points a game.

The two North Carolina schools could potentially meet again in the second round. If Wingate defeats Virginia Union, they would host the winner of the West Alabama-Lenoir-Rhyne matchup on November 30 at Irwin Belk Stadium.

Valdosta State (10-0) earned the top seed in Super Region Two and receives a first-round bye. Miles (9-2) rounds out the region's representation, hosting Carson-Newman (9-2) in the first round.

First-round games are scheduled for 1 p.m. local time on November 23, unless otherwise approved by the committee. The tournament will continue with second-round games on November 30, quarterfinals on December 7, and semifinals on December 14, leading up to the national championship game in McKinney, Texas on December 21. The championship game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 HD.

NCAA DII football championship history 

Harding, which won its first-ever DII football championship last season by defeating Colorado School of Mines 38-7, enters the tournament looking to become the first repeat winner since Ferris State captured back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

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.

The NCAA Division II Football Committee released its first regional rankings of the 2024 season on Monday, with Wingate University (7-1) securing the number one position in Super Region Two. The rankings serve as a crucial indicator for playoff positioning, with the top seven teams typically qualifying for the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The Bulldogs' top ranking puts them in prime position to potentially secure a first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs, marking another milestone in what has been a remarkable season for the North Carolina program. Wingate's defensive excellence has been a key factor in their success, as they currently lead several national statistical categories.

West Alabama (7-1) and undefeated Valdosta State (8-0) occupy the second and third spots respectively, while Johnson C. Smith (8-1) rounds out the top four. The Golden Bulls' high ranking represents a significant achievement for the Charlotte-based program only two years removed from a two-win season.

The rankings feature a strong showing from North Carolina schools, with Winston-Salem State (6-2) at seventh, and Lenoir-Rhyne (7-2) at eighth. Carson-Newman (7-1) holds the fifth position, followed by Virginia Union (7-1) and sixth while Miles (7-1) and West Florida (6-2) round out the top ten.

The playoff format for Super Region Two will see the top seed receive a first-round bye, while seeds two through four will host playoff games against lower-ranked opponents. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on November 23 at campus sites, with the second round following on November 30. The national quarterfinals will take place on December 7, leading up to the semifinals on November 14. The national championship game is set for November 21 in McKinney, Texas.

The release of these rankings sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the regular season, as teams jockey for playoff position in the final weeks. With four North Carolina schools in the top eight, the state is well-represented in the chase for the Division II national championship.

HICKORY – Wingate's defense held No. 12 Lenoir-Rhyne to season lows in yards and points as the Bulldogs earned a crucial 14-10 South Atlantic Conference victory Saturday afternoon at Moretz Stadium.

The win was Wingate's fifth straight and improved their record to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in SAC play. Lenoir-Rhyne dropped to 7-2 and 5-2 in conference action.

All of Wingate's scoring came in the second quarter. O'Brien Barnett broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run to open the scoring at 11:14. With 37 seconds remaining before halftime, Brooks Bentley connected with Evan McCray on a 21-yard touchdown pass to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead.

The Bears mounted a comeback in the third quarter. Jalen Ferguson's 22-yard touchdown run capped a 75-yard drive to start the half. Jake Brown added a 27-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10, but Lenoir-Rhyne couldn't complete the rally.

Wingate's defense, which has now held five opponents to their season-low point totals, limited the Bears to just 175 total yards. The Bulldogs recorded eight tackles for loss, including contributions from Marquise Fleming (2.5 TFL, one sack) and Jaden White (2 TFL).

McCray had a career day receiving for Wingate, catching 10 passes for 140 yards and the touchdown. Bentley finished with 248 passing yards, helping the Bulldogs control possession for nearly 33 minutes.

Lenoir-Rhyne's defense was led by Jaelin Willis, who tied his career-high with 14 tackles. Nic Cheeley recorded an interception for his fourth straight game.

The victory gives Wingate the inside track for a spot in the SAC Championship game. The Bulldogs conclude their regular season next Saturday hosting Newberry, while Lenoir-Rhyne travels to Catawba needing wins in their final two games to maintain playoff hopes.

WINGATE – The Wingate University Bulldogs’ defense was impenetrable for the second consecutive week, shutting out Barton College with a commanding 50-0 victory in South Atlantic Conference football action at Irwin Belk Stadium. This win advances Wingate’s record to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the SAC, while Barton drops to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in league play. This victory marks the second time in program history that Wingate has achieved back-to-back shutouts, a feat not accomplished since the 2015 season. Over the past two weeks, Wingate has outscored its opponents 83-0.

The Bulldogs’ defense dominated the game, allowing only 89 total yards from Barton, including just eight rushing yards. Barton’s seven turnovers, five fumbles, and two interceptions, highlighted Wingate’s relentless pressure and defensive prowess. The Bulldogs controlled the clock, possessing the ball for nearly 35 minutes, and held a 20-7 advantage in first downs.

Wingate’s offense was equally impressive, amassing 345 yards, with 189 rushing yards and 156 passing yards. Brooks Bentley led the charge, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. Matt Flanders added three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, while O’Brien Barnett and Corey Siemer each contributed rushing touchdowns. Ethan Wallace, Xavier Pugh, and Noah Bell also added scores, showcasing Wingate’s balanced offensive attack.

The game’s momentum was established early, with Wingate scoring on its first drive, highlighted by a 33-yard field goal from Caleb Bonesteel. The Bulldogs quickly built on their lead, with Corey Siemer’s one-yard touchdown run capping off an 11-play, 71-yard drive. The defense continued to stifle Barton, with Dontorian Best’s interception setting up another Wingate touchdown.

By halftime, Wingate had amassed a 33-0 lead, thanks to additional scores from Noah Bell and Matt Flanders. The Bulldogs continued their dominance in the second half, with Brandon Perry’s interception and subsequent fumble recovery leading to O’Brien Barnett’s three-yard touchdown run. Xavier Pugh added a five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the 50-0 victory.

Wingate’s defense shone brightly, with standout performances from Brandon Perry, Dontorian Best, and Guy Taylor, who each forced and recovered turnovers. Jasiah Hill’s late fumble recovery thwarted Barton’s final drive, cementing the shutout.

The Bulldogs’ dominant performance underscores their defensive strength and offensive efficiency as they look to continue their winning momentum in the South Atlantic Conference.

Up Next

Wingate (4-10 is on the road at Limestone while Barton (2-4) hosts Lenoir-Rhyne (5-1).

WINGATE - In a game that was expected to be a high-scoring affair, Wingate’s defense proved that sometimes, the best offense is a great defense. In a stunning display of defensive prowess, the Wingate University Bulldogs reminded the college football world of the power of SAC football by defeating the 17th-ranked Delta State Statesmen 21-7 at Irwin Belk Stadium on Saturday. The victory improved Wingate’s record to 2-0, while Delta State suffered their first loss of the season, dropping to 2-1.

Wingate RB Ethan Wallace (Photo Credit: Robin Jackson)

Defense Dominates

The story of the game was Wingate’s suffocating defense, which held the high-powered Delta State offense to just 7 points—a staggering 44 points below their season average. Coming into the contest, the Statesmen were averaging over 50 points and 320 passing yards per game. However, Wingate’s defensive unit had other plans, limiting Delta State to a mere 109 passing yards and 253 total yards of offense.

Wingate’s defensive line was particularly impressive, racking up five sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Linebacker Dontorian Best led the charge with 13 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, while defensive end Marquise Fleming terrorized the Delta State backfield with 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries.

Offense Does Just Enough

While the defense stole the show, Wingate’s offense did enough to secure the victory. Quarterback Brooks Bentley completed 16 of 28 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Xavier Jackson for a 14-yard score in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7.

The Bulldogs’ ground game, led by O’Brien Barnett and Ethan Wallace, combined for 111 yards. Barnett punched in a crucial 1-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to give Wingate a 14-7 halftime lead.

Key Moments

Delta State struck first with a 65-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cole Kirk early in the first quarter. However, that would be the Statesmen’s only trip to the end zone for the entire game.

Wingate took control in the second quarter, capitalizing on an interception by CJ McGarity to set up their go-ahead touchdown drive. The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third quarter with a methodical 10-play, 86-yard drive, capped off by Noah Bell’s 2-yard touchdown run.

Looking Ahead

The Bulldogs will look to carry this momentum into their next game as they open South Atlantic Conference play at Carson-Newman next Saturday. 

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.

As the fall season ushers in a crisp chill to the air, the stage is set for a classic showdown in college football. On Saturday, the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears and the Wingate Bulldogs will renew their age-old rivalry in a game that promises high stakes and gridiron drama. For most seasons, Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate meet at the end of the season with much on the line, and this year's matchup is no different. With a win on Saturday, the Bears can secure a spot in the SAC (South Atlantic Conference) Championship Game on November 11 and earn at least a share of the Piedmont Division championship for the second consecutive season. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, still have a chance to grab a share of the Piedmont Division title, but they need a win against Lenoir-Rhyne to keep their hopes alive. Wingate is looking to play spoiler and replicate last year's upset when they defeated Lenoir-Rhyne 24-21 in Hickory. On October 29, 2022, Shaw Crocker connected with Trevor Grant for a 10-yard touchdown with 4:29 left, sealing the game with a game-clinching score.

In what promises to be a defensive battle, both teams boast two of the top defenses in Division II football. Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game with the nation's second-ranked scoring defense, allowing a mere 8.5 points per game, with almost every opponent being held to 10 points or fewer. Wingate's defense is equally formidable, conceding just 13.6 points per game, earning them the seventh spot in Division II rankings. In terms of yardage, Wingate allows 256.5 yards per game, ranking 14th nationally, while Lenoir-Rhyne is just as impressive, allowing 207.6 yards per game, placing them fourth. National recognition has also come Lenoir-Rhyne's way, as they are currently ranked at No. 7 in both the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) national poll and the D2Football.com poll. This marks the 34th time in the NCAA era that the Bears have earned a top-10 ranking. The Bears boast an impressive 55-12 record when playing as a nationally ranked team, with a 25-6 record on the road as a ranked squad.

The Lenoir-Rhyne-Wingate rivalry extends back over a decade, with both teams being consistent powerhouses in the South Atlantic Conference. Since 2010, these two institutions have dominated in overall wins, SAC wins, NCAA appearances, NCAA wins, and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winners. Furthermore, they have excelled in producing academic All-Americans. Lenoir-Rhyne holds 105 overall wins since the 2010 season, while Wingate has secured 97. In SAC play, the Bears lead with 75 victories, while the Bulldogs have 64. Lenoir-Rhyne has made six NCAA playoff appearances with eight wins, while Wingate has five appearances with four wins. This game will mark the 39th all-time meeting between these two programs, with Lenoir-Rhyne leading the series 24-14. The Bears had a five-game winning streak against Wingate before last year's 24-21 defeat. The last loss for Lenoir-Rhyne at Wingate was a lopsided 49-6 defeat in 2016. Lenoir-Rhyne has won the past three matchups at Irwin Belk Stadium, with the last two victories coming by a combined 48 points. As the Bears and Bulldogs prepare to step onto the gridiron once again, fans can expect a fiercely competitive matchup with historic implications. With defensive prowess, national rankings, and a rich history between these teams, this renewal of the Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate rivalry promises to be a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.

Duke at Louisville: In an upcoming college football showdown, No. 20 Duke is set to face off against No. 18 Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and ESPN broadcasting the game live. This marks the fourth meeting between the two schools, with Louisville currently leading the series 3-0, including a resounding 62-22 victory in their last encounter in 2021. Notably, this game is the first time both programs are nationally ranked when they face off. Duke has had a challenging schedule this season, taking on its fourth nationally-ranked opponent in eight games, and they hold a 1-2 record against top-25 teams. The Blue Devils also face back-to-back top-20 opponents for the first time since 2013. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has excelled in the turnover battle, accumulating 129 points from turnovers in 20 games. Coach Elko's record at Duke is an impressive 14-6 in his first 20 games, making it the second-best start for a head coach in the school's history. Duke's football team stands out in the ACC, ranking highly in both scoring offense and defense. Graduate running back Jordan Waters has been a scoring machine, and redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman leads the team in tackles, making significant contributions. The upcoming clash between Duke and Louisville promises an exciting contest between two nationally ranked teams, setting the stage for an action-packed game that college football fans won't want to miss.

The picturesque town of Cullowhee, North Carolina, will play host to a highly-anticipated Southern Conference football clash this Saturday when #8 Western Carolina welcomes its fierce rival, #3 Furman, to the hallowed grounds of E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The ESPN+ game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. and fans can expect an epic encounter as both teams come into the game with impressive national rankings. In what marks only the fourth game in their storied rivalry where both teams enter the arena with national rankings, this clash brings memories of the golden era of Catamount football. The last time Western Carolina and Furman shared the spotlight with numerical rankings by their names was in 1983 when the ninth-ranked Catamounts exacted sweet revenge by defeating their second-ranked rivals in the NCAA I-AA playoffs, a 14-7 triumph in Greenville. Western Carolina holds a 2-1 record in ranked matchups, boasting a perfect 1-0 record on their home turf.

The 2023 season has seen Western Carolina emerge as the Cinderella story, rising to a Top-10 ranking after a remarkable string of five consecutive wins. Leading the charge is running back Desmond Reid, whose 847 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns have made him a strong contender for All-American recognition. Quarterback Cole Gonzales, now in his sophomore season, has elevated his game with 1,532 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing a potent connection with a dynamic receiving corps led by Censere Lee, boasting 421 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.  On the other side, Furman entered the season as the preseason favorites in the Southern Conference and has lived up to the billing through the first six games. Running back Dominic Roberto, with 394 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, and quarterback Tyler Huff, boasting 1,057 passing yards and 10 total touchdowns, anchor the Paladins' offense. The defense has excelled against the run, allowing a meager 3.1 yards per carry. However, the key to success this weekend for Furman lies in their secondary's ability to generate turnovers, currently tallying an impressive 7 interceptions.

East Carolina Gears Up to Face Charlotte in First-Ever Conference Matchup

East Carolina’s football team is set to face American Athletic Conference newcomer Charlotte on October 21. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+. This will be Charlotte's first-ever encounter with an in-state conference opponent, setting the stage for a memorable showdown. East Carolina, led by fifth-year head coach Mike Houston, enters the game with a 1-5 overall record and a 0-2 mark in the AAC. In the Pirates’ last outing, they fell 31-10 to SMU, despite running 16 more offensive plays than their opponent. Mason Garcia led a pair of scoring drives, completing 12 of 26 passes for a career-high 155 yards and rushing for a team-best 38 yards on 12 carries. Wide receiver Chase Sowell emerged as a standout, delivering his second consecutive seven-catch game and a career-high 120 yards. Charlotte, with a 1-5 record and a 0-2 conference record, is coming off a 14-0 loss to Navy. The upcoming clash promises an exciting faceoff between the two teams as they each aim to secure a crucial first win in the American Athletic Conference this season.

Barton Football Set to Rebound Against Wingate in Homecoming Showdown

Barton is set to host Wingate in a crucial Homecoming matchup. The Bulldogs, who have a 47-3 record against undefeated and nationally-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne, are looking to maintain their stronghold in the Piedmont Division standings. Jordan Terrell, the school's all-time leading rusher, is just 12 yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard milestone for the third consecutive season. Terrell has been a standout for the Bulldogs, averaging 141.1 yards per game on the ground. Junior quarterback Jaquan Lynch has shown his prowess with 1,076 yards passing and a total of 16 touchdowns. The defensive charge for the Bulldogs is led by junior linebacker Shane Perry, who boasts a team-high 64 tackles. On the other hand, Wingate's football program has a remarkable track record, culminating in an 11-3 record last year and a spot in the 2022 NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals. Wingate holds the edge in the all-time series with Barton, leading 2-1. Barton College, as an Associate Member of the South Atlantic Conference until the end of the 2024 season, is under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Chip Hester, while Joe Reich serves as the Wingate Head Football Coach. The Homecoming showdown promises to be a thrilling match between Barton and Wingate, with both teams aiming to secure a pivotal victory in front of their passionate fans.