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. 

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.

Duke and NC State Set to Renew Rivalry: A Look at the Upcoming Clash

The anticipation is building for the 84th installment of the Duke-NC State football rivalry, set to take place this Saturday night at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Both teams are gearing up for a classic battle that promises to be memorable for fans of both sides. The history between these two ACC charter members dates back nearly a century, with Duke holding a narrow lead in the series, 41-37-5. However, recent history has favored the Wolfpack, with NC State boasting a 15-3 record against the Blue Devils since 1990. The most remarkable stretch for the Wolfpack came between 1994 and 2008 when they enjoyed an 11-game winning streak. The proximity of the two stadiums, a mere 22 miles apart, adds to the intensity of the rivalry. It's a game where bragging rights are not the only things at stake.

Dave Doeren, in his 11th year as head coach for the Wolfpack, has seen limited action against the Blue Devils. In his inaugural season in 2018, Duke emerged victorious in a 38-20 victory in Durham. In 2020, the Pack won 31-20 in a home game at Carter-Finley Stadium. This weekend's clash will mark just the third meeting between these teams during Doeren's tenure. The Wolfpack is currently making waves in college football under Coach Doeren. Notably, they lead the ACC in third-down conversion defense, boasting an impressive .293 success rate, which ranks 14th in the entire FBS. Dave Doeren is also on the verge of tying the school record for coaching victories, and a win in this rivalry game could put him in the history books.

NC State is also demonstrating its prowess in the red zone, going 12-for-12 inside the 10-yard line this season, with 11 touchdowns and one field goal. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion is making waves, accounting for 28% of the Wolfpack's receptions and becoming the first true freshman in school history to record two 100+ yard games in a season. In the last outing, quarterback MJ Morris made a significant impact with a career-best four touchdowns and 265 passing yards, despite it being only his third career start. Running back Delbert Mimms has been impressive too, ranking sixth in the ACC and 24th nationally with six rushing touchdowns, which is two more than any Pack player had in all of 2022.

The Wolfpack's defense has been no slouch either, ranking 11th in the FBS in team sacks, thanks to reserve defensive end Red Hibbler. However, they have been dealing with the loss of two of their top four safeties for the season, which poses a challenge for their defensive unit. Linebacker Payton Wilson is having an incredible season, leading the ACC in tackles with an average of 11.7 per game, which is the fourth-best in the FBS. He was named the Butkus National LB of the Month for September and has earned ACC LB of the Week honors three times already this year. 

On the other side of the rivalry, Duke is coming off a strong start to the season, with a 4-1 record. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has won the turnover battle in 12 of their last 18 games, leading to 115 points off those turnovers. Elko's record through his first 18 games is the best start to a head coaching stint in school history. 

This year's Blue Devils rank highly in both scoring offense and defense within the ACC. Their scoring offense ranks 6th with an average of 32.6 points per game, while their defense is leading the conference, allowing a mere 11.2 points per game. They are one of only two ACC schools averaging 30.0 points per game and allowing just 15.0 points per outing, with Miami being the other school achieving these impressive numbers.

All eyes are now set on Saturday night as these two longstanding rivals prepare for another intense and highly anticipated battle. The history, the records, and the proximity between the stadiums all contribute to making this a must-watch ACC matchup. The kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be televised live by ACC Network.

Saturday Showdown: Barton Bulldogs Face Undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in Crucial SAC Matchup

This Saturday, the college football world's attention turns to Moretz Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina, as the Barton Bulldogs prepare to take on the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in a highly anticipated SAC matchup. The clash will feature the two teams with the best overall records in the conference, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the gridiron.

The Bears, currently boasting a perfect 6-0 record, will put their unblemished mark on the line as they aim to continue their remarkable winning streak. Not only are they on an eight-game winning streak, but their six consecutive victories in 2023 have propelled them to a strong position in the South Atlantic Conference.

Lurking just one game behind the Bears in the SAC standings is the Barton Bulldogs, who bring a commendable 5-1 record to Moretz Stadium. Their lone loss this season came at the hands of Mars Hill, but they are determined to make a statement and potentially seize the driver's seat in the conference with a win and the tiebreaker over Lenoir-Rhyne.

A win for the Bears would take them a significant step closer to clinching the Piedmont Division Championship, but the Bulldogs are poised to disrupt those plans with their strong performance this season.

The matchup is filled with intriguing storylines and streaks on the line. Lenoir-Rhyne has not only won its last six games but also the final two games of the 2022 season, which makes for an impressive eight-game winning streak. This streak currently ties them for the second-longest in all of NCAA Division II, with only Harding boasting a longer streak of 10 consecutive victories. Western Colorado, like the Bears, has also won eight straight.

Moreover, the 2023 season marks just the third time since 1970 that Lenoir-Rhyne has started with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing their consistency and dominance on the field. Previous seasons with such a strong start came in 2014 and 2019.

Adding to the anticipation, Lenoir-Rhyne has a perfect 12-0 record against Barton in their history, a record that the Bulldogs are surely eager to change. This long-standing dominance has also translated into a seven-game winning streak in conference play, which ranks eighth in NCAA Division II.

In national rankings, Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game ranked No. 12 in the AFCA national poll and No. 13 in the d2football.com poll. The Bears have historically performed well when nationally ranked, with a record of 53-12.

At Moretz Stadium, their home field, the Bears have been particularly formidable when ranked, boasting a record of 29-5. This bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming game.

As the stage is set for this Saturday's showdown between the Barton Bulldogs and the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears, college football fans are in for an exciting clash that could have a significant impact on the South Atlantic Conference standings. With both teams showcasing impressive records and a hunger for victory, it promises to be a game that football enthusiasts won't want to miss.

WINGATE – In a dazzling display of gridiron dominance, the Wingate University Bulldogs exhibited their prowess with a staggering 475 yards of offense while stifling Erskine College to a mere 49 total yards, culminating in an emphatic 45-0 triumph during the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) football showdown at Irwin Belk Stadium. This victory elevates Wingate's overall record to 3-2, with a strong 2-1 standing in the SAC.

Key Statistical Highlights

• Offensive Powerhouse: Wingate amassed 293 rushing yards and 182 passing yards, totaling 475 yards, contrasting starkly with Erskine's paltry 37 rushing yards and a meager 12 passing yards, summing up to just 49 yards.
• First Down Dominance: The Bulldogs held a commanding 25-6 lead in first downs.
• Time of Possession: Wingate asserted its control by holding the ball for over 37 minutes.
• Red Zone Excellence: Wingate capitalized on five of six red zone opportunities, while Erskine never managed to breach the red zone.

Standout Performances

• Corey Siemer: Siemer showcased his prowess with 78 rushing yards and an impressive three touchdowns.
• Brooks Bentley: Bentley orchestrated the offensive symphony with a 9-for-13 passing record, accumulating 125 yards and a touchdown.
• Defensive Fortitude: The Bulldogs' defense was equally stellar, with Bryan Bordeaux leading the charge with nine tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
• Special Teams Brilliance: Caleb Bonesteel's pinpoint accuracy was on full display as he converted all six PATs and nailed a 40-yard field goal.

Wingate's Corey Siemer shakes off an Erskine defender Photo Credit: Leah Knowles

Wingate asserted its dominance early, marching 72 yards on 10 plays during its opening drive. Corey Siemer's explosive 23-yard run paved the way for a touchdown, and Wingate surged to a 7-0 lead.

Second Quarter: Bulldogs Extend Lead

A relentless 11-play, 63-yard drive, culminating in Siemer's second touchdown, increased the lead to 14 points. The Bulldogs' defense continued to shine, with Trevor Grant securing an interception, setting the stage for Siemer's third touchdown, and Wingate commanded a 21-0 lead. A spectacular 42-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to Tremel Jones further solidified their dominance at 28-0.

Third Quarter: Bulldogs Continue to Impress

The Bulldogs didn't let up in the third quarter, adding three more points with a 40-yard field goal by Bonesteel. A second touchdown drive saw Wingate extend their lead to 38-0, with O'Brien Barnett crossing the goal line from eight yards out.

Fourth Quarter: Final Flourish

In the final quarter, the Bulldogs showed no mercy, embarking on a seven-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a 16-yard touchdown run by Matt Pack, sealing the resounding 45-0 victory.

Up Next

Wingate travels to take on Catawba next Saturday at 6 p.m.

EMORY, VA – The Wingate University Bulldogs asserted their dominance on the football field, forcing four crucial turnovers on Saturday afternoon, resulting in a resounding 31-10 victory over Emory & Henry College in a South Atlantic Conference matchup. With this victory, Wingate's overall record rises to 2-2, including a 1-1 SAC standing, while the Emory & Henry Wasps drop to a 2-2 overall record and a 0-2 record in league play.

In a game marked by standout defensive plays and offensive efficiency, the Bulldogs showcased their prowess. Key stats from the game include Wingate accumulating 182 passing yards and 122 rushing yards, totaling 304 yards, while their defense held the Wasps to just 108 passing yards and 66 rushing yards, for a total of 174 yards. The Bulldogs exhibited their defensive prowess with six sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. The Bulldogs also maintained control of the game by holding a 14-12 advantage in first downs and dominating time of possession, keeping the ball for just over 31 minutes.

Wingate RB Corey Siemer ran for 64 yards and a TD Photo Credit: Garrett Elder (Wingate Athletics)

The Bulldogs had several standout performances in this game. Quarterback Brooks Bentley was efficient, going 12-for-19 for 182 yards and throwing two touchdowns. Tremel Jones was a dynamic receiving threat, recording two catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Corey Siemer ran for 64 yards and scored a touchdown, while O'Brian Barnett contributed with 59 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards. Defensively, Dequan Mosley returned an interception for a touchdown, and Jonathen Cross and Daniel Morrison both recorded multiple sacks, contributing to the Bulldogs' defensive dominance.

The Bulldogs' next challenge awaits them as they return to the field next Saturday, hosting Erskine at 6 p.m., aiming to build on their momentum from this impressive victory.

WINGATE — In a nail-biting South Atlantic Conference (SAC) football showdown under the lights at Irwin Belk Stadium on Saturday night, the Tusculum University Pioneers secured a dramatic 23-21 victory over Wingate University, thanks to a 46-yard touchdown pass with just three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. This hard-fought win propels the Pioneers to a 1-2 overall record and a promising 1-0 start in the SAC, while the Bulldogs from Wingate fall to 1-2 overall, with a 0-1 conference record.

The opening quarter saw Tusculum embarking on an impressive 13-play, 75-yard drive, culminating in Matthew Palazzo punching in a three-yard touchdown run, granting the Pioneers a 7-0 lead. Tusculum continued to build on their lead early in the second quarter when Palazzo delivered another two-yard touchdown run, following a 53-yard drive. However, Wingate responded with a 12-play, 75-yard drive of their own. Noah Bell orchestrated the offense, connecting with various receivers, and ultimately running in a five-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 14-7.

Photo Credit: Wingate Athletics

Next Week

Wingate University will look to bounce back as they hit the road to face Emory & Henry next Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. This upcoming matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in the Bulldogs' season as they seek to regain momentum in the SAC.

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

First Half: Bulldogs Lead with Strong Defense

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

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

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

Second Half: Mars Hill's Resilience Shines

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

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

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

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

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

Key Stats and Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Appalachian State Mountaineers faced off against the
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in both teams’ season opener at Kidd Brewer
Stadium in Boone, North Carolina. Although it was a one-score game for most of
the afternoon, App State pulled away in the fourth quarter and came out
victorious with a final score of 45-24.

Backup quarterback Joey Aguilar, a California junior college
transfer, came off the bench to throw four touchdown passes and lead
Appalachian State to victory. Aguilar threw a 32-yard touchdown to Kaedin
Robinson on his first pass, which put the Mountaineers up 14-10 late in the
first half. His second touchdown was a 26-yard connection with Dashaun Davis
for a 21-17 lead.

Jayden Brown’s third touchdown, a 41-yard pass from Matthew
Caldwell, put Gardner-Webb on top 24-21 but after Aguilar connected with Dalton
Stroman for 43 yards and a 28-24 lead, the defense took over. From there the
Bulldogs had a three-and-out and three-straight turnovers. Those turned into a
43-yard field goal, a 7-yard touchdown rushing for Nate Noel, and Aguilar’s 7-yard
pass to Christian Horn.

Aguilar finished the game with an impressive stat line of 11
of 13 for 174 yards in what appeared to be a planned relief appearance. Starter
Ryan Burger, a redshirt freshman, was 7 of 11 for 70 yards, with his first
collegiate touchdown, a 12-yard pass to Eli Wilson, opened the scoring. Noel
had 24 carries for 117 yards.

On the other side of the ball, Gardner-Webb’s Jayden Brown
had rushing touchdowns of 8 and 16 yards for the Bulldogs.

Both teams are on the road facing in-state rivals next week with
Gardner-Webb playing at Elon while App State travels to Chapel Hill to take on
UNC.

The Redhawks, the Ohio Valley Conference co-champion in 2022
and FCS Playoff participant, received six of the 10 first-place votes and 96
points to claim the top spot in the first year of the Association. Gardner-Webb,
last season’s Big South Champion, finished second in the polling with 86 points
and collected two first-place votes. UT Martin, co-champions of the OVC
last year, was third with 85 points and earned one first-place vote. All three
members have been ranked in at least one preseason poll ahead of the 2023
campaign, with SEMO ranked as high as No. 9 in two polls.

Tennessee Tech received the remaining first-place
vote and was fourth in the voting with 58 points – just ahead of Tennessee
State (57 points). Bryant was predicted sixth with 48 points,
followed by Lindenwood in seventh-place with 45 points. Eastern
Illinois (eighth – 33 points), Charleston Southern (ninth – 30
points) and Robert Morris (10th – 12 points) round out the inaugural
poll.

Charleston Southern, Eastern Illinois, Lindenwood and
Tennessee Tech open the 2023 season on Thursday night, Aug. 31, while the
remaining six Association members begin play on Saturday, Sept. 2. The first
conference game is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, and the regular-season
concludes Saturday, Nov. 18, with the Big South-OVC Football Association
champion receiving the league’s automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs.

2023 Preseason Poll (first-place votes)

1.  Southeast Missouri
State (6)

2.  Gardner-Webb (2)

3.  UT Martin (1)

4.  Tennessee Tech (1)

5.  Tennessee State

6.  Bryant

7.  Lindenwood

8.  Eastern Illinois

9.  Charleston
Southern

10.  Robert Morris 

COLUMBIA, SC – The 22nd-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs won their second road playoff game in as many weeks on Saturday afternoon, led by yet another strong defensive effort in a 23-6 victory at top-seeded seventh-ranked Benedict College in NCAA Division II second-round playoff football action. The Bulldogs improve to 11-2 overall and advance to next week's national quarterfinal, while the Tigers end their season at 11-1.

Wingate opened with an eight-play opening drive, but the field goal try missed wide left. The Tigers went three-and-out in their opening possession. Wingate's drive stalled, but Evans downed the punt at the Tigers' eight-yard line. Cook and Fleming teamed for a third-down sack on the ensuing possession and a 17-yard Simmons return on the punt set up Wingate deep in BC territory. Crocker found Simmons for the 27-yard TD on the first play of the drive to give Wingate a 7-0 lead. The teams traded punts for the remainder of the opening quarter.

Benedict hit a 47-yard pass play on their first play of the second quarter to get into the red zone. Mullen intercepted Eric Phoenix in the end zone to keep the Tigers scoreless. The Bulldogs then went on a seven-play, 85-yard drive. Wilson started it with a 29-yard run, while a seven-yard run set the Bulldogs up inside the Benedict 30. Crocker found Grant for a 27-yard touchdown to make it 14-0 with 9:29 to go. Benedict's ensuing drive went nine plays but was cut off by a Morrison interception deep in Wingate territory. After Wingate punted, a Cook sack backed up the Tigers to their own five-yard line. Spain blocked the punt, which resulted in a safety, as Wingate extended the lead to 16-0 with 2:09 left. The Tigers' field goal attempt at the end of the half was blocked by Cook to keep the shutout alive through 30 minutes of action.

Wingate WR Kamal Desor Scores the Touchdown Photo Credit: Hugh Patton

The Tigers opened the second half with possession but immediately went three and out. Daniel Morrison started the possession with a five-yard TFL, followed by a Rhodes and Cook sack. Wingate drove the ball into BC territory, but a 48-yard field goal missed wide left. Benedict could not take advantage, however, going three and out yet again capped by a Horne and Fleming sack. The Bulldogs again drove the ball into Tiger territory but came up incomplete on a fourth and one. Benedict got on the board in their next drive, going 56 yards in nine plays, cashing in on a nine-yard pass from Phoenix to Elijah Watson. The extra point was no good, as the Tigers cut the deficit to 16-6 with 2:21 left in the quarter. Wingate's second play on their next drive was intercepted and a 38-yard return set BC up at the Wingate 35.

On a fourth and one from the Wingate 26-yard line, BC chose to go for it and tackled for no gain by Justin Rhodes, giving it back to the Bulldogs. The teams traded punts on their next two drives. Wingate took over at its own 24 with 11:47 remaining. Crocker hit Grant and Simmons to get it into Benedict territory. A 25-yard strike to Myles Dillon set the Bulldogs up in the red zone. Crocker hit Desor from 21 yards out to cap the 76-yard TD drive and make it 23-6. The Tigers responded, driving down to a first and goal at the Wingate five-yard line. Wingate pushed BC back one yard over the next four plays, turning the ball over back to their offense when a 4th and goal from the five-yard line came up short for the Tigers. The Bulldogs proceeded to run the clock and out, advancing to their first national quarterfinal appearance in program history.

UP NEXT

The Bulldogs travel to Pensacola, Fla. next Saturday. In its first trip ever to the national quarterfinals, Wingate will face #6 West Florida in the Super Region 2 championship game. The winner advances to the national semifinals. 

RICHMOND, VA – The 22nd-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs took advantage of a strong defensive effort, which included 14 points scored by the defense alone, to roll to a 32-7 win at #14 Virginia Union in the first round of the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs. The Bulldogs improve to 10-2 overall and advance to next week's second round, while the Panthers end their season at 9-2.

Virginia Union converted one third down on their opening possession before stalling and punting away. Wingate took over at its own 28 and put together an 11-play scoring drive. Crocker hit Desor for 29 yards to get it to the Virginia Union 10. Crocker hit Dillon for an eight-yard touchdown to give the Bulldogs the lead. The teams traded punts in their ensuing drives with Wingate leading 7-0.

Wingate DT Sirod Cook chases the VUU QB. Photo Credit: Dominique Maneice

Wingate pushed the ball into Panther territory to open the second quarter after forcing a Virginia Union punt but stalled themselves. Evans' punt was downed at Virginia Union's 11-yard line. On the first play of their drive, Thomas picked off Virginia Union's Jahkari Grant and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown to make it 13-0. Virginia Union converted a third and 17 from its own three-yard line in the next drive but was once again forced to punt it away. The Bulldogs could not get anything going, as they were forced to punt it away again. Wingate scored its second defensive touchdown of the quarter, as Edwards picked it off and took it to the house for a 38-yard pick-six, as Wingate took a commanding 20-0 lead at the 4:23 mark. A penalty allowed Virginia Union to get into Wingate territory for the first time, but the Bulldogs picked up a stop on fourth down to keep the shutout alive. The Bulldogs were content to run out the clock and take a 20-0 lead into the halftime locker room.

Clark picked up 25 yards on the first play from scrimmage in the second half, but the drive stalled from there. Evans' punt was downed at the one-yard line, setting up a long field for the Panthers. Gilmore stuffed Virginia Union's running back in the end zone, forcing the safety and putting the Bulldogs up 22-0. The free kick was returned into Virginia Union territory, but Wingate was forced to punt, which was downed inside the 20 yet again. Wingate's defense forced its third turnover of the game on the ensuing drive when Fleming forced a Byers fumble, which Thomas recovered. Crocker connected with Desor for a 49-yard touchdown on third and 11, as Wingate took a commanding 29-0 lead with just over seven minutes left in the quarter. Grant completed a 48-yard touchdown to John Jiles on Virginia Union's first play on their next drive, cutting the deficit to 29-7. Wingate converted a pair of first downs, but the drive stalled. Evans pinned the Panthers to their own 10-yard line after another positive punt. The Panthers couldn't get anything going yet again, and their punt did not make it past midfield.

In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs drove it down to the Virginia Union two-yard line, but couldn't punch it into the end zone, instead settling for a 19-yard Evans field goal to go up 32-7. Virginia Union went on a nine-play drive, but could not convert a pass play on fourth and seven fell incomplete. The Panther defense held strong, but Evans once again pinned Virginia Union deep in its own end with 2:20 left to go. Virginia Union could not make it down the field in their final possession.

Up Next

The Bulldogs will travel to Columbia, SC next Saturday for a matchup with #7 Benedict College in second-round NCAA playoff action. Wingate will look to punch its ticket to the national quarterfinals for the first time in program history with a win over the Tigers.

Story courtesy of Wingate Athletics

WINGATE – The Wingate University Bulldogs scored 35 points
in the second half, defeating UVA Wise 45-7 on Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk
Stadium in South Atlantic Conference football action. The Bulldogs improve to
9-2 overall on the year and 7-2 in SAC play, while the Cavaliers end their
season at 2-9 overall and 1-8 in league play.

The Bulldogs' opening play from scrimmage was intercepted. UVA
Wise was unable to capitalize, punting down to the Wingate 10-yard line. A
47-yard completion to Grant and a 20-yard Wilson run helped Wingate move the
ball down the field to set up a two-yard Crocker TD run, putting the 'Dogs up
7-0 with just over nine minutes left in the opening quarter. The teams traded
punts on their ensuing possessions.

Wingate receiver Trevor Grant hauls in the pass Photo Credit: Ashley Garcia

UVA Wise's 13-play drive went just 48 yards before they
punted back to Wingate. The teams traded back-to-back punts. Midway through the
quarter, the Cavs recovered a fumble near midfield. The Bulldog defense held
strong, forcing yet another punt. Wingate's 13-play, 73-yard drive stalled as
Evans' 24-yarder gave the Bulldogs a 10-0 lead with just seven seconds left in
the half.

The first three drives of the second half resulted in punts.
Simmons returned UVA Wise's second punt of the half 40 yards to set the 'Dogs
up with a first and goal at the four-yard line. Crocker's three-yard TD pass to
Grant put the 'Dogs up 17-0 with 8:19 left in the third quarter. After two
punts, Wise's Juwan Dent completed a 93-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Kirkess to
put the Cavs on the board. Wingate responded right back with a drive consisting
of a 41-yard completion to Grant bookended by completions of 23 yards and 11
yards for a touchdown to Desor. The three-play, 75-yard drive gave WU a 24-7
lead with less than two minutes to go in the third quarter.

UVA Wise punted before turning the Bulldogs over on downs to
start the fourth quarter. Dent's pass was intercepted by Mullen, who returned
it 43 yards into Wise territory. Crocker's 29-yard touchdown pass to Grant
pushed Wingate's lead to 31-7 midway through the quarter. Wise's first play on
the next drive was intercepted by Morrison, who returned it to the Cavalier
11-yard line. Crocker cashed in with a one-yard scoring plunge, as the 'Dogs
led 38-7 with just over five minutes left. On Wise's next drive, Cook forced a
fumble and returned it 15 yards for the score. Marked 21 Wingate points in just
over three minutes. The Bulldogs stopped the Cavaliers on a fourth and one to
ice the victory.

Of Note

This is the sixth straight fall season with at least eight
wins for the Bulldogs. The nine wins are the most since the program-record
10-win season in 2019. Wingate is 56-16 overall in the last five full seasons,
going 37-10 in league play. WU leads the league in overall wins and SAC
victories in that span. The 'Dogs are 77-38 at Irwin Belk Stadium since 2001. The
Bulldogs have now won 36 of the last 37 games when scoring 30 points. Wingate has
scored at least 30 points 25 times since the beginning of '18. WU leads the nation
in TFLs and third-down defense. The 'Dogs are second in total defense and
sacks, ranking fifth in scoring defense. Wingate is fifth nationally in rush
defense and sixth in pass defense. Seventh time this season the Bulldogs have
held an opponent to 10 or fewer points.

KEY STATS

Wingate out-gained UVA Wise 327-231. The Bulldogs gained 129
yards on the ground and 198 through the air. Wise gained just 15 rushing yards
while throwing for 216 yards. WU picked up 16 first downs to the Cavaliers' 15.
The Cavs were seven-for-17 on third down; Wingate was four-of-10. The 'Dogs
cashed in on all five red zone trips; Wise was unsuccessful in both
opportunities. Wingate picked up six sacks on the afternoon, while the
Cavaliers recorded one. The Bulldogs forced three turnovers which all turned
into touchdowns. UVA Wise possessed the ball for nearly 33 minutes.

UP NEXT

Wingate learns its postseason fate during the Division II
NCAA Tournament selection show Sunday at 5:30 pm. The 'Dogs were fifth in this
week's NCAA Super Region 2 poll. The selection show will air on NCAA.com Sunday
evening.

Story courtesy of Wingate Athletics

HICKORY – The Wingate University Bulldogs raced out to a 17-0 lead Saturday afternoon, then rallied late to pick up a huge 24-21 victory at #22 Lenoir-Rhyne in South Atlantic Conference football action at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Wingate improves to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the SAC, while the Bears fall to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the SAC. The victory sets up a huge matchup next weekend, with the Bulldogs hosting Newberry for a bid to the first-ever SAC championship game.

Wingate's Justin Rhodes Takes Down Lenoir-Rhyne QB Sean White Photo Credit: Dominigue Maneice

After the teams traded punts to open the game, the Wingate defense had a pair of TFLs to drive Lenoir-Rhyne back to its own 14. The punt was returned into Lenoir-Rhyne territory by J Max Swaim. Crocker hit Bryan for 15 yards to get the Bulldogs inside the Lenoir-Rhyne 30. Crocker's seven-yard run got Wingate inside the red zone. Crocker hit Desor for a 19-yard touchdown to put Wingate on top 7-0.

Wingate went 40 yards on 11 plays to set up a field goal early in the second. Matt Pack started the drive with a 15-yard run that got the Bulldogs into Bear territory. An Evans 35-yard field goal made it 10-0 with 10 minutes left. Wingate forced another three-and-out and went on a 12-play, 53-yard TD drive. Simmons got things started with his 25-yard punt return to the Wingate 47. Three straight Wilson runs set the Bulldogs up with a first down inside the 30. Corey Siemer's eight-yard run got Wingate inside the 10. Crocker converted a fourth and one with a two-yard run. On third-and-five, Crocker scrambled and pitched it to Martin, who ran it in from five yards out. Wingate led 17-0 with 1:50 to go. Lenoir-Rhyne got on the board when Sean White hit Malik Simmons for a 70-yard touchdown to make it 17-7 at halftime.

The third quarter saw the teams trade turnovers, with four interceptions in a span of six plays. Best picked off White to set Wingate up around midfield, but the Bears got it back two plays later. The Bears took over and a completion got them to the Wingate 18. Armwood was there with a huge interception in the end zone to get the ball back to the Bulldogs. Lenoir-Rhyne got it back on the next play, taking over at the Wingate 18. White hit Kelin Parsons for a seven-yard touchdown to make it 17-14 with 7:15 left in the third.

A 40-yard Evans punt was downed at the Lenoir-Rhyne two-yard line. The Bears answered with a 98-yard drive to take the lead. White hit Deondre Lester for a 14-yard touchdown to make it 21-17 with 9:42 remaining. Wingate's drive stalled, but an Evans 52-yard punt pinned Lenoir-Rhyne at the three. On the second play of the drive, Mosely picked off White and set Wingate up at the Lenoir-Rhyne eight. A penalty backed Wingate up, setting the Bulldogs up with a third and goal from the 10. Crocker found Grant in the back of the end zone to put Wingate back on top. An Evans extra point made it 24-21 with 4:29 remaining. Wingate forced a punt and took over at its own 17 with 2:26 to go. The Bulldogs could not get the first down, punting it back to Lenoir-Rhyne with 1:51 remaining. A 56-yard Evans punt set Lenoir-Rhyne up at its own 31. The Bears could not gain a yard on their final drive. Thomas broke up the first pass, while Gilmore had back-to-back break-ups to set up a fourth down. The fourth down throw fell incomplete, giving it back to Wingate with 1:15 remaining. The Bulldogs went into victory formation to secure the victory.

UP NEXT

Wingate hosts Newberry Saturday at 2 p.m.. The winner of that contest will host the SAC championship game on Nov. 12. Lenoir-Rhyne will hit the road and take on Catawba on Saturday at 2 p.m.

GREENWOOD, SC – The Wingate University Bulldogs bounced back from its loss last week, rolling to a 31-7 Saturday afternoon victory at Erskine College in South Atlantic Conference football action at J.W. Babb Stadium. The Bulldogs improve to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the SAC, while the Flying Fleet drop to 2-3 overall and 0-3 in league play.

The
'Dogs marched down the field in their opening drive, but stalled in Erskine
territory, settling for Evans' 38-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. Erskine
converted one first down on their opening drive, but punted to the Bulldogs,
who started their next drive at their own 30-yard line. Wingate went 70 yards
in 11 plays to take a 10-0 lead. Wilson's nine-yard run got the ball to
midfield. Crocker hit Desor on third and 18 for 28 yards to the Erskine 11. Wilson
scored from 11 yards out. A Bulldog interception was negated by an offside
penalty on the ensuing possession. The Flying Fleet ultimately punted, with a
solid return from Simmons setting Wingate up at its own 45. The 'Dogs worked
the ball into Erskine territory as the first quarter winded down. A nine-yard
Barnett run got it to the Erskine 40 on the final play of the frame.

Wingate RB Alex Wilson finds the end zone. Photo Credit: Hugh Patton

In the second quarter, Crocker connected with Damian Sutton for an 18-yard
completion on third and 11. Barnett added an eight-yard run to get it to the EC
11. Crocker hit Polight from 11 yards out to make it 17-0. The Bulldogs forced
another Erskine three-and-out, taking over at their own 43-yard line. The WU
defense forced two more three and outs and looked to add to the lead late in
the half. A 19-yard punt set the 'Dogs up in Erskine territory with 1:38 left. Crocker
hooked up with Simmons for 33 yards to get it to the Flying Fleet three yard
line. Wilson punched it in from there for his second TD of the day put the
'Dogs up 24-0.

The 'Dogs stuffed Erskine on the first drive of the second half, then took over
at their own 20. Wingate got into Erskine territory, with three Wilson runs
getting it to the EC 22. Crocker hit Dillon for a 23-yard touchdown to make it
31-0. Erskine's Austin Parker scored on a 76-yard run on third and 11 to put
the Flying Fleet on the board. The teams traded punts throughout the rest of
the quarter.



Wingate punted on its opening possession of the final quarter but got it right
back, as Thomas recorded his first interception of the year. Witherspoon
followed with a pick on the next Erskine drive. The Bulldogs forced one more
Flying Fleet punt, then got the ball back with 2:56 to go. Wingate was able to
run out the remaining clock to earn its fourth win of the season.

Up Next

Wingate
returns to Irwin Belk Stadium next Saturday, hosting Catawba for a 6 p.m. kick

KEY STATS

• Wingate out-gained Erskine 435-146
• The Bulldogs racked up season-highs with 206 rushing yards and 227 passing yards
• The Flying Fleet rushed for 109 yards, while being limited to 37 passing yards
• WU piled up 26 first downs to just seven for Erskine
• Wingate was eight-for-15 on third downs, while limiting the Flying Fleet to just two-for-10
• The 'Dogs were unsuccessful in the lone fourth down attempt of the contest
• Wingate was a perfect three-for-three on red zone chances; the Bulldogs kept Erskine out of the red zone
• Erskine threw two interceptions, while the Bulldogs were turnover-free
• The Bulldogs were dominant in time of possession, keeping the ball for over 41 minutes

KEY BULLDOGS

• Shaw Crocker completed 21-of-27 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns
• Alexander Wilson ran for 82 yards and two first-half scores
• Myles Dillon caught six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown
• Jacob Polight made an 11-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter
• Jordon Thomas recorded two tackles and an interception
• Derrick Witherspoon also had a pick for the Bulldog defense
• Kalen Clark rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries
• O'Brien Barnett was the third Bulldog with at least 50 yards on the ground with 55
• Kamal Desor caught three passes for 42 yards
• Ra'Quan Simmons hauled in two passes for 41 yards
• Jaquan Edwards led the 'Dogs defensively with seven tackles
• Marquise Fleming added five tackles, including 1.5 for a loss
• Dontarian Best and Daniel Morrison teamed up for Wingate's only sack of the afternoon
• Ethan Evans hit a 38-yard field goal, while averaging 45 yards per punt on four tries

Story courtesy of Wingate Athletics

Jervon Newton scored his first of three rushing touchdowns just 2:20 into the contest, punching it home from six yards out.  Later in the first quarter, Jordan Tyrell's nine-yard scamper tied the contest at seven.

Newton scored both touchdowns for the Lions in the second, a 10-yard rush and later punching it in from two yards out to put Mars Hill up 21-0 with 5:25 left in the half. As the clocks hit zero, Jackson Brooks potted a 37-yard field goal attempt to send the Bulldogs into the half trailing 21-10.

After a scoreless third, Kameron Johnson was on the receiving end of a 40-yard pass play from Jaquan Lynch to pull Barton within five. The Bulldogs then converted the 2-point attempt to bring the game within a field goal.

Mars Hill extended their lead with under three minutes to play as Andre Labat chipped in a 20-yard field goal.

Despite being outgained 346-288, the Lions held the advantage on the ground with 153 rushing yards with Newton accounting for 150.  Tyrell led the Bulldogs with 96 on the ground.  Jimmy Urzua went 10-of-17 for 135 yards while Lynch went 17-of-25 for 231 yards and one touchdown.

Jake Watson led the Lions with 11 tackles followed by seven apiece from Tarshawn Reed and Landon Honeycutt.  Both Reed and Honeycutt also forced a fumble apiece.

The Lions return home on Saturday, October 1 when they host Limestone.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. inside Meares Stadium.

Story courtesy of Mars Hill Athletics

FAYETTEVILLE – For the ninth straight season, the Wingate
University Bulldogs have started the season 2-0. Wingate held Fayetteville
State off the scoreboard for the first 59 minutes, rolling to a 21-3 victory in
NCAA Division II football action. Wingate moves to 2-0 overall, while the
Broncos fall to 1-1 on the season.

Photo Credit: Kenzie Hoffman (Wingate Communications)

Key Stats

Wingate had 253 yards of offense, with 69 passing yards and
184 rushing yards; Fayetteville State had just 57 yards on 56 plays, with 36
rush yards and 21 passing yards.

Wingate converted six-of-15 third downs; the Broncos were
two-for-15.

Wingate fumbled four times, losing three of the fumbles.
Fayetteville State threw the lone interception

Wingate had 18 first downs, compared to Fayetteville State's
eight

Key Players

Alex Wilson had 18 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. Shaw
Crocker threw for 69 yards and a pair of TDs. Myles Dillon had three catches
for 24 yards and a touchdown. Ryder Martin also hauled in a TD catch. Ra'Quan
Simmons had two receptions for 31 yards. Kalen Clark added 58 rushing yards on
17 carries. O'Brien Barnett added 17 yards on four rushing attempts.

Kiki Alcime had four tackles including a pair of tackles for
loss. Davon Gilmore also had four stops with a TFL. Jaheim Mullen contributed
four tackles. DJ Horne, Carlos Estronza, and Antoine Shaw each had a sack. Tre
Morrison had an interception and two pass breakups. Ethan Evans averaged 47.3
yards on six punts, with three going over 50 yards. He also made all three PATs
and had a pair of touchbacks.

Avery McCall led all Fayetteville State rushers with 38
yards in the contest. Nique Martin hauled in two catches for 11 yards. Anthon
Binyard led the Fayetteville State defensive effort, totaling three tackles and
one recovered fumble. Cedric Thomas added one recovered fumble and Khalid
Martin had 10 tackles and one recovered fumble in the loss.

Next Week

Both teams open their conference slate next week as Wingate
(2-0) plays on the road for the third straight week to open the season, taking
on Tusculum in SAC play, while Fayetteville State (1-1) will travel to Lincoln
PA in a CIAA tilt.

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

Wingate RB Nijere Peoples (Photo Credit: Wingate Athletics)

KEY STATS

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

KEY BULLDOGS

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

FIRST QUARTER

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

SECOND QUARTER

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

SECOND HALF

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

UP NEXT

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