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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How it Happened:

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

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

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

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

Key Stats:

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

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

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

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

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

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

HICKORY – In a South Atlantic Conference showdown on a perfect Homecoming afternoon, the No. 12/13 Lenoir-Rhyne Football Team delivered a dominating performance, thrashing Barton by a resounding 44-point margin at Moretz Stadium. The Bears, who remain unbeaten with a 7-0 record, showcased their offensive prowess and unyielding defense to secure the emphatic victory. 

The Barton Bulldogs initially struck first, putting three points on the board with a field goal just 7:36 into the first quarter. However, Lenoir-Rhyne quickly found their rhythm, outscoring the visitors 40-0 for the remainder of the game. The Bears' defense proved relentless, limiting Barton to a mere eight first downs and 148 total yards of offense throughout the contest. In contrast, Lenoir-Rhyne's offense amassed a remarkable 515 yards, overwhelming their opponents.

Reigning SAC Offensive Player of the Week, Jaquan Lynch, who had been on fire, was stifled by the Bears' tenacious defense. Lynch was held to a mere 66 yards passing on 6-of-14 completions, accompanied by an interception, and just eight yards rushing on eight attempts.

The Bears started the game with a flourish, as Deondre Lester hauled in a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Ferguson. Although Barton responded with a field goal, the Bears dominated the first half, scoring 27 unanswered points. Dwayne McGee and Lester added to the lead with touchdowns, and a trick play saw Songa Yates connect with DeAree Rogers for another score. The Bears headed into halftime with a commanding 34-3 lead.

The second half saw Lenoir-Rhyne continuing their relentless performance, scoring two more field goals and a quarterback sneak by Sean White, bringing the final score to 47-3. Jalen Ferguson finished the game with an impressive 241 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Dwayne McGee rushed for 92 yards. DeAree Rogers played a pivotal role, with 11 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive end, Jon Ross Maye and Malik Taylor each recorded six tackles, and the Lenoir-Rhyne defense tallied three sacks, with Taylor also forcing a fumble.

Beyond the box score, the game marked the one-year anniversary of a significant injury for DB T.J. Blanding, who had an interception, his second of the year. The crowd was announced as a sellout, showcasing the immense support for the Bears. Lenoir-Rhyne's win extended their winning streak to nine games, dating back to the end of the 2022 season, making it the second-longest current winning streak in Division II. The Bears continue to impress, holding a 54-12 record in games where they are nationally ranked.

The Bears' exceptional passing game performance was a highlight, with a 24-for-30 completion rate, marking the second-highest in a single game during the NCAA Era. DeAree Rogers' 11 receptions ranked as the third-most in a game during the NCAA Era, and his 150 receiving yards were the seventh-highest during that period. The Bulldogs managed just 44 total plays, making it the fifth fewest allowed in the NCAA Era. Moreover, Lenoir-Rhyne's home defense remains stout, conceding just one touchdown all season, which occurred in the home opener against St. Augustine's.

Looking ahead, Lenoir-Rhyne is set to take on Newberry in Newberry, South Carolina, next Saturday at 4 p.m. as they aim to maintain their undefeated streak. On the other hand, Barton looks to bounce back from the loss when they host Wingate for Homecoming at Truist Stadium next Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

WINGATE – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference football
clash, the Wingate University Bulldogs came up just short, succumbing to
Limestone University with a final score of 17-10 this past Saturday. Despite
their best efforts, the Bulldogs couldn't overcome a trio of costly first-half
turnovers, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of their resilient opponents.

Limestone University, now boasting a 4-3 overall record and
an impressive 4-1 standing within the SAC, managed to edge out the Bulldogs,
who fell to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in league play. The matchup unfolded as a
fierce battle of determination, with Limestone's 339 total yards—comprising 285
passing and 54 rushing yards—just surpassing Wingate's 338 yards of offense,
featuring 298 passing yards and 40 rushing yards.

Key statistics from the game reveal a closely fought
contest. Limestone secured 19 of the 31 first downs, with a relatively low
three-for-17 conversion rate on third downs but an efficient four-for-five on
fourth downs. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs struggled on third down, going
four-for-13, and failed to convert their single fourth-down attempt. Crucially,
Wingate was responsible for three of the four turnovers in the game.

Wingate QB Brooks Bentley Photo Credit: Anna Torras (Wingate Athletics)

The game's pivotal moments included Bentley's impressive
44-yard pass to Carlos Estranza, which culminated in a fumble at the 10-yard
line, allowing Limestone to take over. A 99-yard drive by the Saints resulted
in a touchdown, putting them ahead 7-0. However, Wingate fought back, with
Daniel Morrison's interception at the Limestone 25 leading to a quick score
that tied the game at 7-7 heading into halftime.

The second half was marked by intense action, as Limestone
managed to regain the lead with an early drive, while a field goal put them
ahead 10-7. A 53-yard drive later in the frame increased their lead to 17-7.
Wingate rallied in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to a single score,
but ultimately fell short of a comeback.

Despite the loss, the Bulldogs remain determined to bounce
back in their upcoming games. Next on the schedule is a road trip to face
Barton on Saturday at 2 p.m. With their sights set on redemption, the Bulldogs
look forward to their return home on October 28, when they will host
Lenoir-Rhyne at 6 p.m. in front of their loyal fans.

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.

MARS HILL – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference (SAC) showdown, the Mars Hill football team (3-0, 2-0 SAC) emerged victorious over the previously undefeated Barton Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1 SAC) with a final score of 16-14. The game, which featured two division leaders, delivered an intense battle of wills on Saturday afternoon at Mears Stadium and the Ammons Family Athletic Center.

The Lions of Mars Hill found themselves trailing 14-10 at halftime after Lon Teachey notched one of his three field goals as time expired in the second quarter. However, the Mars Hill defense came alive in the second half, shutting out Barton entirely. With just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Teachey nailed a 25-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to a single point.

The pivotal moment arrived in the fourth quarter when Tarshawn Reed's sack on Barton's Jaquan Lynch forced a game-changing fumble, recovered by Damipi Lamboni. Within a little over a minute, Teachey delivered the game-winning 34-yard field goal, securing the Lions' remarkable comeback.

Mars Hill initiated the scoring in the first quarter, with JR Martin connecting with Malik Laurent for an impressive 60-yard touchdown reception. Barton countered in the second quarter, with Kameron Johnson hauling in a 65-yard pass from Lynch, followed by Lynch's one-yard touchdown rush, propelling them to a 14-7 lead before halftime.

Statistically, Mars Hill outgained Barton 476-258, particularly excelling in their ground game, accumulating 316 rushing yards. JR Martin, the Lions' quarterback, led the charge with 167 rushing yards and 160 passing yards, amassing a total of 327 yards. Additionally, the Lions' defense contained the prolific Jordan Terrell, limiting him to just 47 rushing yards on 18 carries.

Next up, Mars Hill will hit the road to face Limestone in Gaffney, South Carolina, on Saturday, September 30, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. On the other hand, Barton will look to bounce back as they travel to Greeneville, Tennessee, to take on Tusculum at 2:00 p.m. on the same day in a crucial conference matchup.

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.

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

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

KEY STATS

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

- MHU had 340 passing yards and 39 rushing yards

- The Bulldogs had 191 passing yards and 109 rushing yards

- The Lions had the only turnover of the game

- Wingate was six-for-15 on third down

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

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

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

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

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

KEY BULLDOGS

- Shaw Crocker threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns

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

- Nijere Peoples had 20 carries for 89 yards

- Ra'Quan Simmons had four receptions for 64 yards

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

- Kamal Desor had a 43-yard reception

- Kalen Clark added 33 rushing yards

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

- Kendrick Hicks added nine tackles with a TFL

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST QUARTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Mars Hill then recovered an onside kick

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

SECOND QUARTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THIRD QUARTER

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

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

FOURTH QUARTER

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

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

- An Edwards sack led to a fourth and nine 12

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

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

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

- The Bulldogs secured the win from there

Story courtesy of Wingate Athletics

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.

JEFFERSON CITY, TN – The 16th-ranked Wingate University
Bulldogs held Carson-Newman University to 137 yards of offense, blanking the
Eagles over the final three quarters en route to a 25-3 victory in South
Atlantic Conference football action at Burke-Tarr Stadium. Wingate improves to
3-0 overall and 1-0 in the SAC, while Carson-Newman falls to 0-2 overall and
0-1 in league play. It's the first time the Eagles have been held to three
points at home since the 2005 season. Wingate has held Carson-Newman to just
three points over the last six quarters dating back to the 2019 meeting.

Photo Credit: Ashley Garcia

Four Takeaways From the Win

Series Momentum is With Wingate

Although Carson-Newman leads the overall series with Wingate 25-8, Wingate has won seven of the last eleven in the series. The Bulldogs are now 4-13 in Jefferson City with each of the four wins being in the last six games at Carson-Newman. The 22-point win is Wingate's biggest ever margin of
victory against the Eagles.

Wingate is Leaning on McLean

Bulldogs kicker McLean Robertson tied a school record with four field goals made, all coming in the first half. Roberton was a national finalist for the Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award in 2019 and is kicking in top form in 2021.

The Dogs' Defense is Stout

Saturday's game was the first time Carson-Newman has been held to three points since 2018 (at Newberry) and the first time the Eagles have been held to three points at home since 2005 (vs. Presbyterian). Dating back to the 2019 meeting, Carson-Newman has just three points against Wingate over the last six quarters of play. The vaunted Carson-Newman running attack has just been held to exactly 87 yards the last two against Wingate.

With his 16 of 28 passing for 238 yards, Shaw Crocker now has sixteen career 200-yard passing games for Wingate. His touchdown pass to RJ Mobley in the third quarter was his 53rd career touchdown pass. Crocker also rushed for forty yards on the ground, the second-highest of his career.

Up Next

Wingate (3-0, 1-0)  is back home the next two weeks, hosting Catawba next Saturday and Tusculum on October 2nd for Homecoming. Both games are at 6pm.