Lincoln University, Pa. - Behind trio of rushing touchdowns by senior Jacques Alston and a nearly flawless defensive performance, the Battling Bishop football team of North Carolina Wesleyan picked up its first win of the season on Saturday, downing host Lincoln University by a 27-0 score. The shutout is the fourth in program history and the first since the 2011 season.
Wesleyan's defense dominated the Lions in the first half, allowing just 99 total yards and making a key goal-line stand on their own 1-yardline that proved to be LU's best scoring opportunity on the day.
Offensively, junior quarterback Dustin Midgett got NCWC on the board with a 13-yard scoring rush in the first quarter, capping a 54-yard drive that was highlighted by a 33-yard reception by junior John Young. Alston made it 13-0 midway the second quarter with a 57-yard run up the middle. Chris Richardson's PAT was blocked, as was his 28-yard field goal try to end the half.
NCWC took its 13-0 advantage into the break and wasted no time extending the lead to 20-0 on the first possession of the second half. Wesleyan drove 58 yards in 11 plays, with Alston taking it in from four yards out.
The Bishops proceeded put the game away midway the fourth quarter with a 15-play, 89-yard drive that was capped by Alston's third rushing TD of the day, this time from 16 yards out. The drive took nearly eight minutes off the clock and deflated any thoughts of a Lion comeback.
Alston finished with 177 yards on the ground, while Midgett and Robbie Lanier combined for over 200 passing yards. Sophomore Malik Adams hauled in seven catches for 123 yards.
Sophomore Travonne Marshall anchored a Bishop defense that gave up just 210 yards of offense on the day. Marshall finished with nine tackles, including two for a loss, while senior James Wallace managed eight takedowns and a sack. Jaylon Johnson added seven tackles and combined with fellow freshman Terrance Peterson to record seven pass break-ups.
Wesleyan (1-1) opens USA South play versus Christopher Newport this week in the first-ever Thursday night game in program history. Kickoff at Bishop Stadium is slated for 6:00pm.