Rocky Mount, N.C. - Despite leading nearly every statistical category, N.C. Wesleyan's football team dropped its 2015 season opener at Bishop Stadium on Friday night, falling to Stevenson University by a 20-9 score. The game, which was delayed due to lightning, proved to be a defensive battle that featured 17 punts on the night. The Mustangs were able to cash in 10 points off of Bishop turnovers, and it was just enough to move to 3-0 in the all-time series.
SU never trailed after taking their opening possession 74 yards in seven plays for the score. NCWC junior Chris Richardson made it 7-3 with a 27-yard field goal on the Bishops' next possession, but the Mustangs would score 10 unanswered to forge a 17-3 advantage with 2:49 to go in the half.
Wesleyan's Malik Adams did all he could to get his team going, returning the ensuing kickoff 66 yards to set up his own 15-yard touchdown catch from senior Robbie Lanier. A blocked extra point, however, sent the two teams into the break with Stevenson leading 17-9.
The Mustang defense pitched a shutout in the second half as Wesleyan's drives continually stalled in SU territory... the final three seeing Wesleyan turn the ball over on downs at the Mustang 34-, 30-, and 29-yardlines, respectively. NCWC's defense was nearly equal to the task, allowing just three points on 32 yards of total offense over the final two quarters. The Bishops forced seven punts in the half, with SU's lone field goal coming as the result of a fumble.
Adams finished with four catches for 86 yards, while senior Dustin Midgett came on late to complete nine passes for 125 yards in the fourth quarter alone. Freshman Antwone Vance rushed for 68 yards in his collegiate debut, while the defense was paced by Rakeem Cooper and Michael Clemmons with six tackles apiece.
As a team, the Bishops finished with 316 total yards to the Mustang's 245 and racked up 19 first downs to SU's seven. NCWC also dominated time of possession 36:54 to 23:06.
Wesleyan returns to action at home next Saturday when the Bishops host Lincoln University. Kickoff is slated for 1:00pm.