Rocky Mount, N.C. - Lincoln University scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to steal a 28-17 victory over N.C. Wesleyan in Saturday afternoon football action at Bishop Stadium. The Lions' Stephen Scott proved to be the difference-maker in the game, netting 282 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on the day.
The two teams played evenly through the first half, with NCWC forging a 14-6 halftime lead behind a pair of TD receptions by freshman Slade Dale and junior Malik Adams. The catches came on 14- and 15-yard throws by Bishop QB Dustin Midgett.
Wesleyan's defense forced a three-and-out on LU's opening drive of the second half, and sophomore Brandon Leake came up huge with his first career blocked punt. The Bishops later found themselves with 1st-and-goal on the Lion 7-yardline, but after a crucial sack set Wesleyan back ten yards, NCWC had to settle for a 38-yard field goal by junior Christopher Richardson.
Down 17-6, Lincoln answered with a 9-play, 40-yard drive that was capped by 6-yard scoring run by Scott. The 2-point conversion made the score 17-14, and after a 95-yard TD return by Adams was negated by a penalty, the Lions forced a three-and-out of their own to get the ball back. LU's ensuing 80-yard drive featured 14 plays and chewed up the remainder of the third quarter and the first three minutes of the fourth. QB Edward McKenzie's 1-yard sneek gave the Lions their first lead of the day at 21-17.
After trading punts, Wesleyan looked to climb back on top by driving 53 yards down the Lion 12-yardline. LU's Kevin Norris had other ideas, however, picking off a Midgett pass at the 10 and returning it 20 yards. NCWC's defense held strong, forcing a punt to give it's offense a final chance with two minutes to go. Unfortunately, the Bishops would turn the ball over on downs, setting up a final score by the Lions in the waning seconds.
As a team, Lincoln (2-0) allowed just 232 yards of total offense on the day. Midgett completed 14 passes for 177 yards, with sophomore Devante' Batey hauling in six catches for 79 yards. Junior Michael Clemmons paced NCWC's defense with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Wesleyan (0-2) wraps up non-conference play next Saturday with a home match-up versus Shenandoah University. Kickoff is slated for 1:00pm in Rocky Mount.