WEST GROVE, PA. (September 13, 2008) – The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania football team dropped a 63-0 decision to visiting Fayetteville State University Saturday afternoon at Avon Grove High School. (BOXSCORE)
Lincoln (1-2 overall) lost its second straight game despite a strong effort from freshman linebacker and business major Bruce-Lee Sterile (Miami, FL/North Miami Beach) and sophomore defensive back and health science major Chris Richards (Philadelphia, PA/Penn Wood).
Both, Richards (11 tackles) and Sterile (11.5 tackles) had two of Lincoln's four sacks during the game and had eight solo tackles each. Sophomore wide receiver and physical education major Trey Thomas (Canton, GA/Woodstock) (Canton, GA/Woodstock) electrified the crowd with a 61-yard kickoff return, the Lions longest of the season.
However, those highlights could not overcome the big plays of Fayetteville State, which set a school record for most points in a football game and largest margin of victory. The Broncos scored touchdowns on their first nine possessions as they played their first game against an NCAA Division II school in 2008. Fayetteville State (2-1) entered the game having played its first two games against NCAA Football Championship Subdivision teams (formerly Division I-AA).
Eight of Fayetteville State's scoring drives were five plays or less. Four of their touchdowns covered 30 or more yards, including a 59-yard touchdown catch by Darryl Barnett 102 seconds into the game. The Broncos scored their next two touchdowns 30 seconds apart to open a 21-0 advantage with 11:54 remaining in the opening quarter.
“When we first stepped on the field, we believed we could play with them,” Richards said. “Unfortunately, the difference between them and us was consistency today plus we made some mental mistakes that hurt us.”
Lincoln junior quarterback and health science major Kareem Dennis (Philadelphia, PA/Lincoln) (Philadelphia, PA/Lincoln) led Lincoln with 36 yards rushing. Thomas caught three passes to lead Lincoln. The Lions came close to scoring late in the first half when they drove to the Bronco 1-yard line. The drive ended with a fumble that was recovered by Fayetteville State.
The game started well for the Lions. On Fayetteville State's first play from scrimmage, health science Dominique Harper (Philadelphia, PA/George Washington) (Philadelphia, PA/George Washington) tackled Rashee Pinckney for a 5-yard loss. Aside from the big plays, the biggest difference in the game was third down conversions: Fayetteville State was 7-for-12 and Lincoln was 0-for-12.
Lincoln returns to action next week when it travels to reigning CIAA champion Shaw University for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff. The game can be heard live on the Internet at www.brandywineradio.com with Ryan Messick calling all of the action from Durham County Stadium in Durham, N.C. The pregame show begins at 3:45 p.m.
Fayetteville State, finishing a season-opening three game road trip, plays its home opener against Saint Paul's College next Saturday beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium.
NOTES: Fans can listen to a game recap as well as comments from head coach Olabaniji Abanishe on the weekly Coaches Corner show on Thursday September 18 on www.brandywineradio.com with Doug Stirling and Rob Knox, Lincoln's Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
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