LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania football team dropped a 35-6 decision to Virginia Union during its second annual Homecoming game since the program's reinstatement in 2007.

A packed crowd came out to support the Lions at Avon Grove High School in West Grove.

The Lions (3-4) had a rough start as Virginia Union (4-3) scored three first-quarter touchdowns and sophomore Anthony Wilson (Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington HS) (Philadelphia, Pa.) caught a 55 yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Brandon Austin (Greenville, N.C./Farmville Central) (Greenville, N.C.) with a 1:13 remaining in the first half to get Lincoln on the board.

Gerald Foster (P.G. County, Md./Oxon Hill HS) (P.G. County, Md.) helped a Lincoln defense that grounded VUU's aerial attack, picking off two passes in the second quarter. The sophomore linebacker also had nine tackes.

It was Austin's first appearance since his 304-yard day against Southern Virginia in Week Three of the season. He split repetitions with starting quarterback freshman Laquan Williams (Philadelphia, Pa./John Bartram HS) Philadelphia, Pa.), who went 10-19 finishing with 80 passing and 33 rushing yards. Sophomore Matthew Coston Brooklyn, N.Y.) led the Lions in receptions with five for 65 yards. Freshman Philip Jean-Juste (Miami, Fla. /North Miami Beach HS) (Miami, Fla.) had four punt returns with a season-high return of 26 yards and a fumble recovery.

Several players aside from Foster had great defensive days. Brucelee Sterile (Miami, Fla./North Miami Beach HS) (Miami, Fla.) finished with 13 tackles and a sack. Sterile also had two tackles for a combined loss of eight yards. Other key players for the defense junior Jairon Bailey (Compton, Calif./Locke) (Compton, Calif.) with eight tackles and sophomore Brandon McElwee (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester City Junior and Senior HS) (Gloucester City, N.J.) with six tackles. Foster finished with two interceptions for the Lions while Timothy Green had a forced fumble that set up McElwee's fumble recovery with 13 minutes and one second left at the start of the second quarter.

Virginia Union (4-3) was led by running back Christopher Smith and Trevon Winston. Winston had two touchdowns and 71 yards rushing for the Panthers and Smith carried the ball 28 times for 166 yards and two scores of his own.

Lincoln will return to action Saturday October 17, 2009 when they travel to Elizabeth City for a 1p.m. start.

— LU —