LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – A promising start gave way to an impressive Bowie State surge as the Lincoln University (3-3) football team fell 51-20 Saturday afternoon at Avon Grove High School in West Grove, Pa.
True freshman Laquan Williams (Philadelphia, Pa./John Bartram HS) (Philadelphia, Pa.) got his third start under center and had his best performance, going 24 for 44 for 214 yards with two touchdowns. Anthony Wilson (Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington HS) (Philadelphia, Pa.) caught two touchdown passes for two of his 3 catches for 74 yards. The ever-versatile Trey Thomas (Canton, GA/Woodstock) (Canton, Ga.) threw for a score, caught 11 passes for 78 yards and rushed for another 19 yards.
Bowie State showcased the CIAA's best rushing attack, entering averaging 200 yards a game. Against Lincoln, they ran for 261 yards and 2 scores, led by Ramano Flowers' 102 yards on six carries.
After enjoying a game of firsts last weekend in their 10-0 victory over Livingston, Lincoln University hoped to grab its second straight victory for the first time since returning to the field last season.
Things got off to a quick start for the Lions. On Bowie's first play from scrimmage, a handoff to leading CIAA rusher Rodney Webb resulted in a forced fumble by defensive end John Mason (Brooklyn, NY/Boys and Girls). The offensive would capitalize with a 14-yard Williams strike to Matthew Coston (Queens, N.Y./Dover HS) (Brooklyn, N.Y.) for one of his four catches for 45 yards.
Bowie answered back after an errant snap on a Lincoln punt attempt. Webb took a 15-yard screen pass en route to a diving play towards the end zone to give the Bulldogs a 7-6 lead.
The Lions would regain the lead quickly after a trick play caught Bowie's defense off guard. Thomas connected with fellow wide-out Wilson on a 57-yard touchdown.
Lincoln kept momentum on its side when Gerald Foster (P.G. County, Md./Oxon Hill HS) () intercepted Tyrae Reid on Bowie's fourth possession with less than five minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, Lincoln's drive stalled, and Bowie State's high-powered offense got rolling.
Two touchdown passes from Reidto Larry Dixon and Dominique Budd and a one-yard run by Reid made it 27-12 heading into the half.
Bowie State got the second half started with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Budd to add to its lead.
The Bulldogs started their possession deep in Lincoln territory. After driving to the 14, the defense held on three runs and forced a field-goal try for a 37-12 lead.
Williams continued to show poise in the pocket leading Lincoln to a five-yard pass to Wilson, to pull within 17 points with a score of 37-20 in the fourth.
Bowie ended any chance of a Lincoln comeback behind Seth Minter's 38-yard kick off return and a one-yard leaping touchdown by Tariq Jones to give them the 51-20 edge.
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