LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — Welcome back, Brandon Austin (Greenville, N.C./Farmville Central) (Greenville, N.C.).
The Louisburg College transfer showcased his talents by throwing for three touchdowns in a 29-8 Lincoln (2-1) win Saturday over Southern Virginia (0-3) two weeks after starting his Lincoln career with two turnovers and a demotion.
With Lincoln looking to bounce back from a 33-10 loss to New Haven last weekend, Austin got the starting nod. The win puts this year's total to two, one better than last year's season total.
Austin overcame a slow start for a 17-for-34, 304 yard day. No. 7 also emerged as a dual-threat, leading the team with 74 yards on 17 carries. Two of his touchdown strikes went to 6-6 senior Kareem Dennis (Philadelphia, PA/Lincoln) (Philadelphia, Pa.), who had replaced Austin under center in the win against Cheyney and moved to wide receiver this week.
Lost in the performance by Austin was a defense that gave the offense multiple scoring opportunities, led by Anthony Bell (Atlanta, GA/Lithonia) (Atlanta, Ga.) and Jairon Bailey (Compton, Calif./Locke) (Compton, Calif.) with two interceptions apiece.
The win was exactly the kind of total team effort that Lincoln needed. The offense totaled 446 yards with the Lions defense holding Southern Virginia to 209 yards. For the Knights, Sam Trulock went 10-for-25 for 103 yards. Their leading rusher was Brandon Ostler, who rushed for 57 yards on 8 rushes.
An offensive struggle in the first period under the rainy skies at Avon Grove High School, neither school could muster much offense, with Lincoln earning the quarter's only first downs (four). The Lions went for 80 yards to the Knights' 24 yards of total offense.
Lincoln could not take advantage of a Philip Jean-Juste (Miami, Fla. /North Miami Beach HS) (Miami, Fla.) 50-yard punt return in the middle of the quarter, continuing their first quarter woes. Three games in, the team has yet to score in the opening frame. Both teams were also plagued by the yellow flag in the first half. Lincoln was called on nine penalties for 48 yards, while Southern Virginia totaled 6 for 53 yards.
The action started to pick up in the second. Sam Trulock 10-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Bokinsky. A Trulock rush on the two point conversion gave the knights an 8-0 lead.
Lincoln would return the favor after corner back Bailey picked off Bokinsky. That enabled Austin to strike back quickly with a 23 yard pass ironically to Dennis. They would tie the game going into the half after a Matthew Coston (Queens, N.Y./Dover HS) (Dover, Del.) two point conversion reception.
Using the legs of Austin and Trey Thomas (Canton, GA/Woodstock) (Canton, Ga.) along with some great defensive plays, the Lions were able to continue their momentum in the third. After not being able to capitalize on a Bell interception, Lincoln was afforded another chance from the defense with Bailey picking off his second pass of the day.
It took all of thirty seconds to take the lead. Austin threw for his second touchdown of the day after Thomas took a screen and burned his defender down the sideline for 82 yards to go up 15-8.
Austin continued his aerial display in the fourth, with Coston hauling in a 33-yard pass, giving Lincoln a cushion at 22-8. The duo of Thomas and Coston continue to show big play capability. Coston caught five passes for 86 yards. Thomas, starting at running back, totaled 108 yards on 4 catches.
Bell picked off yet another pass, which allowed inserted freshman quarterback Laquan Williams (Philadelphia, Pa./John Bartram HS) (Philadelphia, Pa.) to join in on the fun, throwing a 25-yard touch-pass to a leaping Dennis to make it a 29-8 score.
The defense forced six turnovers total. In addition to the two by Bell and Bailey, senior defensive back Carlos Velasquez (North Hills, CA/San Fernando) (North Hills, Calif.) and sophomore linebacker Brandon McElwee (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester City Junior and Senior HS) (Gloucester, N.J.) both contributed with one. Brucelee Sterile (Miami, Fla./North Miami Beach HS) (Miami, Fla.) led the Lions with eight tackles and a sack.
Lincoln will look to make it two straight next week as it hosts Shaw at Avon Grove High School for the final game in their three game home slate. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. Fans can catch all the action on Brandywineradio.com
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