LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – Lincoln opens CIAA play with a dominating 20-10 home victory over the Shaw University Bears on Saturday, September 26^th at LU Stadium. The Lions controlled the time of possession on offense 42-minutes to Shaw's 17-minutes.
 
The Lions defense held Shaw to 135 total yards in their first CIAA victory since defeating Johnson C. Smith University (55-53) at home in 2012. The Bears had 40 yards rushing and 95 passing yards compared to 113 rushing yards by the Lions and 43 passing yards. Running back Stephen Scott (Baltimore, MD/Bethel College) anchored the LU offense with 43 carries for 123 total yards. Scott averaged 2.9 yards per carry and scored the first touchdown of the game in the beginning of the second quarter.
 
Scott found the end zone on a 22-yard rush after the LU defense forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive back Brion Robinson (Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook HS). The point-after-attempt was successful and the Lions led 7-0 at the 13:46 mark.
 
Quarterback Edward McKenzie (Paterson, NJ/Lackwanna College) led the Lions to their next touchdown heading into halftime. The drive began on their own 20-yard line and ended in the Bears' end zone 14 plays later. McKenzie rushed from 1-yard out extended the LU advantage to 14-0. Shaw suffered three costly defensive penalties as the Lions offense went 80 yards. With 17 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Shaw's pass attempt on first down was picked off by LU defensive back Tony Jones, Jr. (Baltimore, MD/Victor Valley College) Jones' forced turnover ended the quarter and the Lions led 14-0 at the half.
 
Lincoln's defense forced Shaw into a quick three-and-out at the beginning of the third quarter. Stephen Scott (Baltimore, MD/Bethel College) and the LU offense took over and continued to find success rushing the ball. Ten consecutive rushes brought them to the Shaw 14-yard line. Kicker Brett Arkelian (Clovis, CA) for the Lions made a 28-yard field goal at the 6:21 mark giving the Lions a 17-0 lead. In the fourth quarter Shaw capitalized on a bad snap on a punt attempt for Lincoln. The Bears offense took over on the Lincoln 15 yard line but was only held to a 33-yard made field goal, 17-3.
 
The Lions kept a consistent rushing attack and controlled the momentum of the game. On the ensuing drive, Lincoln used 14 plays and 8-minutes off of the clock while converting on a 34-yqard field goal attempt from Brett Arkelian (Clovis, CA). Arkelian made two field goals and finished with eight total points for the Lions. Shaw found themselves trailing 20-3 with 3:52 left in regulation.
 
The Bears finally scored a touchdown with 1:21 left in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard rush by their quarterback. Shaw recovered an onside kick but Tony Jones, Jr. (Baltimore, MD/Victor Valley College) intercepted their quarterback for the second time and put an end to a potential comeback by the Bears. The clock ran out and the Lions defeated Shaw 20-10.
 
Lincoln's last victory over Shaw University dates back to the 1954 season. The 2015 Lions improve to 3-1 overall and  1-0 in CIAA play. Shaw falls to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in CIAA play.
 
Quarterback Edward McKenzie (Paterson, NJ/Lackwanna College) completed passes to three receivers led by Brandon Rowe (Harlem, NY/Hudson Valley CC)'s three receptions for 27 yards. Running back Stephen Scott (Baltimore, MD/Bethel College) finished with 123 rushing yards and Mustafa Mahmud (Oxford, PA/Oxford Area HS) had five carries for 25 yards.
 
Defensively, linebacker Wadel Louis (Miami, FL/North Miami Beach HS) had seven tackles to lead the LU defense. Brion Robinson (Silver Spring, MD/Springbrook HS) had six tackles along with linebacker Rhamir Thomas (Washington, PA/Youngstown State University). Tony Jones, Jr. (Baltimore, MD/Victor Valley College) finished with five tackles and had two key interceptions.
 
The Lions will hit the road in their next game on Saturday, October 3^rd at 1 p.m. for a showdown against the Broncos of Fayetteville State University.