BLUEFIELD, WV (October 7, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions, under the leadership of first year head coach Frank Turner, secured their second consecutive win this season after defeating the Blues of Bluefield State University. The Lions first half dominance helped seal their 52-44 road victory, upsetting Bluefield State on their homecoming.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 52, Bluefield State 44
Records: Lincoln (3-3, 2-2), Bluefield State (1-5, 0-4)
Location: Mitchell Stadium in Bluefield, WV
Series: Lincoln are leading the series, 1-0, against Bluefield State
 
FIRST HALF

• Entering the conference matchup, Lincoln made it known early that they came to win.
• The 1^st half was flooded with orange and blue endzone action.
• Minutes into the 1^st quarter, Isaiah Freeman (Chester, Pa./STEM Academy High School) and found Malachi Langley (Chester, Pa./Chester High School) for a 52-yard touchdown pass for an early 7-0 lead.
• The Lions defense did their job, holding the Blues back for 2 scoreless drives.
• Rounding out the 1^st quarter, the Lions scored on a 7 play, 75-yard drive thanks to Amir Gerald (Washington, D.C./Woodrow Wilson High School) with a 31-yard touchdown run.
• Entering the 2^nd quarter with a 14-0 lead, LU continued on their scoring run.
• Alongside a 26-yard field goal by Naiel McCalla (Franklin, N.J./Perth Amboy High School), Freeman found Robe Covington for an 8-yard touchdown pass.
• The combined efforts of the Lions offense and defense gave LU a 24-0 lead at the half.

 
SECOND HALF

• Despite Bluefield State getting on the board with a 61-yard pass in the opening minutes of the 3^rd quarter, the Freeman and Langley connection with a 33-yard touchdown pass moved the score up, 31-8.
• The Blues made a final effort in the 3^rd quarter, closing the score gap 31-14.
• Although the Lions were outscored, 30-21, in the 4^th quarter, their 1^st half dominance gave them a cushion for success.
• As both teams exchanged touchdowns throughout the 4^th quarter, the Lions victory was sealed with several key plays.
• Zyaire Tart (Camden, N.J./Middletown High School) had an 89-yard kickoff return early in the quarter for a 38-28 lead.
• The Freeman and Langley connection struck for the 3^rd time in the contest with an 18-yard touchdown pass extending the scoring gap 45-28.
• Minutes later, Freeman found Eli Riddick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Eramus Hall High School) for a 36-yard touchdown pass, giving the Lions a 52-28 lead.
• Despite the Blue adding to their score, Lincoln secured a 52-44 victory.
• Not only was this a win for the Lions, but they gave Bluefield State a homecoming upset!

 
LION LEADERS

• Quarterback Isaiah Freeman was 23-for-32 on pass completions for 370 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also rushed for 45 net yards on 11 attempts.
• Wide Receiver Malachi Langley (Chester, Pa./Chester High School) led the Lions by covering 180 yards on 6 receptions for 3 touchdowns.
• Defensively, Tolu Awoyemi (Philadelphia, Pa./Interboro High School) led the Lions with 4 solo tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble.

 
UP NEXT
The Lions will return home to LU Athletics Stadium for Homecoming 2023 on October 14. The matchup against the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University is set for 1pm.