LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (September 23, 2023)- The Lincoln University Lions, under the leadership of first year head coach Frank Turner, controlled the 2^nd quarter in the Lions home conference matchup against the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Despite their many efforts, Lincoln fell short of a win, 27-20.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Lincoln 20, Johnson C. Smith 27
Records: Lincoln (1-3, 0-2), Johnson C. Smith (3-1, 2-0)
Location: LU Athletics Stadium in Lincoln University, PA
Series: Lincoln trails the series, 2-4, against Johnson C. Smith
 
FIRST HALF

• The first quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, with neither side yielding an inch.
• The Lions held strong, but the Golden Bulls managed to secure a field goal and break through with a touchdown late in the quarter, taking a 10-0 lead.
• Although JCSU took charge of the first quarter, Lincoln got warmed up in the second quarter to give the home crowd something to cheer about.
• Finding their rhythm offensively and rushing down the field, the Lions gained yardage to move them within scoring distance.
• After a 6 play, 23-yard drive, Elijah Snell (Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus Hall High School) entered the endzone on a 5-yard run for Lincoln to put the home team on the board, 10-7.
• Keeping the momentum going in their next drive, Isaiah Freeman found Eli Riddick for a 65-yard pass to give the Lions a 14-10 leading going into halftime.

 
SECOND HALF

• The first half mimicked the second as Lincoln went scoreless in the 3^rd quarter.
• Despite not making a 3^rd quarter endzone appearance, the Lions defense held the Golden Bulls to a single touchdown, ruling the score in favor of JCSU, 17-14.
• The 4^th quarter saw early challenges from the Lions as the Golden Bulls increased their lead, 24-14 and secured a 19-yard sack and fumble recovery.
• Lincoln found a glimpse of hope in their next possession when Isaiah Freeman (Chester, Pa./STEM Academy High School) found Eli Riddick (Brooklyn, N.Y./Eramus Hall High School), for a 19-yard pass touchdown.
• Closing the scoring gap, 24-20, the Lions still had a chance to come back.
• Going up against the Lions defense, the Golden Bulls managed to only secure a field goal, moving the score up in favor of the visitors, 27-20.
• In their last drive of the game, Lincoln's passing attempts did not make its mark followed by a 15-yard penalty that set the Lions back even further.
• Lincoln's attempt to tie the game or take the lead was not fulfilled as the clock ran- down with a final score of 27-20.
• While the scoreboard was not in favor of the Lions in the end, their performance was nothing short of their potential for greatness.

LION LEADERS

• Quarterback Isaiah Freeman was 9-for-19 on pass completions for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Tight end Elijah Snell (Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus Hall High School) led the Lions in with 23 net rushing yards and a single touchdown.
• Wide Receiver Eli Riddick left his mark on the game covering 96 yards, on 3 receptions for 2 Lions touchdown.
• Defensively, defensive back Jahad Green (Willingboro, N.J./Willingboro High School) collected 16 total tackles (11 solo, 5 assisted) and gave out 2 breakups.

 
UP NEXT
The Lions will host the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on September 30. Kick-off is set for 1pm at the LU Athletics Stadium.