OXFORD, PA – On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Pennsylvania, the Livingstone Blue Bears and Lincoln Lions clashed in a nail-biting contest that kept 1,212 spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The September 28, 2024 matchup at LU Football Stadium proved to be a tale of two halves, with momentum swinging back and forth like a pendulum.
Livingstone, entering the game with a 2-2 record, faced off against the winless Lincoln squad. Despite their contrasting records, the game quickly revealed that statistics mean little when two determined teams take the field.
The first quarter set the tone for a defensive battle. Livingstone's kicker, Jason Zapata, broke the ice with a 34-yard field goal, giving the Blue Bears an early 3-0 lead. However, Lincoln swiftly countered when quarterback Isaiah Freeman connected with Eli Riddick for a spectacular 69-yard touchdown pass, electrifying the home crowd and putting the Lions ahead 7-3.
The second quarter saw Livingstone's offense struggling to find the end zone, settling for two more field goals from Zapata. Lincoln, however, managed to extend their lead just before halftime. Freeman capped off an impressive 91-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, sending the Lions into the locker room with a 14-9 advantage.
As the teams emerged for the second half, it was clear that Livingstone had made crucial adjustments. The Blue Bears' defense tightened up, refusing to allow Lincoln any more points for the remainder of the game. This defensive stand provided the foundation for Livingstone's comeback bid.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Livingstone quarterback Zorian Wallace found Chris Brown for a 28-yard touchdown strike. Although the extra point attempt failed, the Blue Bears had seized a narrow 15-14 lead.
What followed was a tense battle of field position and missed opportunities. Lincoln's offense, which had shown flashes of brilliance in the first half, suddenly found itself stymied by Livingstone's reinvigorated defense. The Lions managed to move the ball at times but couldn't capitalize in crucial moments.
The fourth quarter was a masterclass in tension, with both teams knowing that a single play could decide the outcome. Lincoln mounted a promising drive late in the game, pushing deep into Livingstone territory. However, a costly chop block penalty pushed them back, and they ultimately turned the ball over on downs with just 24 seconds remaining.
Livingstone's victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt. Despite being outgained in total yardage (260 to 234) and first downs (12 to 14), the Blue Bears made the most of their opportunities. Jason Zapata's perfect 3-for-3 field goal performance proved crucial in the low-scoring affair.
Defensively, Livingstone's Davion Watkins was a standout, recording 5 solo tackles and a sack. For Lincoln, Jahad Green led the defensive effort with 7 solo tackles, including one for a loss.
The game was not without its miscues, as both teams struggled with penalties. Livingstone was flagged 12 times for 102 yards, while Lincoln committed 6 penalties for 58 yards. These infractions often disrupted promising drives and added to the game's unpredictable nature.
In the end, Livingstone's ability to make key plays in critical moments secured their victory. The win improved their record to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Lincoln fell to 0-4 (0-3 in conference).
Next Week
Livingstone hosts the first of three straight home games with a matchup against Elizabeth City State while Lincoln travels to Baltimore to take on Morgan State.
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